Top Trucking Companies with Guaranteed Pay and Competitive Earning Potential

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Are you tired of the uncertainty of trucking pay? Look no further! Companies like Swift Transportation, J.B. Hunt, and Schneider National offer guaranteed pay to their drivers.

Swift Transportation guarantees a minimum of $0.80 per mile, plus additional pay for detention time and layovers. This ensures you'll earn a steady income, even on tough routes.

J.B. Hunt's guaranteed pay program starts at $0.75 per mile, with opportunities to earn more through bonuses and incentives. Their program is designed to give you financial security and peace of mind.

Schneider National's pay guarantee starts at $0.70 per mile, with additional pay for things like fuel surcharges and tolls. They also offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your financial well-being.

Guaranteed Pay Programs

Guaranteed pay programs ensure drivers consistently earn a set amount, whether temporarily as they get started or for the duration of their time at a company. This can be referred to as a minimum pay program, guaranteed pay program, or a salary paid structure, depending on how it was developed and structured.

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Carriers often require drivers to meet mileage or hours requirements to participate in guaranteed pay programs. Drivers may also need to maintain a specific service level with customers, which can include delivering on time, picking up on time, and demonstrating good service.

Companies should be able to provide program information in writing and provide clear program requirements and expectations. Obtaining this information in writing will help you understand the program requirements and keep your carrier accountable for the program.

For Your Work

Guaranteed pay programs offer a range of benefits to truck drivers, ensuring they earn a consistent income regardless of market fluctuations.

Some carriers refer to their guaranteed pay programs as minimum pay programs, guaranteed pay programs, or a salary paid structure, depending on how the program was developed and structured.

ATS offers a pay guarantee for 12 weeks to new specialized or van drivers, with eligible van drivers earning a minimum of $1,200 per week and eligible specialized drivers grossing at least $1,300 per week.

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In addition to guaranteed pay programs, some carriers offer extra pay for specific tasks, such as unloading and stop-off pay.

Here are some examples of extra pay for specific tasks:

Some carriers also offer extra pay for specific tasks, such as pick-up and delivery pay, trailer relay pay, and trailer shuttle pay.

Here are some examples of extra pay for specific tasks:

  • Pick Up Pay – $20 for initial pick up of a load.
  • Delivery Pay – $20 for final delivery on a load.
  • Trailer Relay Pay – $12 for trailer swap when splitting a load with another driver.
  • Trailer Shuttle Pay – $12 for empty trailer moves when no pick up and/or delivery of any load occurs at the locations.

Salaried

Salaried pay offers a unique advantage to drivers, providing a set income regardless of the number of loads hauled.

With salaried pay, drivers are paid the same amount week to week or month to month, without impact from the number of hours driven.

In essence, salaried pay follows a set hourly schedule, similar to an office employee, with pay based on average driving hours per week.

ATS offers a 12-week guaranteed pay program for new specialized or van drivers, ensuring a minimum of $1,200 per week for van drivers and $1,300 per week for specialized drivers.

Explore further: Hours of Service

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Salaried pay can provide job security, as seen with Midwest Carriers, which has never laid off drivers.

Drivers on salaried pay must meet performance expectations to maintain their salary, but the pay remains steady regardless of the number of hours driven.

Some companies, like Midwest Carriers, offer salaries 20% over the national average, with top earners reaching an average of $101,388 per year.

Guaranteed pay programs, including salaried pay, symbolize the industry's commitment to supporting drivers during market shifts and transitions.

Here are some key benefits of salaried pay:

  • Set income regardless of loads hauled
  • Follows a set hourly schedule
  • Pay based on average driving hours per week

Benefits and Qualifications

Midwest Carriers offers a 24/7 driver support team for on-the-road service or support. Their drivers have access to top equipment and the latest technology for safe and efficient travel.

A guaranteed minimum pay program with a mileage bonus of $0.70/mile on the hub for miles exceeding 2,400 per weekly pay period is available. This provides a safety net for drivers, giving them a clear understanding of their pay.

Driver benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability policies, life insurance, and reimbursement for D.O.T. physicals.

Program Requirements

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Guaranteed pay programs often come with requirements that drivers must meet to participate.

Drivers typically need to meet mileage or hours requirements to be eligible for the program.

Some programs require drivers to maintain a specific service level with customers, which may include delivering on time and picking up on time.

Dash cams may be required in trucks to monitor safe driving habits, such as following distance and lane changes.

Drivers may also need to turn in load paperwork within a specific timeframe to stay in the program.

Ineligibility for one week, depending on the program, could kick drivers off the program entirely.

It's essential to discuss program requirements and expectations with the company before starting, and to obtain this information in writing.

This will help you understand the program requirements and keep the carrier accountable.

Minimum PLUS More

At Midwest Carriers, we understand the importance of stability and peace of mind for our drivers. That's why we offer a guaranteed minimum pay program, which ensures you'll never make less than a specific amount of money. This program is designed to provide a safety net, especially during volatile times in the industry.

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Our guaranteed minimum pay program is just one aspect of our comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability policies, life insurance, and reimbursement for D.O.T. physicals. We also offer a strong 401(k) program with a company match to help our drivers save for the future.

In addition to our guaranteed minimum pay program, we also offer a mileage bonus of $0.70/mile on the hub for miles exceeding 2,400 per weekly pay period. This means you'll earn more than just your minimum pay, and you'll have the opportunity to increase your earnings with each mile you drive.

