Question 1

What are the best trucking companies to work for?

Accepted Answer

The best trucking companies share a few things: transparent pay with no hidden deductions, late-model equipment that doesn't break down, home time that matches what they advertised, and a recruiter who actually picks up the phone after you're hired. At Hylas Companion, company drivers start at 85¢+ CPM with zero truck expenses, roll in 2020–2026 model trucks, and get a direct recruiter contact — not a call center. We're not the biggest carrier, and that's the point. Smaller means more accountable. Drivers who leave big impersonal fleets consistently tell us the difference is felt immediately.

Question 2

What are the highest paying CDL jobs in trucking?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paying CDL-A positions in trucking, from top to bottom, are typically: (1) Team OTR drivers — at $1 CPM each on a two-driver team, top earners gross $130,000–$175,000+ annually. (2) Lease Purchase / Owner-Operator — at 88% of gross revenue, experienced drivers net $100,000–$180,000+ depending on lanes and miles. (3) Solo OTR Company Driver — at 85¢+ CPM averaging 2,500–3,000 miles/week, that's $110,000–$132,000 gross annually. (4) Flatbed — specialized freight commands a premium over dry van on a per-mile basis. (5) Hazmat/Tanker — endorsements increase earning potential by 3–8¢ CPM at many carriers. Hylas Companion offers positions across all of these categories.

Question 3

How does OTR pay compare to regional trucking pay?

Accepted Answer

OTR (Over The Road) drivers typically earn more per mile but spend more time away from home — usually 2–3 weeks out at a time. Regional drivers earn slightly less per mile but get home more often, often weekly. At Hylas Companion, OTR company drivers start at 85¢+ CPM on 2,500–3,000 miles/week. Regional and dedicated positions may offer PPL (Per Practical Load) at 30%+ or a flat CPM rate, with the trade-off being more consistent home time. The right choice depends on your lifestyle: if maximizing gross annual income is the goal, OTR — especially team driving — wins. If weekly home time matters more, regional or dedicated is worth the modest pay difference.

Question 4

What is Hylas Companion's home time policy?

Accepted Answer

Home time at Hylas Companion depends on the program you choose. OTR company and lease drivers typically run 2–3 weeks out and return home for 2–4 days, or longer reset periods by arrangement. Regional and dedicated drivers can go home weekly in most programs. Local W2 positions are home daily. We do not overpromise home time to get you to sign — your recruiter will give you the exact schedule for the specific program before you commit. If a program doesn't match your life, we find a different one. Home time expectations should always be confirmed in writing before orientation.

Question 5

Do you offer a sign-on bonus?

Accepted Answer

Hylas Companion does not offer a sign-on bonus, and we think that's actually better for drivers. Here's why: most carrier sign-on bonuses are paid out over 6–12 months and are clawed back if you leave early — they're a retention tool, not a gift. A $3,000 bonus paid over a year is $57/week. We'd rather give you a higher base CPM rate that compounds every mile you run and that you keep regardless of how long you stay. At 85¢+ CPM, every extra half-cent per mile on a 2,500-mile week is $12.50 weekly — $650 annually, every year, with no strings attached. Our referral bonus program pays $500 per driver you refer who completes orientation.

Question 6

What is CPM and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

CPM stands for Cents Per Mile. It's the most common pay structure for company drivers — you earn a set rate for every loaded mile you drive. Our company drivers start at 85¢+ CPM (or $1 CPM on team seats). On a typical 2,500-mile week at 85¢, that's $2,125 gross. No truck expenses, no insurance, no fuel costs. What you see on your settlement is close to what you keep.

Question 7

What is PPL and how is it different from CPM?

Accepted Answer

PPL stands for Per Practical Load — you earn a flat dollar amount per load based on a practical route formula, rather than counting every single mile on the GPS. This means you're compensated on the logical route regardless of exact routing. We offer 30%+ PPL on select accounts. It works especially well for dedicated and regional drivers where loads are consistent and predictable.

