Truck Driver Pay Rises Despite Freight Downturn, New ATA Study Finds

Truck driver pay continued to increase in 2025 despite weak freight demand and higher operating costs, according to the American Trucking Associations' 2026 Driver Compensation Study released October 7.

The study found that dry van drivers working irregular truckload routes earned median annual compensation of $73,639, up 8.3% from 2023. LTL linehaul drivers earned a median of $85,000, while local LTL drivers earned $72,942.

Drivers on dedicated dry van routes at for-hire carriers saw compensation increase 4.2% from 2023. The study also found that 74% of surveyed for-hire truckload carriers paid drivers for excessive waiting time at loading and unloading facilities.

The findings are based on data from more than 130 fleets representing over 140,000 employee drivers and 9,000 independent contractors. Most surveyed carriers reported plans to increase driver pay in 2026, although those increases are not yet confirmed.