Van operators' earnings hold steady

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 9/1/1998

Owner/operators who work in the household-goods industry drove fewer miles and carried fewer shipments last year than the five-year average, but their net income stayed just about level.

According to the American Moving and Storage Association's annual survey of owner/operators, net income in 1997 was 41.2 cents per mile, down a touch from the 41.3 cents average the previous year. Gross income averaged $143,205, a far cry from the average net income of $25,526.

The average operator hauled 95.5 shipments during the year, compared to the five-year average of 99, and annual miles dropped to 61,889 from 74,980.

Fuel was the drivers' biggest expense, representing 15.6 percent of costs. Wages paid to others were close behind at 15.5 percent.