Driving a box truck is a great job, but you need to first learn how to become a box truck owner operator. If you are new to driving, or have been driving but not owning a truck yet I would start here as this will give you game changing tips and advice on both how to get started and what are the best route options out there for you. It can be a little tricky at first getting started as so many people would like to have this freedom and when they finally decide they want to do it they miss out on all the key advice which could save them years in getting started.
how to become a box truck owner operator for amazon
Becoming an Amazon box truck owner operator can be very lucrative, if you have the right trucking experience, and are willing to put in the hard work required to become a successful driver. What many people don’t realize is that it can sometimes be difficult, or even impossible for all potential drivers to get behind the wheel of one of these trucks.
how to become a box truck owner operator
Are you interested in becoming a box truck owner operator? This is a lucrative career, and one that’s rapidly growing. There are many advantages to running your own business, including higher income and more flexible hours. Learn the steps to becoming your own boss with this helpful guide.
To become an owner-operator, you need to hold a valid driver’s license.
After that, you must own a well-maintained box truck, preferably having a hitch and a lift gate installed.
Being an owner-operator means that you did your calculations. And you are ready to fight for the lucrative loads on the straight truck market.
But, before you book loads, do your calculations right.
1. Calculate your RPM
RPM (rate per mile) stands for the truck average cost per mile.
For example.
Let’s say that your truck RPM is $1.62, and, during the last year, the truck drove 100,000 miles.
That means that the total expenses for that truck during the last year were $162,000.
Now, to stay profitable, what should be the rate per mile?
You need to know the expenses for the driver, fuel, equipment, insurance, repair, and other truck operating costs to get the correct RPM calculations.
If you have questions about calculating the cost per mile of your truck, consult a certified public accountant.
2. Calculate the truck average RPM
Once you know the RPM of your truck and you are ready to book loads, pay attention to the average RPM.
The idea is that some of the loads will pay you under the bottom line of your revenue calculations. So, an average RPM tells you if running a chain of loads turns out to be profitable for your business.
3. Know your box truck dimensions and capacity limits
The next step is knowing the correct dimensions and if they align with other states for non-CDL drivers.
The rules for commercial driving licenses are very different than those required for other vehicles.
The reason is simple.
An average car weighs about 5,0000 pounds, while a fully loaded big rig weighs up to 80,000 pounds. With this in mind, the difference makes commercial vehicles much more challenging to drive. But, if they happen to be involved in accident, it’s much more dangerous.
To operate the box truck with a gross weight under 26,000 pounds, you don’t need a CDL because the requirement for CDL starts when the weight is 26,001 pounds and above the general weight criteria.So, gross weight is just a starting point to understanding which loads you might haul legally.
Also, know your truckload capacity, loading space dimensions, lengths, weights, and heights to find good loads and negotiate rates.
It will significantly influence your income as you focus on opportunities that bring you the best loads.
If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, owner operator or lease purchase is the way to go. This method does require an upfront investment, meaning it’s not for everyone. However, if you choose this path it will be easier to get started as a professional truck driver with excellent earning potential and long-term potential as well.
