Maverick announces five benefits improvements for drivers

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Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021:

Maverick offering new Holiday Pay, in-cab Wi-Fi, more for drivers

Maverick Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 75) announced five major benefits changes to improve the driving experience for its fleet of over 1,600 truck drivers.

First, with Maverick’s recent adoption of the Stoneridge/MirrorEye safety technology, it made the decision to retrofit all 2021 Maverick tractors in the upcoming months. Maverick drivers have overwhelmingly accepted these safety systems, the company says. 

Also, beginning with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, all Maverick drivers will receive a new Holiday Pay benefit. Each driver will receive $100/day for each of the following holidays: Thanksgiving and the following Friday, Christmas Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, totaling $600 more per year for every driver.

Maverick is also rolling out a new Unlimited Wi-Fi Program that will allow its drivers to stay better connected to their friends and families. This Wi-Fi will cost less than $1/day and be available in every truck. 

Effective on Jan. 1, 2022, Maverick is increasing its current 401k + Match program to a 100% match up to 5% of the employee’s pay with a cap of $5,000. This move affects all Maverick employees. 

Finally, Maverick is reducing its health insurance premiums for their full coverage health plan by 20% for 2022, providing savings to all of its employees that ranges from $388 to $1,632, depending on the plan.

Averitt recognized as Military Friendly Company

Averitt Express (No. 30) has been nationally recognized for the fourth time as a Military Friendly Company.

Viqtory, a veteran-owned business, conducts the national Military Friendly Company survey every year to highlight companies that support veterans, other members of the military community and their families in transitioning from military to the civilian world. This year, Averitt was not only recognized as a Military Friendly Company, but it was also recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly Employer and a Military Friendly Brand. The company was also awarded bronze distinction as a Military Friendly Employer for having exceptional military programs. 

“We strongly believe that every veteran deserves to work for a company that values their service,” said Averitt chairman and CEO Gary Sasser, who served in the U.S. Marine Reserves. “We are humbled to be designated once again as a Military Friendly Company. We are proud to be a place that our nation’s service members can call home.” 

In 2016, Averitt pledged to hire 1,200 veterans by 2020, but the company achieved and exceeded its goal in 2019. That commitment continues today, with even more veterans joining the Averitt team every week. Averitt offers a GI Bill Training Program and has also been recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. 

Montgomery Transport offering Appreciation Pay through January

Birmingham, Alabama-based flatbed carrier Montgomery Transport has announced a new pay program and other benefits to show appreciation for its truck drivers.

Over-the-road drivers will now receive extra Appreciation Pay of $0.05 for every loaded mile from Nov. 2 through Jan. 31, 2022. Dedicated drivers will also receive an increase in daily pay over the same time period.

"This recent cycle has been one of the most dynamic, yet difficult times many of us have seen. Our drivers stepped up and kept America moving forward," says Rollins Montgomery, CEO of Montgomery Transport. "We are excited to show them our deep appreciation in many ways."

This year, Montgomery has implemented a number of initiatives to express gratitude for its drivers and elevate their benefits. During the colder months, when tarping is more challenging (Nov. 2 to Feb 1), Montgomery increased tarp pay for legal standard loads from $35 to $50 and over dimensional loads from $50 to $60.

Drivers who have been with the company for at least 30 days are also now eligible for guaranteed weekly minimum pay of up to $1,200, depending on tenure. Previously, eligibility was after 6 months tenure with the company. Additionally, those who have been with the carrier for 6 months are now eligible for vacation pay rather than at one year.

In July, MT increased breakdown pay from $100 per day to $150 per day.