If you've worked around the commercial trucking industry long enough, you've probably heard plenty about owner-operators. Owner-operators are the entrepreneurs of the trucking world, taking a risk by breaking away from the relative security of driving for a large corporation. While starting any kind of small business comes with its own set of risks, it also comes with rewards for both the entrepreneur and those who work with them. Small businesses can be more straightforward and operate with less bureaucratic drag than larger companies.

The benefits of dealing with owner-operators instead of large trucking corporations are many and can help you build your insurance business to a stronger position.

1. Direct Communication with the Decision-Maker

Owner-operator businesses tend to be small, usually with just a handful of employees. Sometimes, owner-operator businesses are just a single person driving a leased or purchased truck. Because the business is small, communication can be easier than with a larger entity. There's no need to check with higher-ups, because there aren't any higher-ups. It's just you and your client.

The owner of the business usually is the decision-maker, so odds are the person you're talking to will be the person making the calls. The simplicity of communication and decision-making can be an advantage, especially when you explain complicated liability concepts. Working on deals with just an individual owner-operator will save you future headaches and may free up more of your time to find and secure more clients.

2. Good Prospects

Everybody in the commercial insurance industry knows the importance of finding clients that want to either secure new policies or change old ones. What category of business could be better than entrepreneurs who are just starting their companies? As you find owner-operators, odds are that they'll be just beginning their journey and looking to secure commercial insurance policies that they don't already have. Together, you can change that.

Other owner-operators may be looking to refine their current policies from standard coverage designed for larger trucking corporations to more unique and tailored coverage.

3. Lack of Bureaucracy

There's no question that red tape makes things more difficult. From the first contact with a client to a long-term relationship, bureaucracy makes many parts of effectively selling commercial insurance harder. While many company policies are designed to ensure the best outcomes for the business, they can often impede quick and strategic decision-making.

Companywide bureaucracy doesn't always prevent accidents as well as family-style leadership. While most large-scale commercial transportation companies have strict conduct policies, they're often undermined by the lack of personal investment from their workers. Owner-operator trucking businesses usually employ driven individuals looking to drive ahead on their own.

4. Personal Connection

As an important potential partner to small business owners and entrepreneurs, never underestimate the power of personal connection and the benefits of friendship. Personal relationships often lay the groundwork for successful small businesses, and they can help you achieve quotas and personal goals.

Leaning on personal connections can also build trust between you and your client. At a fundamental level, reliance on trust in a business relationship will help keep that client on your side and will reassure them that your organization will be there for them when needed.

5. Early-Stage Investment in Business

When dealing with new clients, you know that some will end up being more successful than others — not everyone will end up running a growing and successful business. Those that do succeed often remember who their friends were during the hard times. If you can stand by a business through thick and thin, you may win their loyalty forever.

Doing business with people is inherently a type of investment. You can either choose to make safe but low-yield investments by working exclusively with large corporations, or you can invest your time with multiple risky but high-yield entrepreneurs. While not every owner-operator trucking business is guaranteed success, they're all worth your time as clients.