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How much do commercial truck drivers make? If you plan on getting into the trucking business, this is an essential question.

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer here. Truck driver salaries can vary greatly depending on factors like the type of trucking being done, the driver’s experience, distances covered, and more.

By understanding these factors, you’ll be better positioned to get a fair-paying truck-driving job based on your experience.

To help you understand this better, we break down everything you need to know about truck driver salaries in the guide below.

Commercial Truck Drivers Salaries

The average truck driver’s salary in the US is $1,864 per week. This comes from a reported 434.6k salaries.

However, what truck drivers earn can differ vastly depending on various factors – like the driver’s experience, the type of trucking being done, the distance drivers cover, and more.

The average pay for an owner-operator can also differ vastly compared to a driver employed by a trucking company. Local drivers and regional drivers also earn differently compared to long-haul truckers.

Plus, different pay structures are involved in various types of trucking jobs.

Factors that Influence Truck Driver Pay

As mentioned above, a truck driver’s salary can differ vastly depending on various factors. Let’s break this down into more detail.

Salary of a Truck Driver by Route Type (Distance)

The salary of a truck driver can vary based on the type of route they drive.

Long-haul or cross-country routes often pay differently than shorter routes driven by regional truck drivers due to differences in distance, time commitment, and demand.

Salary of a Truck Driver by Operating Mode

The mode of operation can significantly impact a truck driver’s salary.

Drivers operating as owner-operators might earn differently than those employed by trucking companies. Specialized freight or specific industry-related transport may also influence pay scales.

For example, hazmat truck drivers, mining industry drivers, or OTR truck drivers have areas of specialization, which could result in earning more money and additional benefits compared to an Amazon delivery driver.

Salary of a Truck Driver by Experience

Experience plays a crucial role in determining a truck driver’s salary.

Drivers with more years in the industry often earn higher pay due to their expertise, knowledge of routes, safety records, and familiarity with the job’s demands.

The longer you’ve held a commercial driver’s license and have a clean driving record, the better your chances are of earning more money.

External Factors Affecting Salary

Various external factors can influence a truck driver’s salary, such as economic conditions, supply and demand for drivers, fuel prices, industry regulations, seasonal variations, and overall market dynamics.

These factors can fluctuate and impact pay levels within the trucking industry. This also means regional truck driver pay can differ in quite a big way.

What Types of Truck Driving Pay the Most?

There are various truck driving jobs, and those requiring special endorsements or licenses often tend to pay higher. This is because of the extra skills, training, and responsibilities involved.

Here are some types of truck driving jobs that typically pay more.

Hazmat Trucks (H Endorsement)

Drivers transporting hazardous materials (Hazmat) usually earn higher pay due to the increased risk and specialized training required to handle such cargo safely. This endorsement involves transporting any materials deemed hazardous by federal law.

Doubles/Triples (T Endorsement)

Truck drivers hauling double or triple trailers often command higher pay due to the complexity and skill required to maneuver these larger combinations of vehicles on the road safely.

This endorsement permits drivers to operate multiple trailers simultaneously.

Tankers (N Endorsement)

Drivers transporting liquids or gases in tanker trucks typically earn more due to the specific handling and driving skills necessary for these vehicles.

This endorsement is required for hauling liquids or gases in bulk.

Hazmat and Tanker (X Endorsement)

Combining Hazmat and Tanker endorsements (X Endorsement) typically increases pay. Drivers with this endorsement have the qualifications to transport hazardous materials and tanker loads, requiring a higher level of expertise and responsibility.

Ice Road Drivers

Ice road truckers who navigate frozen roads and extreme conditions in remote areas, such as Alaska or Northern Canada, tend to earn higher salaries.

This is due to the hazardous nature of the job, driving in extreme weather conditions, and the specialized skills required to operate a commercial vehicle in such environments.

Truck Driver Pay Models

To understand how much a truck driver’s salary is, it’s essential to understand the different pay structures involved.

Hourly Pay

Some truck drivers are paid based on the number of hours worked. This model calculates payment for the time spent driving, loading, unloading, or performing other work-related tasks.

Per Mile Pay

This model pays truck drivers a set rate for every mile they drive. It’s a common method where drivers receive a specific amount for each mile traveled, incentivizing longer distances and more driving hours.

Fixed Salary

Certain truck drivers receive a fixed salary regardless of the hours worked or miles driven. This model provides consistency in income, and drivers who prioritize stability over pay fluctuations based on hours or distance may prefer it.

