ATA: irregular-route driver pay rose 8.3% to a median of $73,639

Irregular-route truckload driver pay rose 8.3% to a median of $73,639, according to the American Trucking Associations' 2026 Driver Compensation Study, reported by the Commercial Carrier Journal on Oct. 11. The study draws on data from more than 130 fleets and lands as carriers keep raising pay to hold drivers through the freight rebound.

Dedicated-route drivers got a 4.2% increase and continued to outpace irregular-route pay. Linehaul LTL drivers earned a median of $85,000, local LTL drivers $72,942, and private-fleet dry van dedicated drivers topped $75,000. Leased-on independent contractors grossed more than $170,000 at truckload carriers and more than $200,000 at private fleets. Nearly three-quarters — 74% — of for-hire truckload fleets paid detention time, though median signing bonuses dropped by $500 to $2,000 “amid a less competitive driver market.” Northeastern dry van drivers led the country at just over $78,000 median.

The raises keep coming: Nussbaum Transportation raised activity pay from $20 to $23 per pickup, delivery, and stop-off and detention pay from $20 to $25 per hour, announced Sept. 22; Anderson Trucking Service raised regional van driver pay from $0.60 to $0.70 per mile on Sept. 7 (up to $0.72 with tenure) and flatbed pay by $0.10 — a 16.7% bump — on Sept. 21. Roehl Transport, Averitt, Highway Transport, and Melton Truck Lines also raised pay. DAT's Dean Croke said driver wages are likely the largest factor in rising contract carrier costs, while MIT's Chris Caplice put year-over-year contract-rate increases at 10% to 20%.

The study also notes the industry rebounded in the third quarter, with close to 10,000 new prospective fleets and more than 229,000 units of verified equipment, per RigDig.