Chapter 1 - Becoming An Owner-Operator
• The qualities of success
• Maintaining a cash reserve
• Shopping for a truck and a carrier

Chapter 2 - Developing A Business Plan
• Projecting income and expenses
• Accounting for seasonal factors and other variables
• Using a spreadsheet

Chapter 3 - Managing Your Overall Finances
• A spending plan
• Financial first aid
• Budgeting month to month

Chapter 4 - Finding a Good Accountant
• Accountants with a trucking specialty
• Organizing your paperwork
• Getting year-around advice

Chapter 5 - Choosing A Legal Business Structure
• Legal forms, taxes and liability
• Benefits of sole proprietorship
• Incorporation and expansion

Chapter 6 - Choosing A Carrier
• Factors other than pay
• Questions to ask
• Contractor vs. employee

Chapter 7 - Evaluating Carrier Pay Packages
• How pay is calculated
• Fuel surcharges and co-op buying
• Comparison worksheet

Chapter 8 - Signing A Lease
• Reviewing a carrier lease
• Clauses that could handicap you
• Negotiating changes to protect yourself

Chapter 9 - Finding The Right Equipment
• Shopping for efficiency and comfort
• Matching equipment to your operation
• Maintenance records and testing

Chapter 10 - Financing Your Equipment
• Your credit report
• Detailing business plans for a lender
• Dealing with financial documents

Chapter 11 - Leasing A Truck
• Carrier lease-purchase plans
• Leasing tips
• Know your contract

Chapter 12 - Getting Truck Insurance
• Types of insurance
• Proper coverage
• Choosing deductibles

Chapter 13 - Maintaining Your Equipment
• The payoff of prevention
• Keeping good records
• Knowing when to trade

Chapter 14 - Understanding Taxes
• Reducing your tax burden
• Self-employment and heavy-vehicle use taxes
• Documenting deductible expenses

Chapter 15 - Staying Compliant
• Vehicle registration
• Fuel taxes
• Single-state registration

Chapter 16 - Keeping Good Records
• Monthly expense reports
• Profit-and-loss statement
• Balance sheet

Chapter 17 - Figuring Cost Per Mile
• How to calculate CPM
• Break-even point
• Determining a trip’s profitability

Chapter 18 - Computer Software And Hardware
• Owner-operator software choices
• Learning resources
• Shopping for a computer

Chapter 19 - Online Trucking Resources
• Load matching
• Equipment
• Information

Chapter 20 - Running Smart
• Preparing for emergencies
• Accepting or rejecting loads
• Wise fuel buying

Chapter 21 - Protecting Your Health And Income
• Health insurance options
• When you can’t get coverage
• Income-replacement insurance

Chapter 22 - Saving For Yourself
• Building a retirement fund
• Plans for the self-employed
• Other personal savings

Chapter 23 - Being the Best
• Working with professionals
• Doing your research
• Maintaining equipment and records

Glossary

Appendix