Question 8

How much can I make as an OTR company driver?

Accepted Answer

At 85¢+ CPM averaging 2,500–3,000 miles per week, you're looking at $2,125–$2,550 gross per week — roughly $110,000–$132,000 annually. Team seats at $1 CPM can push that significantly higher. As a company driver, you have zero out-of-pocket truck or fuel expenses — that's all on us. Run our Gross Pay Calculator to model your exact numbers.

Question 9

How much can I make on the Lease to Own program?

Accepted Answer

Lease drivers run at 88% of gross freight revenue. After truck-related deductions (lease note, insurance, trailer, maintenance fund), experienced O/O-style lease drivers net $2,000–$3,500+/week depending on miles, loads, and lane. Use our Settlement Calculator to run your exact scenario before committing.

Question 10

Do you hold my first paycheck?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not hold your first paycheck. Settlements are processed weekly and paid on a consistent schedule. You'll know exactly when to expect your money from day one — no surprises.

Question 11

Is there escrow?

Accepted Answer

Escrow applies only to our Lease to Own and Rent programs, not to company or W2 positions. For lease drivers, we hold a maintenance escrow of $0.10/mile to cover repairs and upkeep — this protects you from an unexpected large repair bill in any single week. Company drivers have zero escrow deductions.

Question 12

When and how do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Settlements are processed weekly. Most drivers receive funds via direct deposit. Your settlement statement will itemize every deduction so there are no mystery line items. We believe in full transparency on every settlement — you'll always know exactly what you earned and what was deducted.

Question 13

How does orientation work, and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Orientation depends on your program type. For 1099 programs — company driver, lease, and rent — orientation is completed the same day. You arrive in the morning and are dispatched by afternoon, on the road and making money the same day. A same-day cash advance is also available for 1099 drivers at orientation. For W2 positions (local, regional hourly), orientation runs 2–4 days and pays $300. For both program types, Hylas Companion covers transportation to orientation, accommodation, and meals — you arrive and leave with nothing out of pocket. Your truck is pre-assigned based on the program you chose; you'll know the year and model before orientation day.

Question 14

What positions are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer OTR (Over The Road) company driver, OTR team driver, regional, local, dedicated, Lease to Own, Rent Program, and Trainee seats. Non-CDL positions are also available — apply and tell us your license class and experience, and a recruiter will walk you through what's open right now. Position availability varies by program and region.

Question 15

Do you accept SAP drivers?

Accepted Answer

SAP means you've completed a Substance Abuse Professional return-to-duty process. Our policy on SAP drivers depends on the specific program — some Hylas Companion group programs accept drivers who've completed their SAP program with a clean post-return record; others don't. Be upfront about your SAP status when you apply and we'll match you only with programs that actually accept your situation. We won't waste your time or theirs.

Question 16

Can I apply if I have a DUI on my record?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with drivers who have a DUI on their record, provided at least 1 year has passed since the conviction or incident — this is the legal minimum under DOT regulations. If your DUI occurred within the last 12 months, you are not eligible to apply yet. Once that window passes, apply and your recruiter will match you with programs that accept your profile. Be upfront about it on your application so we don't waste anyone's time.

Question 17

Do you welcome female drivers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We recruit based on qualifications, not gender. Female CDL-A drivers are welcome in every position we offer — OTR, local, regional, lease, and trainee. We take the time to match every driver to a situation that fits their life, goals, and priorities. That applies equally to everyone.

Question 18

Do you have inside cameras?

Accepted Answer

Camera policies vary by program. Some use forward-facing road cameras only; some use dual-facing cameras that include the cab interior. When we present a program opportunity, we'll tell you their exact camera setup upfront — no surprises. If inside cameras are a hard dealbreaker for you, let your recruiter know early and we'll prioritize programs whose policies fit.

