Class A Owner - Operator OTR Driver

Important Update

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 08/12/24. For a limited time only. We are offering the first 10 owners a ONE TIME DEAL. 92% linehaul (92/8) with only $200 deduction for cargo and liability insurance. This rate will be locked in for the duration of your time running under our authority. This is first come first serve and we need 10 ASAP candidates. We carry A+ rated AM Best insurance and will run you under our DOT with a great safety score with scale bypasses. We are also offering 30 cent off cash price (usually an extra 5 to 10 cents) discount on fuel. So roughly 35 to 40 cents discount depending. We want this to be the last place you want to work. Everyone is tired of job jumping since 2018.

DSL Express is NOW HIRING OWNER OPERATORS who want to make good money with a great company! Very high percentage take home with load volume even in the worst market conditions – We keep it moving after almost 20 years in business!

Solo Owner Operator Gross Pay

• Expect OTR avg Gross 5K to 8K+ per week during this post covid market.
• We try to conserve fuel and book shorter runs and avoid long hauls. 2000 to 3000 miles per week.
• Most average owners on an average week running average loads earn 6k to 7k weekly even in this crappy market.
• Team drivers make about 1.7 times more gross per peak on average peaking at about 13k per week sometimes. We may or may not consider hiring teams. This market is supporting shorter runs at about 300 to 600 miles or so and is not conducive to team driving.

Wanted

• Owner Operators with 2+ yrs of experience who have reliable trucks! We want good people and will pay good money! We give newer guys a shot because they deserve it, but old-school truckers definitely desired it!

Regions

• Lower 48 with a primary focus is on Midwest, east, southeast, south, southwest, and west regions. 100% Optional High‑paying Canadian loads are offered to qualified applicants. EDIT 08/12/24. Some routes have changed. Ask about it.

Gross Earnings

• Normally $260,000 to $364,000 per year up gross.

Apply Here

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR WORK ETHIC!

We get lots of applicants – some days, too many. We need “A” stringers! Division 1 players. If you need a decent job, we can help but; we are saying this right now: We don’t want unsafe drivers! We don’t want guys who will sit around and miss stops continually. We don’t want guys who are lazy and sit at truck stops all day. This won't be tolerated! If you are motivated and can run and are a good, honest, hard‑working honorable person, then we have a place for you – APPLY NOW! Otherwise, consider Schneider’s of the world. This job is demanding and as long as you’re a professional, we have a place for you. We take this business seriously and we want serious drivers who will do the job to the best of their ability each and every day while on duty. What you make is directly related to your performance and it's entirely up to you how well you do. Thank you kindly, We want the best!

What makes our company different?

• First and foremost, we are NOT a mega‑carrier! You won’t get lost in the mix!
• We have been in business for 20 years and we’ve seen it all. Experienced!
• We have multiple offices in the US covering East, Midwest, and West regions.
• We have 24‑hour dispatch with 2nd and 3rd shift guys in 3 offices. Real guys all night.
• We have built‑in mechanic shops at the Chicago depot for discount maintenance.
• We have a 150,000 Square Foot Warehouse at home base to accommodate load transfers.
• We do dedicated freight with Chicago area companies on a regular basis.
• We care about drivers. We have simple amenities for drivers that make a difference. Full Kitchen, Washer, Dryer, Lounge available at Chicago and Vegas Offices.
• We pride ourselves on your relationship with 4 other Chicago area Carriers. We are all family and help each other out. Mega carrier resources without being a mega carrier!

Perks

• High Gross Percentage!
• No forced dispatch!
• Home Time 100% up to you!
• 24/7 Dispatch to help you out.
• Weekly Direct Deposit!
• We cover Liability and Cargo Insurance in the deal!
• We cover trailer tags with rentals!
• Fuel Cards and Permits Provided at NO COST! 30‑cent discount off cash price.
• Built‑in discount Mechanic Shop to keep your truck in top shape!
• We rent trailers for those who don’t have their own. 2021 and Up!
• Professional dispatch teams fight for top rates year‑round!
• Professional dispatch teams keep you moving!
• You are assigned a dedicated dispatcher who will get to know you!
• Steady contract opportunities available during slower markets but killing it with spot!

