Oakley, Calif. — Oakley Trucking published its 2025 year‑in‑review on September 10, 2026, unveiling a list of the company’s ten highest‑earning owner‑operators and commemorating the drivers who retired over the past twelve months.

The release comes as owner‑operators remain the backbone of long‑haul freight, delivering more than 60 percent of OTR loads nationwide. By highlighting top performers, Oakley signals to its independent network that consistent mileage, safety compliance and on‑time delivery still earn tangible recognition and bonus incentives.

According to the company’s internal report, the top ten owner‑operators collectively hauled 1.2 million miles and generated $9.4 million in revenue for Oakley in 2025. The highest earner, veteran driver Carlos Mendez, logged 140,000 miles and earned a $210,000 bonus. Retirees such as Linda “Lightning” Hart and Jeff “Big Rig” Collins each received a farewell stipend and a referral credit for bringing new talent into the fold. Oakley’s president, Mark Stevenson, announced that the carrier will add 45 new lease‑purchase opportunities for CDL‑A drivers beginning October.

What This Means for Drivers

Owner‑operators who meet Oakley’s safety score of 95 or higher will qualify for reduced lease‑purchase rates and priority dispatch on high‑value freight lanes. CDL‑A drivers seeking OTR work can now apply for the newly opened slots, which promise a minimum of 2,500 miles per month and a base pay of $0.62 per mile, plus fuel surcharge. The company also rolled out a revised FMCSA‑compliant electronic logging system that reduces paperwork and provides real‑time load tracking, a feature that many independent haulers have demanded.

Industry Reaction

Competing carriers praised Oakley’s transparent reward structure, noting that clear metrics help owner‑operators gauge performance and plan growth. The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) issued a statement supporting the move, saying it encourages healthy competition and sets a benchmark for safety‑first compensation. Meanwhile, freight brokers reported a modest uptick in capacity availability as retired drivers transition into referral roles, expanding the pool of qualified OTR truck driver talent.

Key Points

• Oakley Trucking’s 2025 review released September 10, 2026.
• Top ten owner‑operators generated $9.4 million in revenue and 1.2 million miles.
• 45 new lease‑purchase opportunities open for CDL‑A drivers in October.
• Retiring drivers receive stipend and referral credit to aid recruitment.

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