Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Feb. 4, 2022:
Top 250 carrier announces 2022 purchase plans, increases driver pay
CFI, a subsidiary of TFI International (CCJ Top 250, No. 7) announced its plans to buy 770 new Kenworth T680 tractors and 250 new 53-foot trailers in 2022, while also increasing driver pay.
The company says the new trucks will be equipped with safety technologies and driver conveniences, including 110-volt power inverters, engine block heater, refrigerator, ergonomic driver’s seat, an in-cab sliding fifth-wheel release and more.
The 250 trailers will include 100 dry van general freight trailers and 150 reefer trailers to support the growth of CFI Temp-Control.
The company also announced a streamlined driver compensation program to align driver pay for consistency across its trucking operations. Under this plan, drivers for CFI Truckload and CFI Temp-Control will receive an increase of 2 cents per mile. Drivers can also qualify for extra earnings from incentive bonuses based on safety and productivity performance, retention and years of service, as well as recruiting referrals.
“We continue to invest in our people with modern, fuel-efficient equipment, including options and accessories most in demand by professional drivers supporting safe operations and driver comfort,” said Greg Orr, president of CFI. “With these new units, the average age of CFI’s tractor fleet will be less than two years.”
Midwest Carriers boosting driver pay
Kaukauna, Wisconsin-based Midwest Carriers has implemented a 9% increase in pay for all of its over-the-road truck drivers.
The increase includes raising OTR average pay from $86,395 to $92,250, and the OTR average for the top 50% of drivers to $97,550, the company said.
“As a driver-focused trucking company, we know that taking care of our drivers is job number one,” said Eric Van Handel, President, Midwest Carriers. “This increase is our way of showing how much we value their hard work and dedication.”
In addition to the pay increases, Midwest Carriers has also decreased their health insurance premiums by 9% for 2022.
