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Growing Demand

Owner Operator Jobs in Missouri

Browse owner-op trucking positions across Missouri with top carriers hiring now.

Average Pay

$143,000 - $285,000+ gross

Demand Level

Growing

Top Carriers

5+ Hiring

Key Cities

5+ Markets

Owner-Op Trucking in Missouri

The Midwest's position as America's freight crossroads makes Missouri a strategic base for owner-operators. Load availability is high in both directions, reducing deadhead miles and maximizing revenue per mile. The market for independent operators in Missouri is growing, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.

Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in MO

Prime Inc.

$50,000 - $80,000+OTR, Regional, Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed
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Roadrunner Transportation

$58,000 - $88,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Owner-Operator
View Company

Landstar System

$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
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Mercer Transportation

$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
View Company

Werner Enterprises

$52,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal
View Company

Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in Missouri

St. Louis

Missouri

Kansas City

Missouri

Springfield

Missouri

Columbia

Missouri

Joplin

Missouri

Key Freight Routes in Missouri

1

I-70 (Kansas City to St. Louis)

2

I-44 (Springfield to St. Louis)

3

I-35 (Kansas City north-south)

Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in MO

  • Valid CDL-A license with 2+ years verifiable experience
  • Own or lease a truck meeting carrier/DOT specifications
  • Active motor carrier authority (MC number) or willingness to lease onto a carrier
  • Current IFTA registration and fuel tax compliance
  • Commercial auto liability insurance ($1M minimum for most carriers)
  • Clean CSA scores and satisfactory safety rating

Start Your Owner-Op Driving Career in Missouri

Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in MO.

Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in Missouri — FAQs

How much do owner-op truck drivers make in Missouri?

Owner-Op truck drivers in Missouri earn $143,000 - $285,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. Missouri's central location and freight density help drivers maintain consistent miles, which translates to strong annual earnings. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 to $15,000 are common at major carriers actively hiring in MO.

Is Missouri a good state to base an owner-operator business?

Missouri offers growing freight volumes for owner-operators, with balanced inbound and outbound freight that minimizes deadhead miles. Operating costs including fuel, permits, and insurance should be factored against the state's load-to-truck ratio when choosing a home base.

Are trucking companies in Missouri hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?

Yes — owner-op driver demand in Missouri is growing heading into 2026. The owner-op segment in Missouri is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in MO.