The 5 Best Trucking Companies to Partner for Owner Operators

As an owner operator, you’ll want to choose what company you want to work with wisely, not only to build personal experience but a strong personal portfolio. Before hiring, companies may request a reference to see how past employers viewed your performance, which is all the more reason to go with a company that you know is reliable and secure, before you jump into a new position. With that said, we did the research for you - here are some of the best and most dependable companies to call your temporary home as an owner operator.

MadCo Transportation, Inc.
At MadCo Transportation, the staff treats Owner Operators like family - with core values that include honoring God, family and respecting the body, the company sets high expectations for their drivers, only giving the best in return. Most drivers who stick with MadCo not only start there, but build a strong connection and eventually retire with the company. Various benefits are offered on a human and career-oriented level. Here’s what you should know:

• Mandatory drug tests, background & credit check
• Specialization in flatbeds, step decks and lowboys
• Benefits packages offer health, medical, vision, dental and life insurance
• Investment opportunities to start a retirement fund
• Online Driver Group helps connect community
• High Weekly Income that includes 50-80% gross (variables are operating experience and violation history)
• Owner Operator Income Calculator on website helps drivers find exact pay before they apply
• 24/7 Dispatch & Maintenance Program

Landstar Rangers, Inc.
Landstar Rangers, Inc. knows the benefits of being an owner operator, all the freedoms that come with it, and they completely want to uphold that status. Landstar specifically seeks out solo drivers not in spite of what they do, but because of what they do - they want individual leaders to guide their shipments through the road happily and without feeling trapped. At Landstar, no one is ever forced to take a load, and drivers are free to go home whenever they want. Here’s what you should know:

• Mandatory drug tests & background check
• Felonies/misdemeanors reviewed case-by-case
• Age minimum of 23
• One year of OTR experience
• No violations or incidents in 36 months
• No DUI in 60 months
• 24/7 Dispatch & Maintenance Program
• Search online database for jobs you want
• Market Price model allows revenue to go up for owner operator, as rates do
• Discount Program for parts and service
• Allows Owner Operators to borrow trailers

Maverick
A major player in the trucking industry since 1980, Maverick is the ideal place for beginners, veterans, and anyone in between. This especially calls out to Owner Operators in search of national business, Maverick employing over 2,000 truckers and handling 1,600 mobile units, with a heavy focus on flatbed and glass division transportation. With destinations that range from Canada to Mexico, and all 50 states in between, you’ll have the opportunity to see the world while being treated like a king. Here’s what you should know:

• Age minimum of 21
• One-year OTR experience
• Pay includes $1.25/mile
• $1,000 guaranteed weekly pay
• Chance to make $77K per year
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training Pay through Student Truck Driver Program
• $3K sign-on bonus for trailer leasing
• Flatbed Division Pay gives drivers 64-68% of gross
• Company fuel access
• Service discounts

JRV Logistics
Founded by an owner operator turned fleet manager, JRV Logistics is a family-owned network founded in 2014. Growing to include more sprawl, the company operates throughout 46 U.S. states, and holds a focus on flatbed, heavy and specialized transportation, almost all types of trucks and levels of expertise welcome. Due to the company’s new status, they offer an especially high gross percentage. Here’s what you should know:

• Drug test and background check required
• 2 years of OTR experience
• No felonies in past 15 years
• No more than 2 violations in past 2 years
• Truck can’t be more than 8 years old
• Up to 90% of gross received
• Potential weekly income of $5K - $7K
• Self-dispatch options
• Fuel card discounts
• Signing bonus
• Military discounts

May Trucking Company
An aged company that’s been in the industry since 1945, May Trucking is an America-focused fleet that operates out of 11 states, making drops in all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Having received countless awards including Top 250 Trucking Companies and The Great West Safety Award, May Trucking is known for its forward-thinking approach that extends beyond safety and into the realm of partnerships with eco-friendly companies to create carbon reducing programs, as well as vet-friendly programs. They are also really kind to owner operators. Here’s what you should know:

• Age minimum of 21
• Must speak/read English well
• Physical exam required
• Must drive a CMV
• Veterans Tuition Reimbursement Program allows vets to take CDL training for free
• Vets can receive extra pay for two years
• Medical, dental, life and prescription insurance offered after 60 days
• 401K starts after 6 months
• Felonies reviewed case-by-case
• No DUIs from the past 5 years