CDL-A Owner-Operator — Local Port Drayage, Home Daily

Our company needs owner-operators to run container loads out of the NJ/NY port terminals. The work is local and short-haul, you're home every day, and freight runs year-round.

Pay

Gross earnings for owner-operators typically run approximately $6,500-$9,000 per week, depending on your routes, hours, and number of completed trips. Top performers can clear over $8,500 gross weekly, though that usually means longer days and more loads. These numbers aren't guaranteed and represent revenue before expenses like fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes - not your take-home pay. Settlements are paid weekly.

A 5% fuel surcharge now applies on top of base round-trip rates. Full round-trip base rates (before the surcharge and extra pay) vary by route and by whether you use Blackgem's insurance or your own:

• Local Service: $230 with Blackgem insurance, $290 with your own

• Monroe: $280 / $340

• Bordentown: $410 / $470

• Westampton: $430 / $490

• Nazareth: $480 / $550

• West Deptford: $500 / $570

On top of base rates, you can earn:

• A 5% fuel surcharge on the base trip rate

• $50 per hour in detention pay after the first two hours

• $50 extra per round trip for loads between 51,501 and 59,000 lb

• $100 extra per round trip for loads over 59,000 lb

Home time

This is strictly local and short-haul driving - no long-haul or overnight trips. You're back home every day.

What you'll haul

You'll pick up and drop off containers at terminals including Port Newark, Elizabeth, Maher, APM, and other NY locations, then deliver to warehouses and customers in the local and regional area. The freight volume stays steady throughout the year.

Schedule

Expect a Monday-through-Friday routine, with weekend loads available if you want them.

What the job involves

• Mapping out efficient routes and staying in touch with dispatch

• Keeping your ELD logs accurate and up to date

• Flagging terminal delays, appointment changes, or delivery issues as they come up

• Checking your truck, container, and chassis before runs

• Following port rules and staying within legal driving and duty-hour limits

Requirements

• Valid CDL-A with a clean record

• Active TWIC card for port access

• Minimum one year of CDL driving experience; prior port or intermodal work is a strong plus

• Your own truck in good condition - day cab or sleeper both work

• Understanding of port procedures, container handling, and chassis interchange rules

• Able to secure and maintain whatever insurance your chosen operating setup requires

• Working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA rules

• Comfortable with dispatch software, ELD systems, and mobile apps

• Must clear a background check and drug screen

• Good communication skills for dealing with dispatch, port staff, and customers

• HAZMAT endorsement helpful but not required

Why run with Blackgem

Blackgem aims to cut down on the headaches that come with terminal delays, murky pay rates, and slow payouts. Rates are published clearly, extra pay applies for detention and overweight loads, and the dispatch team works with you throughout the day on appointments and updates. You remain an independent operator - dispatch just helps keep things running smoothly.