Buying a commercial truck is a huge investment, both in terms of time and money. These trucks can cost well into the six-digits, so what you buy now has to last you for years. This is not a case of using something for a few years and trading up, as you might do with a passenger car. That means looking for features that you might think you don't need now so that you have the flexibility to take on jobs that require these extra features later on.

The Truck Should Meet the Standards of the Toughest State You'll Drive Through

Each state has its own standards for truck safety and emissions on top of federal standards. Try to find a truck that meets the standards of the most stringent state that you'll drive through. Not only does that make your truck safer and/or cleaner, but your own state might adopt these same standards, so you'd have a leg up.

For example, California has the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, which has set tougher standards than the EPA, and trucks registered in California have to be CARB-compliant. If you're based in another state, you might not think about meeting CARB standards, but be aware that your state could adopt those same standards eventually. For example, many states have already adopted CARB standards for passenger cars and trucks; there's nothing stopping them from eventually requiring CARB standards for commercial trucks registered in those states.

If You're Just Becoming an OOI, Get a Sleeping Berth

If you're just now making the move toward being an owner-operator, get a truck with a sleeping berth. Even if you think you'll just nap in your driver's seat so you can save money when you purchase your first truck, don't. You'll want the bed, the mini-fridge, and all the other comforts that you can fit into those tiny berths. And you will want the ability to put your feet up as you rest; trying to sleep in a sitting-up position, even if somewhat reclined, can be uncomfortable.

Look at Used Trucks, Too

Definitely look at used commercial trucks. These can be in great shape and be only a few years old, and the cost will be much lower than a new truck. As long as the truck meets the standards you need it to and has a sleeping berth that you can modify as you see fit, it's worth considering.