- 1). Study the pros and cons of owning your own business. While this step may not seem important, in actuality, it is probably the most important one when it comes to becoming an owner operator. The reason is because as a contractor, you are responsible for making sure that both you and your truck are in compliance with all the rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation, the company you drive for and the IRS. These things can have a big impact on your career both financially and emotionally.
- 2). Earn a CDL. The next step in becoming an owner operator is to get your license. Ideally, an owner operator will not only have earned her commercial driver's license, she will also have driven for several years as a company driver to gain valuable experience. However, this is not a requirement to becoming an owner operator. If you have not earned your CDL, you can attend a state accredited vocational school. Some companies offer paid training, but you have to sign on for a year as a company driver in order to fulfill the contract with the company. You would not be eligible to become an owner operator until you fulfilled this contract.
- 3). Buy a truck. This can occur in several ways. First, you can purchase a semi tractor from a licensed dealer, just as you would a car. In this instance, you can expect to have to have a down payment and good credit in order to qualify. Secondly, you can purchase a used truck from a dealer or through a classified ad. You can also purchase a truck through many trucking companies through their lease purchase program.
- 4). Purchase insurance and tags. At this point, you are ready to get your truck legal. You will need to purchase insurance that covers you, your truck, and the private property of others. You will also need to purchase commercial plates, and have your truck registered with the DOT.
- 5). Apply as an owner operator with the trucking company of your choice. Most applications for truck driving jobs begin with an online application, followed by a pre-qualification process with a recruiter and ending with an orientation that can last anywhere from one to five days, the average being three. At this point, if you successfully meet the criteria of the trucking company for which you apply, you will leave orientation under a load.
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