What drivers want: more mileage, more pay

What drivers want: pay and stability

The survey results show that the common denominator behind declining miles and wages is the lack of work available for truck drivers. This situation stems from more than three years of falling freight rates and rising operating costs, which have limited retention strategies and prevented fleets from offering more work or better pay.

This crisis is also reflected in drivers’ income expectations: 43% expect to earn the same this year, while 41% expect to earn less. Only 17% remain optimistic, hoping for an increase in earnings.

Many drivers believe that recent licensing reforms—focused on English proficiency and non-resident commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders—will help raise freight rates and driver wages.

Reflecting this sentiment, the survey shows that a large share of drivers would be willing to switch fleets if offered better compensation (41%). Other reasons for switching include route selection and type of freight (22%). In contrast, only 6% would change jobs to get more miles or loads, and no company drivers said they would leave solely for a sign-on bonus.

Additionally, the survey highlights that despite declining miles and wages, bonuses remain an important part of driver compensation. Regarding pay structures, per-mile pay continues to be the predominant method (33%), followed by percentage-based pay (27%), especially among leased owner-operators (58%). Among company drivers, 16% are paid through a combination of hourly and per-mile pay.