owner-operator

[ oh-ner-op-uh-rey-ter ]

noun

1. a driver, especially of a truck or taxicab, who owns and operates a vehicle used to earn a living.
2. a person who both owns and operates a business.

Word History and Origins

Origin of owner-operator¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

An award-winning animation producer-director whose credentials include “The Simpsons,” “The Ren & Stimpy Show” and other popular titles, Reichek is the owner-operator of Peekaboo Gallery, which he has dubbed “The Pop Culture Time Machine™.” He is an avid collector of vintage records, furniture, automobiles, posters, illustrations, comics, clothing and more; among his principal focuses are tiki decor and Disney ephemera.

From Los Angeles Times

The American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which represent large swaths of the industry, predicted supply chain failures and said that smaller independent firms would likely hang onto older diesel trucks that spew more pollution, running counter to the EPA’s goals.

From Seattle Times

Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn., opposes the legislation, which he believes is not the correct way to make roads safer.

From Los Angeles Times

Hunt Norris, general manager of Yuba City-based Siller Helicopters, owner-operator of the Skycrane, described the collision as “extremely rare” and said the Skycrane sustained minor damage that was confined to its landing gear.

From Los Angeles Times

As Lewie Pugh, a former trucker and vice president at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, put it: “There’s nothing sexy about building a truck parking lot.”

From Slate