Question 19

What is Lease to Own and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Lease to Own means you run at 88% of gross freight revenue in a late-model truck you can own outright at the end of the lease term. Weekly deductions cover the truck note, insurance, trailer lease, and a maintenance fund. What remains after deductions is yours. We use a full-payout structure — no balloon payment at the end. When the lease is done, you own the truck. Run our Settlement Calculator to see your exact weekly net before deciding.

Question 20

What is the Rent Program?

Accepted Answer

The Rent Program is similar to Lease to Own in that you run at 88% revenue share, but without the path to ownership. You pay a weekly rental fee on a company truck instead of a lease note. Terms are more flexible and there's no long-term commitment. It's a strong option for experienced drivers who want the income upside of owner-operator status without a multi-year lease obligation.

Question 21

What is the Trainee Program?

Accepted Answer

Our Trainee Program is open to CDL-A holders with little or no OTR experience. You'll ride with a seasoned trainer to build your road hours and log book confidence. After successfully completing the training period, you move to a solo seat. It's a legitimate path into OTR — and into the better pay that comes with it.

Question 22

How does home time work?

Accepted Answer

Home time depends on the specific program. Regional and dedicated positions can offer weekly home time. OTR positions typically offer 1–3 days home per week on the road, or scheduled extended reset periods. We'll match you to a program that aligns with your home time expectations — tell your recruiter what you need upfront and we'll find the right fit.

Question 23

Do I need my own authority to run with you?

Accepted Answer

No. Every position we offer — including lease and rent — operates under our authority or a Hylas Companion group partner's authority. You don't need your own MC number, DOT authority, or IFTA account to drive with us.

Question 24

What trucks do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Our fleet includes Peterbilt 579 Ultraloft, Freightliner Cascadia Evolution, Kenworth T680 Next Gen, Volvo VNL 760/860, and International LT625 — all 2020–2026 model years. We'll ask for your preferences and do our best to match you with the model you want. See the full lineup on our Fleet page.

Question 25

What equipment comes standard in your trucks?

Accepted Answer

Every truck includes: a 2,000W pure sine-wave inverter, 12V compressor refrigerator, APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) for idle-free heat and air conditioning, and the Opti Idle system for smart engine management. No upgrade packages, no add-on fees — all standard.

Question 26

Are the trucks new?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every unit in our fleet is a 2020–2026 late-model truck. We don't run old iron. Newer equipment means better fuel economy, fewer breakdowns, a more comfortable environment, and more miles — which means more money for you.

Question 27

Can I choose my truck?

Accepted Answer

We take your preferences seriously and do our best to match you with your preferred make and model. Availability varies by program, but your recruiter will always tell you exactly what equipment is available before you commit to anything.

Question 28

Do you have sleeper cabs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All OTR positions come with sleeper cab trucks. The specific sleeper configuration (mid-roof, high-roof, flat top) varies by model. Several trucks in our fleet — like the Peterbilt 579 Ultraloft and Volvo VNL 860 — have premium large sleeper configurations designed for driver comfort on extended OTR runs.

Question 29

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Go to hylascompanion.us/apply and fill out the online application. It takes under 3 minutes for the basic info. A recruiter will call you — usually the same business day. We don't ghost applicants. If you submitted an application and haven't heard from us within 1 business day, call us directly.

Question 30

How long does the application take?

Accepted Answer

The online form takes under 3 minutes for core information. If you upload your CDL and medical certificate during the application, add another 2 minutes. We built our form to be fast and direct — no 40-page packet, no fax machine, no three-day wait for a callback.

Question 31

When will a recruiter contact me after I apply?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to reach out within 1 business day — usually the same day during business hours. When we call, we'll go over your situation, answer questions, and if there's a good match, walk through next steps. We call. We don't ghost.

Question 32

Do I need a CDL to apply?

