In This Episode
Today, we’re talking Driver Pay! Jeremy Stickling hosts Brendon Nussbaum (Development of Culture & Development) and Joe Anderson (Director of Recruiting) to talk about all the recent pay changes and answer your questions!
Episode Summary
Topics covered include:
- Eight driver pay enhancements have been implemented during 2026, excluding numerous dedicated account-specific pay adjustments.
- Profit Sharing – Drivers have received 1 payout this year and will get 4 a year with this brand new pay structure
- Open Deck (Flatbed) drivers received:
- 5¢/mile increase in August 2025 to a 60¢ base rate.
- Weekly guarantee increased by $100 to $1,700.
- Additional 3¢/mile increase in June 2026.
- Open Deck division has roughly doubled in size since these changes.
- OTR System Driver Pay Increase
- Base pay increased 3¢ per mile.
- Weekly guarantee increased $50.
- Effective June 2026.
- First broad OTR base-rate increase since December 2022.
- Illinois Regional Driver Increase
- Base pay increased 2¢ per mile.
- Weekly guarantee increased $25.
- Home Time Automation Improvement
- Drivers going more than 100 out-of-route miles to get home are automatically compensated.
- Eliminates the need for manual authorization requests.
- Ensures drivers are paid consistently for extra travel time.
- Uline/Illuminate Loop Pay Introduced
- Drivers caught in the Wisconsin-Ohio freight loop now receive an additional $50.
- Addresses shorter-haul runs and downtime that can reduce weekly earning potential.
- Created directly from Road Captain feedback.
- Trainer Pay Increased
- Trainer compensation increased to $750 per week in addition to normal driver pay.
- Recognizes the significant responsibility of training new drivers.
- Creates potential for trainers to earn exceptionally strong weekly pay.
- Weekend Promise Program Added
- Drivers can choose greater home-time certainty.
- If Nussbaum misses the promised home date, drivers receive $200 compensation.
- Tradeoff includes slightly lower mileage and guarantee rates.
Quote Worth Remembering
“We’re trying to get the little things right.”
Many of the pay moves discussed were designed to improve driver earnings in situations that may otherwise go unnoticed, creating a more complete and competitive pay package.
By the end of this episode, listeners will understand the most common reasons for turnover, hear directly from drivers on top issues, and gain practical next steps for getting support (DM, Chris, Aaron, road captains, or Chaplain Jim Revelle). Didn’t get a chance to call in? Send your question or concern to marketing@nussbaum.com and we’ll make sure it gets to the right place.
