Owner Operator Training Academy · A Ricerca Labs program
Next Level Owner Operator Training
A six-month, tuition-free apprenticeship for experienced CDL-A drivers in the Chicago area. You drive real loads solo as an independent contractor (1099) and get paid while you learn the truck and the business.
Everyone starts with the same online aptitude test. It takes about 45 minutes.
To apply you need
- 2+ years CDL-A experience
- Stable work history
- Chicago area
- Clean record: no DUI, and no accidents and no more than 1 ticket in the last 3 years
Who it's for
You know the road. Now learn the business.
This program is for drivers with real miles who want to understand where the money goes: cost per mile, settlements, cash flow, contract freight and how to keep a truck earning.
Built for drivers with
- At least two years of CDL-A experience
- A stable work history
- A home base in the Chicago area
- A clean driving record: no DUI, and in the last 3 years no accidents and no more than one ticket
Not for
New drivers, or anyone looking to get a CDL.
We don't teach anyone to drive or prepare anyone for a CDL test.
Anyone looking to run their own authority.
We prepare lease-on owner operators, leased onto a carrier.
Our roots
Experience behind the program.
A look back at Owner Operator Training Academy, from our original site.
The program
What you’ll work on
Topics are covered throughout the six-month program; the schedule is tailored to your experience. It starts with a classroom session, in person or online, that handles the paperwork. Then you run real loads solo while the program monitors how you're doing.
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Topic1
Your numbers
Cost per mile, settlements, cash flow, what a load really pays after deadhead.
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Topic2
Your truck
Owner operator pre-trips, the truck's systems and fault codes, maintenance schedules, inspections, tires down to proper inflation, and catching problems before they become breakdowns.
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Topic3
Your freight
Rate confirmations, detention and accessorials, contract freight versus spot loads, and how to spot a good load.
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Topic4
Your customers
Communication, documentation, protecting the load and the relationship.
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Topic5
Your plan
Budgets, goals and forecasting.
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Topic6
Your next step
A written business plan for where you go from here.
How to apply
Four steps, starting with one test
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Take the aptitude test
About 45 minutes: trucking basics, business basics and a few real-world scenarios.
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An agent calls you
An agent reviews your test and gives you a call.
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Interview and documents
If you pass, you'll have an interview, list your recent work history and send your documents: CDL front and back, and your medical card.
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Sign on and get set up
If you're placed, you sign on with our carrier partner as an independent contractor (1099). You'll need your own business with its own business bank account. Then the six months begin.
Passing the test is the first step, not an acceptance.
Since 2020
What we stand for
“Help those who are willing to help themselves.”
- Humilitas
- Humility
- Caritas
- Generosity
- Industria
- Hard work
- Patientia
- Patience
Six months of dedication. A lifetime of achievement.
Everyone is welcome to apply, and every applicant is treated the same regardless of race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Still have a question? Call or text (833) 768-7635, or email hello@ricercalabs.com.
Is it really tuition-free?
Yes. There is no tuition, now or later.
Do I get paid?
Yes. You run real loads and get paid while you learn, as an independent contractor (1099). Pay is set by our carrier partner, and an agent goes over it with you.
Will I be 1099?
Yes. If you're placed, you sign on with our carrier partner as an independent contractor (1099). That means you need your own business, with its own business bank account, before you start.
How long is it?
Six months.
How does the training work?
It starts with a classroom session, in person or online, that sets the tone and handles the paperwork. Classes teach the basics. The program places you in a truck and monitors how you're doing.
Part of the learning happens at our carrier partner's yard, where you watch their shop do real maintenance, like work on a water pump. You watch; it's not hands-on.
Will a trainer ride with me?
No. You drive solo in a truck assigned to you. No trainer or other person rides along, because our carrier partner's insurance doesn't allow additional drivers in the truck.
What does every day start with?
Every morning, before you tell dispatch you're ready: a full owner operator pre-trip, treating the truck like it's your own, plus a weather check and a traffic check. Those are the things that separate top owner operators from the ones barely getting by.
You send photos every day of the weather app, the traffic around you and the truck. Take them from a safe parking spot, never while driving.
What happens after the six months?
After you graduate, you may choose to become a lease-on owner operator, with a truck from an independent truck lease or sales company that has nothing to do with our carrier partner or the program. It's never a lease-purchase through our carrier partner.
It's your choice. Not everyone will want to, and that's fine: others keep running with our carrier partner as independent contractors. We don't promise a truck, a lease, financing or credit approval.
Where is it?
The Chicago area.
Do you train new drivers?
No. You need at least two years of CDL-A experience.
What's on the test?
Three parts: trucking basics, business basics with a little math, and four short real-world scenarios. A basic calculator is allowed. Plan on about 45 minutes.
To pass, you need at least 29 of 36 points overall and at least 9 of 12 in each section. An agent reviews the written responses. Passing is not acceptance into the program.
What if I don't pass?
An agent will explain which areas to work on. You may retake the test once after 30 days.
Who sees my information?
Our team. Your information goes to our carrier partner only if you separately agree to that when an agent invites you to send documents. Read the applicant privacy notice.
How do I reach you?
Call or text (833) 768-7635. Questions about an application can also go to hello@ricercalabs.com.