North America’s second-largest temperature-controlled truckload (TL) carrier, KLLM Transport Services, announced Tuesday “one of the largest” increases to drive pay in the company’s history.
The Jackson, Mississippi-based carrier’s new monthly pay package will raise earning potential for over-the-road and regional independent contractors by more than 9%. Fuel surcharges will now cover all paid miles, both loaded and empty. The new plan will push average pay per compensated mile to more than $1.05 for over-the-road contractors and to more than $1.38 for regional contractors.
Company drivers, both over-the-road and regional, will see monthly earning potential increase more than 8% under the program. The program provides all starting company drivers with the potential to earn at least 52 cents per mile.
The new pay increases are in addition to recent driver programs KLLM has established. The company previously announced a $7,000 sign-on bonus for new over-the-road, regional and dedicated drivers and raised its driver productivity mileage bonus program, which now includes more than $6,000 in annual earning potential.
“The resolve and determination of our KLLM company drivers and independent contractors throughout the last year has been remarkable,” said KLLM President and CEO Jim Richards.
The new pay plan will be rolled out over the coming weeks.
Several fleets have increased driver pay over the past couple of months in efforts to seat their tractors and improve utilization amid a high-demand environment. Industry capacity has been drawn lower during the pandemic as driver schools are producing fewer graduates, the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse has sidelined drivers, and retirements have increased over COVID concerns.
“They have kept America moving throughout the ongoing COVID-19 crisis by keeping food and pharmaceuticals stocked and on the shelves despite unprecedented challenges. We are proud of these men and women, and this pay package increase only further solidifies KLLM as one of top carriers in the nation for driver compensation,” Richards concluded.
