An owner operator is an independent businessman who has contracted to utilize his tractor to work exclusively for a carrier. Household goods owner operators are referred to as a Professional Van Operator or PVO. The professional van operators typically own the tractor or power unit and the carrier owns the trailer. The PVO operates the power units as a sole proprietorship, S corp, or LLC corporation. Owner operators are compensated as independent contractors usually receiving a commission-based salary. As an independent business, they are responsible for all of the costs associated with the truck, the crews, and claims. Arpin of RI does not use owner operators; all of our drivers are employees.