As a trucking business owner, chances are you make a lot of introductions. Whether you're delivering a load or speaking to new prospects, it pays to have a few clever intros at the ready. If nothing else, mixing up your first impressions helps keep networking interesting.
Without further explanation, here are thirty ways to introduce yourself as an owner-operator. We encourage you to try them out yourself, or maybe even adjust them to your tastes.
Try saying “hey, I'm an owner-operator” and stopping there—just to get an idea of how much better you can do
Design a custom business card—why not keep your intro brief and let the card do the rest?
Say with confidence “I'm an owner-operator” then let them know what sets your operation apart—it could be years of experience, special equipment, your mission as a business, etc.
Share your favorite part of this particular day as an O/O—the sights, the sounds, your drivers, your customers, or anything else that shows you appreciate the details
Let them know what you've learned today about being an O/O—there's always something new to discover
Let them know about a past load/customer that reminds you of them—this can demonstrate your experience and expertise
Let them know why you're looking forward to tomorrow—what excitement awaits in the life of an O/O?
Say “___ is my name and moving freight is my game”—a bit corny? Yes. Effective? Depends on the delivery (:
Attempt #8 but instead say “___ is my name and moving game is my freight...”—a cautionary tale
Brand your truck (or your whole fleet for that matter)—now you can just point to your vehicle and say, “That's what I do”
Tell them about your equipment—what sort of truck do you have? What trailer? And where'd you find them?
Tell them how your equipment helps set you apart from competitors—a specialized trailer or truck is worth mentioning
Share a story about one of your drivers doing great work—this can show how your operation's values extend beyond you
Share your vision for the next year as an O/O—and where your customers fit in
State your mission as an O/O—a good mission statement is brief after all
Talk about how the mission of your trucking business has evolved over time—this demonstrates how you can adapt to new challenges while maintaining your core values
Reminisce about the moment you decided to become an O/O—what convinced you to take action?
Order your own uniforms—but make sure your drivers are on board first!
Summarize your journey as an owner-operator—how have you grown your operation into something you take pride in?
Explain what's important to you as a business owner—possibly add how you make sure your operation meets your standards
Ask what's most important to them when working with a carrier—and be prepared to explain how you and/or your drivers can meet their expectations
Share some relevant news about the transportation sector—let them know you like to stay informed
Stick to the cold-calling script—“Hello, I'm an owner-operator. My company has trucks in your area and the equipment needed to haul your freight. Let me know if we can be of service to you”
Bring a gift basket along with the usual haul—this is great for new customers as well as established connections
Tell them what you appreciate about hauling their freight—maybe it's easy to secure or fits perfectly in your trailer
Do your research—keep your intro brief and let them know what you admire about their business/organization
Share your story (if you have the time)—how did you get started in trucking? How'd you decide to become an O/O?
Let them know why you're an owner-operator—what about being an O/O fills you with pride? Share that passion
Recite these 10 ultimate safety tips for truck drivers from memory—just so they know you don't mess around when it comes to moving freight
Keep it simple—smile politely, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, and let them know you're an owner-operator; works like a charm
Well, there you have it, thirty ways to let people know what you do and why you do it. Feel free to share some more in the comments below!
Are you interested in an alternative to the conventional trucking business model? If so, take a look at how Relaymile is reimagining trucking to provide drivers with a healthier, more consistent standard of work.
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