Percentage of the Load

Truck drivers receive a percentage of the total revenue generated by the load they transport in this pay structure.

Team Driver Pay

Team drivers, where two drivers share driving responsibilities for a single truck, can get paid uniquely.

This could involve dividing the pay based on the miles driven, hours worked, or a fixed load percentage. This depends on the arrangement between the team members and the employer.

Types of Commercial Truck Driver Pay

Beyond pay structures, there are also various forms of truck driver pay that you should know about.

Per Diem Pay

This pay model compensates truck drivers for daily expenses incurred on the road, such as meals and lodging.

Per diem pay is a daily allowance provided to cover these expenses. It is often given in addition to the driver’s regular wages.

Stop Pay

Truck drivers sometimes receive stop pay for each stop or delivery made during a trip.

It compensates drivers for the time spent at various stops, including loading and unloading cargo, which can add up during multi-stop routes.

Detention Pay

When truck drivers experience delays at pickup or delivery locations beyond the agreed-upon waiting time, detention pay is provided.

This is to cover the extra time spent waiting due to delays in loading or unloading.

Fuel and Safety Bonuses

Some trucking companies offer bonuses to drivers based on fuel efficiency or safe driving practices.

Fuel bonuses reward drivers for achieving good fuel mileage, while safety bonuses acknowledge drivers for maintaining a safe driving record and sticking to safety regulations to avoid commercial vehicle accidents.

Accessorial Pay

Accessorial pay includes extra compensation for various non-driving tasks or services performed by truck drivers.

This could involve handling specialized equipment, assisting with loading or unloading, providing extra services beyond regular driving duties, or navigating challenging routes.

Final Thoughts

Various factors go into how much truck drivers earn and how they earn money. If you’re planning on entering the trucking business, then it’s essential to understand the different elements that go into a driver’s compensation package. This can help you build the right experience and endorsements to maximize your earning potential.

Are you looking to purchase a semi-truck for your trucking business? Then, you’ll need to get financing. Contact us at Mission Financial Services, where we help truck drivers get funding for their dream commercial vehicle – even if you have a bad credit score.

Hiring a truck driver is no easy business. There are many considerations you need to make when choosing a good driver. This goes beyond their experience and qualifications.

You must ensure your trucking business is adequately set up to take on a new driver. Before bringing them into your business, you’ll also need to understand the truck driver’s personality and how they operate.

Making the right hires can make a big difference to your success, while the wrong hires can cause all kinds of issues.

To help you hire truck drivers properly, here are all the steps and considerations you should follow.

How to Hire the Right Truck Driver

Knowing how to hire truck drivers is one of the most important things you’ll ever do when running a trucking business.

While it’s always possible to find truck drivers who can operate a commercial vehicle, the right drivers for your business should possess various other traits and skills. After all, the people behind your business determine its success.

Here are a few key steps to help you hire truck drivers that best align with your business needs.

Identify the Type of Truck Driver You Need

Identifying your business’s precise type of truck driver is the first essential step to a successful hiring process.

Whether it’s a short-haul driver for local deliveries, a long-haul driver for interstate transportation, a casual driver for occasional assignments, or even an owner-operator, understanding the specific qualifications and job requirements for each role is crucial.

You must thoroughly research the qualifications, certifications, and experience necessary for different driving positions. This will help you create job descriptions that attract suitable candidates and streamline selection.

Long-Haul and OTR Trucker

Long-haul and OTR (Over-the-Road) truckers are the backbone of the transportation industry, responsible for transporting goods across vast distances.

These truck drivers spend extended periods away from home, navigating diverse terrains and weather conditions while ensuring timely and safe deliveries. They must possess exceptional driving skills, a solid commitment to safety regulations, and the ability to manage their time efficiently to meet strict delivery schedules.

The role of long-haul and OTR truckers demands resilience and adaptability, as they often face unforeseen challenges on the road. Candidates for these positions should have a clean driving record, hold relevant commercial driving licenses (CDL), and have enough expertise in managing long-haul trips.

Looking for a truck driver with a reliable background in long-haul trucking is essential, as not all local truck drivers can easily adjust to this lifestyle.

Heavy Hauler or Oversized Load Trucker

Heavy hauler drivers, or oversized load truckers, are specialized professionals who carry goods that exceed standard weight or size limits. These drivers need expertise in handling and transporting exceptionally large or heavy cargo, such as machinery, construction equipment, or industrial materials.

Their role demands unique skills, including an in-depth understanding of specialized equipment, securing loads, and complying with strict regulations governing oversized transportation.

