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Owner Operator Jobs in Iowa, LA (NOW HIRING)

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Owner Operator information

See Iowa, LA salary details

$571

$3.9K

$6.8K

How much do owner operator jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average weekly pay for owner operator in Iowa, LA is $3,896.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,130.77 and $5,796.15 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an owner operator do?

The term Owner-Operator refers to a trucking professional who owns their truck and drives it as an independent contractor. Many companies hire independent operators to haul goods for them. Using contractors allows construction companies to keep pace with the rise and fall of demand for their products without the overhead cost of maintaining a fleet of vehicles that may be insufficient in one season and excessive in another. Owner-Operators need to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the class that allows them to drive their vehicle and have sufficient training in operating and maintaining the machine. They can choose their own schedule and pick which jobs to take.

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

To thrive as an Owner Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), strong knowledge of transportation regulations, and experience in truck driving and logistics. Familiarity with fleet management software, GPS navigation systems, and compliance tools like electronic logging devices (ELDs) is essential. Excellent time management, business acumen, and customer service skills help set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and building a successful, profitable transportation business.

Are owner operators making money?

Owner operators can make a profit depending on factors such as freight rates, operating costs, and efficiency. Successful owner operators typically manage expenses like fuel, maintenance, and insurance while securing consistent loads and maintaining good driving records. Earnings vary widely based on experience, routes, and market conditions.

What is an owner operator?

Owner operators are independent truck drivers or small business owners who own and operate their own commercial vehicles. They either lease their services to larger freight carriers or contract directly with clients to transport goods. Unlike company drivers, owner operators are responsible for managing their own business expenses, such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes. This role offers more autonomy and the potential for higher earnings, but it also comes with greater financial risk and responsibility.

What is the difference between Owner Operator vs Truck Driver?

AspectOwner OperatorTruck Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), business registrationCDL, basic driving license
Work EnvironmentOwn truck, self-managed scheduleCompany-owned trucks, set schedules
EmployerSelf-employed or independent contractorEmployers or carriers
Work FlexibilityHigh, controls own routes and hoursLimited, dictated by employer

Owner Operators own and operate their trucks, managing their own schedules and business. Truck Drivers typically work for a company, following set routes and schedules. The main difference lies in independence and business ownership, with Owner Operators having more control but also more responsibilities.

What are common challenges owner operators face when managing their own trucking business?

Owner Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining cash flow, managing fluctuating fuel costs, and ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained to avoid unexpected downtime. Balancing administrative tasks—like scheduling, invoicing, and compliance—with time on the road can also be demanding. Building relationships with reliable clients or brokers and navigating complex regulations are crucial for long-term success. Staying organized and proactive in handling these responsibilities helps Owner Operators thrive in a competitive industry.
More about Owner Operator jobs

What cities near Iowa, LA are hiring for Owner Operator jobs?

Cities near Iowa, LA with the most Owner Operator job openings:

Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Owner Operator job openings in Iowa, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $202,623 per year, or $97.4 per hour.

Flatbed Owner Operator - 88% Linehaul + 100% Fuel Surcharge, Home Every Weekend

New Waverly Transportation

Deridder, LA

$234K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

New Waverly Transportation (NWT) — a Louisiana-Pacific owned carrier — is leasing on experienced flatbed owner operators who want steady, well-planned freight instead of the spot market rollercoaster.

We pride ourselves on Safety, Service, and Integrity in all we do. Over 50% of our fleet has been with NWT 5+ years, with several drivers past 15 years. When drivers are treated right, they stay.

OWNER OPERATOR COMPENSATION
  • 88% of gross linehaul
  • 100% fuel surcharge paid to you
  • Typical annual gross of $200,000–$250,000+ ($4,500–$5,500 per week gross before fuel surcharge)
  • Weekly pay by ACH direct deposit (two-week hold back, then paid weekly)
  • $1,000 sign-on bonus paid your first week by direct deposit (must stay 6 months or it is deducted from your final settlement)
  • Fuel discount program at all major truck stops
  • IFTA provided — filed and paid at no cost to you
  • No required escrow account; you can set up a maintenance account if you want one
  • Yearly safety bonus, clean inspection bonus, and safety awards
  • Base plate program, trailer lease program (pending availability), and flatbed equipment purchase program
  • ELD, camera, and tablet provided at no cost ($20/week ELD monitoring fee)
  • Group medical, dental, vision, and disability benefits available
FREIGHT & HOME TIME
  • Flatbed freight, primarily building materials
  • Home EVERY weekend, and many drivers get through the house during the week
  • Regional and OTR options available
  • No forced dispatch
  • Year-round, consistent freight volume backed by our Louisiana-Pacific partnership plus an outside customer network
ORIENTATION
  • Online orientation with 5–6 hours on site for inspection, signs, fuel card, and ELD/camera setup
DRIVER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Must meet all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for CDL drivers
  • Minimum 25 years of age
  • Two years verifiable tractor/trailer experience, with 10 years of work history on the application and no gaps
  • Three years verifiable DOT drug and alcohol history
  • Minimum 6 months flatbed experience (pipe, steel, lumber, coils, heavy equipment)
  • Must pass a DOT physical (within the last 30 days or a new physical is required by insurance) and a DOT pre-employment drug screen
  • No more than 3 moving violations in the past 36 months, and no more than 1 in the past 12 months; clean PSP with minimal violations (overall record is reviewed and considered)
  • Must have your own truck, 2000 or newer, that passes DOT and NWT inspection — no company trucks and no truck lease programs

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.

If you are an experienced owner operator looking for steady miles, strong pay, and a company that treats you like a name and not a truck number, we would love to talk.

Requirements
  • Minimum 25 years of age
  • Valid Class A CDL
  • Minimum 2 years verifiable tractor/trailer OTR experience
  • 10 years of work history on the application with no gaps
  • 3 years verifiable DOT drug and alcohol history
  • Minimum 6 months flatbed experience (pipe, steel, lumber, coils, heavy equipment)
  • Must pass a DOT physical (within the last 30 days) and DOT pre-employment drug screen
  • No more than 3 moving violations in the past 36 months and no more than 1 in the past 12 months
  • Clean PSP with minimal violations
  • Must own your own truck, 2000 or newer, that passes DOT and NWT inspection (no company trucks, no truck lease programs)
Benefits
  • 88% of gross linehaul
  • 100% fuel surcharge paid to you
  • Typical annual gross $200,000–$250,000+
  • Weekly pay by ACH direct deposit (2-week hold back)
  • $1,000 sign-on bonus paid the first week
  • Fuel discount program at all major truck stops
  • IFTA provided — filed and paid at no cost to you
  • No required escrow account (optional maintenance account)
  • Yearly safety bonus, clean inspection bonus, and safety awards
  • Trailer lease program (pending availability)
  • Base plate program
  • Flatbed equipment purchase program
  • ELD, camera, and tablet provided at no cost ($20/week monitoring fee)
  • Home every weekend, with many drivers through the house midweek
  • No forced dispatch
  • Year-round freight backed by Louisiana-Pacific ownership
  • Health, dental, vision, and disability insurance available
  • Fuel card
  • Passenger ride along program
  • Pet rider program
  • Referral program
  • Online orientation with only 5–6 hours on site

CDL Class A · Haul: Regional · Freight: Flatbed · Home time: Home every weekend

Pay: $234,000 – $286,000/year