Market Snapshot

Current Pay Rates - December 2024

Box Truck Owner-Operators (26ft)

•       Weekly gross: $6,000-$8,000+ with 85% of gross revenue for owner-operators

•       OTR Routes: $5,500-$7,000 weekly (NON-CDL), onboarding in 2 days

•       Top earners: Up to $10,000/week with 82/18 split

•       Refrigerated: Up to $8,500/week covering Midwest, Southeast, Southwest

Regional Highlights

•       P & J Carriers: $6,000-$7,600 gross, $1.9/mile average, home every other week

•       New York: 90/10 split available - keep 90% of gross revenue

•       Houston: $800-$1,200/week on 3 weeks on / 1 week off schedule

Top Companies Hiring This Week

Gig Apps for Box Trucks & Courier Vans

 Year-End Tips for Owner-Operators

Closing Out Your 2024 Books

Critical Deadlines

2024 Per Diem Rates

Per diem is one of the largest deductions for owner-operators. The IRS allows truckers to deduct up to 80% of their per diem expenses from taxable income.

Section 179 Deduction (2024)

Section 179 allows you to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment/vehicles purchased and put into service during 2024.

•       Maximum deduction: $1,220,000 for tax year 2024

•       Phase-out threshold: $3,050,000 in total equipment purchases

•       Heavy vehicles (>14,000 lbs GVWR): No additional restrictions - deduct 100%

•       Bonus depreciation: 60% for 2024 (drops to 40% in 2025)

•       Box trucks & cargo vans: May qualify for 100% immediate expensing

Year-End Bookkeeping Checklist

1. Reconcile All Accounts

☐    Match all bank statements, credit card statements, and loan accounts

☐    Verify fuel card transactions are recorded

☐    Ensure all deposits match income records

2. Review Income & Expenses

☐    Group similar transactions and categorize properly

☐    Set apart major purchases for depreciation consideration

☐    Add owner reimbursements (mileage, cell phone, home office)

3. Collect Outstanding Invoices

☐    Follow up on overdue invoices before year-end

☐    Send final invoices before December 31st

☐    Clear unpaid bills to close the year cleanly

4. Gather Documentation

☐    Organize fuel receipts, maintenance records, toll receipts

☐    Compile 1099s from all brokers/shippers (paid $600+)

☐    Collect loan statements and insurance documents

Complete Deduction List for Owner-Operators

Vehicle & Equipment

•       Truck payments/lease payments

•       Fuel expenses

•       Maintenance & repairs

•       Tires

•       Insurance (commercial auto, cargo, liability)

•       Registration & licensing fees

•       Fuel tax credit (federal excise tax on diesel)

On-the-Road Expenses

•       Shower fees at truck stops

•       Parking fees

•       Tolls & scale tickets

•       Lumper fees

Technology & Communication

•       Cell phone (100% if business-only, % if mixed use)

•       Trucking apps and load board subscriptions

•       ELD devices and subscriptions

•       GPS/navigation systems

•       Wi-Fi services (home or cab)

Professional Services

•       Accountants and tax preparers

•       Factoring fees

•       Dispatch service fees

•       Legal counsel

Business Operations

•       Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290)

•       DOT physicals and drug tests

•       CDL renewal fees

•       Association dues/memberships

•       Safety equipment (gloves, vests, etc.)

•       Trucking-related publications

Retirement & Health Savings

SIMPLE IRA (2024 Limits)

•       Under 50: $16,000 annual contribution cap

•       Age 50+: $19,500 annual contribution cap

Health Savings Account - HSA (2024 Limits)

•       Individual: $4,150 maximum contribution

•       Family: $8,300 maximum contribution

•       Age 55+ catch-up: Additional $1,000

•       No use-it-or-lose-it provision - funds roll over indefinitely

Important Reminders

Who Can Deduct: Only self-employed truck drivers (1099) can claim these expenses. If you receive a W-2, your job-related expenses are NOT deductible.

Mileage Note: Truck drivers cannot claim the standard mileage deduction. The IRS standard mileage rate excludes commercial trucks.

Documentation: Keep receipts for ALL expenses. You cannot take deductions without records. Maintain thorough documentation for potential IRS audits.

