Another major carrier has increased driver pay.
Cookeville, Tennessee- based Averitt Express recently announced what it called "enhancements" to its LTL and regional driver compensation program. The compoany said it is ncreasing top mileage pay while simplifying its pay structure to provide every truckload driver with the same base rate.
Effective Aug. 9, regional drivers will earn 66 cents per mile, an increase from the previous top rate of 64 cents per mile. The updated compensation plan also eliminates the separate pay rate for drivers without hazardous materials endorsements, bringing all regional drivers to the new 66-cent mileage rate, according tom according to a statement from the company.
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Averitt said drivers who maintain a hazardous materials endorsement will continue to receive additional compensation through a new $25 accessorial payment for each hazmat load they haul.
The updated compensation package increases the average weekly pay for Averitt regional drivers to abour $1,550, while continuing to offer comprehensive benefits and additional accessorial pay for detention, layovers, stop-offs and other services.
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“Providing competitive pay is one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to the professional drivers who keep our customers’ freight moving,” said Barry Blakely, Averitt's president and chief operating officer. “This updated compensation plan simplifies how our drivers are paid while ensuring every truckload driver has the opportunity to earn our top mileage rate. We believe investing in our people is essential to delivering the service our customers expect.”
Averitt also increased its LTL driver compensation that became effective July 26, with increases based on location and experience.
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Averitt’s associates also receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes profit sharing, medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, paid time off, retirement savings opportunities, and career advancement programs.
