Up Front

The owner-operator creed

What do carriers look for in an owner-operator? We recently came across the following “Owner-Operator Creed” in the Truckload Carriers Association’s online newsletter that we think captures those sought-after values and traits quite well:

1. I am an independent trucker, an owner-operator. I do not choose to be a company truck driver. It is my right to be uncommon—if I can. I seek opportunity, not security.

2. I want to take the calculated risk, to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

3. I refuse to give up incentive for a paycheck; I prefer the challenges of my own business; the thrill of making my own decisions to the routine of taking just another load. I will not trade my freedom or opportunity for a paycheck.

4. It is my heritage to stand proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself; to enjoy the benefit of my decisions and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done. This is what it means to be an owner-operator.”