09/25/2026
Owner-operators, you are allowed to turn down a load. But that advice is a lot easier to follow when you have enough cash to cover the next fuel stop.
We talk about higher rates and tighter capacity as if every small carrier suddenly has the upper hand. The reality is that your ability to negotiate also depends on how long you can afford to wait.
DAT reported an average dry van spot rate of $2.96 per mile, including fuel surcharge, for the week ending September 19. By September 21, national average diesel was $6.529 a gallon. At 7 mpg, that is roughly 93 cents per mile in fuel alone, before insurance, maintenance, equipment payments or paying yourself.
Consider two owner-operators looking at the same load board.
One has collected payment for last monthโs work and can afford to pass on a cheap reload. The other is still waiting on those invoices and feels pressure to take whatever can generate cash fastest.
Same market. Different ability to say no.
Having cash available does not guarantee a better load will show up. But it gives you room to make a business decision without the next bill making it for you.
That is why We see cash flow as part of a carrierโs negotiating power. Better rates help, but so does getting paid for the work you have already done.
The last time you accepted a load you did not really want, did it make business sense, or did you need the cash?
