Owner Operators

Useful Articles

Leasing Regulations: What to Watch Out For

By Tom Bray
Leasing owner-operators is one of the quickest ways a company can increase the fleet’s capacity. However, there are several pitfalls with using leased owner-operators, for both the company (carrier or “lessee”) and the owner-operator (the “lessor”).

What Drivers Should Know About Brake Problems
Here's how to spot impending brake trouble -- and how to describe it to the mechanic.
On roads like this, there's no room for doubt that your brakes are working perfectly.

<p>On roads like this, there's no room for doubt that your brakes are working perfectly.</p>

By Jim Park
If you know what to look for, and are sensitive to the symptoms, you can spot many potential brake problems before they become real liabilities. And having concluded there's a problem, you can report it to the shop in a way that might prompt more than a readjustment of the slack adjusters.

Five Trends Affecting Today's Owner-Operators
OOIDA's Todd Spencer shares insights from member surveys
OOIDA's Todd Spencer says the last round of hours-of-service changes cut the number of husband-and-wife owner-operator teams.

<p>OOIDA's Todd Spencer says the last round of hours-of-service changes cut the number of husband-and-wife owner-operator teams.</p>

By Deborah Lockridge
Owner-operators are far from dead, but the population is experiencing some changes, according to Todd Spencer, vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, with many of those changes caused by government regulations.

Owner-Operator Seeks Out Truckstop Electrification
Owner-operator Matt Purtee likes it when he can find plug-in shore power at truckstops, but he'll search it out elsewhere, too.

<p>Owner-operator Matt Purtee likes it when he can find plug-in shore power at truckstops, but he'll search it out elsewhere, too.</p>

By Truckinginfo Staff
How bad does owner-operator Matt Purtee want truckstop electrification? “Bad enough where I know a few truckstops that have light poles with plug-ins at the base,” he says with a chuckle. “I get to those sites early so I can tap into the power before someone else does."

Is a Fuel- and Weight-Saving 6x2 for You?
6x2s like this one in Sweden are popular in Europe, where fuel prices are much higher.

By Tom Berg
It’s still an oddball spec in road tractors and you’re not likely to consider it, but the 6x2 – a single drive axle with two powered wheels among six total wheel positions – will someday become more common as truck operators look for ways to save fuel and cut tare weight, suppliers think. Today, progressive fleets are testing or embracing it, and it might even be a good choice for some owner-operators.

Owner Operators News

Products

Remove Love Bugs and Other Insects from Your Trucks Just in time for love bug season, Awesome Products Corp. introduces its Love Bug Eraser, a chemical-free solution for removing bugs while cleaning vehicles.

Mack Bulldog Magazine Now Available on Android The free app allows Android users to access current and past issues of the quarterly magazine.

PressurePro Upgrades for Functionality, Customization Advantage PressurePro has completion of several upgrades to their TPMS product line, adding greater functionality and customization options for customers.

Volvo Trucks Introduces Specially Formulated Transmission Fluid for I-Shift Volvo Trucks will now offer Volvo I-Shift transmission fluid, a fully synthetic SAE 75W-80 transmission lubricant, engineered specifically for the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission.

Ancra Cargo Debuts 7mm Winches Ancra International has developed a line of 7mm cargo strap winches it says are lighter than winches with a 9mm frame but every bit as strong.