Safe Way Carrier FAQs

Yes. We currently require a minimum of 2 years of verifiable driving experience, with your CDL issued at least 2 years prior. We’re developing an in-house training pathway for drivers with at least 1 year of experience — when that program is ready, we’ll be upfront about it. We do not hire brand-new CDL holders at this time.

We allow up to one accident or two violations on your Motor Vehicle Record. If you have more than three moving violations, or a combination of more than one accident and two violations, you are not eligible. If you’re not sure where you stand, give us a call — we’d rather have a conversation than have you assume you don’t qualify.

We run reefer, dry van, and cross-dock freight. We specialize in temperature-sensitive freight, including cold storage, cold transportation, and commodity expertise — including ice cream. Our primary lanes are OTR across all 48 states, with a strong Midwest-to-East-Coast reefer emphasis.

OTR across all 48 states. Our core reefer lanes run Midwest to East Coast.

We offer flexible home time and work with drivers to accommodate their schedules. There’s always a load when you’re ready to run.

No. You have a say in your loads.

Dry van drivers start at $0.53/mile and can earn up to $0.60/mile after their first quarterly review. Reefer drivers start at $0.60/mile and can earn up to $0.65/mile after their first quarterly review. All miles are paid — loaded and empty.

Weekly, every week.

• Layover pay: $150/day when held on standby overnight
• Detention pay: $25/hour after the first 3 hours (up to $150/day)
• Breakdown pay: $25/hour after the first 3 hours (up to $150/day, $600 per occurrence)
• Additional drop pay: $25 per drop on dry van drop-and-hook accounts

Yes. We offer a $100 DOT inspection bonus every time you pass, a $200 referral bonus when a driver you refer comes on board, and a performance bonus of up to $5,000.

Both. You choose the arrangement that works best for you.

Yes. W-2 drivers are eligible to enroll in our health insurance plan. Safe Way Carrier covers 50% of the premium, with an average cost to the driver of approximately $50/week.

Yes. Drivers become eligible for one week of paid vacation after one year of employment. Vacation pay is based on your average weekly earnings from the three months preceding your request date.

Pets are welcome in the truck.

Yes. You’ll receive a $200 bonus when a driver you refer begins employment with us.

We run late-model Freightliner Cascadias, Kenworth T680s, and some Peterbilts. All trucks are maintained in-house by our own shop.

Late-model trucks are equipped with an APU, cabin heater, refrigerator, microwave, and power inverter. Trucks are governed at 70+ mph.

You’ll receive breakdown pay of $25/hour after the first 3 hours, up to $150/day and $600 per occurrence. If your truck is expected to be in the shop for more than 4–5 days, we’ll put you in another truck. Depending on the condition of the original truck, that replacement may become permanent.

Yes. Our dedicated service line is staffed by real people — not an answering service — after hours and on weekends.

Our driver lounge includes a pool table, TVs, a 2-story gym, private restrooms with showers, and snacks and refreshments. We also have a kitchen and grill — we do regular cookouts and provide lunch for drivers at the yard. A loaner vehicle is available during scheduled maintenance so you can run errands or get out and explore. A dog park is coming soon.

Yes. An optional chaplain service is available to any driver who wants it. There’s no pressure — it’s simply there if it helps.

Yes. We’ve been family-owned and family-focused since 2011.

Owner operators are welcome to come with their own equipment. We do not offer lease-to-own programs. Our primary need is company drivers — that’s where our focus is.