Cookeville, TN — Averitt Express is marking its 50th year in business by implementing a significant pay increase for its regional truckload and flatbed divisions. The announcement, aimed at attracting experienced talent, sets a new baseline for regional drivers entering the fleet as the company seeks to stabilize its workforce for the long haul.
For a veteran CDL-A driver, these changes represent a shift in how regional lanes are compensated compared to standard OTR truck driver positions. The company has structured the new pay scale to reward longevity and specialized certifications, specifically targeting those who hold hazmat endorsements. By focusing on regional capacity, the carrier is attempting to provide a more predictable lifestyle for drivers who have grown tired of the long-haul grind but still want to maintain a consistent income level.
The financial adjustments are substantial, with regional truckload associates starting at 50 cents per mile. This rate is projected to yield approximately $1,200 for a five-day work week, totaling $62,400 annually. Drivers who maintain a hazmat endorsement see their rate climb to 52 cents per mile after one year. Flatbed operators are seeing higher starting figures, with pay beginning at 52 cents per mile, which the carrier estimates averages out to $1,375 for five days of work, or $71,500 per year.
What This Means for Drivers
Drivers tired of the Northeast corridor can expect a change in operational scope, as the company has officially eliminated routes north of southern Pennsylvania. This operational shift removes some of the most congested traffic zones in the country from the regional schedule. Furthermore, the company maintains a policy of promoting from within, allowing regional drivers to transition into local or dedicated positions after six months of service. This flexibility is a critical factor for those seeking trucking companies hiring that offer a clear path away from regional work without forcing the driver to leave the company entirely.
Industry Reaction
As the industry faces ongoing turnover challenges, carriers are increasingly looking for ways to package their compensation beyond simple mileage rates. The move by Averitt reflects a broader trend of integrating detention pay, per diem options, and multi-stop fees into standard contracts. For the professional driver, this signals a shift toward total compensation packages rather than just top-line mileage numbers. With many trucking companies hiring, drivers are increasingly scrutinizing these secondary pay components alongside base mileage to ensure their take-home pay remains stable regardless of detention time at shippers or receivers.
Key Points
- Regional truckload base pay starts at 50 cents per mile, rising to 52 cents with a hazmat endorsement.
- Flatbed regional positions offer a starting rate of 52 cents per mile.
- All regional routes are strictly limited to areas south of Pennsylvania to avoid Northeast congestion.
- Drivers are eligible to transfer to dedicated or local roles after six months of employment.
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