
Tax Season Survival Guide for Owner-Operators: What You Need to Know
Tax season is the part of running a trucking business that most owner-operators either dread or underestimate. When you operate as an
Secrest Direct Inc. is an independent Landstar agent (DUV/RKY).
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Start with the decision guide to compare flatbed opportunities, equipment paths, freight planning, requirements and application steps.
Secrest Direct Inc. is an independent Landstar agent (DUV/RKY). The agency helps owner-operators organize their questions and identify the current information they should confirm before moving forward.
Owner-operator business information · Not a company-driver job page · Questions? 877-441-9128
Jump directly to the information that matters most to your operation.
Learn what the Flatbed operating path involves, who it may fit and which business and equipment questions to review first.
Review current driver, safety, experience, tractor, insurance and operating requirements before applying.
Review how trailer type, load dimensions, securement, deadhead, destination and follow-up freight affect load decisions.
Compare the questions that apply when you own a trailer, need to review trailer options or operate specialized equipment.
See what generally happens between your first questions, initial information review, application and qualification.
Find answers about experience, trailers, securement, freight, business costs and next steps.
Flatbed decisions depend on more than whether you own a tractor. Your trailer status, securement equipment, experience and preferred freight can all affect which information you should review next.
Start with your current operation. Then identify what still needs to be confirmed before you make an equipment or application decision.
Experience, safety history, tractor condition, insurance and current program requirements must be confirmed through the qualification process.
Flatbed owner-operators do not all begin with the same equipment or experience. Choose the model closest to your current situation and review the questions that apply.



Running a trucking business provides valuable experience, but Flatbed freight adds securement, equipment and load-specific responsibilities.

No. This is an owner-operator business opportunity. Owner-operators who lease their equipment to Landstar operate as independent contractors and run their own businesses.
Experience requirements can depend on the current equipment and operating path. Ask Secrest Direct which experience details must be confirmed for your situation.
Operators may begin from different equipment positions. Current trailer options, availability, costs and qualification requirements should be reviewed before you make a decision.
Flatbed freight can include machinery, steel, vehicles, building materials and other freight that may not fit an enclosed trailer. Actual freight changes by market, location, equipment, qualification and availability.
The non-forced dispatch model allows owner-operators to choose which available loads they want to consider. Availability and eligibility still depend on equipment, freight requirements, location and other factors.
The equipment depends on the load and trailer. It may include straps, chains, binders, tarps, edge protection and other load-specific equipment.
Consider the total trip, not only the posted gross rate. Deadhead, fuel, maintenance, trailer costs, securement equipment, tarping and time can all affect the business result.
Review your experience, safety history, tractor, trailer status, insurance, equipment and business goals. Then confirm current requirements through the qualification process.
Read practical information about Flatbed freight, securement, equipment, load decisions and running an owner-operator business.

Tax season is the part of running a trucking business that most owner-operators either dread or underestimate. When you operate as an

There’s no shortage of advice on increasing rate per mile or negotiating better freight. But long-term success as an owner-operator isn’t just

One of the biggest advantages of running under a non-forced dispatch company is simple: you choose your loads. But freedom without strategy
Compare the available equipment paths or return to the main Driving Opportunities page for a broader overview.
Enclosed trailer information, freight planning, program details, equipment paths, and requirements.
Open-deck freight, securement expectations, equipment information, and current qualification details.
Heavy-haul and specialized equipment information for qualified owner-operators and operations.
Request owner-operator information, review current requirements, or call Secrest Direct with a practical question about your equipment.