The National Transportation Institute noted a significant change in the pace of pay moves by carriers and historic mileage pay rates within the findings shared in its National Survey of Driver Wages report for the first quarter of 2019. Featuring a process that includes proprietary research tracking more than 70 unique attributes, the NSDW is distributed exclusively to NTI subscribers.

In its quarterly study of key driver compensation categories for OTR and Regional fleets, NTI found that, while the acceleration of pay moves has decreased, the pay changes that were made do rank as substantial. According to NTI, the trends from Q1 of 2019 point to the continued difficulty in attracting and keeping highly qualified drivers. 

The Q1 findings in the NSDW make note that the industry is reaching unchartered territory in the area of mileage pay, with rates of up to 65 cents per mile for solo drivers.

“Our subscribers tell us that, while freight has dropped and driver turnover has increased, the need to monitor driver pay attributes that produce desired outcomes remains especially high. Some of these outcomes include referrals, safe, productive driving and fair compensation for down time,” said NTI Chief Operating Officer Leah Shaver.

The NSDW also reports on trends related to guaranteed pay and sign-on bonuses. While the sign-on bonus continues to hold a traditional spot in the driver recruiting toolbox, the Q1 NSDW notes that some recruiters are beginning to take the viewpoint that guaranteed pay and transition bonuses are a better reflection of a driver’s value.

“Our observation is that in Q1 the size of signing bonuses continues to decrease, although the number of carriers offering bonuses continues to remain fairly high. At the same time, carriers that are utilizing some form of guaranteed pay are seeing a positive impact on turnover and hiring,” said NTI CEO and founder Gordon Klemp.

About The National Survey of Driver Wages

The National Survey of Driver Wages is the gold standard of compensation research for Recruiting, Retention and Compensation executives at Dry Van, Temperature-Controlled, Flatbed and Tanker fleets nationwide to benchmark critical costs, monitor trends, and make strategically informed decisions. Based on proprietary research tracking more than 70 unique attributes of Regional and OTR driver compensation packages, the quarterly report enables its subscribers to monitor key industry information on mileage rates, accessorial pay, bonuses, benefits and corporate policies for both company drivers and owner operators at Publicly-traded and Privately-held For-Hire Carriers.