Class A OTR Truck Driver - Houston, TX Home

Class A CDL OTR Truck Drivers

We are actively hiring experienced Class A CDL OTR Truck Drivers for our modern fleet who live in the Houston, TX area and surrounding communities. Houston is one of our strongest markets with high volumes of freight moving in and out of the region. Our routes are structured to originate and return efficiently through this area, giving drivers solid home time while running consistent nationwide OTR loads.

Typical Pay Highlights:

• 30% of line haul OR 65 per mile + bonuses (the choice most solo drivers prefer).
• Average weekly gross: $1,900 - $2,400 (with peaks reaching $2,700+ on legal hours).
• Switch between percentage and miles pay whenever you choose.
• Full-time floor in 2025 was $104,130 - no steady driver earned less.
• Top performers reached $145,000 last year.
• Anyone who wants to put in the effort will make good money!

Pay Details & Realistic Expectations: Pay is 100% performance-based. In 2025, 87% of our drivers went with the 30% percentage plan because it consistently delivered better earnings in the current market. Slow season (Q1) typically ranges from $1,900$2,100 per week with some weeks hitting $2,400. Peak seasons (Q2 and Q4) usually run $2,100$2,400 with some $2,700 weeks. Q3 is somewhere between. Consistent drivers earned between $115,000 and $125,000 in 2025. This seasonal pattern has been reliable for the past 25 years.

Pay Options:

• Percentage Pay (Best Option for Most Solos) - We pay up to 30% of line haul plus bonuses. We intentionally keep miles lower on percentage (2,0002,500 in slow season and up to 3,000 in busy season) because it boosts take-home pay, cuts fuel costs, and reduces driver fatigue.
• Miles Pay Option - Switch at any time. Up to 65 cents per mile plus bonuses based on experience and record. Typical miles: 2,5003,600 per week.
• Team Pay (Miles Only) - Up to 75 per mile split. Average $2,000$2,600 per driver per week. Note: Solo percentage pay is currently the stronger choice in this market.

Important Info About Our Work Ethic: We receive a high volume of applications and are selective - we only want "A" stringers and true professionals. Motivated, honest, and hard-working drivers earn excellent money and are treated like family. If you prefer coasting, missing stops, or spending time at truck stops, this is not the right opportunity. We are fair, but you get what you put in. This is real OTR work. Sound harsh? Good. The truth matters.

We still miss the veteran drivers who left after the 2019 ELD mandate. Respect to everyone still out here grinding.

What Makes DSL Express Different:

• We are an established company with 25 years in business since 2001 - large enough to provide strong support and resources, yet small enough that you won't feel like just another number.
• We welcome veterans and offer fair-chance employment to anyone ready to work hard.
• 24/7 dispatch from three offices with real experienced staff.
• Modern trucks (mostly automatics with some manuals available) equipped with fridges and inverters.
• Company-owned mechanic shops in Chicago and Las Vegas.
• Dedicated dispatchers who get to know you and how you like to run.
• All no-touch freight in dry van or reefer trailers.
• Strong carrier partnerships that give us major-company capabilities with a family-owned feel.

Perks:

• No forced dispatch.
• Take the truck home on hometime with parking support.
• Fuel cards and EZ-Passes provided.
• Weekly direct deposit.
• Flexible and reliable home time.
• Hazard occupational insurance (lost wages, medical, and beneficiary coverage).
• Monthly bonuses for safety, delivery, and communication.
• Bonuses for passing DOT inspections.

Job Description:

• Class A CDL required (additional endorsements a plus).
• Minimum 2+ years verifiable CDL experience.
• Clean MVR and acceptable PSP report.
• Dry van or reefer - all no-touch freight.
• Must be comfortable with modern ELD systems and able to pass pre-employment drug screen.

Driver Requirements:

• Must be physically fit and ready for the demands of over-the-road driving.
• Valid Class A CDL with no pending suspensions.
• Current valid medical card.
• No failed or refused drug/alcohol tests in the last 4 years.
• No DWI, DUI, or BAC convictions in the last 4 years.
• No reckless driving convictions in the last 3 years.
• No more than 3 moving violations or accidents in the last 3 years.
• No license suspension for points or unpaid tickets in the last 3 years.
• No more than 2 moving violations in the past year.
• At least 3+ years of verifiable work history (including non-driving time).

We want serious, good people who take this job seriously. Apply today.