A goal of every owner-operator, no matter if they recently just started their trucking business or have been doing it for 20 years, is to be successful. Most owner-operators probably define their success as bringing in the greatest amount of revenue possible while having the fewest number of expenses. If you are someone looking to take your trucking business to the next level by spending less and bringing in more, check out these 12 tips on how to be a successful owner-operator.

10 ways to be a successful owner-operator:

1. Understand your cost

You are now the owner of your own business. This means you are responsible for understanding your business expenses because you are the one who has to pay for them.

See Detailed List of Costs

2. Always be learning

To be a successful owner-operator, you have to do better than what the average owner-operators are doing around you. In order to stay one step ahead of the competition, be open to new and better ways to do things. Connect with leaders in the industry and learn from them. is also a great start.

3. Be prepared for the unexpected

Whether it is unforeseen out of service, a truck breakdown or something else, the unexpected can hurt a little less if you have prepared for it. You will be thanking yourself during these tough times if you previously set aside an emergency fund that could last you three to six months if you are not running.

4. Focus on your health and wellness

Being a successful owner-operator starts with taking care of yourself. Being an overall healthy human can result in fewer sick days and fewer medical expenses. Plus, getting in a little exercise each day and eating healthy can make you feel better physically and mentally.

5. Don't lost sight of your credit score

As an owner-operator who is out on the road most of the time, it can be easy to forget about those bills sitting on the counter back at home. Take proactive steps, whether it is setting up direct payments or logging into your bank account on your phone, to make sure your bills are paid on time. Also, work on creating a plan to pay off any debt you may have.

6. Work Hard

This probably seems like a no-brainer, but if the main reason you became an owner-operator was so you could work less, think again. Especially if you are a new owner-operator, in order to be truly successful, you may have to run more at the beginning in order to get ahead.

7. Consider how you are getting your loads

How you get your loads as an owner-operator has a direct impact on how much revenue you make as an owner-operator. If where your loads come from currently is not bringing in as much income as you would have hoped, consider looking into other options.

8. Find ways to save money

From leasing-on with a company that offers fuel discounts to cooking more meals in your truck, there are many ways to save money as an owner-operator.

9. Buy ot lease a truck - Decide which is best for your business

How you get your loads as an owner-operator has a direct impact on how much revenue you make as an owner-operator. If where your loads come from currently is not bringing in as much income as you would have hoped, consider looking into other options.

10. Keep a budget and stick with it

You owe it to yourself and your business to create a thorough budget and then stick with it. When creating that budget, make sure it encompasses all things, like: how much money you can afford to set aside each month, what your truck payments will look like, how much you plan to spend on groceries every week, etc.