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Cargo Van Owner Operators and What to Expect

When looking into starting a career as a cargo van, or Sprinter, owner operator it’s pertinent to perform your due diligence and research what you may come across or what you should expect. A quick Google search of “expedited cargo van owner operator salary” brings up quite the smorgasbord of additional questioning.

Queries such as: Are cargo vans profitable? Is a cargo van a good investment? How do cargo vans make money?

You Get Out of It What You Put into It

It’s been stated that in order to make money, you have to be willing to spend some. Be sure you’re spending it in the right places before you start shelling out your precious clams.

If you’ve already done your research as to what outfit you want to drive for, signing on with a specific company as opposed to going it alone is probably the best way to break onto the scene, then you should already know what their qualification metrics are. What type of CDL (Commercial Driver License) is required, what cargo van (or Sprinter) is preferred, what type of experience do you have to have, and what are their expectations of you.

It's always a good idea to do your research before putting pen to paper and signing an agreement. Especially when you need to know how much money you’re putting in up front, and then understanding what type of return you can expect on your self-investment.

Depending on where you live and what company you choose to lease on with, you’ll have to spend some dough on the following items: a CDL, a DOT physical (if required), the van of your dreams, and any additional gear that is going to travel along with you. Figure out what these are going to cost you before taking that big leap.

How Much Can You Make?

Here’s everyone’s favorite part; what am I getting out of this gig?

Recent research has indicated that the annual average pay for cargo van owner operators is around $65,000 a year. This is NOT taking into account for the fees or deductions that are inevitably going to come out of your weekly settlements, so please keep that in mind.

Also, the number quoted above is only an average, so you should temper your initial expectations. Further research shows that the most lucrative form of cargo van owner operator-ship is contained within being an OTR (over-the-road) van or Sprinter driver, as opposed to doing so locally or regionally.

Being willing to take your cargo van driving show on the road, literally, is going to net you a higher potential income then staying close to home and maybe driving with a smaller delivery service. Not that there’s anything wrong with that type of gig, it’s just being pointed out that if your goal is to make as much money as possible, you’ll find greater success if you’re willing to go over-the-road.

The most important issue to remember is that you want to do what’s best for you, what fits your budget and what you feel you’re most qualified and capable of handling. Doing your own research ad nauseum cannot be stressed enough. And once you feel you’re comfortable with the direction you choose, go for it with gusto and believe that you’ve made the best choice in becoming your own boss.