Thinking about becoming your own boss in the trucking world? Becoming an owner-operator is one of the most rewarding paths in the industry — especially if you’re motivated, reliable, and ready to put in the work. Whether you're just getting started or transitioning from a company driver role, this guide walks you through the key steps to success.
Owner-operators own (or lease) their truck and run their business independently. You are:
Responsible for your own equipment
Managing your own taxes, insurance, and maintenance
Choosing your clients or leasing onto a company like 326 Trucking
Pros: Higher earning potential, more freedom, business ownership
Cons: More responsibility, upfront investment, no guaranteed work
You’ll need:
A reliable truck that meets local and state DOT requirements
For aggregate hauling: an aluminum end dump trailer is often preferred due to weight capacity and efficiency
A tarp system, safety gear, and proper maintenance tools
Pro Tip: Start with a well-maintained used setup to reduce overhead — just be sure to inspect it thoroughly before purchase.
Establish yourself as a business entity:
Choose a name
Register an LLC or sole proprietorship
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
Open a separate business bank account
This protects you legally and makes it easier to manage finances.
To operate legally and access most jobs, you’ll need:
Class A CDL
Liability and cargo insurance (matching plant requirements)
A COI listing 326 Trucking as additional insured (if working with us)
A Texas Statewide Overweight Permit (strongly recommended)
DOT registration and MC authority (if running under your own numbers)
If you lease onto 326 Trucking, we help you navigate these steps and reduce complexity.
Have the following ready at all times:
Truck title or lease agreement
Insurance policy
CDL and medical card
Permits and registration
Settlement records and receipts
We recommend keeping digital copies as backups.
You can:
Lease onto an established company like 326 Trucking, where we handle dispatch, billing, and customer coordination — and you focus on driving.
Or run independently, booking your own loads and managing all aspects of your business.
There’s no wrong choice — it depends on your goals and risk tolerance.
Be prepared to:
Set aside money for taxes (we recommend at least 25–30%)
Track expenses for fuel, maintenance, and insurance
Use accounting software or a spreadsheet
Plan for repairs and unexpected downtime
Bonus Tip: Talk to a tax professional early — it could save you thousands.
Your best marketing tool is your reliability. To grow your business:
Be on time
Communicate clearly with dispatch
Take care of your equipment
Keep a professional attitude — even when the job gets tough
The more you’re trusted, the more opportunities will come your way.
At 326 Trucking, we love helping new owner-operators get up and running. We provide:
Steady local routes
Dispatch support
Weekly pay
Help with onboarding paperwork and compliance
Interested in getting started? Email trucks@326trucking.com or visit our Onboarding Page.