The auto transportation industry can be a highly lucrative line of business for many, but it is also highly competitive. And while many car haulers often work as one driver for a larger auto transport business, others decide to become owner-operators, running their own business all by themselves. And while the idea of being one’s own boss, and having no one else to answer to sounds incredibly appealing, and certainly can be great, it does take a lot of hard work to be a successful owner operator.
One common question that we hear asked a lot is “how much money do owner operators make?” Today, we’ll be answering that question, discussing the various pros and cons of being an owner operator, and help you to decide whether being an owner operator is right for you.
Average Owner Operator Income
So, exactly how much do owner operators make?
Well, it depends on various factors. Factors like monthly expenses (fuel, repairs, and insurance) lowers owner operators’ total income, as well as the cost of purchasing a truck and hiring private contractors, which is common. Being able to balance all of these expenses can be costly and often difficult, but it is possible – and often, once you get a hang of things, it becomes easier to balance expenses, deliver loads faster, and start earning more money!
According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary for an owner operator car hauler is $117,791 per year – with salaries ranging between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $157,000 (75th percentile). The average pay range for a car hauling owner operator ranges substantially, which may indicate that there are some great opportunities for advancement and increased salary heavily based on experience, skill level, and location.
By comparison, car haulers who haul for trucking companies and aren’t owner operators earn significantly less on average, with ZipRecruiter reporting that the average salary is $74,306 per year. While lower, this still is still a great livable wage.
More to Gain, More at Risk
While owner operators on average make great money, it should be considered how much more risk is involved. As the sole owner of a business, owner operators have to deal with much more responsibility than car haulers who are employed by trucking companies. Owner operators are responsible for meeting federal regulations, vehicle maintenance, marketing their business, dealing with any legal issues that may arise, and much more. And of course, if your business fails, you are the sole person who will suffer as a result.
But while there is more risk involved, there also is much more to gain; while standard employees are more limited in their potential income, owner operators are not limited in this way. For business owners, the sky’s the limit!
Should You Become an Owner Operator?
It’s no question that owner operators can earn great money – though it’s important to understand the level of risk involved, as well as the various expenses associated with starting a car hauling business.
But the benefits and potential monetary gains associated with it is undeniable, as the average salary for an owner operator is upwards of $100,000. If you want to start a new career, earn great money, and be your own boss, then you might want to consider becoming an owner operator.
Move Faster with Super Dispatch
In order to move fast in your career, you’ll need the right tools at your disposal in order to get things done. Every owner operator needs both a TMS (transportation management system) and advanced load board in order to find loads, easily send and file paperwork, communicate with shippers, and ensure that you can easily complete your job hassle-free.
Super Dispatch can help you achieve this, as our platform packs in both TMS software and a load board into one neat package, with more features and a superior platform compared to our competitors. If this sounds like a service that you could use, try it out for free today!
