GREEN BAY, Wisc. (Dec. 15, 2004) — The largest truckload carrier in North America has hiked pay for drivers and owner-operators by an average of US $4,000 a year — making it the largest single increase in the company’s 70-year history.

The pay package will compensate drivers “more appropriately” for their time, says Schneider National Inc. of Green Bay. Wis. According to a Schneider press release, the package offers new short-haul premiums and increased non-driving provisions, such as detention pay.

The new owner-operator contract increases linehaul rates to $.90 per mile plus a fuel surcharge. The package takes effect on Feb. 6, 2005.

“Both drivers and owner-operators will see significant mileage rate increases and new programs to compensate for customer delays and short-hauls,” the release said. “Work-life improvements are equally as important as the pay increase under the 2005 compensation plan. Some of the improvements for drivers and owner-operators will include more predictable work schedules, better time-at-home options, more Home Run program opportunities, trailer tracking and street level directions.

“Additional changes in work assignment communication through existing satellite technology will improve efficiency and accuracy of data sent and received.”