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Lease Owner Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

$220K/yr

Looking for Owner Operators to Partner with Decker Truck Line. Owner Operator Advantages - Partner ... Lease Purchase Options.

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Lease Owner Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$15

$26

$36

How much do lease owner operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lease owner operator in Michigan is $26.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.21 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lease owner operator?

Lease owner operators are truck drivers who lease their vehicles from a trucking company rather than owning them outright. They operate their own business while hauling freight for the company, often having more flexibility and responsibility compared to company drivers. Lease owner operators are responsible for the costs of maintaining their truck, fuel, insurance, and other expenses, but may benefit from higher earning potential and greater independence. This arrangement allows drivers to work towards eventual truck ownership while building their business skills.

What is the difference between Lease Owner Operator vs Independent Truck Driver?

AspectLease Owner OperatorIndependent Truck Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), leasing agreementsCDL, basic trucking experience
Work EnvironmentOperate under lease agreements, often with a carrierOperate independently or with a small fleet
Employer/Industry UsageLeasing companies, freight carriersSelf-employed, owner-operators, small fleets
Search/Comparison IntentYesYes

Lease Owner Operators typically lease their trucks from a carrier and operate under specific agreements, often with more structured support. Independent Truck Drivers own or lease their trucks outright and operate more independently. Both roles require a CDL and involve freight hauling, but Lease Owner Operators usually work within a carrier’s network, while Independent Truck Drivers have more control over their routes and schedules.

What are some common challenges lease owner operators face when managing both driving and business operations?

Lease Owner Operators often juggle the dual responsibilities of driving and running their own small business. This means, in addition to safely delivering freight, they handle tasks like bookkeeping, scheduling maintenance, securing loads, and managing cash flow. Staying compliant with regulations and optimizing routes for profitability can also be challenging, especially without the administrative support found in company driver roles. Successful Lease Owner Operators are proactive with planning and use efficient systems to balance these demands while building strong relationships with dispatchers and clients.

What does a lease owner operator do?

A lease owner operator works as an independent contractor for a trucking company rather than an employee. Your duties in this career include driving a truck or vehicle you own, lease, or finance to deliver goods for a company, or multiple companies, on a contract basis. Your financial responsibilities include truck payments, gas, maintenance, repairs, taxes, and other business expenses related to owning the vehicle and operating your business. Lease owner operators have excellent driving records and driving skills, especially with regards to large trucks. You can work as a lease owner operator on a full-time or part-time schedule with flexible hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lease owner operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lease Owner Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and a strong understanding of logistics and trucking regulations. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation, and basic vehicle maintenance tools is typically required. Excellent time management, business acumen, and strong communication skills help you stand out in managing contracts and client relationships. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient transport operations and sustaining a profitable trucking business.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lease Owner Operator jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Lease Owner Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Lease Owner Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,968 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Owner Operator Truck Driver Dedicated Opportunity - Lease Purchase

U.S. Xpress

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$156K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


U.S. Xpress rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 360 rated logistics


Job description

  • Drive Dedicated with U.S. Xpress:

PAY:
  • $1.73 per mile + fuel surcharge
  • $295 unload
  • $140 backhaul
  • $3,000 - $3200 weekly gross before expenses (Annually $156k - $166k)

HOME TIME:
  • Home Weekly with a full 34 hour reset

WHAT WE OFFER:
  • 100% touch freight (box by box with rollers)
  • Average 1,100 miles per week and expect to pull at least 3 loads per week.
  • Running Area: primarily IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, WI

Interested in becoming an Owner Operator? Your path to truck ownership starts with U.S. Xpress. Ask about our No Money Down, No Credit Check, Walkaway Lease!

What U.S. Xpress employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Xpress logo

About U.S. Xpress

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Who We Are: Relentlessly Delivering Big Ideas. U.S. Xpress is one of the nation's largest asset-based trucking companies. But the most valuable asset we offer isn't tractors, trailers, or even our exclusive, cutting-edge technology. It's the collective brainpower of thousands of visionaries and problem-solvers. Together, we are revolutionizing the transportation industry by providing innovative, custom solutions. And, here, we believe in the sanctity of a promise-both to our customers, and our people. When we focus our varied talents on reshaping the future of transportation, that's what we call the POWER OF U.S.

Industry

Couriers and messengers services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1986