Oakley Trucking Pay Scale
Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Oakley Trucking is 100% owner operated, and offers great opportunities for drivers looking for steady work all throughout the year.
Founded in 1968, Oakley leases experienced drivers who are committed to safety and quality, and they pay more than $2 million in contract-performance bonuses each year. Known for their “no door” policy (a play on the “open door” metaphor), Oakley’s turnover rate is 1/3 the industry average – pretty impressive.
Just to clear up any confusion, the Bruce Oakley Trucking in Little Rock, AR is not the same company as Oakley Transport, which is based in Florida.
On paper, working for Oakley sounds like a great opportunity, but is it really one of the best owner operator trucking companies out there? Let’s take a look at the careers the company offers and how much drivers can expect to make.
Oakley Trucking Driving Jobs and Divisions
Oakley offers plenty of opportunities for veteran drivers who want consistent miles and aren’t afraid to take on a challenge.
There are four main divisions drivers can work for: end dump, hopper bottoms, pneumatics and frac sand.
End Dump
As one of the leading end dump trucking companies in the industry, Oakley’s owner-operators love the fact that their freight is fast to load and unload. But don’t mistake quick loading and unloading for an “easy” job. The end dump division has its challenges, and drivers must be ready to meet those challenges every day.
What will you be expected to haul?
- Roofing granules
- Scrap metal
- Grain
- Petroleum coke
- Fertilizer
- Alloys
Both regional and OTR opportunities are available, and drivers can work solo or as part of a team.
Salary for End Dump Drivers
How much can you expect to get paid as an end dump driver?
- Loaded (includes fuel surcharge and anniversary bonus): Starts at $1.54/mile
- Empty (includes fuel surcharge): 1.19/mile
Base pay per mile increases by one cent every year for the first three years. Drivers also receive a one-cent bonus every year for the first three years.
Hopper Bottoms
Considered the least strenuous option, the hopper bottom division does not require an upfront investment in any special equipment. Most drivers will be servicing customers in need of dedicated trailers and fleets.
What does this division haul?
- Sand
- Fertilizer
- Grain
- Feed
- Roofing Granules
The majority of customers that use Oakley’s hopper bottom division are in the pet food manufacturing, farming, roof manufacturing and feed mills industries.
Regional and OTR opportunities are available, and drivers can work either solo or as part of a team.
Tractor weight limit for this division is 18,500 pounds.
Salary for Hopper Bottom Drivers
How much can you expect to earn as a hopper bottom driver?
- Loaded (includes fuel surcharge and anniversary bonus): Starts at $1.29/mile
- Empty (includes fuel surcharge): 1.19/mile
Drivers receive a one-cent base pay increase and a one-cent bonus increase each year for the first three years.
Pneumatics
The pneumatics division is the largest at Oakley, with more than 250 owner operators working in this division.
This division only offers OTR opportunities, but drivers can choose to ride solo or with a team. Two types positions are available: straight pneumatics and vacuum tanks. Pay rates will vary depending on which role you’re in.
Straight pneumatics drivers will haul:
- Flyash
- Catalysts
- Soda ash
- Salt
- Roofing granules
Vacuum tank drivers will haul:
- PVC powder
- Plastic pellets
Salary for Straight Pneumatic Drivers
- Loaded (includes fuel surcharge and anniversary bonus): Starts at $1.66/mile
- Empty (includes fuel surcharge): $1.26/mile
Salary for Vacuum Tank Drivers
- Loaded (includes fuel surcharge, plastic load bonus and anniversary bonus): Starts at $1.71/mile
- Empty (includes fuel surcharge): $1.26/mile
Like the other divisions, Oakley offers a one-cent base pay increase and one-cent bonus increase each year for the first three years. Vacuum tank drivers will receive a five-cent plastic load bonus each year on top of the other increases.
Frac Sand
The frac sand division offers percentage pay and intermittent high-demand cycles, which gives drivers the unique opportunity to earn a lot of money in a short amount of time. Overall mileage is low because drivers live near Oakley’s routes, but the off-road unloading and loading can put a strain on equipment.
The frac sand division hauls:
- Frac Sand
- Roofing Granules
Only solo drivers can work in this division, but both regional and OTR opportunities are available. Drivers will also need to invest in a blower, which is provided by Oakley and installed at their shop in Little Rock.
Salary for Frac Sand Drivers
How much will you earn as a frac sand driver?
- 70% of gross on each load you haul
Again, this division isn’t as consistent as others in terms of available miles, but drivers can earn a lot of money in a short timespan when demand is high.
The Benefits of Working with Oakley
While Oakley does not offer conventional benefits (i.e. medical insurance and retirement), they do offer steady work year-round, and always pay drivers on time.
The company also offers:
- Free permits and base plates
- Paid fuel surcharge on empty and loaded miles
Oakley is family-owned and boasts a solid safety record. They hire only experienced, safe drivers, so you can be sure that you’ll be working with great people.
If you’re interested in becoming an owner-operator and want to make sure that you have consistent work, Oakley fits the bill. The family atmosphere and helpful fleet managers make every day on the road enjoyable.
