Now Hiring — Team Drivers

CDL-A Team Driver Jobs in New Jersey

Run OTR As A Two-Driver Team — Start At $0.70 CPM

Trucks are based at our Cliffwood, NJ fleet yard

Minimum 2 weeks out, then flexible home time
Team pay starting at $0.70 CPM
Paid layovers & weekly direct deposit — no escrow
All automatic transmissions, fully refrigerated fleet
📞 Call (201) 838-0000 Apply Now →

Lightning Transport hires qualified CDL-A drivers from across the United States. Our fleet yard and driver reporting location is in Cliffwood, New Jersey, but you do not need to live in New Jersey to apply. For regular company drivers who remain on the road for at least four consecutive weeks, Lightning provides free transportation to and from work anywhere in the country.

Why Run Team With Lightning

Team driving means the truck keeps moving while one driver rests — more miles, more consistent pay, and less time sitting still. Lightning Transport is a direct asset-based refrigerated carrier running CDL-A team OTR routes across all 48 continental states, and we're looking for experienced two-driver teams (or solo drivers open to teaming up) to run with us.

Team drivers here get a late-model, fully automatic, refrigerated tractor — the oldest truck in our fleet is under two years old — plus an in-house maintenance facility and nationwide breakdown support so a mechanical issue doesn't cost you miles. We run out of our Iselin, NJ office with our fleet yard nearby in Cliffwood, making it a straightforward commute for drivers throughout Middlesex County, including Edison and Woodbridge.

Pay starts at $0.70 CPM per team member for experienced drivers, with direct deposit every Friday and no escrow held back. Minimum two weeks out, then home time is yours to set.

More Than Experience

Lightning requires the CDL-A license to have been held for at least two years because of our insurance requirements. That is not the same as requiring two years of professional driving experience.

Drivers with little or no professional experience may qualify for our paid training pathway. Drivers with SAP histories may be considered when they have experience, a clean MVR and clean PSP. Criminal-background issues are reviewed individually and must meet our insurance, safety and hiring requirements.

Team drivers must stay out at least two weeks at a time, with flexible home time. After at least four consecutive weeks on the road, Lightning provides free transportation to and from work anywhere in the country.

Driver Pay & Home Time

Starting Pay

Standard experienced drivers Starting rate
$0.70 CPM
Extensive experience May qualify to start higher
$0.75 CPM
  • Performance-based raises available up to a maximum of $0.90 CPM
  • 1099 independent contractor position

Getting Paid

  • Direct deposit every Friday — no escrow
  • Paid layovers & detention
  • $500 referral bonus per driver you bring on

Equipment, Support & More

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Equipment & Support

  • 80+ late-model tractors
  • Oldest truck less than 2 years old
  • All automatic transmissions
  • Fully refrigerated fleet
  • In-house maintenance facility
  • Nationwide breakdown support
💰

Pay & Benefits

  • Starting pay of $0.70 CPM for standard experienced drivers; extensive experience may qualify for $0.75 CPM to start
  • Performance-based raises available up to a maximum of $0.90 CPM
  • Medical benefits available
  • Weekly direct deposit — every Friday, no escrow
  • Paid layovers
  • 1099 independent contractor
  • $500 referral bonus
🤝

Why Drivers Choose Lightning

  • Direct asset-based carrier — no broker confusion
  • No-touch freight
  • Consistent miles
  • 24/7 dispatch support
  • No forced contracts

Team Driver Questions

What speed are the trucks governed at?

Our trucks are governed at 75 MPH.

How much money will I actually receive?

At $0.70 per mile, a driver completing a full week typically receives approximately $2,100–$2,400 before taxes. Drivers are paid as 1099 independent contractors, and Lightning Transport does not withhold payroll taxes. Actual earnings depend on miles driven, availability, scheduling, home time and operating conditions.

Are pay raises available?

Yes. Standard experienced drivers start at $0.70 CPM, while drivers with extensive experience may qualify to start higher. Raises depend largely on how consistently you run and your safety performance. The maximum rate is $0.90 CPM.

When do drivers get paid?

Drivers are paid every Friday for all completed work submitted through Wednesday. Cash advances are also available.

Where do team drivers run?

We operate throughout most of the continental United States, with many runs going to California and back to the East Coast. We do not normally send our drivers into New York City.

Which ELD system do you use?

We use Samsara for electronic logging and fleet operations.

How long is orientation?

For experienced drivers, we complete the road test, paperwork and orientation in one day. We can also arrange your drug test near your home if that is more convenient.

Are medical benefits available?

Yes. Medical benefits are available.

What We're Looking For

  • Valid Class A CDL; license must be at least 2 years old
  • Must have a CDL-A for a minimum of 2 years
  • Clean MVR required
  • Professional driving experience is not required if you qualify for our training pathway

Not sure if you qualify? Give us a call and we'll talk it through. We're straightforward people — no runaround, no wasted time.

Call (201) 838-0000

Apply Today

Ready to run with a fleet that runs right? Reach out now — we respond fast.

Call (201) 838-0000 Email contact@lightningtransport.org Full Details View Job & Apply