A professional independent truck driver has a lot more freedom than company drivers. However, that freedom comes at the cost of taking care of everything yourself.
On top of managing everything, you’ll need to get and retain good clients. In order to do that, you’ll need to make yourself more valuable to potential clients.
Continue reading below to find out essential tips on how to become a successful independent owner-operator.
Find a Niche
To make yourself more valuable, you can find a niche by getting CDL endorsements. Having CDL endorsements opens up more opportunities for independent truckers.
Some of the best CDL endorsements for independent owner-operators are:
- H – Hazardous materials
- N – Tank vehicle
- T – Doubles/Triples
- X – Tanker and hazardous materials
With your specialized training, you can command a higher salary.
Stay Up to Date on Trucking Tech
Getting into new trucking technology can increase your value as a driver. If you can adapt to new tech, you may find that it makes the job easier.
On top of that, many clients like to see truckers who stay up to date. It shows potential clients that you can adapt to a changing technological landscape.
Save Money
If you want to become valuable, you’ll need to maximize your profit. Not only do you need to get good jobs, but you also need to cut down on costs.
Always make sure to avoid empty or deadhead miles. That means that when you’re on the road, you’ve got to be hauling something.
After all, if you’re moving, then you’re not only burning fuel but putting wear and tear on your truck. So plan your routes accordingly and pick up some less than ideal jobs as long as you’re not hauling nothing.
Utilize Connections
Keeping a good relationship with people is essential in any industry. In the trucking industry, connections can count for a lot.
To become more valuable, be friendly and maintain positive relationships with your customers. By making good connections, you become the go-to driver that the manager calls when they need a load hauled.
Have an Impeccable Driving Record
It’s no secret, having a bad driving record will make clients turn and run in the other direction. You need to try your hardest to maintain a spotless driving record.
A good driving record shows clients that you can be trusted with their cargo. On top of that, you’ll enjoy some of the best rates in the business.
Be Reliable
Perhaps the most important tip of all is to be reliable. As everyone in the trucking business knows, trust goes far.
Clients will always lean towards trucking companies that they have built trust with. That means that you need to do your best to establish a name for yourself.
Make sure your loads are always delivered on time, and everything goes as seamlessly as possible.
Be a Successful Independent Owner Operator
By following these tips, you’ll not only make yourself valuable, but you’ll also maximize your earnings. Once you establish yourself as a valuable independent trucker, it’ll be easy to maintain your successful business.