Pro Tips

•       Separate business credit card: Use a dedicated card for all business expenses to simplify tracking

•       Monthly estimated payments: Avoid large quarterly payments and maintain better cash flow visibility

•       Record in real-time: Log expenses as they happen rather than relying on memory later

•       E-log advantage: Use your ELD data to track nights away from home for per diem

ACTIVE CONTRACTS & IMMEDIATE HIRING - DECEMBER 16, 2024

HIGHEST PRIORITY - IMMEDIATE START:

Hub Group Final Mile (ACTIVELY RECRUITING)

• Rate: $2,500-$4,000+/week per truck
• Markets: 200+ terminals nationwide (Dallas, Houston, NYC, California, Grimes IA, Savannah GA)
• Status: Home daily, immediate openings
• Requirements: 26' box truck with liftgate, driver + helper team, DOT/MC authority
• Contact: Apply directly through Hub Group careers portal
• Sign-On Bonus: Available in select locations (must onboard by specific dates)

Maersk Ground Freight (NEW - HIGH DEMAND)

• Service: Final mile furniture delivery teams
• Status: Seeking experienced independent contractors
• Requirements: 26' box truck with liftgate, two-person teams
• Markets: National expansion, partnering with global logistics leader

Ryder Last Mile (EXPANDING NETWORK)

• Rate: $4,000-$4,500 weekly average (before FSC + incentives)
• Status: Adding to expansive final mile delivery carrier network
• Service: Furniture delivery and installation for major retailers
• Markets: Lancaster TX warehouse and nationwide
• Focus: Quick pay turnarounds, consistent routes, high growth potential

ACIES TRANSPORT LLC (GUARANTEED FREIGHT)

• Rate: $4,000-$6,000/week average gross
• Contact:
  • Nikki Kaplan: (440) 368-1997
  • Carry Rivers: (440) 296-7544
  • Email: nikki@aciestransport.com, carry@aciestransport.com
• Fee: 10% dispatch/service fee (fully transparent)
• Benefits: Forced dispatch (guaranteed loads), $1,400/month insurance option
• Fuel: Up to $1/gallon savings with fuel cards
• Requirements: 26' box truck (2015+), 2+ years experience
• Support: 24/7 dispatch, full back-office services

J.B. Hunt Final Mile Services

• Contact: (479) 379-0254 / (479) 379-0048
• Email: adan.nieto@jbhunt.com, jesse.diaz@jbhunt.com
• Service: Furniture and bedding delivery for major retailers
• Requirements: Active DOT & MC authority (established contractors only)
• Markets: Houston, Dallas/Frisco TX, nationwide expansion

Heart of Gold Transport LLC (NEW LISTING)

• Location: Grapevine, TX (DFW Metro)
• Service: White glove delivery - premium furniture, appliances, specialty items
• Requirements: Valid license, clean record
• Focus: Beyond standard driving - high-end installations

Cobra Dispatch LLC (DALLAS)

• Service: No CDL required box truck routes
• Routes: Local & OTR options
• Requirements: 16'-26' box trucks (liftgate preferred)
• Focus: General freight between businesses and distribution centers

REGIONAL MARKET BREAKDOWN - ACTIVE LISTINGS

TEXAS (HIGHEST VOLUME MARKET)

Houston:

• Total Active Listings: 9,223 independent contractor box truck positions
• Weekly Range: $855-$2,115 (25th-75th percentile)
• OTR Premium: $5,500-$7,000 weekly
• Top Rate: $800-$1,200/week (25% of load, 3 weeks on/1 week off)
• Major Hirers: J.B. Hunt, Aifos Logistics LLC, K & M Logistics, Empire National Inc.

Dallas/Fort Worth:

• Total Active Listings: 68 contracts + 28 independent contractor positions on Glassdoor
• Rate Range: $951-$2,403 weekly
• Hub Group: $2,500-$4,000+ weekly (home daily)
• Local Routes: $700 average daily rate
• Companies: MXD Group Inc., Heart of Gold Transport, Jetstream Logistix, Cobra Dispatch

NEW YORK STATE (PREMIUM MARKET)

New York City:

• Total Active Listings: 26,169 positions
• OTR Rates: $6,000-$7,500 weekly (solo), $8,000+ (top earners)
• Sign-On Bonus: Available for qualified contractors
• Markets: Queens, Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, Yonkers
• Specialty: Walk-in tub & shower installation contractors ($26' truck with liftgate)

New York Metro:

• American Dedicated Logistics: Immediate need for 6 auto parts delivery drivers
• Go Logistix Inc.: Sprinter van/cargo van routes in Yonkers
• Associated Couriers: Medical/pharmaceutical deliveries (40+ years experience)

