Interview with Tabitha Pruden
An owner operator with Select Delivery Systems Inc.
What motivated you to become an owner operator?
“I was motivated because of the independence it allows me.”
Have you had previous experience working as a courier?
“I’ve been in the transportation industry for 10 years in various roles. Doing both residential and commercial deliveries as well as been a dispatcher and shipper/receiver.”
What do you like/dislike the most about working in this industry?
“I enjoy having the freedom to not be stuck in the same office or warehouse all day and being able to be outside often. What I dislike is the constant fluctuation of prices. For example, when fuel goes up it can really hurt your profit margin.”
What is involved in an average work day for you?
“My average work day usually starts with me sorting and pricing my waybills from the previous day. I then get in my vehicle and radio in to the dispatch to find out where my first pick up is. I drive all over the city picking up and delivering various products. They can be anything from an envelope, office chair, gift baskets, or a reinforced steel door. I load my my van by keeping in mind the order in which I will deliver them. I also try to be as efficient as possible with my time, route, and fuel economy. My day usually ends around 3 pm.”
Are there any issues you are faced with when making deliveries?
“The only issues I’ve faced is when companies don’t have signs for the location of shipping/receiving on their back doors. This can be a pain as it will take me extra time to locate the correct door, and time is money being an owner operator. Luckily I go to a lot of the same locations so I learn quickly where the shipping/receiving is.
In your opinion what are the main advantages/disadvantages to being an owner operator working as a courier?
“One of the main advantages of being an owner operator is when it’s busy. I make a better income then if I was being paid hourly. The disadvantage is when it’s slow I won’t make as much. Fortunately Select Delivery Systems Inc is usually fairly busy.”
How has it been working with Select Delivery Systems Inc?
“Working with Select Delivery Systems Inc has been a great experience. I’ve never worked with a group of people who are such an awesome team. It really feels like a family.”