Job Description

• Must have Class A CDL. Additional Endorsements a bonus.
• Must Have 2+ yrs CDL Exp.
• Must Have Clean MVR and reasonable PSP report.
• Must Have a Reliable Tractor! We rent trailers if you don’t own one.

Compensation & Benefits

• We Payout VERY HIGH percentages!
• Better than industry rate. 82% of Line Haul! 18/82 split your favor! (We cover cargo and liability!)
• Liability and Cargo Insurance included and paid by us!! It's in the deal. No separate deduction.
• Option to take an 88% of Line Haul deal with $250 deduction for cargo and liability insurance weekly.
• Trailer tags covered and paid by us with trailer rentals!
• Our insurance broker has special rates for Bobtail insurance. 100% Optional to use!
• Hazard and Occupational Insurance available as a deduction. 100% Optional to use!
• Weekly Deduction Programs available for insurance and some expenses (if you need it).
• Cash price Fuel Cards provided. No hidden fees! 30 cent discount off cash price.
• Ability to Make Bonuses with a performance‑based Owner‑Operator of the Month program.
• You are rewarded with Bonuses for passed DOT inspections!! Safety is serious.
• We pay with Weekly Direct Deposit and bank transfers. No need to ever wait for checks.
• Expect OTR avg Gross 5K to 8K+ per week during this post covid market.

Summary of Other Incentives

• Hometime is 100% negotiable! You set your schedule. EDIT: 08/12/24. The pond is empty. Go where the fish are.
• We offer Unlimited miles within ELD Compliance. You want to drive, we have the loads!
• We do Dry Vans and Refer. No flatbeds or dangerous tankers, doubles/triples to hassle with.
• We only accept No Touch Freight.
• We do Drop and Hook as well as Live Load and Unload. EDIT: 08/12/24. We have paused drop and hook for now.
• We Rent Trailers if you need one. Many Owners have their own but we got you covered.
• We have a strict policy about No Forced Dispatch for owner‑operators.
• We will assign a Dedicated Dispatcher to manage your routes.
• On‑Call dispatching available 24/7. Don’t get stuck with a problem overnight!
• Contracts with NTS Breakdown Service help you in a pinch.
• You can Park with a rented trailer near your house for home time.
• Doesn’t matter where you live. Midwest preferred but not required.
• We do allow riders. You must sign a waiver and also have a rider policy.

Driver Requirements

• Truck driving is a demanding job! You have to be healthy and able and willing to work!
• Must have been at least 23 years old.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years of driving experience.
• Must have a valid CDL Class A without pending suspensions.
• Must be able to work with modern ELD systems.
• Must be able to pass a drug test. No acceptations!
• Must have a valid medical card issued.
• Must have a stable work history and good references.
• Must have no more than 3 moving violations and/or accidents in the last 3 years.
• No failed or refused drug or alcohol test in the last 4 years.
• No DWI's, DUI's and BAC's in the last 4 years.
• No reckless driving convictions in the last 3 years.
• No license suspension for points, unpaid tickets in the last 3 years.
• No more than 2 moving violations during the last year.
• Must provide no less than 3 years of work history, non‑driving work history for the past 3 years will also be verified. Previous employers and references will be checked and must be verifiable.

Gross Earnings Explained

We based the "Normal" Solo Driver Gross Earnings estimate on gross of $5000 to $8000+ per week as was consistent in the Q4 2023 all the way to Q4 2024 when this was written. Gross earnings depend on your availability and the number of miles you commit to driving. We normally book loads at an average of 2.30 plus per mile (weekly averages with front and back haul combined). During peak seasons this is higher! Rates fully depend on freight demand, season, geographic location, and other market conditions affecting spot and dedicated market trends and vary from year to year. In some cases, load rates are MUCH higher but it is not consistent. As with all markets globally, rates go up and down. There are Owners who make less who don’t drive very much. There are Owners who make more who drive continually. This all depends on your commitment as well as market conditions going forward. But if you are a driver that likes to drive, we will put you to work and you will make excellent gross earnings. Our dispatch team is dedicated to getting top dollar year-round. After all, we are partners in this. The more you make, the more we make.