GETTING DRIVERS PAID

Highway Transport pays from minute 1 on detention. We are enhancing Highway Transport programs that support individual drivers, owner-operators and the entire team across our service center locations nationwide. “We employ an elite class of drivers who consistently deliver on ‘Our Promise’ to our customers every day, arriving safely and on time,” Highway Transport President and CFO Marshall Franklin said. “Our drivers are hardworking and committed to our standard of excellence, and we are committed to making Highway Transport the best place for them to choose to work. We asked our drivers for feedback, and that led us to make significant, intentional changes aimed at giving drivers the freedom and flexibility the want and deserve.” 

above: Highway Transport Knoxville Driver Sam Sharp

These efforts include: 

• Fostering Highway Transport’s family culture with meaningful communication, dedicated team member support and the launch of the CARE program, committed to supporting drivers with an aim to Communicate, Appreciate, Respect and Evaluate 

• Supporting drivers in ways that make their daily lives easier and better, including changes to load planning with the driver’s schedule in mind in order to get drivers more consistently back home every night 

• Redesigning Highway Transport’s owner-operator program and creating a dedicated department to help these drivers achieve success as entrepreneurs • Investing in technology upgrades that support drivers, including a new fleet management system, redesigned driver app, enhanced customer portal and TempTrack™, a solar-powered real-time location and temperature monitoring system 

• Building on continuous pay increases with a substantial pay increase enacted earlier this year for hourly, mileage and holiday rates – representing an increase in compensation of up to 20 percent for drivers, depending on their experience and location In addition to a culture of support and recognition and a historic pay increase, Highway Transport drivers enjoy consistent weekly pay and miles; flexible options for home time; choice of driving positions; top-quality equipment and maintenance programs; and an assigned driver manager providing personal, one-on-one attention. 

The company also offers benefits including paid vacation and holidays; 401k with company match; group health plans; company-paid basic life insurance; supplemental life insurance; major medical, dental and life coverage; and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Highway Transport also continues to deliver on its commitment to drivers by constructing new service centers and reimagining current facilities to provide drivers with a best-in-class experience. “We trust our drivers, value them and want to recognize, compensate and reward them fittingly,” Franklin said. “Pay is one area we strive to show our commitment and gratitude, but equally important to our drivers are a supportive culture and a focus on getting them home each night. 

On top of that, we offer operational and other support through investments in technology to make drivers’ jobs easier and more efficient, focus on training, state-of-the-art equipment, our internal CARE program and a continued emphasis on safety.” Thanks in great part to the diligence and safety record of its drivers, Highway Transport earned the Responsible Care® Partner of the Year Award from the American Chemistry Council

Highway Transport driver Tom Frain recently was awarded Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year Grand Champion by NTTC (National Tank Truck Carriers).

Highway Transport also has received recognition as a “Top 20 Company” for women by Women In Trucking


“We’ve spent nearly 75 years in this business, so we know the heart of the driver. They give their best every day, and they deserve our best,” Franklin said. Drivers on the team have received pay adjustment details from their managers, and compensation details are available to new drivers applying and training to join Highway Transport. We are currently hiring experienced drivers and also non-driver positions.