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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

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.

Regulatory Topic: Definition of owner-operator
Effective Date: Friday, April 4, 1997
Issued Date: Friday, April 4, 1997