CALIFORNIA

• Los Angeles: 131 medical courier positions active
• Pay Range: $17-$20/hour for delivery associates
• Vehicle Types: Car, crossover, small SUV, minivan accepted
• Early Start: Many routes begin 4:30-5:30 AM

INDIANA

• Indianapolis: Active box truck contractor hiring
• Earnings Potential: $40K-$100K+ annually (dependent on volume/contracts)
• Focus: 24-26' box truck or flatbed with Moffett

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Spartanburg: 12-16ft box trucks for auto parts delivery
• Daily Miles: 250-300 miles per route
• Schedule: Monday-Friday

MEDICAL COURIER SECTOR - DECEMBER 16, 2024

National Market Rates:

• Weekly Average: $1,089 ($721-$1,211 range)
• Annual: $56,645 average nationally
• Top Markets: New York ($788-$884/week), Washington, California

Active Opportunities:

Houston, TX:

• Total Positions: 64 active medical courier jobs
• Ameriship Parcel Delivery: $400-$1,400/week, full-time and part-time
• Quest Diagnostics: Night shift positions, transporting specimens
• MedSpeed: $15.50/hour swing shift drivers
• Dropoff Inc.: Late afternoon/weekend contractors

New York:

• Total Positions: 27 active in NYC, 149+ statewide
• Associated Couriers: Routed deliveries, STAT/on-demand
• LMV Logistics: Full-time and part-time, own reliable car required
• Premier Courier Services: Cargo vans, sprinters, box/liftgate trucks for local medical
• Pay: Per mile, per route, per stop (plus fuel surcharge in some markets)
• Backup/Float: $150/day on-call rates (8 AM-5 PM availability)

Los Angeles:

• Total Positions: 131 active
• Caduceus Medical Logistics: Full-time and part-time
• Status: W-2 employee status (not independent contractor)
• Routes: Service routes across LA County
• Pay: Competitive with supportive veteran-friendly team

Texas:

• Ameriship Parcel Delivery: Houston metro, $400-$1,400/week
• Schedule: Monday-Friday
• Vehicle Types: Cargo/sprinter vans, large SUVs accepted

General Market:

• Medical Couriers Inc.: National hiring, fleet of Prius Primes (54 mpg)
• Founded: 1969, family-owned operation
• Focus: Specimens, samples, medications, equipment
• Standards: Clean environment, well-maintained vehicles, crisp uniforms

GIG ECONOMY PLATFORMS - CURRENT RATES

GoShare

• Vehicles: Sedans, pickups, SUVs, cargo vans, box trucks
• Pay: High rates, competitive in available cities
• Age: 18+ minimum
• Flexibility: Choose deliveries, control over workload
• Apply: goshare.co/trucks/drivers/apply
• Note: City-limited availability, competitive for gigs

Amazon Flex

• Vehicles: Sedan, SUV, minivan
• Age: 21+ minimum
• Pay: Consistent gigs, see projected earnings before shifts
• Apply: flex.amazon.com/lets-drive
• Note: Shift scheduling can be competitive in high-density areas

Amazon Relay (Semi-Truck Focus)

• Pay: $47.55/hour average ($98,903 annually)
• Requirements: Commercial driver's license, liability insurance, satisfactory safety rating
• Benefits: Exclusive discounts on fuel, vehicle rentals, insurance, tires
• Peak Season: October-January (highest volume period)
• Focus: Long-haul and contracted freight routes

FRAYT

• Service: Same-day delivery, construction/industrial materials
• Vehicles: Sedans, pickups, SUVs, cargo vans, box trucks
• Pay: $20-$30/hour average
• Age: 18+ minimum
• Apply: frayt.com/apply
• Focus: Larger goods, Sprinter vans ideal

Curri

• Service: Construction and industrial B2B deliveries
• Vehicles: Sedans, pickups, SUVs, cargo vans, box trucks
• Age: 18+ minimum
• Apply: curri.com/drive
• Market: Niche with less competition, specialized driving

Dolly

• Service: Bulk and heavy items (furniture, appliances)
• Vehicles: Pickups, cargo vans, box trucks, SUVs with trailer
• Age: 18+ minimum
• Apply: dolly.com/helpersignup/?role=helper
• Focus: Physical work, moving assistance required

