Celadon increases pay for drivers

Updated Mar 10, 2017

Celadon Group, Inc., announced Wednesday, March 5, it has two new pay packages, one for owner-operators and another for company drivers. The Indianapolis-based company also announced it has hired industry veteran Joe Stevens to lead its new “Driver First” initiative.

According to a statement from the company:

CeladonPay for both flatbed and temperature control owner-operators has been increased to 75 percent BOL in about 15 states within its key freight network. Dry van owner-operator pay has been raised to 70 percent BOL in this same area. See more details on the company’s owner-operator pay at www.driveceladon.com/oo-otr.

The pay program for over-the-road drivers in what Celadon calls its North Premium Markets ranges from 38 cents per mile with six months experience to 50 cents per mile with 20+ years. For OTR drivers in Celadon’s South Premium Markets, the pay ranges from 36 cents per mile with six months experience to 50 cents per mile with 20+ years.

The pay program for the refrigerated drivers in its North Premium Markets goes from 41 cents per mile with six months experience to 53 cents per mile with 20+ years. In the South Premium Markets, the pay ranges from 39 cents per mile with six months experience to 53 cents mile with 20+ years. See more details on Celadon’s company driver pay at www.driveceladon.com/companydriver.

“We understand the importance of retaining drivers in our fleet,” said Dave Chesterman, vice president of driver recruiting. “By giving our drivers these new pay options, we feel that we can help meet their financial needs and make their careers at Celadon more rewarding.”

Celadon also announced hiring Stevens as vice president of dry van operations. A former driver and fleet owner, he will lead the company’s “Driver First” program, which he says will provide drivers with “… a better support service structure, more heightened communications and an increased accountability for our operational floor. In the end, it’s all about getting our partners on the road more freight, more home time and ultimately a better driver experience.”