The nationwide survey gathers detailed information on wages, benefits, bonuses, and incentive structures from trucking companies operating in different regions and business segments. The goal is to provide carriers with reliable benchmarks they can use to evaluate their own driver pay programs and remain competitive in a challenging market.

“In this difficult and prolonged freight recession, the companies with the greatest edge are the ones that have the best data,” said Bob Costello, ATA chief economist. “As a one-of-a-kind benchmarking tool, the Driver Compensation Study provides the crucial, actionable intelligence motor carriers need to recruit and retain their most valuable resource: professional truck drivers. To get as accurate a picture of industry trends as possible, we rely on input from a large cross-section of motor carriers to provide detailed information about their total compensation packages and supply a clear view of how – and how much – trucking companies pay their drivers.”

First Update Since 2024

The compensation study was last conducted in 2024 and remains one of the most comprehensive sources of driver pay data in the industry. Previous surveys included hundreds of fleets, representing for-hire truckload carriers, less-than-truckload carriers, private fleets, and other commercial trucking operations.

“The 2026 Driver Compensation Study will include detailed pay estimates broken down by carrier types, trailer types, and routes,” ATA said. “It will also explore the wide variety of driver pay structures (hourly, per-mile, annual salary, percent of revenue) as well as various incentives. All proprietary information from individual carriers is kept confidential; only aggregate data is included in the final report.”

Why Participation Matters

Survey participants are eligible to purchase the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study for $100, representing more than 90 percent off the full price. Additional benefits include a free executive summary ahead of the full report’s release and an invitation to a no-cost webinar with ATA’s chief economist to review the findings and answer questions.

To participate in the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study survey, click here. The survey deadline is March 30.

To review participation benefits and see sample pages from previous reports, click here or email lbur@trucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

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The Real Cost Per Mile: Beyond the Basics

The ATRI report shows that in 2024, the average cost to operate a truck landed at $2.260 per mile. At first glance, that’s a hair lower (by 0.4%) than the previous year—thanks mostly to a dip in fuel prices. But every fleet manager and driver knows the real story’s in the details. Strip out the fuel, and you’ll see non-fuel costs actually surged 3.6%, with an all-time high of $1.779 per mile.

Where the Money Went

• Fuel & Repairs: Took a breather, giving budgets some short-term relief.
• Driver Wages: Edged up just 2.4%, trailing inflation and well behind earlier post-pandemic jumps.
• Truck & Trailer Payments: Climbed a hefty 8.3%, now at a record $0.390 per mile—equipment costs are something you simply can’t ignore.
• Driver Benefits: Bumped up 4.8% to $0.197 per mile, reflecting rising healthcare and support expectations.

Profit Margins: Crunch Time for the Industry

It was a year of tight margins across the board. The ATRI report notes that average operating margins barely scraped 2% in most sectors, while the truckload industry saw an average margin of -2.3%. On the bright side, less-than-truckload carriers (LTL) managed to keep in the black. For both drivers and managers, careful budgeting and efficient route planning were more critical than ever.

The Shifting Workforce: Who’s Driving the Change?

The average age of a truck driver is now 47, with many seasoned pros eyeing retirement and fewer younger folks stepping forward. Women make up just 4.1% of the workforce, a number gradually ticking upward.

What the Report Recommends:

• Get creative with recruitment: connect with younger generations using fresh messaging and tech.
• Consider historically underrepresented applicants, including former foster youth and those re-entering the workforce.
• Focus on retention by making the job appealing, equitable, and supportive.

Sustainability & Compliance: Keeping It Green and Legal

ATRI updated their go-to resources this year:

• Sustainable Freight Practices Compendium: Practical, driver-tested ideas to run greener—without sacrificing your schedule or profits.
• Idling Regulations Compendium: Your state-by-state guide to keeping things legal and avoiding unnecessary fines. Being up to date is simply good business.

Action Steps & Friendly Reminders

• Check your line-item costs often. Small increases add up, especially in equipment and benefits—review routinely and adjust where you can.
• Mind the workforce trends. Whether you’re hiring or driving, diversity and development aren’t just buzzwords—they’re business advantages.
• Leverage free resources. Visits to ATRI’s updated regulatory and sustainability guides can save you headaches and boost your bottom line.

Want to dig even deeper? Download the full ATRI reports for more details and strategies perfect for today’s trucking professionals:

• 2025 Operational Costs Report
• Idling Regulations Compendium
• Sustainable Freight Practices

Keep your wheels turning smart, and stay safe out there.

Source: ATRI

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The industry has faced hurdles of over-capacity and low demand since the pandemic, and Costello admitted feeling “snake bitten” by a recovery that seemed elusive. “We haven’t seen normal since the pre-pandemic,” he explained. “Every cycle is different, this one included.”

While the overall economy is slowing, Costello reassured that a recession seems unlikely. Key drivers of truck freight are stabilizing, with some even showing signs of improvement. He anticipates a 2% rise in manufacturing output across sectors like chemicals and primary metals next year, with computers expected to see a 6% boost.

Consumer Behavior and Economic Trends

Post-pandemic, consumer spending shifted towards experiences over goods, but Costello observed a reversion back to pre-pandemic norms. Although housing remains challenging due to interest rate hikes, the Federal Reserve has begun reducing rates, albeit with long-term effects. “It takes a long time for decreases to work their way through the economy,” he noted.

The job market is also loosening, with monthly additions of 200,000 jobs and sustained low unemployment rates. Costello highlighted that there is approximately one job available per unemployed individual, boosting the Fed’s confidence to continue lowering rates. While fixed mortgage rates are declining, he cautioned against expecting drastic changes. “It’s not going to come down as much or as fast as the Fed Funds rate,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Costello anticipates an uptick in home sales by 2025, with steady single-family housing starts and moderate growth in non-residential construction. Wage growth remains steady, contributing to increased purchasing power. However, he warned about record household credit card debt, which may hinder spending despite favorable delinquency rates.

Inflation has reduced to 2.4%, yet the cost of goods remains elevated, up 22% since 2020. This shift in consumer focus from services back to goods could stimulate freight movement. “Let’s go ahead and buy something,” Costello encouraged. “Remember, we haven’t bought goods in a while.”

Freight and Supply Chain Dynamics

Though freight recovery has been slow, Costello noticed signs of progress. Private fleets expanded during the pandemic, reducing available freight for hire, but as recovery continues, some carriers might exit the industry. Lenders are poised to demand repayments, potentially pushing fleets out as used truck valuations improve.

The digitization of freight has provided temporary relief to carriers, enabling quicker cash flow, albeit with negative margins. However, Costello warned that “eventually, it’s going to run out.”

While supply remains high, demand hasn’t risen enough to feel its impacts. Costello emphasized, “More companies need to fail.”

Since December 2022, around 34,000 carriers have left the market, often joining larger operators. This gradual supply-demand balance could mitigate driver shortages as freight demand rebounds.

Market and Political Pressures

The trucking industry faces pressures from both market conditions and rising costs. Revenue per mile has decreased significantly, while driver wages and operational costs hit record highs, up 35% compared to a 16% revenue increase.

Despite these challenges, Costello sees potential improvement in truck freight segments.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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