Class A Owner - Operator OTR Driver

Overview

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. Could be better but we are working.
• 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 peek 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 on Midwest, east, southeast, south, southwest, and west regions. 100% Optional High-paying Canadian loads are offered to qualified applicants. Some routes have changed. Ask about it.

Gross Earnings

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

Apply

• Apply here and get approved today!
  
  

Important Info About Our Work Ethic

• We get lots of applicants – some days, too many. We need “A” stringers! Division 1 players. We don’t want unsafe drivers and we don’t want guys who will sit around and miss stops continually. This job is demanding and we take this business seriously. If you are motivated and can run and are a good, honest, hard-working person, we have a place for you. Otherwise, consider Schneider’s of the world. 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!

Still interested after reading that?

What makes our company different?

• 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 in 3 offices.
• 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 if you need one. 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 in your favor. (We cover cargo and liability)
• Liability and Cargo Insurance included and paid by us. 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
• 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
• 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
• Contracts with NTS Breakdown Service
• 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 have a rider policy

Driver Requirements

• Truck driving is a demanding job. You have to be healthy 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 exceptions
• 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, DUI, or BAC 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 through 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+ 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. 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. 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 around. After all, we are partners in this. The more you make, the more we make.