CRST Expedited announced it is investing $10 million into driver pay over the next 12 months. The pay hikes are for both new and existing drivers.
CRST employs approximately 5,100 drivers and office personnel with an additional 2,700 independent contractors.
Individual pay increases will be based on several factors including tenure, experience and incremental pay for performance, the company said, adding that the raises are designed to retain current drivers and recruit new ones in a highly competitive marketplace.
“As we continue to grow our fleet of team drivers, we realize the pressures that hours of service, CSA and being away from home for extended periods of time have placed on our drivers. With this pay increase, qualified drivers will have the opportunity to raise their weekly take home pay, depending upon the length and types of routes driven, as well as tenure,” said Cameron Holzer, president. “Our investment in our drivers is intended to help attract new drivers to the industry, as well as retain our existing drivers for the long term. Our drivers are the heart of our organization and need to be compensated for the hard work and dedication they provide. Unfortunately, all of the government regulations placed on the industry are having a negative impact on professional truck drivers. Our increase is necessary to protect them from the regulation that is impeding their ability to make a competitive salary.”
CRST trains up to 250 new drivers per week in facilities that offer on-campus lodging, classrooms and entertainment.
In addition to the pay raise, CRST has invested in a $13 million state-of-the-art driver training and truck repair facility in Riverside, CA; a $1.6 million expansion of the driver training facility in Cedar Rapids, IA, and a $10 million Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training academy (the North American Driver Training Academy) in Cedar Rapids.
The company operates over 4,450 tractors, with an average age of 18 months, and 7,300 trailers.
