A couple of truckload carriers have raised driver pay heading into 2021. Beacon Transport announced Monday a 3-cents-per-mile pay increase for new drivers effective Jan. 1.
The La Vergne, Tennessee-based truckload carrier said the increase is one of the largest in its 20-year history and places pay for all new drivers at 50 cents per mile or higher.
“We’ve truly been blessed these past 20 years and there’s no doubt the success of our company is based on the consistent and committed work of our drivers,” said co-founder and Chief Manager Stan Pritchett.
The carrier, which specializes in moving nonhazardous dry freight in the Southeast and Midwest, sees the current lack of available trucks as likely to continue well into the new year.
“There’s been so much talk of capacity the past six months and as we look to 2021 it seems most people believe capacity is going to stay tight,” said co-founder and Vice President of Sales David Burns. “I just want to thank our customers who have given us the confidence and resources to make sure we are able to attract the high-caliber professional drivers needed to service them.”
Last week, Eagan, Minnesota-based carrier Bay & Bay Transportation announced it had implemented a wage increase on Dec. 7. The almost 80-year-old company now pays new hires with driving experience up to 58 cents per mile, and it increased per-mile pay by 4 cents for existing company drivers.
Bay & Bay also announced a $10,000 sign-on bonus for all new drivers joining its fleet.
In recent weeks several carriers — Roehl Transport, C.R. England, KLLM Transport, Covenant (NASDAQ: CVLG), Schneider National (NYSE: SNDR), Stevens Transport, Heartland Express (NASDAQ: HTLD), Frozen Food Express and Anderson Trucking Service — have raised driver pay.
Steven Schadt
You didn’t post my first comment. Don’t by this BS. They have been underpaying driver’s for yrs. 55cpm minimum with 3 yrs or more is where it should be. There is a pandemic and risk that we are not being compensated for.
Nor do Labor Laws applie to us. Don’t be taken for a ride. We are the backbone of this country the lack of retirement packages and real Medical Benefit are a joke. Do your homework driver’s.
Robert Avila
It seems to me a silent agreement has been reached to offer 4 cents to the pot. .54 cents a mile is still indentured pay after taxes, road expenses, etc. This will not alleviate the driver shortage and will not attract the best people to do this job.
Steven Schadt
You are correct. I said 55cpm min with a all miles paid And 401K with Real Benifites. There way behind in compinsation.
CM Evans
It’s not intended to, the purpose is to offer what would be good to great wages to immigrants from countries w/lower wages. Younger people who will replace the ones aging out of the industry.
Nomad
Where are you guys? Do you count this as reaching 58 cents a mile? How about that we’ve been driving 70 cents a mile for four months now? Right now, Chicago is below this ($ 0.70) rate, no one will talk when applying for a job. You are probably just being used? I understand there may be some kind of benifits, but it’s still very cheap now.
Steven Schadt
Teams make 74cpm at my Co. I’m solo and get 55 cpm all miles paid. So don’t confuse Team expidited fraight to solos.