Want to Become a Tractor-Trailer Owner-Operator?

The idea of becoming a tractor-trailer driver appeals to many people looking to make a career change. You can earn decent wages while seeing the country. In addition, you do not have to worry about your boss looking over your shoulder while you work. If you have considered not just driving a tractor-trailer but taking it a step further and purchasing your own truck, there are several factors to consider first.

Attend truck driving school and obtain a Class A commercial driver's license from the state in which you reside. The school will help you study for and obtain extra endorsements on your license, such as Tanker, Doubles/Triples and Hazardous Materials. These endorsements allow you to haul a variety of trailers and materials. To find a reputable driving school, contact the commercial division of your state's motor vehicle department for recommendations. Talking to other tractor-trailer drivers will give you insight, as well. Avoid schools that promise to get you on the road in a matter of a week or two to be sure you will receive sufficient training.

Train with and drive for a trucking company for at least several months to a year or more. There is much to learn about the trucking industry, such as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association's rules and regulations, how to maintain a log book, and keeping the required hours of service, and the best education is acquired behind the wheel. You will need to know all you can about driving a tractor-trailer if you want to be an owner/operator.

Many truck driving schools offer post-graduation job placement opportunities. Another great way to find truck driving jobs is by picking up free employment publications at truck stops. These magazines are a helpful resource, offering articles on the trucking industry as well as pages of trucking companies hiring new drivers. There are dozens of websites posting jobs for tractor-trailer drivers, such as BubbaJunk, EveryTruckJob and ClassADrivers.com.

Buy a tractor-trailer. Depending on whether you purchase a new or used truck, the monthly payments may be several thousands of dollars, and that is not including a trailer, so shop around and research big rig makes and models before you buy. Stop at dealers while you are on the road to obtain brochures and information or to test drive tractors. Driving for a company will also give you the opportunity to operate various types of tractors.

Find a financial service that is knowledgeable about trucking. You will be required to pay your own quarterly taxes as well as other expenses such as fuel surcharges and highway taxes. Obtaining assistance from someone who specializes in the tractor-trailer industry will help you be a successful owner/operator. Many financial services advertise or host kiosks at truck stops.

Locate freight. When you are the owner/operator of a tractor-trailer, it is up to you to find loads and get miles. No freight means no income. Try to line up your next load while still hauling the current one, since time spent sitting means unpaid time. Use load boards at truck stops or websites listing available loads for owner/operators.

As you can see, coming to the decision to become owner/operator of a tractor-trailer should be done with much careful consideration. For many, it is a rewarding career while for others, it results in financial disaster. Do your homework and take all factors into account before stepping foot in a big rig.