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If you’re considering a career as a heavy haul owner operator, one of the first things you’re probably wondering about is salary. After all, you want to make sure you’re earning a decent living while pursuing your passion for driving. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that can affect your heavy haul owner operator salary.
What is a Heavy Haul Owner Operator?
First, let’s define what we mean by a heavy haul owner operator. This is a professional truck driver who specializes in transporting oversized or overweight loads, such as construction equipment, machinery, or wind turbine components. They typically drive specialized trucks with multiple axles to distribute the weight of the load.
Factors that Affect Heavy Haul Owner Operator Salary
There are several factors that can impact your heavy haul owner operator salary:
- Experience: Generally speaking, the more experience you have as a heavy haul driver, the higher your salary is likely to be. This is because experienced drivers are seen as more valuable to employers, who may be willing to pay more to retain them.
- Location: Your salary may also vary depending on where you live and work. For example, heavy haul drivers in urban areas may earn more than those in rural areas due to higher demand for their services.
- Company: The company you work for can also impact your salary. Some companies may pay more than others, depending on their size, reputation, and other factors.
- Load Type: The type of loads you transport can also affect your salary. Some loads may require more specialized equipment or expertise, which can command a higher salary.
- Contract Type: Finally, your contract type can also impact your salary. Some owner operators are paid by the mile, while others are paid a percentage of the load’s value or a flat rate.
What is the Average Heavy Haul Owner Operator Salary?
So, how much can you expect to earn as a heavy haul owner operator? According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 as of May 2020. However, this figure likely includes drivers who do not specialize in heavy haul loads.
More specialized data from websites such as Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com suggest that heavy haul owner operators can earn significantly more than the median salary. According to Indeed, the average salary for a heavy haul owner operator is $96,446 per year. Meanwhile, Glassdoor puts the average salary at $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
How to Increase Your Heavy Haul Owner Operator Salary
If you’re interested in earning a higher salary as a heavy haul owner operator, there are a few things you can do to increase your earning potential:
- Get more experience: As mentioned earlier, more experience generally translates to a higher salary in the trucking industry. Consider working for a company that specializes in heavy haul loads to gain more experience in this area.
- Invest in specialized training: Taking courses or obtaining certifications in areas such as oversized load transportation, safety, and maintenance can make you a more valuable driver and command a higher salary.
- Network with other drivers: Joining industry associations or attending trade shows and conferences can help you connect with other heavy haul owner operators and potentially learn about new job opportunities with higher salaries.
- Consider becoming an independent contractor: While being an independent contractor comes with its own set of challenges, it can also give you more control over your salary and potentially earn you more money.
Conclusion
In summary, heavy haul owner operator salaries can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, company, load type, and contract type. While the median salary for all truck drivers is around $45,000 per year, heavy haul owner operators can earn significantly more, with some earning six-figure salaries. By gaining more experience, investing in specialized training, and networking with other drivers, you can increase your earning potential as a heavy haul owner operator.