Owner-Driver
Last reviewed 13 June 2026 by Nick Lim, finance broker (FBAA).
Owner-Driver is a transport operator who owns and drives their own truck, running as a sole trader or small business rather than as an employee driver. Owner-drivers are usually assessed as self-employed, so lenders look at ABN tenure, the haulage contract, and whether income comes from one principal or many. Most finance their truck on a chattel mortgage or other vehicle finance.
Why Owner-Driver Matters
An owner-driver is both the business and the asset, so lenders weigh income stability and the truck together.
- Owns and drives their own truck
- Trades as a sole trader under an ABN
- Assessed as self-employed
- Income stability and contracts matter
- Truck usually financed on chattel mortgage
Common Features of Owner-Driver
- Single operator-owned vehicle
- Often one or two main principals
- Income via invoices or BAS
- Truck as the core business asset
- Common entry point into transport
Official reference: business.gov.au
What is an owner-driver?
A transport operator who owns and drives their own truck as a sole trader, trading under an ABN.
How do lenders assess an owner-driver?
As self-employed, looking at ABN tenure, contracts and income consistency.
How do owner-drivers finance a truck?
Usually on a chattel mortgage or other vehicle finance.
Is income from one principal a problem?
It can be, since lenders prefer diversified income; it is weighed in serviceability.
Owner-driver vs subcontractor?
Most owner-drivers work as a subcontractor to a head carrier, owning the truck themselves.