If you’re looking for a career that allows you to make your own schedule and gives you the opportunity to see the country, then becoming an owner-operator may be just right for you. As an owner-operator, you will have the freedom to choose what loads you want and how frequently you haul. If you’re looking for owner-operator jobs, here are the requirements you must meet before you apply.
Age and Experience
In order to become an owner-operator, a driver must be at least 23 years of age. The driver must have three years of experience with over-the-road Class A CDL driving and your trucking authority. The one year of driving experience needs to have been completed during the last three years. Three years driving experience needs to have been completed during the last 10 years with at least six months being completed during the last 48 months.
Accidents and Violations
A driver that is looking to become an owner-operator can have no more than two accidents where they were at fault and no more than two motor vehicle violations during the last 36 months. In addition, they should also only have one accident where they were at fault and no more than three motor vehicle violations within the last 36 months.
In addition, drivers cannot have any involvement in a preventable accident within the last 12 months. They cannot have more than one serious violation as defined in the FMCSA handbook during the last 36 months. No railroad-highway offenses are allowed during the last 36 months as defined in the FMCSA handbook.
Tickets or Convictions
Drivers looking to become an owner-operator should not have citations for Reckless Driving or Careless Endangerment from the past 36 months. They also should not have any DUI charges in the last 60 months or felony convictions during the past seven years.
