FAQs: Drivers

A. Cowen Truck Line is a family owned company founded in 1972, offering a full range of truck transportation and logistics services. Based in Ohio, Cowen’s core business is Midwest dry freight but we serve the entire continental US and Canada. Cowen prides itself on courteous, experienced and service oriented drivers and staff.

Cowen Truck Line’s vision is to be an “Industry leader through modernization while sustaining Cowen culture and values.”

• People Development


• Customer focus


• Clean well-maintained equipment

A. Cowen Truck Line hauls primarily dry van freight (no touch) with limited reefer freight.

A. Drivers are assigned a dispatcher who works closely with drivers to manage home time. Local drivers are home nightly. Regional drivers are home every other night and most weekends. Over the road drivers are home most weekends and occasionally during the week. Cowen Truck Line will work with all drivers to make sure thy are home for the moments that matter.

A. Safety is in the forefront at Cowen Truck Line. Everything we do has the safety of our driver and the public in mind, it is our responsibility to place safety first. Every trailer that comes through our lot receives a detailed inspection by one of our experienced mechanics. Tractors and trailers have a vigorous preventative maintenance schedule to keep them in top running condition. Cowen Truck Line’s CSA scores rival any competitor.

A. Yes, you will work with the dispatcher that manages your specific driver type. (local, regional or road driver)

A. Many of the long-term drivers feel that Cowen Truck Line cares about them and works to understand their needs. Employees at Cowen Truck Line feel as if they are part of a team but treated like the valuable individuals they are.

As Dave, a current Cowen Truck Line driver says:
“I’ve been here 25 years and there’s always been an open-door policy.”

Cowen Truck Line has that small company feel that most employees like. Most of all, Cowen drivers are proud to be behind the wheel of clean, well maintained equipment.

As Tom, a current Cowen Truck Line driver says:
“I can’t designate one person, as all of the staff have impacted my experience at Cowen Truck Line in many ways. Whatever the issue or problem, the staff assists you promptly and professionally. It is truly a ‘family atmosphere’.”

A. To drive for Cowen, you must be at least 25 years old and hold a valid Class A CDL. You’ll need a minimum of two years on the road with tractor-trailer driving experience. Additionally, you must meet the following standards:

• Present a clean, well-groomed, professional appearance


• No more than one preventable accident within three years


• No more than four moving violations in three years


• Must consent to pre-employment drug screening


• Must pass a criminal background check


• Must pass a DOT physical/drug test

A. To maintain our high standards for clean, safe, quality equipment, pets are not allowed in Cowen trucks.

Passengers are permitted with Management approval (a maximum of four weeks per year).

A. Our company drivers receive an excellent compensation package including full benefits and ample home time. You choose your load, and we offer limited touch freight. At Cowen, you never worry about slip seating.

• Regional and long haul dispatch


• Home most weekends


• Paid vacation


• Bereavement Pay


• Meal allowance


• Life insurance


• Medical, dental and vision insurance


• 401-K


• Disability insurance


• Safety bonus


• Tenure bonus


• Miles per gallon bonus


• Log bonus


• Limited passenger policy


• Multiple stop pay


• Employee Assistance Program


• Wellness/Preventive Care Program available