Orland Park terminal
Drivers based at Orland Park work the Chicago ramps: the crosstown moves between them, and the deliveries from them to docks and yards across the city.
Owner Operator Opportunities · Chicago and Joliet
Drive With Cushing.
Cushing contracts owner operators in Chicago and Joliet, and the intermodal drivers who run for them. Local intermodal work: containers between the rail ramps and the docks and yards waiting for them, dispatched from one desk around the clock.
The Work
Local intermodal work on Chicagoland's rail ramps: crosstown moves from one railroad's ramp to another's, and drayage from the ramps to the docks and warehouses waiting for the containers. No long haul and no living in the truck; it is local work, the kind that gets you home at night. The terminals and the ramps.
Joliet terminal
Drivers based in Joliet work the corridor to the southwest: Union Pacific Global 4, BNSF Logistics Park Chicago in Elwood, and the warehouses around them.
- 15 rail ramps on six railroads
- 20, 40, 45 and 53 foot containers
- Dry boxes on Cushing chassis
- Dispatch 24/7
What Cushing Offers
Rates, the fuel surcharge and the fuel card program are arranged with owner operators. If you drive for an owner operator, talk pay through with that owner operator; dispatch can answer the rest.
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Local work
Chicago and Joliet ramps and Chicagoland deliveries. No long haul, no living in the truck.
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Consistent freight
Containers off 15 rail ramps on six railroads, every day of the week.
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Competitive rates and a fuel surcharge
Set with each owner operator, with detention and dry run pay; settlements every Wednesday.
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A fuel card program
For owner operators running loads with Cushing.
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Dispatch that answers
One desk, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by call or text at 708.656.5050.
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A long term partnership
Cushing looks for safe, reliable carriers who want a long term relationship, and works to make yours succeed.
Pay and Settlements
- Rates
- Arranged with each owner operator, plus a fuel surcharge.
- Detention and dry runs
- Paid.
- Settlements
- Every Wednesday.
- Deductions
- Fuel card purchases and fees; occupational accident insurance.
- Fuel card program
- For owner operators running loads with Cushing.
- Parts
- Tax free when bought through Cushing.
- Drivers who run for an owner operator
- Paid by that owner operator.
The Driver App
Cushing's driver app runs on your phone and takes the paperwork side of the job off your hands.
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Rail tracing
The app traces your container on the railroad, so you know where the box is before you head to the ramp.
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Arrival and departure times
Your arrival and departure at the ramp and the dock are recorded automatically. No calling in your times.
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Document updates
Update your documents from your phone, in the cab, without a trip to the office.
Who Can Apply
Owner operators, and drivers who run for an owner operator. Every driver needs:
- Minimum age 24
- CDL Class A
- Two years of commercial driving experience
- A clean motor vehicle record
- No DUI in the last five years
Apply or Ask a Question
Send the driver application online; Cushing calls or texts you at the number you give. Questions first? Text or call dispatch, or email recruiting.
Already with us? Settlement questions and paperwork: text dispatch.
Questions
Is Cushing accepting owner operators now?
Yes. Cushing is contracting owner operators based in Chicago and Joliet, and the intermodal drivers who run for them. It does not hire drivers as employees. Apply online, or text or call dispatch at 708.656.5050.
Where does the work take place?
Chicago and Joliet ramps and Chicagoland deliveries. No long haul and no living in the truck.
What truck and equipment do I need?
Owner operators bring their own truck; a driver who runs for an owner operator drives that owner operator's truck. The containers ride on Cushing's own chassis. The application asks for your truck's year, make and model, and whether it is a day cab.
What experience is required?
A Class A CDL, two years of commercial driving experience, a clean motor vehicle record, no DUI in the last five years, and age 24 or older.
How does pay work for owner operators?
Owner operators are paid at rates arranged with Cushing, plus a fuel surcharge, with detention and dry run pay. Settlements are paid every Wednesday. The deductions are fuel card purchases and fees, and occupational accident insurance. Parts bought through Cushing come tax free. A driver who runs for an owner operator is paid by that owner operator. Dispatch can tell you what applies to you before you apply.
What documents do I need to apply?
Your CDL: the application asks for a photo of the front and the back. Owner operators should also have their truck registration and proof of bobtail insurance ready for the conversation that follows.
How do I apply?
Send the driver application on this site, with photos of the front and back of your CDL from your phone. Or text or call dispatch at 708.656.5050 with your name, whether you are based in Chicago or Joliet, and whether you own your truck.
What happens after I apply?
Your application reaches Cushing by email. Cushing calls or texts you at the number you gave, to talk through the work, your truck and the requirements. An application is not an agreement; that comes after the conversation and the paperwork.
Who can answer questions before I apply?
Dispatch, by call or text at 708.656.5050, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By email, recruiting at drivers@cushingtrans.com.