Owner Operator – Port Drayage | NJ/NY Piers

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

Blackgem Logistics is looking for owner-operators for local and short-haul container work out of Port Newark, Elizabeth, Maher, APM, and NY terminals. We offer consistent, year-round port freight, weekly settlements, and home-daily routes.

Compensation

Owner-operators can gross approximately $6,500–$9,000 per week, with consistent, year-round freight volume. Weekly earnings depend on routes, hours worked, and completed trips.

Our hardest-working drivers earn over $8,500 gross per week, but reaching the higher end generally means longer hours and more completed loads. Earnings vary and are not guaranteed.

These figures are gross revenue before fuel, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and other business expenses—not take-home pay.

We now pay a 5% fuel surcharge on top of the applicable base round-trip rate.

Updated Full Round-Trip Rates

All rates below are for a full round trip, before the 5% fuel surcharge and qualifying additional pay.

RouteWith Blackgem InsuranceWith Your Own InsuranceLocal Service$230$290Monroe$280$340Bordentown$410$470Westampton$430$490Nazareth$480$550West Deptford$500$570

Additional Pay

• Fuel surcharge: 5% added to the applicable base trip rate.
• Detention: $50 per hour after the first two hours.
• Overweight — Tier 1: An additional $50 per full round trip for 51,501–59,000 lb.
• Overweight — Tier 2: An additional $100 per full round trip for loads above 59,000 lb.

Schedule and Freight

• Home daily: Local and short-haul work, with no OTR or overnight runs.
• Consistent freight: Year-round container volume from NJ/NY terminals.
• Monday–Friday schedule: Optional weekend loads when available.
• Weekly settlements.
• Rate options for owner-operators using Blackgem insurance or their own coverage.

What You’ll Be Doing

Pick up and return containers at NJ/NY terminals and deliver freight to local and regional warehouses and customers. Responsibilities include:

• Planning efficient routes and coordinating with dispatch.
• Keeping ELD logs current and accurate.
• Communicating terminal delays, appointment changes, and delivery updates.
• Inspecting your truck, containers, and chassis.
• Following port procedures and operating safely within applicable driving and working-hour limits.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Active TWIC card required for port access.
• At least one year of CDL driving experience; port and intermodal experience strongly preferred.
• Your own well-maintained truck — day cab or sleeper welcome.
• Familiarity with port protocols, container handling, and chassis interchange requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the insurance coverage required for your operating arrangement.
• Knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations.
• Comfortable using dispatch software, ELD, and mobile apps.
• Must pass required background checks and drug screening.
• Strong communication with dispatch, port personnel, and customers.
• HAZMAT endorsement is a plus.

Why Run With Blackgem?

We understand how terminal delays, unclear rates, and slow settlements affect an owner-operator’s business. We offer consistent freight, clear round-trip rates, and additional pay for qualifying detention and overweight loads.

Our dispatch team coordinates appointments and communicates with you throughout the day to help keep your operation moving. You run your business independently, with a team supporting you on the dispatch side.

Apply Today

Submit your application with your driving experience, truck details, TWIC status, insurance status, and best contact number. Our team will contact you to discuss routes, rates, and next steps.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Projected Total Compensation: $6,500.00 - $7,500.00 per week

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $6,500 - $9,000