Real Talk for Owner Operators
No fluff. No sales pitches. Just honest guides from people who understand the trucking business inside and out.
Start Here
New to trucking? Read these first
What is an Owner Operator? Complete 2026 Guide
Owner operator vs company driver: real 2026 income comparison
How to get your own authority: complete step-by-step guide (2026)
The real cost of running an owner operator business in 2026
AI-generated podcast discussions of our most popular guides
Getting Started
25 articlesBest load boards for owner operators in 2026
Compare the best load boards for owner operators in 2026. DAT vs Truckstop vs 123Loadboard - pricing, features, which one to use, and pro tips.
Your first 90 days as an owner operator: survival guide
New owner operator? This 90-day roadmap shows exactly what to do weeks 1-12 to survive, avoid costly mistakes, and build a profitable trucking business.
Getting Broker Authority as an Owner Operator
Complete guide to getting freight broker authority in 2026. Requirements, $75,000 bond, BMC-84 vs BMC-85, costs, application process, dual authority insurance issues, and whether it's worth it.
How to get your own authority: complete step-by-step guide (2026)
Learn exactly how to get your own MC authority for trucking. Step-by-step process, costs, timeline, requirements, and whether you actually need it.
Owner operator vs company driver: real 2026 income comparison
Owner operator vs company driver - which pays more? See real 2026 income data, hidden costs, lifestyle differences, and which path is right for you.
What is an Owner Operator? Complete 2026 Guide
Thinking about becoming an owner operator? Learn what owner operators actually do, how much they make, types of authority, and if it's right for you in 2026.
How to find your first load as an owner operator
Ready to haul your first load? Step-by-step guide to finding freight as a new owner operator - where to look, who to call, what to say, and how to avoid scams.
Bookkeeping Systems That Actually Work for Owner Operators
Practical bookkeeping systems for owner operators in 2026. Software options, spreadsheet templates, receipt management, categorization, and monthly review processes that actually work.
Building an Emergency Fund: Why Owner Operators Need 3-6 Months Saved
Complete guide to building an emergency fund for owner operators. How much to save, where to keep it, how to calculate 3-6 months expenses, and why it matters.
Equipment Depreciation Strategies for Owner Operators
Complete guide to truck depreciation for owner operators in 2026. Section 179 vs MACRS vs bonus depreciation, tax strategies, timing decisions, and when to consult your CPA.
Fuel Tax Credits and Rebates: What Owner Operators Can Claim
Complete guide to fuel tax credits and rebates for owner operators in 2026. Form 4136, IFTA refunds, off-road diesel credits, state programs, and how to claim them.
Health Insurance Options for Owner Operators: Complete 2026 Guide
Complete guide to health insurance for owner operators in 2026. ACA marketplace options, OOIDA plans, private insurance costs, health sharing ministries, subsidies, and real cost examples.
LLC vs Sole Proprietor for Truckers: Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Complete guide to LLC vs sole proprietor for owner operators in 2026. Liability protection, tax differences, formation costs by state, annual fees, and when to choose each structure.
Owner Operator Tax Deductions 2026: Maximize What You Keep
Complete guide to owner operator tax deductions for 2026. Per diem rates, Section 179 limits, fuel deductions, depreciation, and missed write-offs explained with examples.
Passive Income Strategies for Trucking Owner Operators
Ways owner operators can create passive or semi-passive income in 2026. Trailer leasing, equipment rental, consulting, training, digital products, and alternative revenue streams beyond hauling freight.
The real cost of running an owner operator business in 2026
Discover the true costs of being an owner operator in 2026. Learn why you need $22k/month minimum, hidden expenses, and how to calculate if you'll actually profit.
Record Keeping for Owner Operators: What to Track and How Long to Keep It
Complete guide to record keeping for owner operators. DOT requirements, IRS retention rules, what documents to save, organization systems, and digital vs paper records.
Retirement Planning for Owner Operators: How to Actually Save for the Future
Complete guide to retirement planning for owner operators in 2026. SEP IRA vs Solo 401k, contribution limits, tax advantages, when to start saving, and practical strategies.
When to Hire an Accountant: What Owner Operators Need to Know
Complete guide to hiring an accountant for owner operators. Signs you need a CPA, what accountants cost, tax pro vs bookkeeper vs CPA differences, and how to find the right one.
