Driver compensation has remained a major focus throughout the trucking industry as carriers continue updating their pay packages to attract and retain professional CDL drivers. Over the past several months, several companies have introduced higher mileage rates, expanded incentive programs, and increased earning opportunities for both new and experienced drivers.
While compensation is only one part of choosing a driving job, these announcements offer a useful look at how some carriers are strengthening their pay packages. Below are three companies that have recently increased driver compensation.
Crete Carrier Expanded Pay Across Multiple Fleets
Crete Carrier increased driver pay across several of its fleets when new compensation rates took effect on May 30.
National over-the-road drivers for both Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking received an additional 3 cents per mile. Drivers operating on a 12-day schedule received a 2-cent per mile increase, while most regional and dedicated drivers received a 1-cent per mile raise.
The company also increased starting pay for new Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking national over-the-road drivers to between 64 and 69 cents per mile. Experienced drivers on the affected fleets now have access to higher pay caps, with top over-the-road pay reaching 76 cents per mile.
The updated compensation package expanded earning opportunities across several fleet operations while increasing both starting pay and top pay for many company drivers.
Cargo Transporters Continued Investing in Driver Pay
Cargo Transporters implemented another round of driver pay increases on May 3, continuing a series of compensation improvements introduced over the past year.
The latest adjustment increased over-the-road driver pay by 6.25 percent, bringing the company’s total increase in OTR driver pay to 12.9 percent since September of last year. The announcement also included additional pay increases for team drivers and hourly driving positions.
The continued adjustments demonstrate Cargo Transporters’ ongoing investment in driver compensation across multiple driving roles rather than focusing on a single fleet.
USA Truck Updated Its Driver Incentive Program
USA Truck revised its compensation package on June 1 by introducing a new incentive structure for eligible company drivers.
The updated program added 5 cents per dispatched and paid mile through automatic payroll payments, replacing the company’s previous quarterly and year-end bonus programs. In addition, USA Truck introduced a company-funded career tenure program that provides milestone payouts as drivers reach different lengths of service.
By combining immediate mileage incentives with long-term tenure rewards, the company created additional earning opportunities while simplifying how eligible drivers receive incentive pay.
EPES Transport Announces Two Scheduled Pay Raises
EPES Transport has announced two upcoming pay increases for experienced regional CDL A drivers. The first takes effect on August 2, increasing base pay to 63 cents per mile, with eligible drivers able to earn up to an additional 9 cents per mile through the company’s monthly performance pay program. A second increase is scheduled for October 4, raising base pay to 65 cents per mile while maintaining the same performance pay opportunity.
In addition to the updated mileage rates, EPES continues to offer regional routes with home time most weekends, monthly utilization bonuses, optional Northeast routes with additional pay, and mostly drop and hook, no touch freight. The company also provides medical benefits, paid holidays, retirement savings with company match, referral bonuses, and wellness resources as part of its overall driver compensation package.
Keeping an Eye on Driver Pay Trends
Driver compensation continues to evolve as carriers adjust their pay packages to remain competitive. For drivers considering a career move, staying informed about pay announcements can make it easier to identify companies that are actively investing in their drivers and offering more competitive earning opportunities.
