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Owner-Operator Terms

Owner-Operator Terms Glossary

Plain-English definitions for owner-operator business terms, settlements, deductions, insurance, escrow, truck payments, maintenance reserves, lease-on agreements, fuel cards, authority, and net take-home.

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Owner-Operator Business Dictionary

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Owner-Operator

Truck driver who owns or leases the truck they operate.

Lease-On

Operating under another carrier’s authority.

Own Authority

Operating under your own motor carrier authority.

Settlement

Pay statement showing revenue and deductions.

Gross Settlement

Total settlement before deductions.

Net Settlement

Amount left after settlement deductions.

Escrow

Money held back for possible future obligations.

Maintenance Reserve

Money saved for repairs and preventive maintenance.

Truck Payment

Loan or lease payment for the tractor.

Fuel Card

Card used to buy fuel and track fuel purchases.

Fuel Advance

Advance used for fuel before settlement.

Bobtail Insurance

Coverage related to tractor operation without a trailer.

Physical Damage Insurance

Coverage for damage to the truck itself.

Occupational Accident

Coverage for certain work-related injury situations.

Deductible

Amount paid before insurance responds to a claim.

Plate Program

Carrier-arranged plate or registration program.

IRP

Apportioned registration for interstate operation.

IFTA

Interstate fuel tax reporting system.

1099 Contractor

Independent contractor paid through 1099 reporting.

Per Diem

Daily travel allowance or tax-related expense amount.

Break-Even Rate

Minimum rate needed to cover costs.

Cost Per Mile

Operating cost for each mile driven.

Deadhead

Driving empty without revenue freight.

Downtime

Time when the truck cannot earn revenue.

Trailer Rent

Fee charged for using a trailer.

Chargeback

Deduction or reversal from a prior payment.

Reserve Account

Money saved for future business expenses.