Best Trucks for Owner Operators 2026: The Real Comparison
Choosing your first semi truck? Compare Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680/W900, Peterbilt 579, and Volvo VNL for reliability, fuel costs, and resale value in 2026.
Fleet Insurance Considerations for Owner Operators
Complete guide to fleet insurance for owner operators adding trucks in 2026. Coverage requirements, cost per truck, hired driver insurance, non-owned trailer coverage, and fleet discounts.
Hiring Your First Driver as an Owner Operator
Complete guide to hiring your first truck driver as an owner operator in 2026. Legal requirements, screening process, pay structures, contracts, insurance, and how to find good drivers.
When to Buy a Second Truck as an Owner Operator
Complete guide on when owner operators should buy a second truck in 2026. Financial requirements, timing, the "odd/even rule," driver challenges, and when expansion makes sense.
Making Time for Family as an Owner Operator
How owner operators balance family life and trucking in 2026. Communication strategies, scheduling approaches, regional vs OTR, making the most of home time, and real experiences from trucking families.
Taking Vacations as an Owner-Operator: The Reality and How to Make It Work
Learn how owner-operators actually take vacations despite no paid time off. Financial planning strategies, realistic vacation schedules, and how to afford time away from your truck.
Finding Loads
3 articlesDirect shipper vs broker freight: pros, cons, and how to get both
Should you work with shippers or brokers? Learn the pros/cons of each, how to approach direct shippers, and the optimal freight mix for owner operators.
Freight Brokerage vs Carrier Business: Which Is More Profitable?
Complete comparison of freight brokerage vs trucking carrier business in 2026. Profit margins, startup costs, scalability, risk profiles, and which business model to choose.
How to use DAT load board like a pro: complete 2026 guide
Master DAT load board with this complete guide. Learn advanced filters, RateView tool, broker credit checks, and pro strategies to find profitable loads faster.
Negotiating Rates
9 articlesDetention pay: how to get paid for waiting
Stop losing money while waiting! Learn how to negotiate detention pay, document wait times, and actually get brokers to pay you $50-150/hour for delays.
How to negotiate broker rates like a pro
Learn proven broker negotiation tactics that consistently get 15-20% higher rates. Real scripts, strategies, and mistakes to avoid from successful owner operators.
Negotiating accessorial pay: get paid for every extra service
Learn how to negotiate accessorial pay for lumper fees, tarping, extra stops, and detention. Discover standard rates and get paid for every extra service you provide.
TONU loads: getting paid when loads get cancelled
Load got cancelled? Learn how to get TONU pay ($100-300) when brokers cancel loads. Includes negotiation scripts, documentation, and how to avoid getting screwed.
Understanding deadhead miles: how to minimize unpaid driving
Deadhead miles kill your profit. Learn what deadhead means, how to calculate real rate per mile, and proven strategies to reduce deadhead from 20% to under 10%.
Understanding fuel surcharges: who actually gets the money?
Learn how fuel surcharges work in trucking, how FSC is calculated, whether it's included in your rate, and how to ensure you're getting paid what you're owed.
What rate per mile should you accept in 2026?
Know your minimum rate per mile. Calculate your cost per mile, understand market rates by equipment and lane, and learn when to walk away.
Tire Strategies to Save $5,000/Year
Save $5,000+ yearly on truck tires: New tire costs ($300-$900), retread savings (30-50% less), proper inflation extends life 4,700 miles, replacement intervals by position, and tire shop scams to avoid.
Exit Strategies: Selling Your Trucking Business
Complete guide to selling your trucking business in 2026. Valuation methods, what buyers pay, how to find buyers, tax implications, what makes businesses sellable, and realistic exit expectations.
Truck & Maintenance
22 articlesHow to build broker relationships that get you first call
Stop competing on load boards. Learn how to build broker relationships that give you first dibs on premium freight at 10-20% better rates.
Most profitable trucking lanes in 2026 (and which to avoid)
Discover the most profitable trucking lanes in 2026. Learn which routes pay best, seasonal trends, backhaul secrets, and lanes to avoid.
Reefer vs Dry Van: Which Is More Profitable for Owner Operators?
Reefer vs dry van profitability for owner operators in 2026: Real rate comparisons ($2.00-$2.40 vs $1.80-$2.20/mile), fuel costs (0.5-1.5 gal/hour), equipment costs, and which makes more money.
Regional vs OTR trucking: which pays better in 2026?
