CDL-A Step Deck Driver -- OTR Equipment Hauling

Specialized Open-Deck Freight | $2,200–$3,200 Weekly | Full-Time

Primary Hiring Market: Indianapolis, Indiana
Operating Area: Nationwide — Contiguous 48 States

Move Equipment That Requires Skill

We are hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for OTR Step Deck equipment-hauling operations throughout the contiguous United States.

Step Deck hauling requires careful cargo securement, attention to load dimensions, and disciplined route planning. Drivers may transport machinery, industrial components, construction equipment, fabricated steel, and other specialized open-deck freight.

Freight Assignments

Assignments may include:

• Equipment transportation: Machinery moving between dealers, job sites, auctions, and industrial facilities.
• Project freight: Construction equipment, fabricated materials, and industrial components moving on scheduled OTR assignments.
• Recurring customer freight: Repeat freight between established customer locations when available.
• General Step Deck freight: Open-deck loads appropriate for the assigned equipment.

Freight dimensions, weight, clearance, securement requirements, and applicable permits determine trailer suitability and routing.

Compensation & Weekly Earnings

• Gross Weekly Earnings Range: $2,200–$3,200
• Mileage Pay: $0.85–$0.95 per mile, based on the applicable assignment
• Loaded Miles: Paid
• Empty / Deadhead Miles: Paid under the applicable pay plan
• Weekly Mileage: Generally 2,600–3,300 miles when available, subject to freight, legal driving hours, weather, and operating conditions
• Detention: $25 per hour after the first two qualifying hours with documented delay
• Layover: $150 per qualifying 24-hour dispatch-related layover
• Additional Stop: $50 per qualifying additional pickup or delivery
• Tarping: $75 per qualifying load requiring tarping
• Pay Frequency: Weekly
• Payment Method: Direct deposit

Example mileage earnings: 2,600 miles × $0.85 = $2,210; 3,000 miles × $0.90 = $2,700; 3,300 miles × $0.95 = $3,135. Additional qualifying compensation may increase total earnings.

Actual mileage and earnings vary based on dispatched freight, applicable mileage rate, legal driving hours, freight availability, load requirements, and operating conditions. Earnings are not guaranteed.

Trucks & Step Deck Equipment

Equipment may include:

• 2024–2026 Freightliner Cascadia or Volvo VNL sleeper tractors, subject to assignment and availability
• Automatic transmissions
• Governed speeds generally around 70 MPH depending on assigned equipment
• High-roof sleepers with refrigerator, power inverter, air conditioning, and climate-control features
• APU or bunk heater depending on assigned tractor
• 48–53-foot Step Deck trailers
• Chains, binders, straps, edge protection, and tarps
• Electronic logging and digital dispatch/documentation systems

Equipment specifications and availability depend on the applicable assignment.

OTR Operations & Home Time

• OTR operations throughout the contiguous 48 states
• Typical rotation of approximately 21 days on the road with up to five days of home time
• Home-time requests coordinated with dispatch
• Actual lanes and scheduling depend on freight requirements, driver home location, weather, legal driving hours, and operating conditions

Indianapolis, Indiana is the primary hiring market for this opportunity. This is an OTR position and does not represent a dedicated Indianapolis route.

Driver Responsibilities

• Safely operate CDL-A tractor-trailers hauling Step Deck and applicable open-deck freight.
• Inspect tractor, trailer, and securement equipment before and after trips.
• Evaluate cargo weight distribution, height, dimensions, and securement requirements.
• Properly apply and recheck chains, binders, straps, edge protection, and tarps as required.
• Follow applicable permits and approved routing requirements for qualifying oversize or specialized loads.
• Coordinate pickup and delivery appointments.
• Maintain accurate ELD records, bills of lading, PODs, and other required documentation.
• Communicate delays, cargo concerns, equipment problems, and other exceptions promptly.
• Follow applicable DOT/FMCSA safety and Hours-of-Service requirements.
• Communicate professionally with dispatch, shippers, receivers, and other applicable parties.

Driver Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL.
• Current DOT medical qualification.
• Minimum two years of verifiable tractor-trailer driving experience.
• Minimum six months of Step Deck or comparable open-deck experience.
• Practical knowledge of cargo securement, weight distribution, load dimensions, and clearance considerations.
• Driving and safety history meeting applicable carrier and insurance requirements.
• Ability to perform required securement and tarping duties.
• Familiarity with ELDs and required freight documentation.
• Ability to operate safely and independently during extended OTR assignments.
• Professional and dependable communication.

Driver Support & Additional Programs

Depending on the applicable assignment and available carrier programs, drivers may have access to:

• Dispatch support
• Roadside-assistance coordination
• Electronic trip and load information
• Weekly pay information
• Fuel and toll programs where applicable
• Safety or performance incentive programs where available

Eligibility and program terms depend on the applicable assignment and established program requirements.