Owner-operator Truckers
Owner-operator Truckers
Whether you’re an independent truck driver or you’re running a large company, DAT has all the tools you need.
From the offset, being an owner-operator is a lot of work. Before launching your business, you’ll need to obtain all the necessary permits and licenses. Then, you’ll have to worry about finding high-quality loads from trustworthy shippers and negotiating rates. The good news is that DAT can help.
- Receive help and advice from experts.
- Make operations more efficient and grow your business.
- Find loads when you need them.
Receive help and advice from experts.
File your permits, earn your MC number, and more with DAT Authority.
One of the first steps to being an owner-operator trucker is getting your own authority, which means lots of paperwork and stress. Thankfully, DAT is here to help!
When you invest in DAT Authority, we’ll help you find out which permits you need, handle your paperwork, and offer you expert advice so you can save time and money and focus on what matters.
Solutions and tools for Owner-Operators and Carriers.
Streamline your start-up process and operations with DAT's comprehensive solutions.
Whether you’re a novice owner-operator or a seasoned carrier, DAT offers tailored solutions to streamline your operations. Our comprehensive tools simplify the start-up process, assisting in permit acquisition and regulatory compliance. From load management to trip planning, DAT empowers you to maximize efficiency and profitability. With expert guidance and support, navigate the complexities of the transportation industry confidently, focusing on growing your business and hitting the road.
Find loads when you need them.
Access the largest selection of freight in the industry and get up-to-date data.
When it comes to how to find truck loads for owner-operators, you need to do your research. Some shippers will only use carriers they’re already familiar with, while others post their loads on large load boards.
DAT is home to the industry’s largest load board, so regardless of your location or type of truck, you’ll be able to find the perfect load. You can even use DAT’s market data to negotiate better rates!
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the diffiult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right food. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
Shippers are always trying to find owner-operator truck drivers, but what exactly are they? An owner-operator truck driver is simply someone who owns and operates their truck. They’re typically responsible for managing their business, finding loads, and paying any truck-related expenses, such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
Compared to their company-associated counterparts, owner-operator drivers typically make more money and have more freedom regarding which loads they take, which truck they drive, and how long they spend on the road.
Being a trucker isn’t easy — and being an owner-operator is even more work. On top of handling paperwork and taxes, you’ll need to find loads, build relationships with quality shippers, research going rates for lanes, and negotiate rates. If a broker or shipper doesn’t send a payment on time, you’ll also need to spend time talking to their accounting department or even take out a loan to keep operations running until the money arrives! Plus, you’ll have to track trucks, comply with Hours of Service regulations, and navigate fluctuating fuel prices!
For owner-operator truck drivers, looking for loads is time-consuming. Not only do they need to find trucking companies that hire owner-operators, but they also need to look for loads, research lane rates, carefully plan routes, and negotiate prices to maximize profits.
There’s no singular best company for owner-operators to work with, but there are companies you want to avoid. For example, don’t work with someone notorious for late payments unless you have enough cash to get by in the meantime. Check out the DAT Directory to see companies’ reviews, payment histories, and credit scores.
New owner-operator trucking companies need to jump through many hoops to become certified and gain their trucking authority. Between filing for state and federal permits and applying for your MC number, it can be easy to get lost or make costly mistakes.
DAT Authority can help you determine which permits you need based on the type of freight you’ll be carrying, handle your paperwork, and offer advice along the way. With DAT’s help, you won’t need to stress about your paperwork and can launch your business even faster and dedicate your time to other business-critical tasks.
As an owner-operator truck driver, you know how essential it is to keep your business running smoothly, but you can’t do that if you’re spending most of your time looking for new loads and shippers.
Luckily, thousands of loads are added to DAT’s load board every day — and some are even exclusively listed on DAT — so finding new business will be easier than ever. Whether you’re a one-person company or running a large organization, DAT’s load board can help you minimize deadhead, connect with shippers and brokers, and maximize profits.
Help your business thrive with DAT!
Owner-operator trucking companies face several challenges, from piles of paperwork to difficulty finding high-quality loads to sub-par rates, but DAT can help! Not only do we have the largest load board in the industry, but we also offer the tools and services you need to grow your business.