These truck drivers are also often required to hold specialized permits and adhere to specific safety protocols to guarantee the secure and efficient transport of oversized loads.

Employers seeking heavy haulers prioritize candidates with extensive experience handling oversized cargo and a good knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding weight limits and permits.

Purchase Truck Insurance

Getting the right truck insurance is an essential part of hiring the right truck driver and ensuring the safety and security of your business. Before you take on qualified truck drivers, you must ensure that your vehicle and business will be protected when they’re behind the wheel.

Some insurance policies may be skeptical of offering complete protection if somebody new is driving the truck or the driver needs more experience in commercial driving.

Trucking companies need comprehensive insurance coverage that protects both their drivers and the transported cargo. Choosing the right insurance policy involves looking into various factors, like the type of freight being transported, the distance covered, and the specific risks associated with the routes.

Truck insurance typically includes liability coverage, cargo insurance, and physical damage coverage for the vehicles.

Liability coverage protects against damages or injuries caused by the truck driver. At the same time, cargo insurance covers the value of the transported goods. Physical damage coverage protects the trucks themselves against accidents or other physical damage.

Familiarize Yourself With Local and State Laws

Understanding and sticking to local and state laws is crucial when hiring the right truck driver for your business.

Different jurisdictions have specific regulations that govern various aspects of trucking operations, impacting everything from the type of driver and truck to the nature of the cargo and the intended destination.

Federal, state, and local laws cover a range of important considerations, including maximum load weight restrictions, prerequisites for CDL training and testing, mandatory insurance coverage, regulations concerning road and fuel taxes, and limitations on vehicle size.

You must adhere to these laws when filling a truck driver position as an employer. If you need to become more familiar with the local regulations, it may be worth talking to a lawyer before you find qualified truck drivers.

Confirm That Your Business Insurance Covers Truck Drivers

Before finalizing the hiring process for any full-time or part-time truck driver, you must ensure that your business insurance covers the specific position adequately.

While commercial auto insurance is necessary for all truckers, extra insurance types such as trucking general liability coverage, business interruption insurance, and motor cargo coverage can fill potential gaps in protection.

Make sure that you have comprehensive insurance coverage that will protect your vehicle and business when you fill new truck driver jobs. This is also why hiring experienced drivers is so important.

Create Postings on Job Search Sites

The first place you’ll go to hire drivers is probably a job board. This is important, as it’s where most drivers in the trucking industry will be looking for work.

However, it’s not the only place you can look to find truck drivers. Think outside the box and consider reaching out to known drivers using social media channels. You can find groups of truckers in your area on social media – this is a great way to connect with local truck drivers.

Another good strategy is reaching out to recruiters specializing in the trucking industry. They will have a large pool of potential candidates in your area and may help you find experienced drivers who aren’t actively checking job boards.

Interview and Vet all Potential Drivers

If you plan on hiring drivers to help you operate your truck, you will need to make sure they are properly qualified. All drivers must have a valid CDL and meet the DOT’s medical requirements.

Make sure you get the right information from your next truck driver so that you can perform a background check. This could include:

• Following up to make sure they have a clean driving record
• Checking their personal identification number
• Checking their verifiable address
• Performing a drug screening
• Assessing their qualifications to make sure they match your job needs

Reliable drivers need to have all of the right qualifications and experience, but they should also show a good attitude and have knowledge of your specific area of trucking.

Onboard your New Driver

Onboarding a new driver is essential in integrating them effectively into your trucking business.

Setting clear expectations for performance from the outset is crucial. This involves outlining key performance indicators, such as delivery schedules, safety protocols, and customer service standards.

Communicating company policies properly ensures that the driver understands and adheres to the rules of your trucking company.

You’ll also want to stress the importance of equipment inspections and maintenance procedures in your business. Provide guidance on regular inspections, explaining how drivers must report any issues promptly and follow scheduled maintenance routines.

This improves the driver’s accountability for the vehicle’s condition and contributes significantly to your business operations’ overall safety and efficiency.

Incorporating these aspects into your onboarding process creates a foundation for drivers to perform at their best while upholding the company’s standards and safety measures.

Final Thoughts

Take your time hiring a new truck driver, and ensure you follow all the proper steps and procedures. Making suitable hires is incredibly important for your business’s success, so never rush the process.

If you need to purchase a new semi-truck for your business, then you’ll also need to take the right steps in finding financing for your vehicle. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial Services – we can help all kinds of trucking business operators secure the right financing to match their business needs.