Design Transportation Offers Higher Driver Pay, Bonuses

Design Transportation Services, Dallas, has become the latest carrier to make a wide-ranging increase in driver pay as a step toward retaining and rewarding operators.

Jim Locke, president of Design, said the increase for all over-the-road drivers is 3 cents per mile to 38 cents. In addition, the company is offering the opportunity to earn 3 cents more per mile every week based on performance indicators such as idling.

“In an economy where our workforce is forced to look for the best pay, benefits and miles run, Design has decided to jump out in front of so many others and offer this increase,” Locke said. “We feel that [the increase] offers all drivers the ability to have greater earnings potential in an industry challenged with heavier government regulations. Along with the increases, Design expects to see higher retention of its drivers.”

Design also offers a $1,000 signing bonus to new hires and a bonus for current drivers who recruit new workers. That bonus is equal to 1 cent per mile driven in a six-month period by the driver who recruits the new worker.