advertisement

---

As a driver shortage continues to hinder the trucking industry, one of the largest U.S. truckload carriers has come up with a plan that will provide its drivers and owner-operators their largest pay increase in the company's 70-year history.

Yesterday, Schneider National Inc. announced it plans to introduce a compensation package Feb. 6 that will more than double drivers' wages compared with 2004 salaries, and provide drivers and owner-operators more personal time. Drivers will receive an average annual increase of $4,000.

Pay will be structured to focus on driving and non-driving work to ensure drivers and owner-operators are compensated more appropriately for their time. Schneider National plans to increase mileage rates, and implement programs to compensate drivers for customer delays and short hauls.

The package also will include such work-life improvements as more predictable work schedules, time-at-home options, and trailer tracking and street-level directions.

"Schneider is 100 percent committed to providing the most rewarding driving careers in the industry," said Schneider National President of Transportation Scott Arves in a prepared statement. "This investment lets our more than 15,000 drivers and owner-operators know that we’ve listened carefully to their concerns and are making investments that will impact their paychecks, careers and quality of life both at home and on the road."