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High Demand

Owner Operator Jobs in Wisconsin

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

Average Pay

$146,000 - $291,000+ gross

Demand Level

High

Top Carriers

5+ Hiring

Key Cities

5+ Markets

Owner-Op Trucking in Wisconsin

The Midwest's position as America's freight crossroads makes Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is high, with multiple freight brokers and load boards showing strong load availability.

Top Companies Hiring Owner-Op Drivers in WI

Schneider National

$50,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Tanker, Intermodal
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Marten Transport

$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
View Company

Landstar System

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

Mercer Transportation

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

Roadrunner Transportation

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

Top Cities for Owner-Op Jobs in Wisconsin

Green Bay

Wisconsin

Kenosha

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Madison

Wisconsin

Appleton

Wisconsin

Key Freight Routes in Wisconsin

1

I-94 (Milwaukee to Chicago and Minneapolis)

2

I-43 (Milwaukee to Green Bay)

3

I-90/94 (Madison to Milwaukee and Chicago)

Requirements for Owner-Op Driving in WI

  • 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 Wisconsin

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

Owner-Op Trucking Jobs in Wisconsin — FAQs

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

Owner-Op truck drivers in Wisconsin earn $146,000 - $291,000+ gross annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. Wisconsin'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 WI.

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

Wisconsin offers high 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 Wisconsin hiring owner-op drivers in 2026?

Yes — owner-op driver demand in Wisconsin is high heading into 2026. Carriers operating in Wisconsin are actively recruiting owner-op drivers with competitive pay packages and benefits to fill open positions. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in WI.