Manitoba Owner Operators
In the world of Manitoba trucking, there’s an old saying: “It’s not just about the miles you run; it’s about the miles you can count on.” For a professional owner-operator in Winnipeg, your truck is more than a vehicle – it’s a mobile small business. And like any business, the quality of your “customers” determines the quality of your life.
At Len Dubois Trucking, we’ve spent nearly 40 years learning that the secret to a happy fleet isn’t found in flashy gimmicks or short-term promises. It’s found in the foundation of the freight itself. Specifically, it’s found in a number we are incredibly proud of: 80%.
Over 80% of our business is conducted with direct-bill customers. For the uninitiated, that might just sound like an accounting stat. But for the person behind the wheel, it is the difference between a stressful “guessing game” and a predictable, profitable career.
Let’s pull back the curtain on why this “direct-to-source” model is the gold standard for owner-operators and a simple business philosophy that has become a legacy of stability.
Beyond the Load Board
To understand why direct-bill freight matters, we first have to look at the alternative. Many carriers in the industry rely heavily on the open market by searching for loads day-to-day to keep their trucks moving. While there is a time and place for that, it often leaves the owner-operator at the mercy of whoever happens to be posting a load that afternoon.
At Len Dubois Trucking, we took a different path. For four decades, our team, led by our operations staff with decades of tenure, has focused on building long-term, handshake-strength relationships with shippers across Canada and the United States.
Because we work directly with these shippers, we aren’t just “finding” freight; we are “securing” it. We are the first call our customers make when they have a lane to fill. This direct line of communication means that when you partner with us, you tap into a freight reservoir that doesn’t disappear when the industry hits a quiet patch.
Consistency Through Every Season
Trucking has its rhythms. Every driver knows there are seasons when the phone won’t stop ringing and seasons when the yard feels a little too quiet. However, when 80% of your freight is direct-billed, those “valleys” start to level out.
Our direct customers ship year-round. They have production schedules, retail demands, and supply chains that don’t take a week off just because the spot market fluctuates. This consistency is the primary reason why many of our owner-operators have been with us for years (and in some cases, decades).
When you know the freight is there, you can plan your life. You can budget for that new equipment, plan your home time, and sleep a little easier knowing your next move is already on the books. In an unpredictable world, we provide the financial rhythm you need to stay successful.
The “Familiarity Dividend”: Why Regular Lanes Win
There is a massive, often overlooked benefit to running direct-bill freight: Familiarity.
When you run for the same clients on regular lanes, you develop what we call the “Familiarity Dividend.”
- You know the route: You know the best places to fuel, the safest spots to park, and which stretches of highway to watch out for during bad winter weather.
- You know the dock: You know exactly where to check in, which door to back into, and where the best coffee is near the facility.
- You know the people: You aren’t just “Truck #402” to our customers. You are a familiar face. You’re the professional they trust with their cargo.
This familiarity turns a high-stress job into an efficient routine. It cuts down on the wasted time spent navigating unknown yards or waiting for instructions from a dispatcher who has never seen the facility. At Len Dubois, our operations team serves as a bridge, ensuring a seamless relationship between the driver and the customer. It’s a team effort that makes the job easier for everyone involved.
Cross-Border Excellence and FAST
Geography plays a huge role in our success. Being based in Winnipeg, we are at the heart of the North American supply chain. Approximately 80% of our freight is cross-border, moving between Manitoba and various points throughout the United States.
Because of this, we strongly prefer our owner-operators to be FAST-approved. Being part of the Free and Secure Trade program isn’t just a requirement; it’s a competitive advantage for you. It means less time idling at the border and more time moving on our most consistent, high-value lanes.
When you combine our direct-bill contracts with the efficiency of cross-border transit, you get a business model that is built for the long haul. We handle the complex logistics and the client relationships; you handle the road.
A Culture of Respect and Professionalism
You can have the best freight in the world, but if you don’t have the right culture, it doesn’t mean much. Len Dubois Trucking has remained a family-run business for nearly 40 years, and that “family” feel extends to every one of our approximately 80 trucks.
We don’t view our owner-operators as just drivers. We view you as business partners. This isn’t just corporate speak – it’s reflected in how we operate:
- RPM-Certified Safety: We are deeply committed to safety. Being RPM-certified (Risk Professionally Managed) means we hold ourselves to the highest standards in Manitoba trucking.
- MTA Involvement: Our leadership is deeply involved with the Manitoba Trucking Association. We don’t just follow the industry; we help shape it.
- Veteran Operations Support: Our dispatch and operations staff aren’t rookies. They have decades of experience and understand that respect is a two-way street. They know that a successful trip requires open communication and mutual trust.
We treat our partners with the respect their expertise deserves. If you have a clean abstract and a professional attitude, you’ll find that the “office side” of Len Dubois is just as dedicated to your success as you are.
Protecting Your Bottom Line: Lowering the Overhead
Being an owner-operator means managing thin margins. We understand that every dollar you save on maintenance or fuel stays in your pocket. That’s why we leverage our fleet’s scale to support your small business.
Owner-operators at Len Dubois have access to our professional maintenance department and preferred shop rates. When your truck needs work, you shouldn’t have to pay “retail” prices or worry about being deprioritized by a third-party shop. We get you back on the road quickly and affordably.
Additionally, we offer transparency regarding fuel. We pass along our national fuel discounts directly to our partners. There are no hidden fees or “administrative cuts.” We believe that a transparent partnership is the only way to build a long-term business.
Clarity is Key
In a world of complex percentage-based contracts, we’ve found that many professional owner-operators prefer the clarity of a mileage-based model.
You know exactly what you are earning for every mile your wheels turn.
There are no “hidden math” games or shifting percentages.
It allows you to forecast your revenue with precision.
When you pair this transparent pay model with the high-volume, direct-bill freight we provide, the result is a stable and predictable income stream. It’s a straightforward way to run a truck, and it’s why so many professionals choose to call Len Dubois home.
Let’s Move Forward Together
Success in trucking isn’t about the latest tech or the trendiest slogans. It’s about the people you work with and the quality of the freight you move.
By focusing on direct-bill customers, maintaining a “Team First” mentality, and staying rooted in our Winnipeg values, Len Dubois Trucking has created a haven for professional owner-operators. We provide the stability of a 40-year legacy with the forward-thinking growth of a company that is constantly expanding into new lanes.
If you’re tired of the “load board lottery” and you’re looking for a partner that respects your business, values your experience, and keeps you moving with direct-source freight, let’s talk.
Our recruiter is ready to have a no-nonsense conversation about our lanes, our rates, and how your experience fits into our fleet.
