Landstar System
$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Moderate Demand
Owner Operator Jobs in Montana
Browse owner-op trucking positions across Montana with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$156,000 - $312,000+ gross
Demand Level
Moderate
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Owner-Op Trucking in Montana
Owner-operators in Montana can command premium rates for mountain freight that requires specialized knowledge. Energy, mining, and agricultural loads offer steady revenue for independent truckers. The market for independent operators in Montana is moderate, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.
Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in MT
View Company
Roadrunner Transportation
$58,000 - $88,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Owner-Operator
Mercer Transportation
$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Knight-Swift Transportation
$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
CRST International
$48,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Flatbed
Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in Montana
Helena
Montana
Billings
Montana
Missoula
Montana
Bozeman
Montana
Great Falls
Montana
Key Freight Routes in Montana
1
I-90 (east-west through Billings and Missoula)
2
I-15 (Helena to Canada and Idaho)
3
US-2 (Hi-Line northern MT)
Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in MT
- 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 Montana
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in MT.
Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in Montana — FAQs
How much do owner-op truck drivers make in Montana?
Owner-Op truck drivers in Montana earn $156,000 - $312,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. Montana'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 MT.
Is Montana a good state to base an owner-operator business?
Montana offers moderate 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 Montana hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?
Yes — owner-op driver demand in Montana is moderate heading into 2026. The owner-op segment in Montana is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in MT.