C.R. England Inc. will raise the pay of its over-the-road drivers with an increase tallying about $11 million annually. The carrier said it is the largest driver compensation increase in the firm’s 98-year history and will impact about 60% of its drivers.

The fines that several grocery chains have implemented for late deliveries are receiving pushback from carriers, but a concerted effort to fight the policies hasn’t materialized yet.

The nationwide growth in demand for fresher foods has contributed to a boom in the refrigerated transportation sector. But tighter food-handling standards and emission regulations are limiting the load flexibility and utilization options that carriers may have had in the past, and at a steeper cost, too.

C.R. England introduced the 2016 Western Star 5700 XE tractors into its fleet July 14.

C.R. England said it will offer a new bonus program for its company and independent truck drivers, and will boost pay for solo company drivers in its Western regional fleet.

Refrigerated carrier C.R. England Inc. has asked federal regulators to exempt the company from a new requirement that truck drivers with learning permits who have passed their commercial driver license skills test be accompanied by an experienced “on-duty” driver-trainer for the drive home to pick up their CDL.