I used to fly for Flight Express out of CPS. As far as I know all of their KC based routes are currently subcontracted (mostly to Safewing, I think). This could mean that they want pilots for KC in a big way, or it could mean that they're happy with the contractors they have, I don't know. If you're so inclined, call Gary Hillyer at 1800OPSKORL ext. 613. He's a great guy and will give you the straight dope. I think starting pay is $12/duty hour, meaning that if you get a long run, you can make a decent living. A lot of the CPS runs are 12-14 hour duty days with maybe 4 hours of flying, I don't know about KC. Five days a week, mostly day runs, almost all bank checks. I found it a great place to work. Of course YMMV. There is no training contract, although they give you a $1000 bonus when you complete training, but want it back if you don't stay for 6 months. Sort of a stealth contract, I guess you could say. If you don't want it, though, you can give the check right back when they push it across the table.
I don't know too much about pay/conditions at Safewing. It seemed like most of the guys flying for them were older guys who were moonlighting.
I ran in to a bunch of CASW guys flying for FLX. They seemed generally satisfied with the job. It apparently doesn't pay quite as well as FLX, at least to start, but you start in a twin. If you have airline experience, this may not be so important to you. I believe they do have a 6 month training contract of some kind.
None of them are exactly top tier jobs, but they beat the heck out of instructing. Might not be a bad place to hang your hat while you wait for something more in line with your qualifications to come along.
Good luck.