Partners in Business | Overdrive

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You won’t find a more in-depth source of information for running an owner-operator business than our annually updated manual. It’s produced by Overdrive and owner-operator business services provider ATBS.

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2022 edition of Partners in Business.

Partners in Business Issue Cover

Featured

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Join us at MATS -- new owner-operator business manual to be released, live benchmarking seminar, more

Join Overdrive and ATBS 1:45 p.m. local time on Friday, March 31, in Louisville at MATS for the annual Partners in Business seminar, a presentation of 2022 owner-operator income, revenue, cost performance against which to measure your own business.

Bielucki's 2023 international hx

Holding the line: Owner-op's playbook to push back on cheap freight

When Joe Bielucki got an email from a corporate logistics director that his rates would take a hit, he was fuming. But with an iron grip on fundamentals, and some advice from his wife, he persuaded them to reverse course and throw in some other perks too.

i10 hazmat spill

Ohio, Arizona hazmat disasters hold lessons for owners, carriers in the fight against safety complacency

In the wake of the high-profile Ohio train derailment, and later hazmat spill from a dry van that closed I-10 for a day in Arizona, Overdrive contributor Gary Buchs urges owner-operators to fight against safety complacency that can come with success.

Latest Stories

Owner-operator income took a big hit in 2022

Trucking business services firm ATBS' owner-operator clients on average took a 10% hit to the bottom line in 2022 as fuel costs soared, maintenance delays continued and market demand fell. Catch more at Overdrive/ATBS MATS session later in month.

March 6, 2023

2022 versus 2021 owner-operator income

How to avoid application errors when applying for your USDOT/MC numbers

All too often, application errors lead to extra start-up costs, delays and lost income. Longtime owner-operator and insurance agent W. Joel Baker here shares some of the more common filing errors he sees and issues associated with them.

February 28, 2023

instructions for form op-1

6 ways to simplify bookkeeping to improve the bottom line

The receipts and records you keep are used in a number of areas of your business. You can simplify the bookkeeping task by following six simple practices that could translate to higher profit with less hassle.

February 15, 2023

receipts calculator taxes

Don't be dishonest with insurers to lower premiums

If you are ever tempted to -- or if anyone (a business partner, friend or even an insurance agent) suggests you should -- mislead your insurance company, don’t do it. It can mean the end of the road for your business.

February 2, 2023

tanker truck on mountain highway

The most under-appreciated insurance coverage in all of trucking

After the death of an owner's spouse and passenger, it's clear that if you don’t have this coverage, or if you choose to purchase only the minimum, you could be making one of your worst business and insurance coverage decisions.

January 30, 2023

Semi-truck crash with police cars on a highway

With borrowing costs up, use financing relationships, experience to advantage

The U.S. economy hasn't seen hikes in the fed-funds target interest rate like 2022's in well more than a decade. With those hikes flowing into commercial truck loans, this closer look at impacts illustrates the value of long-term lender relationships.

January 19, 2023

Kelvin Schmidt's 2018 Volvo VNL 860

How to make the bid for direct customers as an independent

In any move to secure a contract with a shipper, make sure you can answer this question: Why you?

January 18, 2023

truck backing to dock

New year, new you

Have you given up on your New Year's Resolutions yet? If so, you're not alone. Clifford Petersen here offers strategies toward more effective goal-setting and achievement. "The reward is a new you, at a new level, in this new year."

January 16, 2023

Flatbed On Highway California Pacheco Pass

A purposeful life beyond the truck: Owner-operators Jay and Katt Hosty

The long-term return on a person’s honest investment in volunteering far outweighs what may appear at first a week of lost income opportunity. Meet an example of purpose beyond the truck in owner-operator Jay Hosty and his wife, Katt.

January 9, 2023

Jay Hosty and his 2005 Western Star

Ways to prepare for the inevitable New Entrant audit

Got authority in recent history? The new entrant audit is in your future -- critical prep areas include driver qualifications, logs, maintenance programs, a filed and up-to-date accident register and written drug and alcohol policies and procedures.

January 4, 2023

truck at scale house

Protect claims history: Be mindful of fine print in broker/customer agreements and contracts

In particular, keep a sharp eye out for any broker or customer’s requirement to provide “additional insured” coverage and/or a “waiver of subrogation” -- both could have big insurance implications in the event of an incident.

December 27, 2022

trucks on highway

Toll roads on the rise: What's an operator's best electronic-collections option?

Toll roads are increasing in scope and price, and with fuel prices as high as they've been, it's a calculation every owner-operator should have their eyes on. Here are some of the options these seasoned owner-ops and small fleet owners have chosen.

December 21, 2022

georgia highway 400 old toll booth

Broken promises: Retention missteps on the road

For all the talk of improving retention around trucking, carriers can't expect to retain the best, safest operators if they continue to overpromise and under-deliver.

December 13, 2022

Fuel Island Night

Don't be a victim: How to guard both personal and business identity to prevent theft

There are dozens of ways people can have their identities compromised, but here, find some key areas where truckers are particularly vulnerable.

December 7, 2022

'Why won't an insurance company give me a quote?'

Why some insurance companies will provide a quote, while others won’t -- it could depend on the freight you haul, your region of operation and (sometimes frustrating for new trucking businesses) your longevity in trucking with a motor carrier authority.

November 28, 2022

Tanker On Highway

Avoid these misconceptions about revenue

Revenue is only half of the profit equation -- costs are the other half. Too many of us focus squarely on revenue while neglecting the fact that it's possible to generate a whole lot of revenue, yet spend $1.10 to make every dollar.

November 23, 2022

truck on highway

Navigating insurance claims: Patience is in our best interest

Though the desire for speed in a claims investigation is certainly understandable, insurance agent W. Joel Baker here offers two examples in which extended claims investigations yielded desirable outcomes, mitigating damage from attempted fraud.

November 15, 2022

bumper damage to truck

Retirement vehicles: Don't place your bets just on the truck

Owner-operators pride themselves on maintaining trucks that make them a living, but when time comes to hang up the saddle, you'll want more than just the proceeds from a truck sale at your disposal.

November 9, 2022

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