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Forward Air Owner Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cultivate and drive the fleet growth of Owner Operators, Independent Contractors, and Company ... Recruiting/Sales experience is a plus Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer. #LI-Onsite #LI ...

Cultivate and drive the fleet growth of Owner Operators, Independent Contractors, and Company ... Recruiting/Sales experience is a plus Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer. #LI-Onsite #LI ...

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Forward Air Owner Operator information

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$644

$4.4K

$7.7K

How much do forward air owner operator jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average weekly pay for forward air owner operator in the United States is $4,395.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,403.85 and $6,538.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is forward air legit?

Forward Air Owner Operators are independent contractors who transport freight for the company, and the company is a legitimate logistics provider. However, as with any contracting opportunity, it is important to verify the specific terms, payment structure, and reputation before committing. Many drivers find the role offers consistent work, but due diligence is recommended to ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs.

What type of owner-operators make the most money?

In the trucking industry, owner-operators who operate high-demand freight, such as specialized or oversized loads, and maintain efficient routes tend to earn higher income. Those with newer, well-maintained trucks, good driving records, and strong customer relationships can also increase profitability. Additionally, owner-operators who work longer hours or own multiple trucks often generate more revenue.

What are some common challenges Forward Air Owner Operators face when managing their schedules and loads?

Forward Air Owner Operators often enjoy flexible schedules, but managing load availability and planning efficient routes can be challenging. Balancing time on the road with personal commitments requires strong organizational skills, especially when coordinating with dispatchers and customers. Additionally, Owner Operators are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and handling administrative tasks like billing, which can add to their workload. Effective communication and proactive planning help overcome these hurdles, ensuring steady income and work-life balance.

How much do most owner-operators make?

Most owner-operators in the trucking industry earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, routes, and equipment. Earnings can vary widely based on load volume, fuel costs, and operational efficiency, with successful operators often managing their own schedules and expenses.

What is the difference between Forward Air Owner Operator vs Independent Contractor?

AspectForward Air Owner OperatorIndependent Contractor
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), operating authorityVaries by industry, often requires business licenses
Work EnvironmentTrucking, freight hauling, logisticsVaries; can include multiple industries and roles
Employer/Industry UsageMajor freight carriers, logistics companiesMultiple industries, including transportation, construction, consulting
Search/Comparison IntentYesLess common

Forward Air Owner Operators typically operate under a carrier, hauling freight with specific credentials like a CDL. Independent Contractors may work across various industries, often with different licensing requirements. The main difference lies in the industry focus and employment structure, with owner operators being specialized in freight logistics for carriers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forward Air Owner Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forward Air Owner Operator, you need a valid CDL-A license, a clean driving record, business management skills, and experience in long-haul trucking. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation, and load management software is typically required. Excellent time management, self-motivation, and customer service skills help you maintain schedules and build strong client relationships. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and achieving sustained profitability in an owner-operator trucking business.

What is the best company to work for as an owner-operator?

For owner-operators in the freight industry, reputable companies offer competitive pay, good support, and reliable loads. Factors such as fuel discounts, maintenance programs, and flexible schedules are also important when choosing a company to work for as an owner-operator.

What is a Forward Air Owner Operator?

A Forward Air Owner Operator is an independent truck driver or small business owner contracted to haul freight for Forward Air, a transportation and logistics company. These owner operators use their own trucks to move time-sensitive and high-value cargo across the country. They are responsible for managing their own business operations, including maintenance, compliance, and scheduling, while benefiting from Forward Air’s established freight network and support services. This arrangement allows for greater independence and earning potential compared to company driver positions.
More about Forward Air Owner Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Forward Air Owner Operator jobs? Cities with the most Forward Air Owner Operator job openings:
What states have the most Forward Air Owner Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Forward Air Owner Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forward Air Owner Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $228,575 per year, or $109.9 per hour.
Driver Recruiter

Driver Recruiter

Forward Air

Groveport, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position: Driver Recruiter
Location: Groveport, OH
Job Description:
The Driver Recruiter is responsible for the successful recruitment of Owner Operators, Independent Contractors, & Company Drivers by employing best practices in the areas of relationship building, utilizing inbound and outbound sales calling techniques, and advocating the company's ethical standards by hiring/partnering with the best of the best drivers in the industry.
Core Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Cultivate and drive the fleet growth of Owner Operators, Independent Contractors, and Company Drivers
  • Lead generation and development
  • Inbound and outbound call campaigns, including cold calling
  • Represent the Company with Integrity and Professionalism
  • Must work as a team to meet weekly/monthly/quarterly recruiting and retention goals
  • Communicate with driver applicants regarding placement and application status
  • Execution of innovative and cost-effective recruiting plans to meet fleet goals and objectives
  • Work to improve the effectiveness of all driver placement sources
  • Generate and manage application flow for area of responsibility
  • Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Desire for a long-term career with an industry leading company
  • Ability to present and maintain a positive corporate image in a fast paced environment
  • Willingness to learn all DOT and CSA2010 rules and regulations pertaining to the qualifications of Drivers
  • Proactively establish and maintain effective working team relationships with all support departments
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products including; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
  • Experience with CRM or ATS tools (Tenstreet a plus)
Skills:
  • Ideal candidate will possess a "can do" attitude with a "will do" work ethic
  • Must have the ability to work in a fast paced/high volume sales environment
  • Transportation industry knowledge and experience is a plus
  • Recruiting/Sales experience is a plus
Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.
#LI-Onsite #LI-LA1

 
Forward Air is a leading asset-light provider of transportation services across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. We provide expedited less-than-truckload services, including local pick-up and delivery, shipment consolidation/deconsolidation, warehousing, and customs brokerage by utilizing a comprehensive national network of terminals. In addition, we offer truckload brokerage services, including dedicated fleet services, and intermodal, first and last-mile, high-value drayage services, both to and from seaports and railheads, dedicated contract and Container Freight Station warehouse and handling services. Forward also operates a full portfolio of multimodal solutions, both domestically and internationally, via Omni Logistics. Omni Logistics is a global provider of air, ocean, and ground services for mission-critical freight. We are more than a transportation company. Forward is a single resource for your shipping needs

We move freight, but we're powered by people. Whether you're in the warehouse, on the road, or behind the screen, every teammate keeps our global business in motion and brings logistics to life.