Flexible / Owner-Operator Jobs for Entry Level Drivers
You choose your own schedule. Trucking positions for drivers with 6 months - 1 year experience. Pay: $45,000 - $55,000.
Flexible / Owner-Operator Trucking for Entry Level Drivers
Owner-operators and independent contractors set their own schedules. You decide when to drive, when to go home, and which loads to accept. This freedom comes at the cost of self-employment responsibilities: you handle your own insurance, maintenance, fuel, taxes, and load booking. Schedule flexibility is the primary reason many experienced drivers go independent.
You have completed your initial training period and have been driving solo for several months. You are building confidence in your skills and establishing your safety record. At this stage, more carriers are willing to hire you and pay rates start improving noticeably.
Companies Hiring
Tips
- 💡 Start building relationships with dispatchers and load planners — drivers who communicate well and are flexible with loads get the best freight assignments.
- 💡 After 6 months of clean driving, update your resume and start exploring carriers that pay significantly more than training companies. You now have leverage.
- 💡 Consider getting your hazmat endorsement — it opens higher-paying loads and sets you apart from other entry-level drivers with only basic CDL-A credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can entry level drivers get flexible / owner-operator jobs?
Some carriers offer flexible / owner-operator positions for entry level drivers, though options are more limited. Most flexible / owner-operator jobs require 6-12 months of experience.
How much do flexible / owner-operator drivers with 6 months - 1 year experience make?
Flexible / Owner-Operator drivers with 6 months - 1 year of experience typically earn $45,000 - $55,000. Pay varies by carrier and route assignment.
Which companies hire entry level drivers for flexible / owner-operator routes?
Top carriers for flexible / owner-operator entry level positions include Landstar System (agent-based), Mercer Transportation, Heartland Express, USA Truck. Apply through our careers page for current openings.