Able to spend time with family, great pay and benefits....which company could provide all three options? Is it better to become independent or company driver?
2007-03-19 19:50:43 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
I am an owner operator, 7 years experience, currently earning 81% of each load (avg $1.48 per mile to the truck).
I think the decision to be a company driver or independent driver depends on your personality. Are you wilIing to let someone else call the shots, decide when you go home, where you go, and what you can and can't do? On the other hand, are you a self starter, detail oriented, willing to take ALL the responsibility and ALL the financial strain for ALL the rewards?
I started out as a company driver, but have been independent now for 4 years. When I say independent, I don't count leased-purchase drivers, because they are still beholden to the company. An independent driver owns their own truck, has their own insurance and either brokers their own loads or pays someone to broker the loads for them. I handle my own business affairs top to bottom.
Having been on both sides of the equation, I would much rather be an owner-operator than a company driver. The first time you get a qualcomm message from your fleet manager asking why you have been stopped for 10 hours and 5 minutes, you will understand why. I know my job, and do not want or need a babysitter. Having complete control is so much better. And deciding when you go home, or how much time to stay home is well worth the extra responsibility.
2007-03-23 02:15:53 · answer #1 · answered by Shawn H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In 30 years, I have known a few independents who became company drivers.
I have yet to meet a company driver who became independent.
2007-03-20 03:02:07 · answer #2 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