Job Details

An owner-operator is a self-employed truck driver who owns or leases their truck will contact their lease company to secure their load to transport freight over long distances, often across multiple states.

Key Responsibilities:

• Freight Transport: Safely and efficiently hauling refrigerator freight over long distances.

• Business Management:

  • Route Planning: Strategizing efficient routes, considering factors like fuel stops, rest areas, and delivery schedules..

  • Financial Management: Handling all aspects of their business finances, including budgeting, expense tracking (fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls), invoicing, and tax preparation.

  • Communicating with Applejack Dispatcher, shipper and broker for load details.

  • Compliance: Ensuring adherence to all federal and state regulations, including DOT, FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) hours of service (HOS), and specific cargo requirements

  • Paperwork: Maintaining detailed records like fuel receipts, trucking logs, ELD requirements, bills of lading, and inspection reports.

• Vehicle Maintenance:

  • Inspections: Performing daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the truck is safe and roadworthy.

  • Repairs & Maintenance: Arranging and paying for all truck maintenance and repairs, including unexpected breakdowns. This often involves budgeting for major components like tires and engine work.

  • Maintain trailer breaks and tires.

• Communication: Effectively communicating with clients, brokers, and dispatchers, providing updates on deliveries, and promptly notifying of any delays or issues.

Requirements:

• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL A): This is the fundamental requirement for operating combination vehicles (tractor-trailers).

• Driving Experience: Most companies or brokers will require a certain amount of verifiable OTR driving experience.

• Must have 3 years OTR driving experience.

• Your Own Truck (or Lease): You'll need to own or lease a compliant commercial truck.

• Business Registration: Registering your business with the IRS, DOT, and your state. This may involve choosing a business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC).

• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage is critical, including:

  • Primary Liability

  • Cargo Insurance

  • Physical Damage Coverage

  • Non-Trucking Liability

• DOT Physical and Drug Testing: Ongoing compliance with federal drug and alcohol testing regulations.

• Time Management & Organizational Skills: The ability to plan routes, manage schedules, and handle administrative tasks efficiently.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Being able to handle unexpected issues on the road, from breakdowns to logistical challenges.