If you have just graduated from truck driving school and have secured your CDL, you might be ready to start working as a truck driver. In some ways, you might be interested in working as an owner-operator. After all, the idea of owning or leasing your own truck and running your own business might be very appealing to you. However, although being an owner-operator can have its benefits, it is not always the best way of making a living as a truck driver. These are some of the reasons why you might want to find a job with a trucking company instead.
Owning a Truck Can Be Very Expensive
To be an owner-operator, you have to buy or lease a truck of your own. This can be very expensive since you have to worry about coming up with a down payment and making expensive monthly payments. Additionally, if you don't have good credit, you might find that it is difficult to get approved for financing.
The costs don't end with buying the truck, though. You also have to keep up with maintenance, which is essential but costly. When major repairs are needed, you will be the one who has to come up with the money to pay for them. These costs can be significant, and you can avoid them entirely by simply working for a trucking company instead.
Your Income Will Be More Consistent
Making a consistent paycheck is important to many people, particularly those who have a lot of bills to pay or who have a family to take care of.
You can make a nice income as an owner-operator, but you may find that your income is wildly inconsistent and that it is sometimes hard to find jobs and make money. If you work for a trucking company, however, you should be able to enjoy a steady and consistent income.
You Might Want Benefits
If you choose to work as an owner-operator, you will not be able to enjoy the employer-sponsored benefits that you can enjoy with many trucking jobs. If you want to have paid vacation days, a retirement plan, and health insurance for yourself and your family, for example, you may want to look for a job with a trucking company. Just be sure to compare the benefits packages that are offered by each company, since some trucking companies offer better benefits for their employees than others do.
Contact a local trucking company for information about their CDL truck driver positions.