Founded in 1975 by Wally Tielens and his son Bruce as Wisconsin Express Lines — starting with a single truck hauling cheese from the Midwest to the East Coast — WEL Companies has grown into a leading refrigerated trucking, logistics, and temperature-controlled warehousing company. In 1988, Bruce and his brother Randy purchased the business from their father and renamed it WEL Companies, expanding into warehousing and integrated logistics. Today the company remains proudly family-owned, with CEO Bruce Tielens working alongside his children Chris (COO), Dalton (President), and Sarah in a true third-generation family business. WEL operates 500+ trucks and 800 trailers across all 48 contiguous states, with terminals in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida. Specialties include dairy, cheese, candy, beverages, produce, dry goods, and minor temperature-controlled items — serving Fortune 500 companies from AIB Certified Superior facilities.

Pay drivers can count on: WEL drivers average 67 CPM, translating to a fleet-wide average of over $65,000/year — with top drivers earning significantly more. On top of base mileage pay, the SSA (Safety, Service, Availability) Performance Incentive adds an extra 5 CPM on all miles every 28 days — up to 13 payouts per year. That''s a meaningful earnings boost for drivers who show up safely and consistently. Additional pay includes breakdown pay, layover pay, detention pay, stop pay, and per diem. Weekly pay with direct deposit.

Driving options to fit your life:

OTR — steady miles, adventurous runs across all 48 states; most time on the road
Regional — more frequent home time with steady, predictable pay
Dedicated — home weekly or more; consistent routes, customers, and schedules
Local — out-and-back freight with daily home time
Owner-Operator / Independent Contractor — no truck required to get started; optional group benefits through UTBA (Universal Trucking Benefits Association) with settlement deduct; lease purchase program also available

Benefits that matter:

Health insurance options including HSA-qualified plans; dental and vision options
401(k) with company match
Company-paid life insurance
Voluntary income protection: accident, critical illness, short- and long-term disability
Free onsite wellness clinic and chiropractor at corporate headquarters — no co-pay, no hassle
Earned paid time off and paid holidays
Referral bonuses
Rider program (family member can ride along) and pet policy (one dog welcome)

Equipment and terminal amenities: Late-model refrigerated fleet equipped with APUs, double bunks, and toll transponders. WEL''s 24/7 terminal amenities include onsite fitness centers, chiropractor, wellness center, washers/dryers, showers, and company car availability at corporate. Nearly 1 in 3 company drivers stays with WEL for at least 5 years — well below the industry average for turnover — because WEL backs up its driver-first culture with real pay, real home time, and real support. Student driver program available with paid training, tuition reimbursement for approved schools, and a pay increase after 90 days solo. Veteran-friendly employer with active veteran outreach initiative.

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Owner Operator with Wel Companies

Owner Operator