The nationwide survey gathers detailed information on wages, benefits, bonuses, and incentive structures from trucking companies operating in different regions and business segments. The goal is to provide carriers with reliable benchmarks they can use to evaluate their own driver pay programs and remain competitive in a challenging market.

“In this difficult and prolonged freight recession, the companies with the greatest edge are the ones that have the best data,” said Bob Costello, ATA chief economist. “As a one-of-a-kind benchmarking tool, the Driver Compensation Study provides the crucial, actionable intelligence motor carriers need to recruit and retain their most valuable resource: professional truck drivers. To get as accurate a picture of industry trends as possible, we rely on input from a large cross-section of motor carriers to provide detailed information about their total compensation packages and supply a clear view of how – and how much – trucking companies pay their drivers.”

First Update Since 2024

The compensation study was last conducted in 2024 and remains one of the most comprehensive sources of driver pay data in the industry. Previous surveys included hundreds of fleets, representing for-hire truckload carriers, less-than-truckload carriers, private fleets, and other commercial trucking operations.

“The 2026 Driver Compensation Study will include detailed pay estimates broken down by carrier types, trailer types, and routes,” ATA said. “It will also explore the wide variety of driver pay structures (hourly, per-mile, annual salary, percent of revenue) as well as various incentives. All proprietary information from individual carriers is kept confidential; only aggregate data is included in the final report.”

Why Participation Matters

Survey participants are eligible to purchase the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study for $100, representing more than 90 percent off the full price. Additional benefits include a free executive summary ahead of the full report’s release and an invitation to a no-cost webinar with ATA’s chief economist to review the findings and answer questions.

To participate in the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study survey, click here. The survey deadline is March 30.

To review participation benefits and see sample pages from previous reports, click here or email lbur@trucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

The post ATA Opens Industry Survey That Shapes the 2026 Driver Compensation Study appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Linehaul doubles trucking means driving two trailers hitched together, usually hauling freight between terminals rather than making multiple stops at customers. This role is especially common in LTL freight, where moving loads efficiently between hubs is the priority. Compared to local delivery, it’s less stop-and-go and more steady highway driving.

Endorsements and Licensing Requirements

Before you can get behind the wheel of doubles, you need a Class A CDL with a doubles/triples endorsement. That’s earned by passing a skills test where you show you can safely couple and handle multiple trailers. Depending on what kind of freight you haul, some companies might want extra endorsements, like hazmat. Plus, a clean safety record is essential — the stakes are higher with doubles, so companies want responsible drivers.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

You usually start at your home terminal, hooking up two loaded trailers. Then it’s off on your route, which can be anywhere from 300 to 600 miles between terminals. The focus is on driving and keeping things running smoothly rather than making frequent deliveries. You’ll do safety inspections, keep in touch with dispatch, and handle any paperwork, but the schedule tends to be more predictable than some other trucking jobs.

Pay and Benefits You Can Expect

Pay varies by region and carrier but generally falls in the 80 to 84 cents per mile range, sometimes higher depending on experience and location. Beyond competitive pay, many companies offer good benefits — think health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. A big draw for many drivers is the consistent home time, which can be daily or weekly depending on your route.

How to Get Started and Stand Out

Start by getting your doubles endorsement and gaining some experience driving doubles trailers. Keep your driving record clean and stay up to date on DOT rules — safety compliance goes a long way. Connecting with driver communities online can also give you tips on job openings and the best companies hiring for double linehaul roles.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

If you want steady routes, reliable pay, and frequent home time, doubles linehaul trucking is worth considering. It suits drivers who prefer highway driving with less physical freight handling. But if you’re into more variety or interacting with customers, other driving jobs might be a better match.

The post Breaking into Linehaul Doubles Trucking Jobs What LTL Carriers Want You to Know appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This new certification program, developed in collaboration with the University of Denver’s Transportation and Supply Chain Institute, aims to identify and honor North American for-hire truckload carriers that create outstanding work environments. The program evaluates companies that prioritize driver satisfaction through competitive pay, advanced equipment, safety standards, and innovative practices.

Certification Criteria

To earn the TCA Elite Fleet designation, carriers underwent a rigorous assessment. Criteria included key performance metrics such as driver retention, compensation and benefits, job satisfaction, quality of life on the road, workplace safety, operational efficiency, and the condition of company-owned equipment. Surveys from company drivers and independent contractors further validated the results, ensuring the selections reflect real employee perspectives.

The 47 certified carriers recognized as part of the 2025 TCA Elite Fleet include:

