A Practical Owner-Operator Checklist for Choosing the Right Carrier
Owner-operators do not need hype. You need numbers you can trust, freight that fits your equipment, and a carrier that does not nickel-and-dime you after the settlement clears. If you have 2+ years under your belt, you already know that “great pay” can disappear fast once fees, downtime, and weak communication show up.
Use this checklist to compare carriers in a way that protects your take-home.
1) Start with the pay model (and read what’s included)
Percentage pay can be strong, but only if the carrier is clear about what you keep.
- What percent of linehaul do you earn?
- Do you keep 100% of fuel surcharge?
- Are accessorials paid out (stop pay, tarping pay, etc.)?
At Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., owner-operators earn 68% of gross linehaul using company trailers or 75% with their own trailer, keep 100% of fuel surcharge, and can earn tarping and stop pay. That structure matters because it reduces “take-home surprises.” (See Owner-Operator FAQs and Why Drive With Buchanan.)
2) Match the carrier’s freight to your equipment
The right freight mix is the difference between steady miles and sitting. Look for a carrier that actually runs what you haul:
- dry van, flatbed, Conestoga
- RGN/step deck, heavy haul and specialized
Buchanan supports multiple divisions so experienced drivers can stay productive without forcing a one-size-fits-all lane plan.
3) Ask what costs the carrier covers
Insurance and recurring fees add up quickly. A solid program spells out who pays what and keeps it simple.
Buchanan states company-paid cargo and liability insurance for owner-operators, plus no forced dispatch. That combination gives independent contractors room to run their business without constant pressure.
4) Evaluate support, not slogans
Good dispatch and real-time problem solving protect your clock and your mood.
- Do you have dedicated dispatch and 24/7 support?
- Are you treated like a partner, not a truck number?
Buchanan’s driver-facing program emphasizes respectful communication, flexible home time options, and support built around long-term relationships.
5) Confirm stability and reputation
Scale is not everything, but it helps when you want consistent freight. Buchanan was founded in 1996 and has grown from one truck into an asset-based carrier moving more than 160,000 loads a year with a large trailer pool. Their locations include Fort Wayne (HQ), Indianapolis, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Houston.
If you are an experienced CDL-A owner-operator who wants a cleaner pay structure, steady freight across specialized and open-deck options, and a team that backs you up, take a look at Buchanan’s Owner-Operator program here.
Want to talk through fit, lanes, or equipment? Reach out to the recruiting team here.
Other driving paths at Buchanan (if they fit your goals better)
Helpful references
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