Accepted Answer

Not always. CDL-A is required for OTR, regional, lease, dedicated, and most company driver seats. However, non-CDL drivers can also apply — we have positions available that do not require a commercial license. Tell your recruiter your current license class during the first call and we'll match you to what's open. For our Trainee Program, you need a CDL-A but no prior OTR experience.

Question 33

What documents do I need to start?

Accepted Answer

To begin onboarding, you'll typically need: a valid CDL, your current DOT medical certificate, proof of address (utility bill or government ID), Social Security card, employment history for the last 3 years (company names, supervisors, contact info), and a list of any violations or accidents. Some programs require additional documents — we'll walk you through the full checklist once you're matched.

Question 34

Do I pay anything to get started?

Accepted Answer

Never. Drivers pay nothing — no application fees, no placement fees, no startup costs. Hylas Companion is compensated by the Hylas Companion group. If anyone tells you otherwise, that's not us.

Question 35

How long does it take to get placed?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies based on your experience, document readiness, and program availability. Drivers who have all documents ready and pass background checks typically get placed within 2–4 days (1099 programs) or 5–8 days (W2 positions). We'll give you an honest estimate after your first recruiter call.

Question 36

Who is Hylas Companion?

Accepted Answer

Hylas Companion is an in-house trucking operation. We are the carrier — all the fleets and programs you see here are under the Hylas umbrella. When you drive with us, you're with us. You're not being handed off to an outside company or bounced between agencies. The driver comes first under that umbrella, and that starts from the first conversation.

Question 37

Are you a staffing agency or the actual operator?

Accepted Answer

We are the operating company and employer — all fleets and positions you drive under are part of the Hylas Companion group. You're not placed with a third-party company. You're employed and protected directly under Hylas. Most companies outsource their recruiting to agencies that don't have skin in the game. We don't — we recruit in-house because your relationship with us starts at the first phone call.

Question 38

What partners operate under the Hylas Companion group?

Accepted Answer

All fleets and programs are under the Hylas Companion group umbrella. There are no outside companies we hand you off to — you're joining Hylas directly. Everything stays in-house: the recruiting, the onboarding, the dispatch, and the support.

Question 39

What states do you operate in?

Accepted Answer

All 48 contiguous states. Key markets include Chicago and Joliet, IL; Denver, CO; Baltimore, MD; Phoenix, AZ; Oklahoma City, OK; Indianapolis, IN; Columbus, OH; Milwaukee, WI; Memphis and Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; and Houston and Dallas, TX. But if you're outside these markets, apply anyway — we very likely have options.

Question 40

What is the Exclusivity Agreement?

Accepted Answer

When Hylas Companion begins working with you, you agree to an exclusivity period — 45 days from your first introduction and 12 months from your hire date. This means you won't pursue the same opportunity through another channel during that window. Since everything is under the Hylas umbrella, this simply protects the time and effort both sides invest in the process.

Question 41

How is Hylas Companion different from other recruiters?

Accepted Answer

We're not a recruiter — we're the carrier. Most trucking companies push drivers through third-party recruiting agencies that have no stake in whether you stay or thrive. We recruit in-house because we believe the driver-company relationship starts at the first phone call, not after you've been processed through a middleman. Under the Hylas umbrella, your interests are protected from day one.

Question 42

Is Hylas Companion a marketplace?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and that's exactly where we're headed. Hylas Companion is built as a platform: a marketplace where Hylas Companion group partners can access qualified drivers and experienced recruiters directly, and where drivers can find the right seat without going through a chain of middlemen. Whether you're a driver looking for your next opportunity or a company looking to scale their fleet, the Hylas platform connects both sides in one place. The full marketplace is coming — stay tuned.

Question 43

What does 'under the Hylas umbrella' mean for me as a driver?

Accepted Answer

It means you're protected. You're not a transaction between two strangers. Under the Hylas umbrella, your application, your representation, and your placement all happen within the same operation. You're dealing with one team that's accountable to you from the first call to the day you're in the truck — and beyond.

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