Independence and Growth

Getting your own authority: Basics of filing, insurance and avoiding common mistakes
For an owner-operator intending to secure freight from brokers or direct customers independent of another trucking company, motor carrier authority is a must. Follow these steps to obtain authority and avoid common application errors.
January 1, 2025
Dot Number
Going independent: Motor carrier authority brings risks, rewards
Many owners decline to pursue authority because they realize they are unprepared for the level of responsibility necessary for success. Preparation can help, and is far more important to making the jump than any shift in the wider economy.
January 1, 2025
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March 24, 2025
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What are your rights, recourse options when a broker doesn’t pay?
Clearly, nonpayment has been an issue for plenty owner-operators in Overdrive‘s audience over the years. In response to polling, three in four reported taking some recourse in the event of nonpayment. Here, details on bond claims, finer points, and more.
January 1, 2025
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Independence and Growth
Beware of double brokers: Getting involved with one can be a huge knock on credibility
Though not new by any stretch, the problem of double brokering has exploded in recent years, and owner-operators are the ones left unpaid at the end of the day as a result. Double brokering can show up in many forms and with different results.
January 1, 2025
Double Brokers
Independence and Growth
Keep and open mind -- eyes and ears, too -- for new customer opportunities
As noted in prior parts of this section of the guide to owner-operator business, the closer you can get to your customer the better, when hauling with authority. Find ways here, too, to manage distinct challenges of independence: cash flow, insurance.
January 1, 2025
Flatbed On Highway
Independence and Growth
Plan your trucking compliance duties, systems before going independent
Don't underestimate the cost of compliance in operations. Here, do-or-die necessities you'll need in place before the New Entrant Audit. Likewise: skinny on drug and alcohol testing requirements, accounting and bookkeeping for miles/fuel taxes and more.
January 1, 2025
Two Rigs On Highway Speed
Independence and Growth
Be wary of fine print in broker/direct customer agreements and contracts
Shippers and brokers are known to play certain risk-transfer contractual games with their trucking service providers' insurance. Here, detail on the risks associated with two common ones: the "additional insured" ask and "waivers of subrogation."
January 1, 2025
J D Howard Polar Tank Trailer
Independence and Growth
Insurance to defend against the downhill threat of post-crash litigation
There's plenty for owner-operators and small fleets, especially those with authority, to learn from large carriers that have been targeted in questionable litigation. Make smart choices about where to spend your money to ward off risk.
January 1, 2025
Speed Motion Blur Night Truck On Highway
Independence and Growth
Small fleet expansion requires investment in people, systems, self-education
The long-term goal of many independent owner-operators with their own authority is to expand beyond one truck. Often, the prime focus is to raise capital to invest in additional trucks, yet that overlooks the utmost importance of team-building.
January 1, 2025
Cw Express Trucks
Independence and Growth
How to get access to military freight
A primer for owner-operators and small carriers on doing business direct with the military — or the 3PL contractor controlling a substantial portion of general military freight — to haul DOD loads.
January 1, 2025
military freight -- empty ammo boxes on a flatbed
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