Nussbaum raises driver pay for second time this year

Nussbaum Transportation has announced its second driver pay increase of 2026, this time built around paying drivers for work beyond the miles. Activity pay rises from $20 to $23 on every pickup, delivery, and stop-off, while trailer relays and shuttles go from $12 to $15 per event.

Detention pay climbs 25%, from $20 to $25 per hour, and still kicks in after one hour. The company says it pays detention even when it cannot recover the cost from the customer. The weekly minimum guarantee increases by $50 per week, and drivers on the special Illuminate Loop project get an extra $50 per week on top of mileage and activity pay.

Trainer pay jumps 50%, from an extra $500 to $750 per week on top of regular mileage, activity pay, and the guarantee. The detention increase applies fleetwide, while the activity and guarantee bumps cover OTR and Regional Van System drivers.

The move follows a May pay package that added Driver Profit Sharing alongside higher mileage rates and weekly guarantees. The company says the increases target the unpaid work drivers do at guard shacks, docks, and drop lots.

Why it matters

Carriers are competing on pay for the non-driving parts of the job, not just cents per mile. If your detention starts after two hours or your stop pay is flat, these numbers are leverage for your next conversation with dispatch.