Springfield, Ill. — Morgan Van Lines (MVL) has announced a significant revision to its compensation structure, specifically targeting professional drivers who have demonstrated long-term loyalty at their previous employers. Effective immediately, the company is offering a higher cents-per-mile (CPM) base rate to individuals who have spent more than two years at another trucking company before switching to MVL. This move signals a strategic shift in how the carrier values driver retention and industry experience over short-term availability.

The trucking industry has long struggled with high turnover rates, often leading to a cycle where carriers compete primarily on immediate pay bumps rather than long-term stability. By explicitly rewarding drivers who are not frequent job-hoppers, MVL is attempting to distinguish itself in a saturated market. The carrier argues that a CDL-A driver who has stayed with a fleet for an extended period brings a level of professionalism and safety awareness that newer hires often lack. This approach aligns with broader efforts among stable fleets to reduce the costs associated with constant recruitment and onboarding.

According to David Johnson, the company’s safety manager, the new pay tiers are designed to honor the seniority built by dedicated professionals. Drivers with less than two years of prior experience will see a base rate of up to 50 cents per mile. However, those with more than two years of verified previous driving history will qualify for a rate of up to 55 cents per mile. General Manager Adam Morgan stated that this driver-focused career model is essential for providing consistent, customer-focused logistics solutions. The company also highlights additional perks including late-model equipment, weekly guaranteed pay, and a 401k plan with company matching.

What This Means for Drivers

For experienced OTR truck drivers, this pay structure offers a tangible financial incentive to move away from carriers with high turnover or inconsistent home time. An owner-operator or dedicated driver who has spent three or four years at a previous fleet can now leverage that tenure to negotiate a 10% increase in base pay at MVL. This is particularly relevant for drivers who feel their loyalty is not being recognized by their current employer. The inclusion of comprehensive benefits and a pet-friendly policy further adds to the overall package for those seeking a stable, long-term position rather than a temporary gig.

Industry Reaction

While no formal industry-wide response has been issued yet, the move reflects a growing trend among established trucking companies hiring to value institutional knowledge over raw mileage. In an era where FMCSA regulations continue to tighten and driver shortages persist, carriers that can offer a clear path for seniority and loyalty are likely to see lower churn rates. This strategy may pressure other mid-size motor carriers to re-evaluate how they structure their entry-level versus experienced driver pay scales to remain competitive in the recruitment market.

Key Points

• MVL offers a base rate of up to 50 cents per mile for drivers with less than two years of prior experience.
• Drivers with more than two years of previous tenure qualify for a higher rate of up to 55 cents per mile.
• The carrier emphasizes driver stability as a core component of its customer service model.
• Additional benefits include weekly guaranteed pay, 401k matching, and late-model equipment.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels