What does an Owner Operator do?

An Owner Operator gets your deliveries from Point A to Point B on time. Although they are an employee of your business, they use their own tractor-trailer rather than a company-owned vehicle. This arrangement eliminates the need for your company to purchase and maintain a fleet or to downsize your existing fleet. While you pay the Owner Operator for the miles they travel, they take responsibility for paying for cleaning, maintenance and repairs, reducing some of the costs associated with your logistics operations. By meeting delivery deadlines and handling your goods with care, Owner Operators ensure customer satisfaction.

Owner Operator skills and qualifications

Quality candidates for Owner Operator jobs will have certain skills and qualifications, including:

• Valid state-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to lawfully operate a commercial vehicle
• Proof of full ownership of a vehicle and service records showing the vehicle is reliable
• Evidence of valid automobile and liability insurance policies
• Clean driving record to show they adhere to traffic laws
• Ability to remain upright in the cab of a vehicle and to operate its controls for long periods
• Adequate physical strength to lift 50 to 75 pounds, depending on what they are transporting
• Organizational skills to plan routes and keep easy-to-read records
• Navigational skills to develop routes and revise them as needed to avoid delays

Owner Operator experience requirements

To succeed in Owner Operator careers, candidates typically require at least one year of work experience as a truck driver. You may find that many candidates have more than one year of driving experience, as often people work as truck drivers for several years before purchasing their own tractor-trailers. Candidates who have experience driving in areas that your company serves are likely to already have some familiarity with the major highways they will need to travel to transport your goods and may be better suited to your open position.

Owner Operator education and training requirements

Prior to February 7, 2022, Owner Operators did not need any formal training to gain a CDL and operate a vehicle. Before that date, the only requirements for licensing were written and driving skills tests. Those new to Owner Operator careers seeking an official license or a license upgrade after that date must complete a training program approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You may wish to prioritize candidates who completed a voluntary certificate or diploma program in truck driving. If your open position involves transporting hazardous materials, you will need to hire an Owner Operator with a special endorsement on their CDL. Most endorsements require passing a written exam. Some also involve a driving skills test.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Owner Operator is not quite what your company is looking for, consider the following related job descriptions:

• Truck Driver
• Delivery Driver
• Dispatcher
• Logistics Coordinator

Owner Operator job description FAQs

What are the different types of Owner Operators?

The types of Owner Operators relate to the different classes of CDLs available. Class C Owner Operators operate vehicles that weigh less than 26,001 pounds and transport hazardous materials. A Class B license is for a single vehicle that weighs between 26,001 and 10,000 pounds, while a Class A driver can operate a combination vehicle with a similar weight rating. Most companies hire Class B Owner Operators, as that is the license type required to operate the standard tractor-trailers typically used to transport goods.

What qualities make a good Owner Operator?

A good Owner Operator has a sense of responsibility both to their employers and other motorists that inspires them to operate their vehicle as safely as possible while minimizing delays as much as possible. Quality candidates will be ethical individuals who will accurately report their mileage and drive times. In addition, effective Owner Operators need to genuinely enjoy driving and not mind spending many hours of their days alone.

How can you make your Owner Operator job description stand out?

The demand for Owner Operators is often high, so you may face competition from other companies hoping to attract top-quality candidates. You can create a description that stands out by listing the benefits and perks of the job, such as discounts on fuel, maintenance or services. Other ways to set your description apart include mentioning how quickly or frequently you pay and describing any available software or applications that can make logging hours and mileage simpler for drivers.