COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt has implemented a significant update to its compensation program for regional and LTL drivers, pushing top mileage rates to 66 cents per mile as of August 9. This shift represents a two-cent bump from the previous 64-cent ceiling and marks a move toward a more uniform pay scale across the company's regional truckload operations.
Competition for experienced talent remains fierce as trucking companies hiring professional drivers look for ways to stabilize their fleets. By removing the separate pay tier for drivers without hazardous materials endorsements, the company is standardizing the base rate for all regional drivers. Those who maintain their hazmat credentials will now receive a specific $25 accessorial payment for each load hauled, ensuring that specialized skills are still recognized with extra compensation.
Averitt officials report that the new pay structure brings the average weekly earnings for regional drivers to approximately $1,550. This change follows a separate compensation adjustment for LTL drivers that went into effect on July 26, which tied pay increases to both geographic location and individual experience levels. Barry Blakely, president and chief operating officer at Averitt, stated that the move is intended to simplify the payroll process while ensuring every driver has a clear path to the company's highest mileage rate.
What This Means for Drivers
For a CDL-A driver considering a move, this simplified structure removes the ambiguity often found in complex mileage-based pay packages. The inclusion of consistent accessorial pay for detention, layovers, and stop-offs provides a necessary safety net against the unpredictable nature of road freight. Beyond the paycheck, the company is maintaining its standard benefits package, which includes profit sharing, retirement savings, and medical coverage. Drivers operating within the network also gain access to over 2,500 company-owned parking spots and modern facilities equipped with showers and Wi-Fi, features that often make or break the quality of life for an OTR truck driver.
Industry Reaction
As the freight market continues to fluctuate, carriers are increasingly focusing on retention strategies that go beyond just the base mileage rate. While many fleets are prioritizing equipment upgrades and improved driver amenities, Averitt’s decision to pair pay transparency with a fleet that averages 2.6 years in age is a common tactic used to attract professional talent. Industry analysts suggest that fleets providing clear, predictable income streams are better positioned to weather the current economic environment compared to those relying on convoluted pay structures that are difficult for drivers to calculate on the fly.
Key Points
- Regional mileage pay has increased to a top rate of 66 cents per mile.
- Hazmat-endorsed drivers receive an additional $25 per load accessorial fee.
- Average weekly pay for regional drivers is now estimated at $1,550.
- The company operates a modern fleet with an average truck age of 2.6 years.
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