Carriers continue to raise wages amid driver shortage

From Transport Topics. Trucking companies are continuing to increase driver pay as labor capacity remains a challenge amid strong demand. Averitt Express on May 19 announced a pay increase for local drivers, shuttle drivers, diesel mechanics and dock associates, while Maverick Transportation announced May 11 higher pay for flatbed, glass, marine and dedicated drivers. WEL…

trucks on highway

From Transport Topics.

Trucking companies are continuing to increase driver pay as labor capacity remains a challenge amid strong demand.

Averitt Express on May 19 announced a pay increase for local drivers, shuttle drivers, diesel mechanics and dock associates, while Maverick Transportation announced May 11 higher pay for flatbed, glass, marine and dedicated drivers. WEL Cos. announced April 30 its drivers would see pay increase by 4 cents per mile.

“Our drivers have worked extremely hard during these unprecedented times of high demand and tight capacity, and we are proud to recognize them with this industry-leading pay package,” Maverick President John Culp said in a statement.

Maverick said its flatbed and glass over-the-road drivers would see an increase of 3 to 4 cents per mile. For student drivers, that takes starting pay up to 55 to 60 cents per mile, or an average of around $80,000 per year, the company said. Experienced drivers will earn 59 to 66 cents per mile. Those pay increases went into effect May 16.

“Our local driving and support associates are the champions of the communities we serve,” Barry Blakely, vice president of operations at Averitt, said in a May 19 statement about his company’s pay increases. “For 50 years, Averitt has been committed to serving our customers and our team, and this increase will ensure that we can continue to provide exceptional service in all areas.”

All three companies are following earlier increases with these latest pay bumps. The increase at WEL follows a 3 cent-per-mile increase from earlier this year, while Averitt on March 2 announced pay increases for regional truckload and flatbed drivers. Maverick on Jan. 3 announced a pay increase for flatbed, glass and dedicated drivers.

See the complete article online at Transport Topics.

Posted in