Service myself or have it done at a truckstop?

I don't know your intervals but I would have a shop do the oil change unless you are going to do them at home . trying to do one yourself on the road is a pain . having all the tools isn't really a big deal but most truckstops will probably run you off their property not to mention trying to dispose of several gallons of used oil

 

The oil change interval will depend on the engine, the type of duty you use the truck for (otr, heavy haul, local, etc), and the overall shape of the engine. It is a good idea to pull an oil sample to check the health of the engine and oil then you can make a better decision. Newer engines can go 30 to 50,000 miles between changes but I don't like that, the older ones need to be changed about 15 to 20,000 miles.

As far as servicing it yourself, if you are capable it is always best to do it yourself, you will know it is done right, you will see other things the minimum wage oil tech might miss, and you will become very familiar with your truck. I believe a successful owner operator should know a lot about their truck and this is a good way to know your ride.

 

And also if it is under warranty leaving a paper trail of service intervals done at respectable shops may help to avoid someone trying to weasel out of covering some warranty work or parts

 

Since you have a driver in it you should do it yourself, it will be a good way to keep an eye on your investment, a random truck stop will not care, nor will they know how you want the truck kept. Once you get all the part numbers for the filter and such it is not hard to keep the supplies in stock. You will not really save much money, there is not much labor charge in a pm, but you will have a better idea of the health of the truck.

 

It is hard to beat the price for servicing at some of the oil change joints,I usually get about half of my PM's performed at one.Nice to be able to document when truck was serviced. Remember to have an oil analysis performed. Cheap peace of mind.

 

I would have a service center do the oil changes. This gives you a paper trail for warranty as well as proof of proper disposal of the oil. A lot of people don't know there is no statute of limitation for dumping of hazardous wastes, including oil. You don't want to be in a position of trying to prove you did everything right (even tho you did) to a federal inspector 10 years down the road.
EPA and OSHA harassment of small business is becoming more common. As one who had to dance in this arena for years (and prove the proper disposal of waste), I can assure you there is no joy in dealing with these clowns!
I suspect (and this is MY discernment) that as government grows and large carriers want to push the small carriers and O/O's out, they will use their political influence to encourage FMCSA to start 'checking' company records. If you can't prove it, I suspect they'll suspend your authority.
Handing them a sheaf of receipts will cover you much better than, "Honest! I did it properly!".
As far as keeping track of your truck and it's condition, simply spend the time of going over it periodically.
But oil? Not worth the gamble in my book.