According to the OOIDA Foundation, the association’s research and education branch, “most researchers don’t have access to enough owner-operators to properly collect and analyze information from this critical segment of the trucking industry.” To address this gap, the Foundation has actively engaged members since 1998, ensuring that their opinions reach federal, state, and local agencies. This ongoing effort has produced one of the most detailed profiles of owner-operators in the United States.

The 2025 OOIDA survey is now open and can be completed anonymously online. “We want to make sure that we are focusing on the issues that you desire,” the Foundation said. “It’s important to us that we support both your business and lifestyle. We need to know what you think on critical topics so we can direct our energies appropriately.”

Key Findings from the 2024 Member Survey

Last year, more than 19,000 owner-operator members participated in a random sample survey. Among respondents, 46 percent reported being leased to motor carriers, while 44 percent operated under their own authority. On average, drivers covered over 102,000 miles, with roughly 20 percent of those miles being deadhead, often due to challenging market conditions.

Surveyed operators reported annual maintenance costs averaging $18,900, including $3,400 spent on emission-related repairs and $3,300 for damage caused by poor road conditions. Independent operators typically spent more on tires compared with those leased to carriers. Maintenance costs per mile rose to 23 cents.

Freight rates, availability, and carrier reputation were the most important factors influencing leased owner-operators when selecting work. High driver turnover was largely attributed to low pay, a lack of respect, and inconsistent freight. In fact, 40 percent of leased drivers reported working for five or more carriers in the past year.

Challenges Facing One-Truck Operators

Research focused on one-truck operations, which make up nearly half of all motor carriers. These operators face unique hurdles in securing consistent freight and navigating complex regulatory requirements. While direct contracts generally provide higher earnings, most one-truck carriers rely heavily on brokers and load boards.

Many drivers also noted difficulties contesting inaccurate safety violations through the DataQ system. Insurance, permits, and other regulatory fees remain significant concerns, alongside rising fuel costs, declining freight rates, and parking shortages.

OOIDA’s research underscores the importance of listening to owner-operators and addressing the practical challenges they face daily. By capturing and analyzing these insights, the Foundation ensures that small-business truckers have representation and support that reflects both their business and lifestyle needs.

Source: Land Lined Media

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