Starting pay for driver?

As a previous thread of mine stated I'm currently working for a reefer carrier and have been doing sales and recruiting. I'm looking to make the move to start my own trucking company with 2-3 trucks. Question I have is what would you consider a good starting wage. I'd hire company drivers only and wouldn't consider going 1099 for my drivers. They'd average 2400-2600 miles per week going regional in the midwest with some work also along to the east coast. I'd offer a guaranteed pay program that would guarantee the pay for drivers where if they can't work due to weather, maintenance or overall any issue they can't control. $850 if available 5 days of the week, $950 if available 6 days of the week and $1050 if available 7 days of the week. Our goal would be for them to make more than this but the purpose of this is for a safety net.

What rate per mile would you consider to be favorable to keep a driver long term?

 

The goal would not to make the minimum. The goal is to make a good rate per mile to surpass this weekly minimum. Plus this would be OTR with a minimum requirement of OTR for 2 weeks then home time.

 

full payroll and workmans comp would absolutely be included. Thank you for your reply.