DRIVERS 〉Driver FAQs

Welcome to the Meadow Lark family!

We're excited to share with you what you can expect when you join our team.

As a family-owned, woman-owned company, we pride ourselves on being compassionate, caring, and always listening to our drivers. We offer a variety of freight opportunities, including dedicated lanes, regional freight, and more. You'll enjoy competitive pay and benefits, and we have both 1099 and W2 positions available. Plus, we offer a generous signon bonus and referral program to help you succeed.

We know that our drivers are the backbone of our company, and we value each and every one of you. You'll feel like part of the family from day one, and we can't wait to welcome you aboard. Check out our map to see where we run and get ready to hit the road with Meadow Lark!

1. Qualifications

We're excited to share our qualifications with you and see if you're a great fit for our family at Meadow Lark!

• At least 23 years old
• 12 total months of CDL Class A driving experience
• A minimum of 12 months in the last 3 years
• Flatbed drivers need open deck experience
• Maximum of 2 moving violations in the last 3 years
• No more than one at-fault accident in the last 3 years
• No DUI/DWI in the last 5 years

2. Company Background

Meadow Lark Companies is a woman-owned, second-generation trucking company that was founded in 1983. It is headquartered in Billings, Montana and has grown to become a premier transportation provider across the United States and Canada. The company is committed to providing the highest quality service to its customers, and it achieves this through its experienced and professional team of drivers, agents, and support staff. Meadow Lark Companies is known for its family-oriented culture, and its commitment to the well-being and success of its employees is a top priority. 

3. Why sign on with a Woman Owned Company?

There are many reasons to sign on with a women-owned trucking company like Meadow Lark! First, we believe in compassion, listening, and caring for our drivers and customers. As a women-owned company, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in the industry and strive to create an environment that supports and empowers them. In addition, many shippers specifically seek out women-owned businesses, which can provide additional freight opportunities for our drivers. By signing on with Meadow Lark, you're joining a company that is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community for all our drivers.

4. Are you 1099 or W2?

We offer both options for our drivers, so whether you prefer to be a 1099 or W2 employee, we have the perfect fit for you! Click here to apply now.

5. How much experience do you require?

We're always looking for talented and experienced drivers, but we welcome drivers with a minimum of 12 month of experience to join our team!

6. Where does Meadow Lark run and what kind of driving jobs are available?

Meadow Lark runs all across the country, providing drivers with ample opportunities to explore new places and all across the country, providing drivers with ample opportunities to explore new places and see the beauty of America while on the job. We have an extensive network of shipments that we picked up and delivered to each state in 2022, and you can check out our map to get an idea of our shipping routes. We offer a variety of driving jobs, including regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) routes. To see our available driving jobs, please visit our website at https://meadowlarkco.com/drivers/driving-jobs/. We strive to provide our drivers with a dynamic and fulfilling work experience, so come join our team and see where the road takes you!

7. Do you have regional freight?

We offer regional freight options, so you can stay closer to home and still earn a great living!

8. Do you pay weekly?

We pay our drivers weekly, so you can keep your finances in order and always know when your next paycheck is coming to support your family.   

9. How much is your pay? Do you pay per mile?

We offer competitive pay rates that vary based on experience and position. Our drivers are offered a comprehensive pay program, along with bonuses and incentives for exceptional performance.  

Top drivers earn:

• Van $97,500
• Reefer $114,825
• Flatbed $114,825

10. Do you have cameras, are they driver facing?

We have cameras installed in our trucks for safety purposes. They are forward facing cameras, which are used to help identify trends and lower our safety scores. Our camera system is driver-friendly, has a gamification aspect to help drivers become safer, and will help resolve liability matters.  

11. What logging system do you use and what platform do you have to have to operate?

We use Samsara ELDs, and all of our drivers are required to use the ELDs for HOS tracking and DVIR reporting. Our platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and our support team is always available to assist with any issues. 

12. What is your sign on bonus?

We're excited to offer a sign-on bonus of up to $1500 for new drivers joining our team! $1500 Sign On and Stay Bonus = $500 at 3 months | $500 at 6 months | $500 at 1 year.

