Mercer Transportation: A Trusted Partner for Owner-Operators

In the world of trucking, where the open road beckons and the promise of independence fuels the ambition of many, Mercer Transportation stands as a beacon of excellence. With over four decades of experience and a fleet of more than 2,300 trucks, Mercer Transportation has earned its reputation as one of America’s top carriers and a leading owner-operator company in the country. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Mercer Transportation has a lot to offer to owner-operators seeking a thriving partnership.

A Long-Standing Legacy

Established in the heart of the United States, Mercer Transportation has been a driving force in the trucking industry since its inception. What sets Mercer apart is its commitment to excellence and the unparalleled support it offers to owner-operators. The company’s open-door policy encourages contractors to work closely with their freight directors, fostering a sense of collaboration and partnership.

A Home Away From Home

Mercer Transportation understands that life on the road can be challenging. That’s why they provide an on-site driver’s lounge that offers showers, TV rooms, a laundry facility, and 24-hour parking. This amenity-rich environment ensures that drivers can relax and refresh before hitting the road again.

Diverse Hauling Opportunities

One of the advantages of working with Mercer is the diverse range of commodities owner-operators can haul. From steel and iron to building materials, machinery, military freight, and glass, Mercer provides a variety of options to cater to different hauling preferences and skills.

Versatile Services

Mercer Transportation offers a range of services to accommodate various cargo needs, including stepdeck, flatbed, and dry van hauling. This versatility allows owner-operators to diversify their load types and broaden their earning potential.

Accessible Load Board

For owner-operators seeking to find available loads, Mercer Transportation offers the Mercer Brokerage online load board, accessible both on desktop and mobile devices. The load board features robust search filters, allowing drivers to find loads that precisely match their criteria, such as origin, destination, availability, and trailer type. Advanced search options further refine results by factors like maximum scale weight, tarp height, hazmat certification, and more.

No Competition with Company Drivers

One notable advantage of working with Mercer is that they don’t own any trucks themselves. This means owner-operators don’t have to worry about competing with company drivers for available loads, ensuring a fair distribution of opportunities.

Rigorous Owner-Operator Requirements

While Mercer offers an inviting environment for owner-operators, they also uphold strict criteria to maintain their high standards. To work with Mercer, owner-operators must meet several requirements, including:

• Being at least 25 years of age.
• Holding a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Having at least one recent year of verifiable interstate trucking experience, with a minimum of 6 months on flatbed.
• Maintaining a clean driving record.
• Possessing a current D.O.T. long-form physical and medical card.
• Having experience preparing a Driver’s Daily Log.

Owner-operators can choose to bring their own trailer or take advantage of Mercer’s lease-purchase or rental program.

Orientation and Support

Before starting their journey with Mercer, contractors must attend a 2-3 day orientation program held in Louisville, Kentucky. While orientation is unpaid, breakfast and lunch are provided. Trucks are assigned a central truck coordinator, who manages approximately 40 trucks, ensuring personalized attention and efficient freight movement.

Freedom from Forced Dispatch

One of the key benefits of working with Mercer is the freedom from forced dispatch. Owner-operators have the autonomy to choose the loads that suit their preferences and schedules.

Permits and Licensing

To join Mercer, owner-operators need to provide certain permits and licensing documentation, including truck and trailer titles (if bringing their own), a copy of a long-form physical, a copy of the 2290 FHUT market period, and more. Mercer guides contractors through the process, ensuring all necessary documents are in order.

Competitive Compensation

Mercer Transportation pays owner-operators 75% to 99% of the line haul and 100% of the fuel surcharge. The company also covers cargo and liability insurance, providing peace of mind for contractors.

When it comes to earnings, owner-operators working with Mercer can expect competitive pay. According to third-party tools and surveys, the average salary for a Mercer owner-operator falls within the range of $56,743 to $116,198 per year. Mercer also offers annual incentives of up to $1,000 based on safety, mileage, and years of service. Additional benefits include a pet policy, passenger policy, fuel discounts, tire discounts, and a customer base of more than 12,000.

A Trusted Choice

While some may consider Mercer’s pay rates to be on the lower side for owner-operators, it’s important to note that these figures reflect take-home pay after covering the costs of running a business. Mercer Transportation offers consistent work with a reliable company and a vast customer network. The absence of competition with company drivers and the opportunity to earn a percentage of the load make Mercer a trusted choice for owner-operators seeking a prosperous and enduring partnership.

In conclusion, Mercer Transportation has established itself as a leader in the trucking industry, offering owner-operators a supportive environment, diverse hauling opportunities, and competitive compensation. With a legacy spanning over four decades, Mercer continues to be a top choice for those who value excellence and partnership on the open road.

Information based from 08/2023 – Check for Updates.