Starke, FL — Davis Express is moving to address driver retention by rolling out a revised compensation package and a standardized home-time schedule for its regional fleet as of September 10, 2026.
This family-owned refrigerated carrier, which has operated in the Southeast for over four decades, is currently pushing to fill slots for drivers capable of handling grocery and consumer goods routes. The company’s latest move centers on increasing starting pay rates to 55 cents per mile, with annual earnings potential hitting the $65,000 mark. These adjustments arrive at a time when many trucking companies hiring in the Southeast are struggling to balance competitive pay with the demand for consistent home time.
The operational shift at Davis Express focuses on a six-day work cycle that guarantees 48 hours of home time. This structure is intended to stabilize the schedule for the average CDL-A driver who has grown weary of the unpredictable nature of long-haul logistics. Beyond base mileage pay, the carrier has implemented a tenure-based increase of one cent per mile for each year of service, capped at a decade. Supplemental pay, including detention and layover compensation, remains a core component of the revised contract for those interested in these truck driver jobs.
What This Means for Drivers
Drivers looking at these positions should note that the fleet is strictly 100% no-touch freight, which removes the physical burden of loading or unloading at distribution centers. The company requires a minimum of six months of verifiable tractor-trailer experience within the last five years, though they maintain a specific student driver program for those just entering the industry. Applicants must be at least 23 years old and prepared to clear standard DOT physicals and pre-employment drug screenings to qualify for the role.
Industry Reaction
The regional refrigerated sector continues to serve as a bellwether for the broader economy, particularly as demand for grocery logistics remains high across the Southeast. While large carriers often focus on national OTR truck driver positions, regional players like Davis Express are betting that predictable home time is the most effective tool for long-term recruitment. By keeping operations focused on specific geographic corridors, the company maintains a tighter grip on maintenance and regulatory compliance, which remains a priority for any professional operator navigating current FMCSA regulations.
Key Points
- Starting base pay reaches 55 cents per mile with annual potential up to $65,000.
- Drivers receive 48 hours of home time for every six days out on the road.
- Seniority raises add one cent per mile annually, extending up to 10 years of service.
- The company provides a $1,000 driver referral bonus and a full 401k matching program.
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