6 Essential Tips From an Ontime Owner Driver

For more than three decades I’ve seen this industry from every angle, as our business has grown into a nationwide team of professionals. The opportunity in this sector is huge, with Australia’s courier and local delivery industry now a significant $13.7 billion sector, and one industry report projecting it will reach $14.2 billion in 2025-26. The future also looks strong, with some analysts forecasting 5.5% annual growth, so there are stable prospects for those who treat it as a business.

The difference between just surviving and truly thriving as an owner driver isn’t about driving longer hours, it’s about executing a smarter playbook. This is that playbook. In this guide, I’m going to share the 6 essential tips that separate the top 10% of earners from everyone else. Master these, and you’ll build an enterprise that delivers a reliable income and gets you home for dinner.

Here are the tips that will transform your career:

Tip 1: You Run Two Businesses, Master Both
Tip 2: Your Financial Buffer is Your Business’s Lifeline
Tip 3: A 5-Minute Check Can Save a $500 Day
Tip 4: Every Wasted Kilometre is a Direct Pay Cut
Tip 5: Become the Operator Who Solves Problems
Tip 6: Replace the Gig-Work Gamble with Certainty

Tip 1: You Run Two Businesses, Master Both

Understanding The Dual Operations You Manage

This is the single most important mindset shift you can make. You aren’t just a driver, you’re the CEO of two distinct but connected operations.

The first business you run is your “On-Road Business”: navigating a 2-tonne van through tight city laneways, handling palletised freight with care, and being a safe, efficient operator.

The second is your “Back-Office Business”: lodging your BAS on time, managing cash flow for fuel and insurance, and building your professional reputation.

Mastering both is crucial for everyone, including the growing segment of women who now represent about 21% of the transport workforce.

Perform An Honest Self-Assessment

Many people fail because they are great drivers but poor business owners. Before you go any further, ask yourself honestly:

• Am I disciplined enough to manage my own schedule and logbook every single day without a boss looking over my shoulder?
• Can I handle the mental load of being responsible for my own income, vehicle costs, and long-term security?

If you’re able to do both then starting your owner driver journey is a good choice, if you are unsure you may want to have a go anyway but start knowing that being an owner driver comes with additional rewards but also responsibilities and stress that regular employees don’t need to deal with. Working for yourself is extremely fulfilling and rewarding when done right but can be overwhelming if unprepared.

Now that you’ve decided to move on, we can talk about setting up the right legal foundation.

Building Your Legal Foundation

Your success depends on your answer. To start, get the legal foundation of your business right.

You must have an Australian Business Number (ABN), which you can apply for through the Australian Business Register. This, along with a valid commercial driver’s licence and full work rights, isn’t just paperwork, it’s the official recognition that the government has for the birth of your business.

Tip 2: Building In A Financial Buffer For Emergencies

Poor financial planning will sink your business before it even gets started. Financial surprises hit hard when you’re solo such as an unexpected road accident, personal emergency or engine failure which may cost you thousands of dollars unexpectedly. Starting with an emergency fund gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on growth, not survival. Without one, you’re one unexpected repair bill away from being in trouble.

“The biggest mistake I see is drivers taking on 100% finance for their vehicle. It’s a high-risk act with driver’s livelihood being highly dependent on the current interest rate.”

— Walter Scremin, CEO of Ontime Delivery Solutions

Building and Using Your Buffer

True professionals have some equity in the vehicles they purchase. Before you commit to purchasing a vehicle, aim for at least 20-30% of the vehicle’s cost saved upfront. This isn’t just about minimising debt, it’s about giving yourself the peace of mind to operate professionally without the overbearing feeling of financial stress.

Financial stress causes rash decisions, mistakes and generally causes you to become obsessed with making money which can lead to overworking yourself and overall unhappiness.

Ask yourself:

• Am I prepared to set aside a portion of every payment for my loan repayments, future tax debt, superannuation, and insurances like Public Liability and Goods in Transit?
• How would I handle a critical engine failure on my Transit that costs thousands to repair? If you don’t have a clear answer, you’re likely not financially ready.

Tip 3: Conduct Your 5-Minute Vehicle Check Daily

Whether you’re running one of the many vehicle types in our fleet, like a Toyota HiAce or a 4-tonne Isuzu, that vehicle is likely your sole income-generating machine. A breakdown isn’t just an inconvenience to you, it’s your business shutting down. Every day your vehicle is off the road, it’ll cost you $500 to $600 a day while your bills continue to pile up.

That’s why the best drivers I know are religious about their 5-minute pre-trip check. This check will ensure you’re vehicle is fully prepared for the workday and will minimise your chances of disruption.

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Tyres: Are they properly inflated and free of visible damage? A flat tyre cost me a full day’s pay once, a lesson I never forgot.
• Fluids: A quick check of oil and coolant levels.
• Lights: Headlights, indicators, and brake lights are all working.
• Refrigeration: If applicable, is your unit holding the correct temperature before you load?

The Real Impact of Proactive Checks & Proper Maintenance

Pre-drive checks and proper vehicle maintenance isn’t just ticking a box, it’s a risk management strategy that protects your future income and lowers the risk of a costly repair later due to a critical vehicle breakdown. As an owner driver your reputation is vital, a flat tyre on the highway during peak hour isn’t just a delay to your day’s deliveries, it’s a failed KPI and damage to your reputation with your client. Having enough of these breakdowns is enough to seriously damage your relationship with your delivery providers so daily checks and maintenance are a smart investment into your future.