Relative Advantages and Disadvantages of Independent Contractor Status: A Survey of Owner-Operators’ Opinions and Rationale

Johnson, Steven L. · 2012 · ROSA P / United States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Special Programs Administration

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Summary

This study investigates the motivations, advantages, and disadvantages associated with independent contractor status for commercial truck drivers. Motivated by a projected shortage of 554,600 truck driver job openings by 2018 and the industry’s reliance on independent contractors to fill these roles, the research aims to understand why drivers choose or reject independent status. The study seeks to provide reliable data on driver opinions, financial realities, and operational methods to help carriers and policymakers improve the experience for independent operators. The research was conducted by Steven L. Johnson at the University of Arkansas’ Mack-Blackwell Rural Transportation Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Truckload Carriers Association. The methodology involved a comprehensive survey instrument comprising 135 questions, developed through pilot testing and validation with industry stakeholders, including the American Trucking Association. Data collection utilized a mixed-methods approach: face-to-face interviews at 19 truck stops across the United States (from California to Connecticut) and an interactive web-based survey distributed via email contacts provided by 13 organizations, including trucking companies and trade groups. The study focused specifically on drivers operating under a carrier’s authority, categorizing them by their equipment status (leasing, financing, or owning outright). A total of 154 drivers responded to the survey. The findings reveal that the participant pool consisted largely of experienced drivers, with 66% reporting more than ten years of over-the-road driving experience. Additionally, 85% of the independent contractors had previously worked as company employees, indicating that independent status is often a career progression rather than an entry-level position. Only 11% of respondents held additional jobs outside of driving. The survey covered various dimensions, including earnings, operational costs, control over loads and routes, and business structure. While the text provided is truncated before detailing specific financial results or comparative advantages, it establishes that the data captures drivers’ rationales for their employment choices and their methods for managing the responsibilities of independence. The study notes that while sample sizes for certain subgroups were small, the diverse sourcing of participants ensured the results were representative of the broader independent contractor population. The significance of this research lies in its provision of validated, detailed insights into the independent contractor model within the trucking industry. By documenting the specific advantages, challenges, and operational strategies of owner-operators, the study offers actionable information for carriers and industry organizations. The findings can be used to refine recruitment strategies, address driver shortages, and improve the working conditions and business structures for independent contractors, ultimately supporting the stability and efficiency of the commercial transportation sector.

Key finding

Most independent contract drivers had previously been company drivers, and the majority reported having more than ten years of over-the-road driving experience.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 154

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• truck driver fatigue