Schneider National and Covenant announced large bonuses to help attract teams.
Schneider is offering a one-time bonus of $12,000 ($6,000 per driver) for drivers with previous experience, while recent CDL grads will earn a $7,000 bonus, or $3,500 per driver. The bonuses apply to both owner-operator teams, as well as company drivers.
To be eligible for the bonus, teams must he hired before June 30, 2012.
“As our expedited freight business continues to grow, do does our need to hire more team drivers,” said Paul Simmons, vice president Schneider National. “New and existing customer demand provides a tremendous opportunity for great, consistent miles each week.”
Those looking to join a team, can contact Schneider. The company offers a match program. However, new matches are ineligible for the bonus.
While Schneider National’s new team compensation is a one-time bonus, Covenant is offering a quarterly bonus of $2,500 per driver, per quarter to any new Owner-Operator Hazmat Team that completes 35 loads per quarter. Teams have the opportunity to earn an extra $10,000 per year.
“This is not a one-time payout.” said John Arthur Daniel, vice president for capacity development. “Those who qualify will continue to receive the bonus for as long as they driver for Covenant.”
The bonus is intended to help owner-operators with replacing equipment.
“Our company has decided that owner-operators shouldn’t be in it all alone when it comes to paying to replace their tractors,” said Daniel “The $80,000 expenditure from just a few years has turned into a $120,000 expenditure, and it hits the owner-operator hard. So we want to step-up and help them when it’s time for them to replace equipment.”
Lease purchase drivers will be eligible for the bonuses once their trucks are paid-off.