Carrier companies and freight companies are both types of businesses that operate in the transportation industry, but they have different functions and roles.

Carrier companies are responsible for physically transporting goods from one location to another. They own and operate a fleet of trucks, and they hire drivers to operate those trucks. Carrier companies often have contracts with shippers or manufacturers to transport their products to retailers or distribution centers.

Freight companies, on the other hand, are intermediaries that connect shippers with carrier companies. They do not own or operate their own trucks, but instead act as a broker between the shipper and the carrier. Freight companies negotiate rates and handle logistics for the transportation of goods, but they do not physically transport the goods themselves.

For an owner-operated trucking business, working as a carrier company would involve owning and operating their own truck(s) and seeking out contracts or loads to haul. Working as a freight company would involve setting up a business that acts as a intermediary connecting shippers and carriers, and not owning any truck themselves.

Being a carrier company, the business owner would have more control over the routes and schedules, as well as the ability to build relationships with specific customers. However, the owner would also be responsible for the costs associated with owning and maintaining the truck(s), as well as the liability for any accidents or incidents that occur during transportation.

On the other hand, being a freight company, the business owner would not have as much control over the routes and schedules, as they would be dependent on the carrier companies they work with. They would also not have the overhead costs associated with owning and maintaining their own trucks. However, they would be responsible for finding and maintaining relationships with both shippers and carrier companies, as well as handling the logistics and paperwork associated with the transportation of goods.

Overall, both carrier companies and freight companies play important roles in the transportation industry. The choice between the two will depend on the specific goals and resources of an owner-operated trucking business.