Pay for company drivers jumped 11% in first quarter of 2026 but still lags behind other types
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Average weekly pay for company truck drivers jumped 11% during the first quarter of 2026, landing at $1,804, according to a May 18 report issued by Fleet Intel, a division of Conversion Interactive Agency (CIA). Even with these gains, company driver pay lags behind weekly pay for team drivers ($2,063), lease-purchase drivers ($2,748) and owner-operators ($3,364).
The report, available for download here, highlights key trends in truck driver pay across the transportation industry for Q1 2026, including national average weekly pay by driver type, national average weekly pay by trailer type, and geographic trends in company driver compensation across the U.S.
According to a statement released by Fleet Intel, the data for Q1 2026 reveals continued upward movement in advertised driver compensation as driver pay becomes an increasingly important topic across the industry.
Company drivers experienced the most notable increase during the quarter, with average weekly pay rising 11% from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026. Lease purchase, owner operator, and team driver compensation also remained strong throughout the quarter.
“The Q1 data reflects growing momentum in driver compensation as carriers continue prioritizing recruiting and retention efforts,” said Steve Sichterman, chief product officer at CIA.
Pay by trailer type
Company driver pay by trailer type also revealed notable trends during Q1 2026.
Refrigerated freight continued to report some of the strongest advertised compensation levels ($1,865), while flatbed ($1,745) and van ($1,740) pay remained competitive throughout the quarter. Tanker trailed other categories at $1,625 per week.
“These findings demonstrate the continued strength of specialized freight segments while highlighting sustained demand across core equipment categories,” noted CIA’s May 18 statement
Variations in regional pay
Another key highlight from the Q1 2026 report is the regional variation in company driver pay across the country. Several Midwestern and Southern states ranked among the nation’s highest-paying markets for company drivers, while portions of the Northeast and West Coast reported some of the lowest average weekly pay levels during the quarter.
“Understanding how driver compensation shifts across freight markets remains critical for carriers looking to stay competitive,” Sichterman noted. “These insights help transportation companies benchmark pay trends, strengthen recruiting strategies, and better positioning themselves in a rapidly evolving labor market.”
What states made the Top 10 list?
The Top 10 states for company driver pay on a weekly average are:
1. Colorado: $2,207
2. North Dakota: $2,032
3. Illinois: $2,022
4. Texas: $2,012
5. Mississippi: $1,1975
6. West Virginia: $1,966
7. Washington, D.C.: $1,921
8. Florida: $1,900
9. Louisiana: $1,887
10. Arkansas: $1,818
Comparing driver pay across carriers in targeted freight markets remains essential for gaining a competitive edge in driver recruitment, according to Fleet Intel and CIA.
To download a pdf of the “Q1 2026 Fleet Intel Driver Pay Trend Tracker” report, click here.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