• AAT Carriers – Chattanooga, TN

• American Central Transport – Kansas City, MO

• Bison Transport – Winnipeg, MB, Canada

• Brenny Specialized – St Joseph, MN

• Brown Dog Carriers – Biddeford, ME

• Cargo Transporters – Claremont, NC

• Cheema Freightlines – Pacific, WA

• Chief Carriers – Grand Island, NE

• Christenson Transportation – Strafford, MO

• Crawford Trucking – Des Moines, IA

• Don Hummer Trucking – Cedar Rapids, IA

• Dutch Maid Logistics – Willard, CO

• Erb Transport – New Hamburg, ON, Canada

• Fortigo Freight Services – Etobicoke, ON, Canada

• Fremont Contract Carriers – Fremont, NE

• FTC Transportation – Oklahoma City, OK

• Garner Trucking – Findlay, OH

• Grand Island Express – Grand Island, NE

• Halvor Lines – Superior, WI

• Hill Brothers Transportation – Omaha, NE

• Kriska Holdings Limited – Prescott, ON, Canada

• Landair Transport – Greeneville, TN

• Landstar System – Jacksonville, FL

• Liberty Linehaul – Ayr, ON, Canada

• Lion Force Transport – Mississauga, ON, Canada

• Magnum – Fargo, ND

• Marten Transport – Mondovi, WI

• Maverick Transportation – North Little Rock, AR

• Melton Truck Lines – Tulsa, OK

• Mill Creek Motor Freight – Ayr, ON, Canada

• National Carriers – Irving, TX

• NFI Interactive Logistics – Camden, NJ

• Northern Logistics – Clare, MI

• Nussbaum Transportation – Hudson, IL

• PGT Trucking – Aliquippa, PA

• R.E. Garrison Trucking – Vinemont, AL

• Royal Logistics – Fargo, ND

• Spring Creek Carriers – Beamsville, ON, Canada

• Spur Freight Services – Austin, TX

• Stokes Trucking – Tremonton, UT

• TransLand – Strafford, MO

• Transpro Freight Systems – Milton, ON, Canada

• Truline Corporation – Las Vegas, NV

• Veriha Trucking – Marinette, WI

• Werner Enterprises – Omaha, NE

• Western Dairy Transport – Cabool, MO

• Wilson Logistics – Strafford, MO

Industry Recognition

TCA President Jim Ward expressed his pride in this significant milestone, saying, “We are incredibly proud to announce this first class of TCA Elite Fleets. These carriers went through a comprehensive and detailed application process, had their drivers surveyed for validation, and received top scores for their combination of driver compensation, benefits, engagement, satisfaction, training, support, company equipment, safety, and facilities. These forty-seven carriers are truly Elite Fleets, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them. I look forward to recognizing and celebrating them next month in Phoenix.”

Upcoming Celebration

The award-winning carriers will be celebrated during TCA’s Annual Convention, set to take place in Phoenix, Arizona. The recognition ceremony is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025, as part of a special awards program honoring the achievements of this year’s Elite Fleet recipients.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Truckload Carriers Association

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“This year, the Best Fleets continued to invest in new and creative programs to enhance the workplace experience for drivers,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO. “Despite what’s been a tough economy the past couple of years for fleets, the Best Fleets Top 20 and Hall of Fame members have continued to show that the well-being of their drivers remains a top priority.”

Recognizing Excellence in Trucking

The Best Fleets to Drive For program celebrates companies that prioritize exceptional workplace environments for their drivers and independent contractors. To qualify for the program, for-hire carriers operating at least 10 tractor-trailers must be nominated by a current driver or owner-operator.

Companies are then evaluated on various criteria, such as driver pay, benefits, human resources strategies, operational practices, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance initiatives. To ensure a comprehensive assessment, surveys are also conducted with drivers and independent contractors to gauge their satisfaction with the fleet’s work environment.

The companies with the highest scores are named to the prestigious Best Fleets to Drive For list. Those that have earned the recognition for 10 consecutive years—or for seven consecutive years with an overall winner distinction—are inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2025 Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For

• America’s Service Line – Green Bay, Wis.

• American Central Transport – Kansas City, Mo.

• Brenny Specialized Inc. – St. Joseph, Minn.

• C.A.T. Inc. – Coteau-du-Lac, QC

• Challenger Motor Freight Inc. – Cambridge, ON

• Chief Carriers Inc. – Grand Island, NE

• Continental Express Inc. – Sidney, Ohio

• Crawford Trucking – Des Moines, Iowa

• Decker Truck Line Inc. – Fort Dodge, Iowa

• Fortigo Freight Services Inc. – Etobicoke, ON

• Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc. – Fremont, NE

• Ippolito Transportation – Burlington, ON

• K & J Trucking Inc. – Sioux Falls, SD

• Kriska Holdings Limited – Prescott, ON

• Leonard’s Express Inc. – Farmington, N.Y.

• PGT Trucking Inc. – Aliquippa, Pa.

• Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc. – Defiance, Ohio

• TLD Logistics Services Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn.

• TransLand – Strafford, Mo.

• Wellington Motor Freight – Aberfoyle, ON

2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

• Bison Transport Inc. – Winnipeg, MB

• Boyle Transportation (an Andlauer Healthcare Group Company) – Billerica, Mass.

• Central Oregon Truck Company (a TFI International Company) – Redmond, Ore.

• FTC Transportation Inc. – Oklahoma City, Okla.

• Garner Trucking, Inc. – Findlay, Ohio

• Grand Island Express – Grand Island, NE

• Halvor Lines, Inc. – Superior, Wis.

• Nussbaum Transportation Services Inc. – Hudson, Ill.

• Prime Inc. – Springfield, Mo.

• Transpro Freight Systems Limited – Milton, ON

Honorable Mentions (Fleets to Watch)

CarriersEdge has also recognized five additional carriers as Fleets to Watch for their noteworthy efforts this year:

• Quality Carriers Inc. – Tampa, Fla.

• S&H Express Inc. – York, Pa.

• Steve’s Livestock Transport – Blumenort, MB

• USXL – Foristell, Mo.

• Williams Dedicated, LLC – Michigan City, Ind.

Awards Event and Future Insights

From the Top 20, CarriersEdge will announce two standout fleets—one in the large fleet category and one in the small fleet category—at the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference, scheduled for March 3-4 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C.

During the conference, the Stratosphere Award will also be presented to the highest-scoring fleet in the Hall of Fame category. Attendees will gain access to in-depth data and insights, including statistics, trends, and innovative initiatives from this year’s top-performing fleets.

The conference, sponsored by EpicVue, TruckRight, and Netradyne, promises to be a valuable resource for trucking companies looking to enhance their operations and improve workplace experiences for drivers.

Source: The Trucker

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