The trucking industry offers individuals access to a dream that few other industrial sectors can compete with–the opportunity to be your own boss, to work on your terms, and to earn more thanks to the comparatively low requirements for a start up. Many of today’s largest trucking companies started with one owner-operator and a dream. Today, the situation remains the same, where an individual with a dream and a truck can build something great when they become an owner-operator. 

Owner-operators take control of their destiny in a field where the only limits to their success are decided by the owner-operator. Some owner-operators prefer to keep things small, maybe operating a dump truck on a part-time basis, while others seek to build their business into a large multi-million dollar operation by focusing on long haul loads. Truck drivers have a lot of options, especially when they become owner-operators. 

For individuals thinking about becoming owner-operators, the more you know about the different opportunities available for owner-operators, the better you can control your success. In this article, we’ll add to your knowledge by explaining the various types of owner-operators, and perhaps you’ll find an option that’s perfect for you.

Types of Owner Operators

When we talk about types of owner-operators, we are talking about specialties. All owner-operators are truck drivers and business owners. However, with the many different needs of our customers, a one size fits all solution doesn’t exist within the trucking industry. And that’s where types of owner-operators come into play. It is basically making a decision on the type of cargo you will focus on transporting, and how far you are willing to transport loads.

Keep in mind, there is a lot of room for personal preference, for example, some drivers prefer driving dump trucks because they are home every night, and the loading and unloading process is relatively quick compared to other types of equipment.

Here’s a list of the common types of owner-operators:

Intermodal Owner Operator

Specializes in transporting freight in shipping or cargo containers that are also used to move cargo by rail and ship. 

Key Points

• Intermodal owner-operators work with shipping and rail companies
• Living near a port or rail terminal with heavy cargo traffic is a plus for intermodal owner-operators. 
• Intermodal owner-operators can operate locally, regionally, or OTR. This gives them a lot of flexibility when it comes to home time. 

Day Cab Owner Operator

Day cab owner operators operate trucks without sleeping compartments and typically handle local or regional deliveries.

Key Points

• Primarily focus on short-haul trips within a designated radius.
• Benefit from greater flexibility and the ability to return home daily.
• Commonly transport goods for industries like construction, agriculture, or food distribution.

Team Owner Operator

Team owner operators work in pairs, sharing driving responsibilities to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.

Key Points

• Work in shifts to ensure the truck is continuously on the move.
• Ideal for long-haul operations and time-sensitive deliveries.
• Split the driving time and earnings between team members.

Drayage Owner Operator

Drayage owner operators specialize in transporting cargo to and from ports or intermodal facilities.

Key Points

• Provide essential services for the efficient movement of goods in and out of ports.
• Knowledgeable about port regulations, container handling, and customs procedures.
• Often work with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and port authorities.

Car Hauler Owner Operator

Car hauler owner operators specialize in transporting vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles.

Key Points

• Utilize specialized trailers and equipment to securely transport multiple vehicles.
• Typically collaborate with automobile manufacturers, dealerships, or rental companies.
• Requires attention to detail and knowledge of vehicle loading and securing techniques.

Port Owner Operator

Port owner operators primarily operate within port areas and handle local deliveries or container transfers.

Key Points

• Focus on transporting containers or goods within the port vicinity.
• Familiar with port-specific regulations and procedures.
• Provide efficient and timely services to shipping companies and freight forwarders.

Dump Truck Owner Operator

Dump truck owner operators specialize in transporting loose materials, such as gravel, sand, or construction debris.

Key Points

• Utilize trucks with hydraulic systems for efficient unloading.
• Commonly work in construction, excavation, or landscaping industries.
• Often contracted by construction companies, municipalities, or material suppliers.

Owner Operator Box Truck

Owner operator box truck drivers operate trucks with enclosed cargo compartments, suitable for transporting various types of freight.

Key Points

• Handle deliveries within a local or regional area.
• Work with businesses that require regular shipments of goods.
• Often preferred for expedited or time-sensitive deliveries.

Flatbed Owner Operator

Flatbed owner operators specialize in transporting oversized, heavy, or uniquely shaped cargo on flatbed trailers.

Key Points

• Require expertise in securing and handling diverse loads.
• Serve industries like construction, manufacturing, or agriculture.
• Often work with specialized brokers or freight agents.

As you can see, owner-operators have a lot of choices when it comes to the types of freight they transport. While it is necessary to specialize into one of these types of transportation, the owner-operator has a great deal of freedom of choice, and those choices will dictate their earnings growth and how much free time they will have available. If one of these types appeals to you, be sure to research it further, and talk to owner-operators who specialize in that type of transportation. Remember, the more you know, when you start your business, the easier it will be to grow your dreams into a successful reality. 

Owner-operators don’t have to go it alone. For back-end office support, dispatch, expansive load board access, and rapid trip settlements, visit CloudTrucks today. We stand ready to help you succeed with our cutting edge technology and 24/7 support.