Regional vs OTR trucking comparison for 2026. See real income numbers, lifestyle differences, pros/cons, and which option maximizes your earnings based on your priorities.
Annual Inspections and Compliance
Annual DOT inspection requirements 2026: Required every 12 months for trucks 10,001+ lbs, costs $80-$200 (truck) + $40-$75 (trailer), who can inspect, state-by-state rules, and difference from roadside inspections.
DOT Inspection Checklist
Complete DOT inspection checklist 2026: Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3 inspections, common violations (brakes, tires, HOS), out-of-service criteria, pre-trip checklist, and how owner-operators pass inspections without violations.
Apps Every Trucker Needs in 2026
Complete guide to essential trucking apps for 2026. Best navigation apps, load boards, fuel price trackers, weather apps, parking finders, expense tracking, ELD solutions, and IFTA management apps for owner operators.
Diesel Engine Maintenance Basics
Diesel engine maintenance basics for owner operators: Oil change intervals (5,000-7,500 miles), warning signs of failure (smoke colors, noise, power loss), DIY vs shop work, and preventive maintenance schedule.
Extended Warranty: Worth It or Waste?
Should owner operators buy extended warranties? Real costs ($1,400-$4,000/year), what's covered vs excluded, when warranties make sense, alternative self-insurance strategies, and the math on whether it pays off.
Finding a Good Truck Mechanic
How to find a reliable truck mechanic: Red flags to avoid (dirty shops, high-pressure sales, hidden fees), questions to ask (ASE certification, diesel experience, warranty), and getting fair estimates for owner-operators.
Truck Maintenance Schedule and Costs: What Owner Operators Actually Pay in 2026
Complete semi truck maintenance schedule with real 2026 costs. PM intervals, labor rates ($190/hour), annual budgets by mileage, and what owner operators actually spend.
Used vs New Truck: The Real Math for Owner Operators
New vs used truck cost comparisons with 2026 pricing ($180K vs $80K), monthly payments, depreciation analysis, and real math for owner operators.
When to Trade In Your Truck
When to trade in your semi truck: The 400,000-mile sweet spot, depreciation timelines, major repair cost thresholds ($20K-$40K), and the real math on keeping vs trading for owner operators.
Growing from 1 to 5 Trucks: Owner-Operator to Small Fleet Owner
How to grow from single owner-operator to small fleet (2-5 trucks). Hiring drivers, managing operations, financial planning, and when to expand in 2025-2026.
How to Build a 5-Truck Fleet as an Owner Operator
Complete guide to building a 5-truck fleet from 1 truck in 2026. Financial requirements, timeline, milestones, management systems, hiring strategy, common mistakes, and success stories from small fleet owners.
When to Sell Your Truck and Walk Away: An Owner-Operator's Exit Guide
Know when to walk away from owner-operator trucking. Signs it's time to sell your truck, market conditions in 2026, and how to exit the business strategically.
Working with Family Members in Trucking: When It Works (and When It Doesn't)
Should you drive with your spouse or family member? Pros, cons, and real experiences from husband-wife team truckers. Honest advice on making it work.
Eating Healthy While Trucking
How truck drivers eat healthy on the road in 2026. Meal prep strategies, truck stop healthy options, in-cab cooking equipment, grocery shopping tips, quick healthy meals, and avoiding fast food traps that destroy driver health.
Health and Fitness on the Road for Truck Drivers
Practical fitness guide for truck drivers in 2026. Exercise strategies, gym memberships for truckers, in-cab workouts, portable equipment, staying active while driving, and real routines that work.
Managing Sleep and Fatigue for Truck Drivers
Complete guide to trucker sleep and fatigue management in 2026. Sleep strategies for irregular schedules, napping best practices, sleep apnea screening, fatigue warning signs, and how to get quality rest on the road.
Mental Health and Stress Management for Truckers
Mental health guide for owner operators in 2026. Managing stress, dealing with isolation and loneliness, when to seek help, coping strategies that work, and mental health resources for truckers on the road.
Truck Stop Survival Guide
Complete truck stop guide for truckers in 2026. Best truck stop chains compared (Pilot, Love's, TA, Petro), parking strategies, safety tips, amenities to look for, apps for finding spots, and how to make truck stops more comfortable.
