Study suggests owner-operators more satisfied with job than company drivers

[Mike]

New research from the American Transportation Research Institute suggests owner-operators are happier with their job than company drivers, but that could change if certain state laws eliminate the owner-operator model in trucking. ATRI’s latest report compares owner-operators’ and company drivers’ level of satisfaction with their jobs. For the most part, owner-operators appear to be happier with their job, including pay.

However, that can all go away if states strip the trucking industry of the independent contractor model. California’s Assembly Bill 5 establishes a strict test to determine whether a driver is an employee or independent contractor. Awaiting its fate in the U.S. Supreme Court, the law could eliminate the owner-operator business model for California trucking companies.

If that were to happen, all of the benefits and level of satisfaction that come with being an owner-operator are out the window. Nearly three-quarters of owner-operators say they would be less satisfied if forced to be a company driver, according to ATRI. More than two-thirds predict they will earn less money as a company driver.

Study suggests owner-operators more satisfied with job than company drivers

A study by the American Transportation Research Institute suggests owner-operators are earning more and happier with their job role.

landline.media

 

[Mike]

Awaiting its fate in the U.S. Supreme Court, the law could eliminate the owner-operator business model for California trucking companies.

If that were to happen, all of the benefits and level of satisfaction that come with being an owner-operator are out the window. Nearly three-quarters of owner-operators say they would be less satisfied if forced to be a company driver, according to ATRI. More than two-thirds predict they will earn less money as a company driver.

False, absolutely false.

Owner-operators leased to carriers would cease to exist, but that in no way forces everyone to become company drivers. It merely forced everyone to become 100% business owner, or opt for company driver options.

If AB5 ends up surviving the Supreme Court, and the rates in the industry are still where they are now, or even remotely close, many will pursue the avenue of operating authority rather than being forced to drive for a company.

 

[Phantom Trucker]

I might add, if they can get insurance on their own.

 

[Electric Chicken]

I might add, if they can get insurance on their own.

This is the hardest part and the biggest hurdle for most drivers.

I was able to put mine on installments, thank goodness.

 

[Mike]

I might add, if they can get insurance on their own.

Definitely a factor and could prevent some from going the Authority route.

 

[Duck]

I might add, if they can get insurance on their own.

The same evil forces behind AB5 are pushing for super high insurance requirements to force independents and small companies out of business.

 

[GAnthony]

i dunno, as a company driver, i am incredibly happy. i can take time off (which i have done), and not worry about a truck payment, or other payments associated with ownership.

i drop off (or the garage) picks up my truck, and services it. if it has to go to the dealership for warranty work, i get a replacement.

no worries on my part, when i finish at the end of my night, i go home, with only the headache of dealing with the Richard Craniums on the road.

wash, rinse, repeat, the next shift.