Mercer Transportation Driver Pay
Top Tier — #2 of 40$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Mercer Transportation Pay Overview
Mercer is exclusively an owner-operator flatbed carrier — they do not employ company drivers. BCOs receive 72-78% of linehaul revenue, with specialized and heavy-haul loads commanding premium rates. Net take-home after expenses (truck payment, fuel, insurance, maintenance, tarps, chains) typically runs $70,000-$120,000 for flatbed and higher for specialized/heavy-haul. Mercer is considered one of the premier flatbed carriers for experienced owner-operators.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | Not applicable — 2 years flatbed required |
| 1-3 years | $150,000 - $200,000 gross |
| 3-5 years | $180,000 - $230,000 gross |
| 5-10 years | $200,000 - $260,000 gross |
| 10+ years | $220,000 - $280,000+ gross |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Flatbed (Standard) | 72-78% of revenue |
| Step Deck | 72-78% of revenue |
| Specialized/Heavy Haul | 70-80% of revenue |
| RGN (Lowboy) | 72-80% of revenue |
Pay by Job Type
OTR (Flatbed)
$150,000 - $250,000 gross
per year
Specialized/Oversized
$180,000 - $300,000+ gross
per year
Heavy Haul
$200,000 - $350,000+ gross
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
No sign-on bonuses — owner-operator revenue model
Safety Bonus
Safety recognition programs
Referral Bonus
Referral programs through agent network
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel discount program (savings up to $0.20/gal)
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Occupational accident insurance available (not employer-provided) |
| Dental | Not employer-provided — independent contractors |
| Vision | Not employer-provided — independent contractors |
| Retirement | Not employer-provided — owner-operators manage own retirement |
| Paid Time Off | Not applicable — independent contractors set own schedules |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Not applicable |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly settlements via direct deposit
Home Time
Self-determined — choose your own loads, no forced dispatch
Per Diem
Owner-operators can deduct per diem on taxes ($69/day IRS rate)
How Mercer Transportation Pay Compares
Mercer Transportation ranks #2 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Top Tier for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Mercer Transportation (this carrier) | $150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators) |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Mercer Transportation owner-operators make?
Mercer owner-operators gross $150,000-$280,000+ annually depending on equipment type and freight. After expenses (truck, fuel, insurance, maintenance), net take-home is typically $70,000-$120,000+ for standard flatbed and higher for specialized/heavy-haul.
What percentage does Mercer pay?
Mercer pays 72-78% of linehaul revenue to owner-operators, depending on the load type and whether it comes through Mercer's agent network. Specialized and heavy-haul loads may have different commission structures but typically pay premium rates.
Does Mercer have company drivers?
No, Mercer Transportation is exclusively an owner-operator carrier. All drivers are independent contractors who own their own flatbed, step deck, or specialized equipment. Mercer provides the freight network, dispatch support, and insurance programs.
What experience does Mercer require?
Mercer requires a minimum of 2 years CDL-A experience with flatbed hauling experience. They haul heavy and oversized loads that require expertise in securement (chains, binders, tarps). This is not an entry-level carrier.
Is Mercer good for flatbed owner-operators?
Mercer is widely considered one of the best carriers for flatbed owner-operators. No forced dispatch, high revenue percentages, a strong agent-driven freight network, and fuel discount programs make it a top choice for experienced flatbed haulers based in Louisville, KY and nationwide.
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