Compliance & Safety
8 articlesIFTA Reporting Made Simple
IFTA reporting guide for owner operators: Quarterly deadlines (Jan 31, Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31), fuel tax calculation step-by-step, what to track daily, penalties ($50 minimum), and how to avoid audits.
Truck Insurance Requirements by State: What Owner Operators Need to Know
Complete guide to truck insurance requirements by state for owner operators in 2026. Federal minimums, state-specific rules, coverage types, and actual costs explained.
CSA Scores Explained
CSA scores explained for owner operators: 7 BASIC categories (Unsafe Driving, HOS, Vehicle Maintenance), percentile thresholds (65-80%), how scores affect insurance (25% savings possible), broker relationships, and how to improve scores.
Drug Testing Requirements for Owner Operators 2026
Complete guide to DOT drug testing requirements for owner operators in 2026. Consortium enrollment, clearinghouse compliance, random testing rates, and costs explained.
ELD Compliance Guide 2026
Complete ELD compliance guide for 2026: FMCSA mandate rules, approved devices ($20-$45/month), exemptions, violation fines ($1,000-$16,000), roadside inspection process, and best ELDs for owner operators.
Hours of Service Rules 2026
Complete HOS rules guide 2026: 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break requirement, 70-hour/8-day rule, violation penalties ($1,000-$19,246), ELD requirements, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Overweight Tickets: What They Cost and How to Avoid Them
Complete guide to avoiding overweight tickets for owner operators. Federal weight limits, state fine structures, how to weigh properly, axle weight distribution, and real costs.
What to Do If You Get Pulled Over
What to do when pulled over for DOT inspection: Stay calm, have documents ready (CDL, medical card, 7 days logs), cooperate professionally, know your rights (no vehicle search without cause), and how to handle citations.
Taxes & Finances
3 articlesUnderstanding freight factoring: is it worth 3-5%?
Should you use freight factoring? Learn how factoring works, true costs (3-5%), alternatives, and when it makes sense for owner operators in 2026.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Owner Operators: Complete 2026 Guide
Complete guide to quarterly estimated taxes for owner operators in 2026. Deadlines, calculation formulas, payment methods, penalties, safe harbor rules, and how much to set aside.
Understanding Depreciation and Tax Write-Offs for Owner-Operators
Complete guide to truck depreciation, Section 179 deductions, and owner-operator tax write-offs for 2025-2026. Save thousands with proper tax planning.
Growing Your Business
2 articlesDispatch vs Self-Dispatch for Small Fleets (2-3 Trucks)
Should small fleet owners use dispatch services or self-dispatch? Cost-benefit analysis, time management, when dispatch makes sense at 2-3 trucks, and hybrid approaches for 2026.
Fleet Management Systems for Small Trucking Fleets
Complete guide to fleet management software for small trucking fleets in 2026. TMS options, dispatch systems, maintenance tracking, costs, when to implement, and what small fleet owners actually use.
More Articles
7 articles7 red flags when choosing a dispatch service (avoid these scams)
Learn the warning signs of bad dispatch services. Discover red flags that signal dishonest dispatchers and how to protect yourself from losing thousands.
How FF Dispatch supports new trucking authorities: a 2-year success story with Bigshot Transports LLC
See how Andre from Bigshot Transports LLC grew his trucking business with FF Dispatch over 2 years. Real results, honest partnership, and consistent support for owner-operators.
Do you need a dispatch service?
Should you hire a dispatch service or find loads yourself? Use this framework to decide if dispatch is worth it based on your income, time, and skills.
How much should you pay a dispatcher? 2026 rate guide
What's a fair dispatcher fee? Learn industry standard rates, hidden fees to avoid, flat fee vs percentage, and how to know if you're overpaying.
How to spot and avoid freight broker scams in 2026
Protect yourself from freight broker scams. Learn to spot fake brokers, double-brokering, fake rate confirmations, and identity theft before you lose thousands.
Slow freight season: how to survive january-february 2026
Survive the slow freight season (January-February) with proven strategies. Learn why rates drop 20-30%, how to prepare, and what successful owner operators do to weather the storm.
Recovering from Financial Mistakes as an Owner-Operator
How owner-operators recover from financial mistakes, debt, and near-bankruptcy. Real strategies for 2026 recovery including debt management, refinancing, and business restructuring.
Want Better Rates Without the Headache?
Our dispatchers use everything in these guides to get you 15-20% better rates. See if it makes sense for your business.