What is the Olympia Airport Shuttle owner-operator program?
The OAS affiliate fleet program is a vetted partnership network for independent transportation operators with their own qualifying vehicle. Approved partners receive dispatched work — airport runs, corporate transfers, weddings, events — under the OAS brand standard, with full back-office support including scheduling, customer service, and payment processing. Operators run under their own commercial authority and insurance.
How does the revenue model work?
Owner-operators receive 70–80% of the gross fare on every completed run, depending on vehicle class, route, and tenure in the program. OAS retains the remainder to cover dispatch, customer service, payment processing, marketing, brand standards enforcement, and program administration. Settlement is weekly via direct deposit. Tips are kept 100% by the operator.
What vehicles qualify for the program?
Qualifying vehicles include luxury sedans (Lincoln, Cadillac, Mercedes, Genesis), executive SUVs (Suburban, Escalade, Yukon XL), and Mercedes Sprinter passenger vans. Vehicles must be model year within the prior 6 years, under 150,000 miles, with documented maintenance history and a recent inspection. Mini-coaches (CDL Class B required) qualify at model year within prior 8 years and under 200,000 miles. Exterior and interior condition must meet OAS brand standards before first dispatch.
Do I need my own commercial transportation authority?
Yes. Owner-operators in this program must hold their own Washington UTC charter party or excursion service authority (or equivalent), maintain their own commercial vehicle insurance at OAS minimum coverage levels, and operate as an independent business entity. We do not lease or sub-license our authority. Partners join as fully independent transportation companies running dispatched work for OAS.
What kind of work will I receive?
Dispatched runs include SeaTac airport transfers (the highest-volume category), corporate point-to-point service, wedding and event shuttles, wine tours, and cruise ship transfers. Most runs operate between Thurston County and SeaTac Airport, with regular work extending throughout the Puget Sound region. Volume and route mix depend on your vehicle class, availability, and location.
How does dispatch work?
Approved operators access our dispatch platform on a smartphone or tablet. Available runs are offered based on your declared availability, location, and vehicle class. You accept or decline each run — there is no minimum acceptance requirement. Once a run is accepted, full trip details, customer contact, flight info, and any special instructions are pushed to your device. Settlement happens automatically after the run is marked complete.
How do you maintain brand standards across owner-operators?
Every approved partner agrees to a written brand standard covering vehicle condition (exterior, interior, cleanliness), driver appearance (business-professional dress code), service protocols (greeting, luggage handling, route conduct), and customer communication. Vehicles are inspected before approval and periodically thereafter. Customer feedback after every run is reviewed. Operators consistently below standard are removed from the program. This is the core promise we make to clients — when a vehicle arrives with OAS booking confirmation, it meets one consistent standard regardless of who owns it.
Can I still serve my own customers while partnered?
Yes. The partnership is non-exclusive. You continue to run your own business and serve your own customers under your own brand. The OAS dispatch is incremental work on top of what you're already doing — fill the gaps in your calendar with our runs, decline anything that conflicts with your existing bookings. Most of our top partners use the program to even out volume during slow weeks and stack additional revenue during busy ones.
How is this different from working for Uber Black or a TNC?
Several material differences. (1) Vehicle class: we dispatch curated luxury and group vehicles, not whatever's on the road. (2) Customer type: our clients are pre-booked corporate, wedding, and cruise travelers — not anonymous app rides. (3) Revenue: 70–80% on real fares with weekly settlement, not surge-based commission models. (4) Standards: approved by application and inspection, not by app sign-up. (5) Independence: you operate under your own authority and insurance, which keeps you in compliance and protects your standing in WA.
What about taxes and 1099 reporting?
Owner-operators are independent contractors, not employees. We collect a W-9 at onboarding and issue a 1099-NEC annually for tax reporting. Settlement statements are available on demand through the partner portal so you can reconcile against your books at any time. Recommend consulting your CPA before joining if you're unsure about your business's tax structure.
How do I apply to the owner-operator program?
Submit the partnership application above or call 360-944-0606 to speak with our partnership team. The process includes initial application review, documentation review (authority, insurance, business filings, MVR), in-person vehicle inspection in Olympia, partnership interview, and brand standards orientation. From application to first dispatched run is typically 14–21 days.
What if my application is declined?
If we decline an application, we'll tell you why and — when applicable — what would change the decision. Common reasons include vehicle outside the age or mileage criteria, insurance coverage below our minimum, or authority status that needs to be resolved. Reapplications are welcomed once the underlying item is addressed.