LINCOLN, Neb. — Several major carriers have launched aggressive pay adjustments throughout the year, signaling a sustained effort to improve retention and attract new talent for critical freight roles. Companies including Crete Carrier, Cargo Transporters, USA Truck, and EPES Transport have all implemented changes to their base mileage rates or incentive programs to address the evolving demands of the professional driving force.
Crete Carrier and its sister company, Shaffer Trucking, set a new standard on May 30 by boosting pay across multiple fleets. National OTR drivers saw a 3-cent-per-mile increase, while regional and dedicated drivers received a 1-cent raise. Starting pay for national OTR positions at these carriers now sits between 64 and 69 cents per mile, with experienced operators eligible for top-tier pay reaching 76 cents per mile. These moves reflect a broader trend among trucking companies hiring for long-haul routes where consistency in earnings is a primary concern for the veteran workforce.
Cargo Transporters took a different approach by focusing on cumulative growth. Following a May 3 adjustment, the carrier saw its total OTR pay increase reach 12.9 percent since September of the previous year. This strategy of consistent, incremental raises targets both team drivers and hourly roles. Meanwhile, USA Truck overhauled its incentive structure on June 1, swapping out traditional quarterly bonuses for a more immediate 5-cent-per-mile payout on every dispatched mile, paired with a new career tenure program to reward long-term service.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average CDL-A driver, these changes represent a shift toward more transparent and immediate compensation models. Moving away from complicated, performance-based bonus structures toward higher base mileage rates makes it easier for drivers to forecast their monthly income. An OTR truck driver should prioritize these carriers that clearly define their pay caps and tenure milestones, as these numbers often serve as a baseline for contract negotiations. Carriers like EPES Transport, which scheduled consecutive raises for August and October, are betting that predictable, scheduled pay increases will keep their regional drivers from jumping ship.
Industry Reaction
The industry continues to grapple with the rising cost of operations and the need to keep freight moving at high efficiency. While base pay remains the most significant factor for many, these carriers are also bolstering their non-monetary benefits, including medical insurance, retirement matches, and wellness resources. These holistic packages are becoming standard as the competition for a qualified CDL-A driver intensifies across all sectors of the supply chain.
Key Points
- Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking elevated national OTR pay to a range of 64 to 69 cents per mile, with top pay hitting 76 cents.
- Cargo Transporters pushed OTR pay up by 12.9 percent over the last year, demonstrating a commitment to sustained earnings growth.
- USA Truck simplified its incentive program by adding 5 cents per mile to all dispatched loads, replacing older quarterly bonus systems.
- EPES Transport initiated a two-phase pay increase for regional drivers, moving base pay to 65 cents per mile by October.
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