Little Rock, Ark. — Maverick Transportation officially pushed through a significant compensation boost for its flatbed and dedicated fleet drivers on May 31, 2026, aiming to stabilize its workforce in a tightening freight market.
The move represents a calculated effort by the carrier to keep pace with rising operational costs and the ongoing struggle to maintain a consistent driver pool. By adjusting the per-mile rates, the company hopes to secure loyalty among its veteran flatbed haulers while remaining competitive for those searching for new OTR truck driver opportunities.
Under the revised pay structure, experienced flatbed over-the-road drivers see their compensation climb to a range of $.64 to $.67 per mile. This adjustment brings the projected first-year earnings for these professionals to between $84,000 and $96,000. New entrants entering the flatbed sector as students will now start at $.59 per mile, with annual earning projections landing between $73,000 and $80,000. These figures reflect a flat $.04 per mile increase across the board for the carrier's OTR flatbed divisions.
What This Means for Drivers
For a CDL-A driver currently weighing their options, these adjustments provide a clearer picture of potential annual income when evaluating trucking companies hiring in the current cycle. The bump in mileage pay directly impacts the bottom line for drivers who log significant weekly miles, effectively offsetting some of the inflationary pressures impacting the industry. Those currently working in specialized flatbed roles should verify their specific division status, as dedicated accounts are also seeing targeted adjustments alongside the general OTR fleet.
Industry Reaction
The broader trucking sector continues to navigate a volatile landscape where retention remains as critical as recruitment. While many carriers have been hesitant to commit to broad pay raises due to fluctuating freight volumes, Maverick’s decision signals a strategic pivot toward prioritizing long-term stability. As fleets tighten their belts, professional drivers remain highly selective, often prioritizing carriers that provide transparent, performance-based pay structures over those offering temporary sign-on bonuses that lack long-term earning potential.
Key Points
- Experienced flatbed OTR drivers now earn up to $.67 per mile.
- Student flatbed drivers see starting rates set at $.59 per mile.
- The pay increases took effect across designated divisions on May 31, 2026.
- Projected annual earnings for experienced flatbed drivers reach up to $96,000.
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