JACKSON, Tenn. — MILAN Supply Chain Solutions has initiated a significant pay increase for its regional over-the-road drivers and independent contractors to stabilize its workforce and meet ongoing customer demand. Effective since the spring of 2021, the carrier adjusted its compensation model to ensure experienced company drivers can reach annual earnings exceeding $79,000.
The move comes as trucking companies across the country scramble to maintain capacity in the face of shifting market pressures. MILAN, which has operated out of Jackson, Tennessee for over 51 years, currently manages a fleet of approximately 650 power units and 2,000 trailers. By focusing on regional transportation across the Southeast and Midwest, the company aims to balance the need for reliable driver retention with the operational realities of handling truckload, dedicated, and brokerage services.
Company leadership, including VP of People Operations Rachel Lovell and President David Dallas, framed the pay hike as a direct response to the dedication shown by their personnel. Beyond base pay, the carrier introduced a Minimum Pay Program to provide a financial safety net for drivers when they face the unpredictable variables inherent in long-haul logistics. Independent contractors have also seen their earning potential rise, with current rates structured to allow for gross annual earnings topping $189,000.
What This Means for Drivers
A CDL-A driver considering a move to MILAN will find a benefits package that includes company-matched 401K plans and low-cost healthcare options. The company’s lease-purchase program for owner-operator partners includes built-in maintenance coverage and manageable weekly payment structures. Drivers looking for stability should note that this pay scale is supported by a robust infrastructure of warehousing and distribution services that keep the company's 650-strong power fleet moving consistently.
Industry Reaction
The decision by MILAN reflects a broader trend among major carriers to move away from stagnant mileage pay toward more competitive, guaranteed earnings models. As the industry continues to navigate complex FMCSA regulations and fluctuating fuel costs, carriers are increasingly using base pay enhancements to attract professional drivers who prioritize both home time and reliable income. For the average OTR truck driver, this shift represents a departure from the traditional pay-per-mile model toward a more holistic approach to compensation that accounts for the rising cost of living and the professional demands of the job.
Key Points
- Experienced company drivers can now target annual earnings of $79,000 or more.
- Independent contractors have access to lease-purchase options featuring maintenance coverage.
- A newly implemented Minimum Pay Program acts as a buffer against unpredictable freight conditions.
- The company maintains a significant regional footprint with over 51 years in the transportation sector.
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