Business Opportunities

Run with the Best

2007-09-20T10:11:17Z

Mercer Transportation is always seeking dependable owner-operators who are interested in building successful careers. We need your skills and your equipment to move our freight. If you are looking to take a turn for the better, you’ve come to the right place.

Mercer is continuously leasing on owner-operators who offer flatbed, dry van or step deck services. With the best safety and compliance record and the lowest claim and occurrence rate in the industry, we are proud to offer our owner operators consistent freight and a wide variety of commodities to haul. In addition, Mercer promotes a supportive family-oriented atmosphere, generous and convenient home time, as well as supplemental programs such as TripPak Express and optional worker’s compensation coverage.

As an owner-operator, you own your own business- now it is time to own the road. Mercer offers the opportunities and supportive atmosphere needed to secure all of the benefits that you deserve.

Downloadable Information Packet

Major Provisions of Contract

2007-09-20T10:13:20Z

Mercer offers these contract highlights:

75% of gross revenue (excluding 1% insurance surcharge – vans no surcharge).
Paid promptly after every trip.
$350 total escrow deposit deducted over first four months.
You may have to pay up to first $1,000 charge for cargo or liability claim.

Mercer does not charge state fuel and mileage taxes, unless trip leased to another carrier.

Why should you choose Mercer?

2007-09-20T10:18:46Z

Mercer is a 100% owner-operator company. Our contractors drive our success. We value their skill and hard work so we treat them right, with:

No company trucks to compete with for freight
No forced dispatch and no up-front sign-on fees
First in/ first choice
Open door policy at the home office
Valuable safety, revenue and years-of-service credits
Prompt settlements through our Quick Pay program
Mercer coordinator to help with planning and other needs
Fuel tax filed and paid by Mercer

Choose Your Own Road

Mercer’s freight is consistent. Our nationwide network of freight agent offices helps us create a large customer base, which allows us to keep trucks moving. Mercer offers owner-operators a variety of commodities to haul such as iron, steel, pipe, machinery, building materials, glass and military freight. Mercer has been ranked as one of the top five carriers nationwide for government traffic, making us the proud recipient of the Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC) Quality Carrier Award.

Our freight movement is not concentrated in a few lanes, but moves to all points in North America. With many choices available and no forced dispatch, owner-operators have the ability to directly control their profitability with ample opportunities to get to or through “the house.”

Work Directly With One Coordinator

All trucks are assigned a central truck coordinator with a dedicated 800 WATS line. Mercer coordinators manage teams of about 30 trucks. This allows ample time to address each owner-operators needs and to coordinate their movement through the Mercer system in a safe, efficient and profitable manner. Freight is offered on a first-in/first choice basis, and there is no forced dispatch.

Prompt Settlement From A Stable Company

Since Mercer’s founding in 1977, it has been the company’s goal to have the fastest truck pay in the industry. Mercer has earned the reputation for paying owner-operators promptly after each trip delivered. In addition, there are a variety of payment options available. Financial stability is demonstrated by mercer’s continued growth- all without outside acquisitions.

Our Door Is Always Open

Mercer’s open door policy means there are no barriers or restrictions between the owner-operators and the Mercer staff. Mercer does not operate a “behind closed doors” business and owner operators are welcomed and encouraged to make themselves at home at the Louisville headquarters and deal directly with their coordinator. The personal attention and open atmosphere are key to the success of the contractors and the company.

Mercer's Minimum Requirements

2009-08-17T16:31:56Z

Minimum Requirements for Owner Operators

25 Years Old. Under certain circumstances, 23 or 24-year-olds may be accepted.
One year of recent verifiable experience in interstate trucking with six months experience on flatbed. (An additional day of orientation may be required with fewer than six months flatbed experience.)
Good driving record with respect to accidents and traffic violations.
No felony convictions in the last 10 years.
Current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Hazmat endorsement.
Current D.O.T. long form physical and card.
Experience in proper preparation of Driver’s Daily Log.
Ability to speak and read English.
Driver must have TWIC card with him when coming to orientation. If not, he must apply and give proof of application before being cleared to drive.
Contractors leasing on with own trailer must have all required equipment or 100% of cost at time of purchase.

48-State Fleet Minimum Requirements

Clean, neat diesel tandem that must be able to scale 45,000 lbs.Tractor must be a 1997 model or newer.
Minimum 48’ flatbed, 48’ Air Ride Step Deck or 53’ dry van Air Ride. Prefer 53’ X 102’, 13’6 with 2 load locks and swinging doors on dry vans. Step decks are required to have 40' bottom deck.
Must be able to pass a thorough D.O.T.-type inspection.
Must have the following: Tarps to cover a full 8’ high load, Twelve 4-inch straps (27’ long) with winches, Twelve steel chains and binders, D.O.T.-specified emergency safety equipment including mounted fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, etc.
Cell phone.

Mid-America Fleet Minimum Requirements

Clean, neat diesel tandem that must be able to scale 45,000 lbs.Tractor must be a 1997 model or newer.
Trailers need to be at least 48’/ Air Ride flatbeds or 48’ Air Ride Step Decks. Step decks are required to have 40' bottom deck.
Must be able to pass a thorough D.O.T.-type inspection.
Must have the following: Tarps to cover a full 8’ high load, Twelve 4-inch straps (27’ long) with winches, Twelve steel chains and binders, D.O.T.-specified emergency safety equipment including mounted fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, etc.
Cell Phone.

Minimum Requirements for Permits and Licensing

Truck Title
Trailer Title
Copy of the 2290 FHUT marked paid
Completed Equipment List
Copy of Long Form Physical
Signed Required Equipment Summary
Certified Empty Weight Ticket

*All the above items are needed for all contractors. These items must be in-house prior to arriving for orientation.

Optional forms may be needed on a per case basis:

Truck registration (if running your own plate until it expires)
Trailer registration (if running your own plate until it expires)
Articles of Incorporation (if incorporated)
Power of Attorney (if contractor is not available to sign lease)
Lease purchase agreement (if equipment is leased)
Original title for trailer plate

Licensing Options

2009-08-17T16:33:12Z

Mercer has three fleet options available to accommodate owner operators' diverse driving preferences. Our fleet includes the following divisions:

System – 48 states and Canada
Mid America – 37 states and Canada
Van – 48 states and Canada

Illinois Tractor Plate and State Permit and Fuel Tax Program

Illinois base plate must be purchased through Mercer. Call recruiting Department for costs. All fleets may run their own base plate until it expires. (* The plate cost for the remainder of the year (through March '10) will be $60 per month.)
Base plates must have 48 states or 37 states listed for that fleet. Vans must run the 48- state fleet.
Multiple payment plans available for licensing programs.
Proof of payment of Federal Highway Use Tax required to obtain license plate.
Above costs do not include trailer plate.
Proof of ownership required, i.e. title, registration.

Insurance Programs Available

2007-09-20T10:26:42Z

Mercer offers voluntary Insurance Programs:

Collision, Comprehensive, Fire and Theft:
Premiums based on value:
$500 Deductible – 3.78% annual premium
$32 per month for each $10,000 of insured value
$1,000 Deductible – 3.13% annual premium
$26 per month for each $10,000 of insured value

Workmen’s Compensation: Coverage must be furnished for hired drivers. Mercer can assist in this coverage.

Bobtail: Insurance must be furnished. Mercer can assist in this coverage.

NOTE: Premiums may increase during the year.

Apply Online

2010-03-03T10:32:59Z

Join one of the top carriers in the U.S. Please fill out the form below to begin the application process:

Request Information

2007-09-20T11:28:44Z

To request information and an application, please fill out the form below: