Choosing whether to lease on to a motor carrier or operate under your own FMCSA authority is one of the most critical decisions for independent owner-operators.

Pros and Cons of Leasing On

Offers immediate load access, fuel card discounts, and lower group insurance rates. However, the carrier takes a percentage of your revenue and directs your routes.

Pros and Cons of Your Own Authority

Offers maximum business freedom, higher profit margins per load, and direct shipper contracts. However, you must handle all business operations, including regulatory state filings, safety compliance audits, and securing your own commercial truck insurance policies.