Roadie

• Service: Delivery along existing routes
• Vehicles: Sedans, SUVs, minivans
• Age: 18+ minimum
• Coverage: Nationwide
• Apply: driver.roadie.com
• Note: Lower pay for smaller items, inconsistent depending on area

OneRail

• Service: Logistics work
• Pay: Consistent, high-paying
• Note: Less flexibility than other platforms

CURRENT MARKET RATES - WEEK OF DEC 16

Box Truck Operations (26' Non-CDL):

By Service Type:

• Final Mile/Home Delivery: $2,500-$4,500/week (home daily)
• OTR General Freight: $5,500-$7,500/week (2-3 weeks out)
• Premium OTR/Power-Only: $8,000-$12,000/week (Texas specialty)
• White Glove Premium: $4,500-$6,000/week
• Local/Regional: $3,000-$5,000/week

By Region (Weekly Gross):

• Texas (Houston): $855-$2,115 standard, up to $7,000 OTR
• Texas (Dallas): $951-$2,403 standard, $2,500-$4,000+ final mile
• New York Metro: $3,000-$5,000 local, $6,000-$8,000+ OTR
• California: $3,500-$4,500 standard
• Midwest (Indiana): $40K-$100K annual potential

Medical Courier:

• National Average: $1,089/week ($721-$1,211 range)
• Premium Markets: New York $788-$884/week
• Houston: $35,100/year average
• Los Angeles: $17-$20/hour
• Per-Delivery Model: $400-$1,400/week
• On-Call/Backup: $150/day availability rates

Smaller Box Trucks (12-16'):

• Weekly: $600-$1,400 typical range
• Daily: $180/day average for dedicated routes
• Requirements: No ELD/logbook required for most

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

26' Box Truck (Final Mile):

• Liftgate or ramp required for most contracts
• Model year requirements: 2010-2015+ depending on company
• DOT medical card required (even for non-CDL)
• Commercial insurance: $1M liability minimum
• Cargo insurance: $100K minimum ($1,000 deductible max)
• Tools required: Pallet jack, hand truck, furniture dolly, straps

Box Truck (12-16'):

• No ELD/logbook for vehicles under 10,000 lbs
• Model year 2010+ preferred
• COI with $1M auto liability, $100K cargo
• Minimum 4 straps required

Medical Courier:

• Personal vehicle acceptable (car, minivan, SUV, cargo van)
• Must be 2002+ model year for some platforms
• Full coverage insurance required
• Company must be added as additional insured
• Proper documentation: vehicle registration, insurance, driver's license
• HIPAA compliance for medical routes
• Smartphone required for app-based routing

CONTRACTOR ECONOMICS - DECEMBER 2024

Weekly Expense Examples (26' Box Truck):

• Fuel: $900-$1,600/week (varies significantly by mileage and routes)
• Insurance: $1,400-$2,000/month ($325-$500/week average)
• Maintenance Reserve: $200-$400/week
• Truck Payment/Lease: $500-$1,200/week
• Dispatch Fees (if used): 10-15% of gross revenue
• Total Weekly Operating Costs: $2,100-$4,200 (highly variable)

Net Income Scenarios:

• Scenario A: $6,500 gross - $3,500 expenses = $3,000 net/week ($156K annual)
• Scenario B: $4,500 gross - $2,800 expenses = $1,700 net/week ($88K annual)
• Scenario C: $3,000 gross - $2,200 expenses = $800 net/week ($42K annual)

Medical Courier Economics:

• Lower overhead: Personal vehicle reduces costs significantly
• Fuel: $50-$200/week depending on route density
• Insurance: Personal auto + commercial rider
• Maintenance Impact: Minimal compared to commercial trucks
• Net Margins: Typically 60-75% of gross earnings
• Example: $1,000 gross - $250 expenses = $750 net/week

APPLICATION STRATEGIES - ACTIVE NOW

Immediate Action Items:

1. Hub Group Final Mile - Apply through career portal, mention sign-on bonus eligibility
2. Maersk Ground Freight - Search Indeed/Glassdoor for "Maersk Final Mile"
3. ACIES Transport - Call/text directly: (440) 368-1997, (440) 296-7544
4. J.B. Hunt - Call (479) 379-0254 or email contacts listed above
5. Ryder Last Mile - Search specific metro warehouse locations

High-Response Strategies:

