Owner operators typically make about 70% of the load. On a $2.50 load that would be $1.75. The remaining 30% covers expenses like insurance and truck payments.
Earnings vary depending on the fees charged by trucking companies and the type of load moved. Most truck drivers drive 2,000 to 3,000 miles weekly, and the average pay per mile is $1.75.
Seasonal Effects and Annual Income
Seasonality affects earnings. During high demand periods like holidays, payments may be higher due to increased deliveries.
Owner operators can make $100k to $150k annually. The average gross per truck weekly is $4,000 to $10,000.
Lucrative Loads and Specialized Niches
Amazon loads are lucrative for owner operators. Company drivers earn 38 to 52 cents per mile, while owner operators earn 70% of the load rate.
Heavy hauls and specialized niches like hazmat freight or oversized loads pay higher than standard loads. The average flatbed truck driver salary is $62,400 per year or $32 per hour.
Profitability and Operating Costs
An owner operator career can be profitable, with the highest-paid job earning an average salary of $250,847, or $120.60 hourly.
Most owner-operators can make between $100,000 and $220,000 with an average income of around $140,000. An owner operator may take home around $2,000-$5,000 weekly. However, fuel is a significant expense, averaging $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
After all expenses, an owner-operator usually makes 70% of the gross revenue as take-home income, leaving 30% for expenses such as insurance, federal registrations, truck and trailer payments, fuel, and living expenses while on the road.