Here's a breakdown of our guaranteed minimum pay program compared to a minimum pay program:

As you can see, our guaranteed pay program ensures you'll take home a consistent $1,500 per week, while a minimum pay program guarantees you'll earn at least $1,500, with any additional earnings going directly to you.

At Midwest Carriers, we're committed to taking care of our drivers and providing the stability and security they need to thrive in their careers. With our guaranteed minimum pay program and comprehensive benefits package, you can focus on what matters most – driving safely and efficiently, and enjoying a stable and rewarding career on the road.

Earning Potential

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Earning Potential is a top concern for many truckers. You can earn a significant income with the right company.

Drivers with experience can earn $76K- $85K in the first year, and top performers can average $100K annually. This is a great opportunity to boost your earnings.

Established drivers can earn $88,000-92,000+ per year, with the top 30% averaging $100,000 per year. This level of pay is achievable with the right company.

Some companies offer salaries 20% over the national average. As a driver with three-plus years' experience, you can earn an average of $101,388 and be one of the top 50% of earners.

Here are some earning potential highlights from top trucking companies:

  • Top 30% of drivers average $100K annually.
  • Top 50% of earners at Midwest Carriers earning an average of $101,388.
  • Established drivers can earn $88,000-92,000+ per year.

Practical Information

As you're considering a career in trucking with guaranteed pay, it's essential to know the practical details.

Many trucking companies offer guaranteed pay, with some companies paying up to $80,000 per year.

To qualify for guaranteed pay, you'll typically need to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record.

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Some trucking companies require a certain number of months or years of experience before offering guaranteed pay.

Crucially, guaranteed pay can help you budget and plan your finances more easily, as you'll know exactly how much you'll be earning each month.

Some companies offer guaranteed pay for new drivers, while others require you to have a certain amount of experience before qualifying.

Guaranteed pay can also provide a sense of financial security, which is particularly important for truckers who may be away from home for extended periods.

Company Information

Let's take a closer look at the trucking companies with guaranteed pay.

Swift Transportation offers guaranteed pay for its truck drivers, with a minimum weekly pay of $800.

The company has a strong reputation in the industry, with over 20,000 trucks on the road.

Swift Transportation has been in business for over 100 years, making it one of the most experienced trucking companies around.

Company Culture

At Midwest Carriers, drivers are treated like family, with a focus on their well-being and success. They're known by name, not just a truck number.

The company's president, Eric Van Handel, prioritizes transparency in their Guaranteed Minimum Pay program. It's straightforward and free of gimmicks, unlike some competitors' programs.

This people-first approach has earned Midwest Carriers a reputation for putting drivers' interests first.

Companies

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Some trucking companies offer guaranteed pay, which means you know exactly how much you'll earn each week, regardless of breakdowns or weather delays. This can provide a sense of financial security and stability.

Midwest Carriers is one such company that offers a minimum guaranteed pay to its home weekly drivers. They also offer a bonus opportunity for meeting monthly goals.

Companies like Midwest Carriers start out as small businesses, often with owners who began as drivers themselves. This grassroots approach can lead to a more personalized and driver-centric company culture.

Driver Support

At trucking companies with guaranteed pay, you can expect a level of support that prioritizes your well-being and financial stability. These companies understand that trucking can be unpredictable, but they're committed to giving you peace of mind.

Some companies, like Nussbaum, guarantee weekly pay minimums, so you never have to worry about when your next paycheck will be. This is especially important for drivers who value their family time and want to make sure they can provide for their loved ones.

In addition to guaranteed pay, some companies offer benefits like paid weekly direct deposit, employer-paid life insurance, and short-term disability. This means you can focus on your job without worrying about the financial basics.

We Care for Drivers

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Our company takes care of its drivers, ensuring they get home weekly, with an average of only three missed weekends a year.

This means drivers can prioritize their marriages and families, which is essential for their well-being.

We also offer a guaranteed weekly pay minimum, providing peace of mind and eliminating worries about when the next paycheck will be.

This financial security allows drivers to focus on their work and not stress about their earnings.

Nussbaum is at the forefront of industry equipment innovations, resulting in fewer issues on the road for our drivers.

Our Driver Mentoring Program helps implement safe driving habits, save fuel, and make more money through our bonus program.

This program is designed to support drivers during the most volatile or financially insecure times, providing a safety net while they transition to a new carrier.

By offering this safety net, we encourage drivers to take a chance on our company and set them up for long-term success.

Driver Referral Program

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At Nussbaum, we want to reward our drivers for sharing their positive experience with others. We have a Driver Referral Program that can help you earn extra money.

You can receive a one-time payout of $500.00 for referring a driver to Nussbaum. This is a great way to support the company and earn some extra cash.

Referring a driver also gets you an extra $0.02 per mile for as long as you and your referral stay at Nussbaum. This can add up to a significant amount over time.

Another option is to receive a one-time payout of $1,000.00 for referring a driver to Nussbaum. This is a higher reward for referring a driver and can be a great motivator.

Just like the first option, referring a driver also gets you an extra $0.02 per mile for as long as you and your referral stay at Nussbaum. This can be a great way to earn extra money over the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Nussbaum Transportation pay weekly?

Nussbaum Transportation offers a weekly guarantee of $1,600, with average weekly earnings ranging from $1,600 to $1,900. Learn more about our competitive pay packages and how you can earn more on the road.

How much does Tri State Hazmat pay?

Tri State Hazmat offers a competitive annual salary of up to $100,000, plus an annual bonus that can exceed $5,000.

What company will pay for you to get your CDL?

Schneider offers company-paid CDL training options for new and returning drivers. Learn more about our CDL training programs and get started on your driving career

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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