• Multiple Applications: Apply to 8-12 companies simultaneously
• Best Days: Monday-Wednesday submissions see fastest response
• Follow-Up: Call after 48 hours if no response
• Documentation Ready: Have DOT medical, insurance certificates, EIN, business entity docs ready
• New Authority Welcome: Several companies (ACIES, others) work with new MC numbers
• Fastest Onboarding: Some companies offer 2-4 day onboarding (ACIES, ALFA FREIGHT)

Regional Focus:

• Texas Applicants: Highest acceptance rates, most opportunities (Houston 9,223 listings)
• NYC Metro: Experience with urban navigation critical
• Medical Courier: HIPAA awareness and professional presentation essential
• Peak Season: Apply NOW for holiday rush positions (through January)

MARKET INTELLIGENCE & TRENDS

Current Market Conditions:

• Peak Season Active: December represents highest delivery volume year-round
• Holiday Rush: Super Saturday (Dec 20) and final Christmas push creating surge demand
• Amazon Peak: Prime events, Black Friday, Cyber Monday extended demand through January
• Consolidation: Hub Group acquisition of Forward Air continuing to reshape market
• Technology: Real-time tracking, route optimization becoming standard requirements

Growth Sectors:

• Final Mile Delivery: E-commerce driving sustained 5-7% annual growth
• Medical Courier: 5.4-6.1% CAGR through 2032 ($3.4B to $16.2B projected)
• White Glove Services: Premium installations commanding higher rates
• B2B Construction: Curri-style specialized delivery growing rapidly

Competitive Landscape:

• Market Saturation: Some urban markets showing increased competition for gigs
• Rate Pressure: Downward pressure on some local routes due to oversupply
• Premium Niches: Specialized services (medical, construction, white glove) maintaining strong rates
• New Entrants: Companies actively recruiting to meet demand

CRITICAL REMINDERS

Tax & Business:

• 1099 contractors pay 15.3% self-employment tax + income tax
• Quarterly estimated taxes required (April, June, Sept, Jan)
• Business expense deductions available (53.5¢/mile for 2024, actual expenses)
• Consult tax professional for specific guidance
• Business structure (LLC/Inc.) recommended for liability protection

Insurance Requirements:

• Commercial auto liability: $1M minimum for most contracts
• Cargo insurance: $100K typical requirement
• Workers' comp or Occ/Acc may be required by state
• Personal auto insurance insufficient for commercial use
• Get certificates of insurance before starting work

Contractor Status Reality:

• NOT employees - no benefits, PTO, paid sick leave, or employer insurance
• Responsible for ALL vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance, repairs, replacement)
• Must maintain insurance independently
• Schedule flexibility often limited by forced dispatch or dedicated routes
• Income highly variable week-to-week

Red Flags to Watch:

• Companies requiring vehicle purchase/lease through them exclusively
• Upfront fees beyond standard background checks and compliance costs
• Promises of guaranteed income without clear contract terms
• Lack of proper DOT/MC authority
• No insurance requirements (likely not legitimate)

WEEK-OVER-WEEK CHANGES

From Dec 2 to Dec 16, 2024:

• Maersk Ground Freight entered market with aggressive hiring
• Houston listings increased from stable levels to 9,223 (indicating data aggregation refresh)
• NYC listings showed dramatic increase (potential seasonal + data refresh)
• Medical courier rates remain stable at $1,089/week average
• Hub Group sign-on bonus deadlines approaching (check current eligibility)
• Peak season surge visible across all sectors
• OTR rates holding steady in $5,500-$7,500 range
• Final mile rates stable at $2,500-$4,500 range

Looking Ahead (Next 2 Weeks):

• Super Saturday (Dec 20) will drive peak demand
• Christmas week traditionally slower for new contracts
• Post-Christmas through mid-January: Returns and exchange deliveries surge
• New Year hiring typically starts first week of January
• Expect temporary rate premiums for holiday availability

IMMEDIATE CONTACTS FOR THIS WEEK:

Highest Priority Openings:

1. ACIES Transport: (440) 368-1997, (440) 296-7544
2. J.B. Hunt Final Mile: (479) 379-0254, adan.nieto@jbhunt.com
3. Hub Group Final Mile: Apply via careers portal (200+ locations)
4. Ryder Last Mile: Search metro-specific openings on Indeed/Glassdoor

Application URLs:

• GoShare: goshare.co/trucks/drivers/apply
• FRAYT: frayt.com/apply
• Amazon Flex: flex.amazon.com/lets-drive
• Curri: curri.com/drive