From Driver to Business Owner: Tips to Help Independent Contractors Grow

For many independent contractor (IC) drivers, the job is more than just a way to make money, it’s a launching pad for something bigger. Whether you’re happy flying solo or dreaming of building a full logistics team, knowing how to navigate that transition can be the difference between staying stuck or scaling up.

At Openforce, we’ve worked with thousands of ICs and logistics companies. Based on that experience, we’ve created an Executive Guide packed with practical tips and insights to help you shift from driver to thriving small business owner... if that's your end goal! 

Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the tips and tricks inside:

Top Tips to Help You Grow

1. Set Your Business Up Right
Forming an LLC or corporation, getting a business bank account, and creating basic marketing tools like business cards and social media pages can go a long way in attracting new customers.

2. Use Guerrilla Marketing
Keep an eye out on your routes, every business you pass is a potential customer. Drop off cards, introduce yourself, and let people know you’ve got capacity. Word of mouth still works wonders.

3. Don’t Overcommit on Vehicles
Before you buy or lease a van, rent one. That way, you stay flexible, and if things go well, you’ll need something bigger sooner than you think.

4. Get Smart with Support
Using a third-party administrator (like Openforce) to handle your onboarding, insurance, and payments can save you major time, and help you stay focused on growth

Ready to Grow?

These are just a few of the strategies that can help you shift your mindset from IC vendor (driver) to a small business owner. Whether you want to stay lean or build a team, knowing the road ahead makes all the difference.

Download the full executive guide to get more growth tips, plus insights on the IC–logistics company relationship, vendor types, and more: Download the Guide Now