What is an owner-operator?

Section § 382.107: Definitions.

Guidance Q&A

Question 1: What is an owner-operator?

Guidance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) neither defines the term "owner-operator" nor uses it in regulation. The FMCSA regulates "employers" and "drivers." An owner-operator may act as both an employer and a driver at certain times, or as a driver for another employer at other times depending on contractual arrangements and operational structure.