Illinois-based Nussbaum Transportation is increasing several parts of its driver compensation program, including activity pay, detention pay, weekly minimum guarantees, and trainer compensation. The carrier previously introduced the largest driver pay increase in its history in May, which included higher mileage rates, expanded guarantees, and a new profit-sharing program.
Under the newest changes, activity pay will increase from $20 to $23 for every pickup, delivery, and stop-off. Pay for trailer relays and shuttles will rise from $12 to $15 per event. Nussbaum’s detention pay will also increase 25%, from $20 to $25 per hour, while continuing to begin after one hour of waiting.
The company will raise its weekly minimum guarantee by $50 per week. Drivers assigned to its special Illuminate Loop project will receive an additional $50 weekly. Meanwhile, trainer pay will increase 50%, from an additional $500 to $750 per week, on top of regular mileage, activity, and guaranteed compensation.
Nussbaum said its compensation approach is designed to pay drivers for duties that traditional cents-per-mile systems may overlook. These include time spent at guard shacks, staging trailers, completing paperwork, handling pickups and deliveries, and waiting at docks. The company noted that drivers handling numerous shorter loads may perform significantly more hands-on work despite accumulating fewer miles.
Roehl Transport has also announced its second pay increase this year. The Wisconsin-based carrier said the combined increases represent one of the largest driver compensation investments in its history. The new rates will take effect October 4 for most company drivers in Roehl’s Refrigerated, Flatbed, Van, Curtainside, and Dedicated divisions.
According to Roehl, many of its highest-earning professional drivers could earn more than $100,000 annually while receiving weekly home time and, in some cases, returning home daily. The company also announced increased compensation for owner-operators and lease operators who partner with Roehl.
Earlier in 2026, Roehl increased compensation based partly on driver longevity and tenure, including drivers who entered the industry through its on-the-job CDL training program. The carrier also increased Certified Driver Trainer compensation and added retention bonuses.
Other fleets are making similar moves. Anderson Trucking Service recently increased its company flatbed mileage rate by 16.7%, from 60 cents to 70 cents per mile, covering loaded and empty miles. Heavy Duty Trucking noted that Averitt, Highway Transport, Maverick, Melton Truck Lines, and other carriers have also announced significant driver pay increases during 2026.
Source: https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/nussbaum-roehl-announce-second-driver-pay-increase-this-year
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