Knight-Swift Transportation
$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
Growing Demand
Owner Operator Jobs in Tennessee
Browse owner-op trucking positions across Tennessee with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$145,000 - $291,000+ gross
Demand Level
Growing
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Owner-Op Trucking in Tennessee
Tennessee offers owner-operators strong freight diversity with automotive, retail, and agricultural loads available year-round. Lower operating costs compared to the Northeast help maximize net income. The market for independent operators in Tennessee is growing, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.
Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in TN
View Company
CRST International
$48,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Flatbed
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
$52,000 - $82,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team
Forward Air
$60,000 - $90,000OTR, Regional, LTL, Expedited, Owner-Operator
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
$50,000 - $75,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated
Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in Tennessee
Memphis
Tennessee
Nashville
Tennessee
Jackson
Tennessee
Knoxville
Tennessee
Clarksville
Tennessee
Key Freight Routes in Tennessee
1
I-40 (Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville)
2
I-65 (Nashville to Alabama and Kentucky)
3
I-24 (Nashville to Chattanooga)
Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in TN
- 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 Tennessee
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring owner-op drivers in TN.
Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in Tennessee — FAQs
How much do owner-op truck drivers make in Tennessee?
Owner-Op truck drivers in Tennessee earn $145,000 - $291,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in Tennessee is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses of $3,000 to $15,000 are common at major carriers actively hiring in TN.
Is Tennessee a good state to base an owner-operator business?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?
Yes — owner-op driver demand in Tennessee is growing heading into 2026. The owner-op segment in Tennessee is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in TN.