If you’re an owner operator trucker, you’re seeing what’s going on in the industry right now. Are you worried? You’ve got a right to be. The transportation industry is crazy right now with high fuel costs and low offers from brokers. What’s a reasonable owner-operator going to do?
Diversify?
Owner Operator Truckers Decision Time
If you’re feeling the pressure to find loads that are worth the time and fuel to haul, maybe it’s time to make some new decisions about your trucking business.
Trucking is the most important industry in our country. We don’t want to see truckers parking their rigs, even if we understand why.
If you’re having trouble finding good loads, maybe it’s time to consider a different niche in trucking. Owner operator truckers may have a few options to consider before hanging up the keys.
Try New Equipment?
The most common trucker on the road right now is the owner operator with the van trailer. It’s probably where most truckers get their start. Vans are the most in demand and apparently the most flexible of all the trailers. It makes sense to invest in a rig that’s got the most chances of getting loads.
But with lots of competition. Getting loads that pay better might require different equipment.
For example: a reefer.
A refrigerator trailer might be a smart start. Since they come in a variety of sizes, take some time to examine what’s happening in the market. What loads are currently in your area? How big and how much do these loads weigh?
Since you have to pay for refrigeration, what are those expenses that you’ll have to cover?
What about your other expenses? Do you know how much you need to get per mile to make a profit?
Trucker Stats™ tell you what you need to know.
Trucker Stats™
The data is out there to help you make smart decisions about your trucking business. As an owner operator trucker, you know about how many miles you drive (even if you’ve got to take the detour) and about how long it takes you (unless there’s an eclipse and you’re stuck on the highway with a million other sightseers) and how much you pay for fuel. But those are only part of the numbers that you need to know to make sure that you’re making enough profit. All those other expenses, including insurance, license plates, and fuel taxes, have to be factored in.
And that’s not a simple math problem.
Which is why TruckingOffice ELD and TruckingOffice PRO trucking software working together are so important.
New equipment includes new software
If you’re looking to make a change to improve your trucking business, then a new rig might be a good choice. If you know what companies near your home need a specialized type of trailer, it’s smart to invest, even if it’s just a short-term rental to dip your toes into the new market.
But new equipment can also mean getting new software to run your business.
Using an integrated ELD and trucking management software (TMS) like TruckingOffice ELD and TruckingOffice PRO streamlines manages your trucking business. The ELD gives you the exact mileage you need to pay IFTA and IRP to the penny. Invoices and late pays are easy to track. Maintenance records and schedules are simpler with a software that tracks both for you.
If you’re struggling in the trucking industry, use what you’ve got to make smart decisions. Trucker Stats™ can help you. It’s your data, telling you the truth about your trucking business.
Reefer or Flatbed? Or something else?
You get to decide. Let TruckingOffice help you! We’ve got the tools you need to decide what your next step in your owner operator trucking business should be.
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