Towne Air Freight
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FAQ

 

Does Towne hire company drivers?

Towne has or will convert most of our terminals into an Independent Contractor business model. We do have some company driving positions, but these have relatively low turnover and are rarely available. We are focused mainly on finding reliable and dedicated owner-operator partners to provide our customers with world-class service.

What is my rate of pay?

Your rate of pay as an independent contractor is based on several variables. Rate structure is flat rate or per mile. Please call recruiting for more details, 866-234-7464.

As an independent contractor would I have any benefits?

Towne Air Freight does not provide benefits to our contractors. We do, however, have a support package that we can recommend. This is a business support option and is the sole responsibility of the driver to follow through with enrollment if they choose to take advantage of the low rates. This package includes a third party 401K program as well as comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. return to top

Is vehicle insurance available and what is required?

Vehicle insurance is available through Towne Air Freight with GWCC. Towne Air Freight/ Rocket Expedited Services both require Non Trucking Use / Bobtail, Physical Damage with 1,000,000 coverage and Occupational Accident insurance.

What kind of insurance rates can I expect with GWCC?

If you choose GWCC as your insurance provider (optional), both TAF and Rocket drivers will pay the same rate for NTU/ Bobtail insurance. That rate for Non-Michigan residents is $39.00/ month and $60.00/month for Michigan residents. Physical damage insurance is figured by the value of the truck. TAF/ Non Michigan residents

$1,000,000 coverage required rate with GWCC through

TAF
  • Non-Michigan resident - $.00246 x the value of the truck
  • Michigan resident - $.00246 x the value of the truck
Rocket
  • Non-Michigan resident - $.00246 x the value of the truck
  • Michigan resident - $.00246 x the value of the truck

Occupational Accident is required for each driver

  • Solo rate = $153.00/month
  • Team rate = $126.00/month per driver
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What are our minimum driving requirements?

  • Must meet all Federal Motor Carrier guidelines
  • Must have a valid Commercial Driver License with proper endorsements, or Chauffeur License (where applicable) in state of residence
  • No current license suspension or revocation
  • A work permit is not acceptable
  • No serious or disqualifying traffic violations within the last three years as follows
    • Excessive speeding, involving any single offense for any speed of 15 m.p.h. or more above the posted speed limit
    • Reckless driving, as defined by state or local law or regulations, including but not limited to the offense of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
    • Improper or erratic lane changes
    • Following the vehicle ahead too closely
    • Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
    • Hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, or failure to report an accident
  • No more than four moving violations in the past 36 months, and no more than two moving violations in the previous 12 months
  • No preventable accidents involving a fatality, bodily injuries treated away from the scene, or disabling damage to a motor vehicle within three years. (Disabling damage means damage that precludes departure of any motor vehicle from the scene of an accident in its usual manner in daylight after simple repairs. This includes damaged vehicles that are drivable, but would incur further damage, if so driven.)
  • A minimum of 1 year experience in the operation of tractor / trailer equipment
  • Must be 21 years old. (Drivers 25 years old and older are encouraged)

How often will I get home?

Towne Air Freight asks its Independent Contracts to be available 7 days a week. Most drivers will be on the road 5 days out of the week but all drivers need to be flexible. If you have a special function and need to be home on a certain date, dispatch will do everything in their power to get you there. Remember that the more notice a dispatcher has...the better chance of you getting home. return to top

How many miles per week will I run?

Depending, of course, on your level of dedication and quality of service:
  • Solo tractors run 2500-3000 miles / week
  • Team tractors run 4500-5500 miles / week
  • Straight trucks run 1400-1800 miles / week
  • Vans run 800-1000 miles / week

What is the Fuel Surcharge?

Towne Air Freight's fuel surcharge is based on the national diesel average published by the D.O.E. weekly.

Does Towne Air Freight have a fuel card program?

Towne Air Freight has a fuel card program with Comdata usable at all Petro, Loves & TA truck stops and their affiliates.
  • Pump Discounts
  • Points per gallon w/Comdata card
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What requirements does Towne and Rocket place on vehicles?

  • Tractors
    • Must be 10 years or newer
    • Current USDOT inspection
  • Straight Trucks
    • Must be 10 years or newer
    • Box dimensions of 24'x102"x102"
    • Sleeper berth recommended
    • Dock high
  • Vans
    • Must be 5 years or newer
    • Recommended 1 ton or better capacity
    • 98" between wheel wells highly recommended
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Does Towne have a base plate program?

Yes we do. It is an Indiana apportioned plate. The cost will be deducted weekly from your settlement for two years. It is $2100.00 per year at $40.38/week deduction.

Does Towne have a permit program?

Yes we do. The cost is a one time $150.00 charge. Currently our permit program contains:
  • NYU HUT
  • KYU
  • NM
  • OR
We also have an IFTA program where we calculate and file your IFTA.

Didn't see the answer to your question? Browse our site further or call RECRUITING 866.234.7464. We'd be happy to discuss a driving partnership with you.

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