Independence and Growth

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

Independence and Growth

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

Truck In Nyc Lower East Side 6

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March 24, 2025

Overdrive's Partners in Business - The leading business training program for owner-operators.

Independence and Growth

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

Independence and Growth

Keep an 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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EPA announces end to 5-mph DEF derates for new and existing trucks

The EPA on Tuesday said new trucks won't derate due to running out of DEF or other system faults nearly as quickly or severely, and announced plans to modify software on all existing trucks to extend the timing for derates.

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What freight recession? Trucker of the Month insulates biz with direct customers

Cummins X15 Fuel Agnostic

Cummins delays new X15 diesel amid regulatory and demand uncertainty

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Wisconsin fleet owner's 1998 Freightliner cabover 'Never Finished'

The ALL NEW JBL FLIP 7 - Featuring AI sound boost, deeper base, longer battery life, and Auracast... it's MADE to be HEARD.

The ALL NEW JBL FLIP 7 - Featuring AI sound boost, deeper base, longer battery life, and Auracast... it's MADE to be HEARD.

What freight recession? Trucker of the Month insulates biz with direct customers

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Pride & Polish

Overdrive’s annual Pride & Polish virtual truck show attracts entries from across the nation showcasing show-quality design, mechanical ingenuity and plenty of trucking-business pride. Find recent-history awards shows, in-depth features about the winners, and more.

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