As you know, 2009 promises to be a year of survival of the fittest and most nimble in the truckload transportation sector. It is no secret  the first time driver and independent contractor supply is now greater than demand.  Not surprisingly, company driver wages have begun to decline, with pay reductions of $.01 to $.085 per-mile. In some cases, these changes are impacting new hires only, and, in other cases, the reductions have impacted all drivers. This is critical information when assessing your position in the driver pay market. Today's economic conditions dictate this is not a market in which you can afford to overpay. 

At the same time, we are watching company driver wages fall, and owner-operator wages are showing some strength. We have reported owner-operator wage increases in the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009 of $.01 to $.025 per-mile. In fact, one very large carrier is now adjusting owner-operator pay on a quarterly basis based on prior quarter freight profitablities.

We invite your questions, just call us at 816-455-2595.