13. What is your referral program?

Our referral program is a great way to earn extra money while helping us grow our family at Meadow Lark. Refer a driver to us, and if they are hired, you can earn a $1500 referral bonus- no limit! Driver Referral Bonus = $1500.00 total per Driver referred | $500 3 Months | $500 6 Months | $500 after 1 Year.

14. What do your benefits look like?

We're proud to offer our drivers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short term disability, PTO, 401K, Holiday pay, and more!  

15. How many miles do your drivers average?

Our drivers average 2000 miles each week, the more you run the more you can maximize your earning potential!

16. Where is the orientation located and what does it entail?

The orientation is located at one of our orientation centers nearest to you. We have centers located in Billings, MT, Dallas, TX, Cleveland, OH, and Atlanta, GA. The orientation program includes a combination of remote and in-person training to help make your transition as smooth as possible. We provide a $175 transition and $100/day orientation pay to help cover your expenses during this time. Please note that the orientation program may vary depending on the role you are hired for, but rest assured that our goal is to provide comprehensive training to set you up for success in your new position.

17. What Equipment Types do you run?

Our equipment is top-notch, with late-model tractors and trailers. We run Van, Flatbed and Reefer. You'll be proud to drive our equipment on the road.

18. What percentage is drop and hook?

Our 80% drop and hook percentage is impressive, meaning less time spent waiting and more time on the road.

19. What commodity do you haul, and do you do hazmat?

We haul a variety of commodities including food and beverage, industrial, construction, oil & gas, wind energy, building materials, manufacturing, steel, retail, department of defense, aerospace and have many different types of freight available, so you can choose the type of work that suits you best. And no, we do not haul hazmat.

20. Do you have dedicated lanes?

We sure do! Our dedicated lanes give our drivers the consistency they need for a successful and fulfilling career. See our available lanes here: https://meadowlarkco.com/drivers/driving-jobs/  

21. Do you have home weekly?

We offer home time to our drivers, with different options depending on your location and schedule.

22. What type of trucks do you have?

We have a variety of trucks available, including newer models from some of the most trusted names in the industry- Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, Volvo and more. You'll be driving a top-quality vehicle with all the latest features and technology.

23. Where are your available trucks and trailers located?

We have trucks and trailers available across the country and at our orientation centers in Billings, MT, Dallas, TX, Cleveland, OH, and Atlanta, GA so you can be sure that there will be opportunities for work in your area. 

24. What fuel programs do you have?

If you are an owner operator, we can offer you a .32 off retail discount, we have discount programs with Loves, TA, and Petro.

25. Do you allow pets?

Yes, we love our furry friends and welcome pets on our trucks. Max 2 pets, only cats and dogs allowed.

26. Passengers?

Yes, our drivers can bring passengers 18 years+ along with them on the road.

27. Are you SAP friendly?

Absolutely, we are SAP friendly after 5 years and committed to helping our drivers get the support they need.

28. Do you have forced dispatch?

No, we don't believe in forcing our owner operators to take on work they're not comfortable with. We work with you to find the right opportunities that fit your needs and preferences.

29. Do the trucks have refrigerators, microwaves and APU’s?

Our trucks are equipped with all the features you need to stay comfortable and productive on the road, including refrigerators, microwaves, and APU's.

30. Can I mount my TV in the truck?

Yes, you can.

31. Do you have PrePass for the scales and tolls?

Yes! We provide PrePass for all our drivers, so you can breeze through the scales and tolls without any issues.

32. How long does it take before I can start driving?

We aim to get you on the road as quickly as possible! Our hiring process can take as little as three to seven days depending on how quick you turn in your information from application to driving, so you can start your exciting new career with us in no time.

33. Do you value your drivers?

Absolutely! Our drivers are an integral part of the Meadow Lark family, and we value and appreciate each and every one of them. We strive to create a positive work environment where our drivers feel supported, respected, and cared for.

34. Will I be just a number?

Not at all! At Meadow Lark, we pride ourselves on creating a familylike atmosphere where everyone is treated with respect and care. We understand that our drivers are more than just a number, and we are committed to ensuring that they feel like a valued member of our team.