Independent Contractors: Owner/Operator & Preferred Service Providers

Independent Contractors and Chipman

Chipman partners with exceptional Local Owner-Operators and Preferred Service Partners (PSP) across our locations in California, Oregon, and Washington, and around the country. We run steady, year-round shipment volume across our long-haul household goods network as a premier agent for Mayflower and United Van Lines, alongside robust local, commercial, and logistics opportunities.

We are a third-generation, family-owned business built around a "One Chipman" culture. That means we treat our contractors as long-term partners, not interchangeable capacity.

Who We Contract With

Independent Long Haul Drivers Run long haul under the prestigious Mayflower and United banners with the steady tonnage and volume that only an established West Coast leader can offer. Chipman's long-haul lanes serve California, the Pacific Northwest, and cross-country routes through the national network. Settlements are transparent, dispatch respects your time off, and our shop and fuel programs actively help reduce your operating costs. We are looking for experienced OTR operators with a clean record and a well-maintained truck.

Independent Short Haul Drivers Run local, regional and intrastate shipments from any of our Pacific West branches and can be home most nights. Short-haul drivers contract with Chipman to handle origin and destination work for local household moves, commercial relocations, and shuttle services. We provide the shipments; you provide the truck and the experience. Expect steady weekday work with abundant surge availability during peak seasons.

Local Service Crews Chipman contracts with dedicated service crews for packing, loading, and on-site labor across both residential and commercial moves. Crews work closely with our dispatchers to secure steady work throughout the year and heavy surge work during peak season. We pay reliably, communicate clearly, and bring the best crews back week after week when the work is done right.

Benefits of Working with Us

The "One Chipman" Culture: Honest, family-oriented, and driven by integrity. Our contractors stay because we treat our partners with respect.
Steady Year-Round shipment volume: As the largest West Coast agent, we offer excess tonnage, a positive book-to-haul ratio, and smart load-matching to keep your truck moving in every season.
Favorable Financials & Quick Pay: Enjoy a highly favorable hauling agreement and transparent settlements with weekly pay to keep your cash flow strong.
Incentives & Savings: Maximize your profits with incentives for van operator-owned trailers and a national fuel discount program.
Top-Tier Standing: Work with an established leader—we are a Top 10 UniGroup Hauler and an annual Quality Award winner.
Support & Maintenance: Driver-friendly dispatch that respects your home time and Hours of Service (HOS), plus get shop access and maintenance support right at our regional branches.

Why Chipman?

Established Legacy:

Operating since 1939 as an agent for two of the largest van lines in the country translates into the one thing contractors care about most: steady shipment volume. The phone rings, the trips are real, and the work is steady between peak seasons.

Family-Owned:

Chipman has been family-owned since day one. Ownership stays close to the work, which means decisions get made quickly. Our contractors deal with real people who know the operation inside and out. When something needs to get sorted out, it gets sorted out.

Our Culture:

We call our culture "One Chipman" because every branch, every truck, every contractor, and every employee operates as a single team for the customer. For our contractors, that means we treat you with respect; dispatch backs you when a job runs long and the office knows your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chipman pay its owner/operators?

Owner/operators are paid a percentage of the line haul, plus accessorials and a fuel surcharge pass-through. We provide highly transparent settlement statements. Specific terms vary by lane and equipment, and our recruiter will walk you through the numbers in detail before you sign.

Do I need to provide my own truck?

Yes. Owner/operators must contract with their own tractor that meets Mayflower or United Van Lines equipment standards. For service crews, you provide the labor and basic hand tools.

What insurance do I need to carry as a contractor?

Owner/operators carry standard motor carrier insurance, including auto liability, cargo, and physical damage, at the limits required by the van line. Service crews must carry general liability and workers' compensation for their teams. Chipman will provide the exact coverage requirements for the specific contract you are signing.

How often are settlements paid?

Settlements are paid on a reliable weekly cycle. You will receive a detailed statement of your trips, accessorials, and any deductions, ensuring you know exactly what you earned and why.

Does Chipman offer fuel discounts?

Yes. Chipman contractors get access to our fuel discount program at major truck-stop networks. These savings add up to a meaningful reduction in your operating costs over a year of running shipments.

How does the dispatch process work?

Your dispatch is local to your branch. Over the road long haul drivers have their own dedicated dispatcher. You will work with a dedicated team that knows your equipment, understands your preferred home time, and honors your preferences. Above all, we respect your Hours of Service (HOS) and will never dispatch a load you cannot legally or safely run.

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. Reach out to our owner/operator expert to discuss your equipment, your experience, and the lanes that fit you best. Once we agree it is a strong match, the onboarding process typically takes just one to two weeks.