HUDSON, IL—Nussbaum Transportation has announced a series of pay increases and new driver benefits, the largest compensation update in recent company history.
“Our Professional Drivers set Nussbaum apart by living our Vision and Values in a job that can be quite challenging,” said Bill Wettstein, President of Nussbaum Transportation. “They deserve this pay increase, and we are excited for them to continue sharing in the value that their hard work and dedication have created. We are also excited to extend these high-paying, purpose-driven career opportunities to other drivers who join our family.”
The pay increases and transition bonus apply to Irregular Route OTR van drivers, with the biggest gains going to drivers in the company’s Key Locations: Carbon Cliff, IL; Chicago, IL up to Kenosha, WI; Indianapolis, IN; and Columbus, OH. The Profit Sharing and Early Exit Option apply fleetwide.
Here's what changed:
- Higher mileage rates and weekly guarantees. Current OTR drivers received a 3-cent per mile increase and $50 boost to their weekly minimum guarantee — the safety net that protects weekly pay. For new hires, starting pay increased 5 cents per mile and $100 on the guarantee compared to earlier this year, with Key Location hires starting 10 cents and $200 higher (these changes include the fleetwide increase, plus additional increases to standardize pay scales).
- A $3,000 transition bonus. New drivers now receive a $3,000 bonus to help with the transition, paid in full within the first six months.
- Profit sharing for drivers. Drivers now share directly in Nussbaum’s financial success through quarterly bonuses. Payouts vary with company performance; an average year works out to roughly $0.02/mile, while strong years could see $0.04+/mile.
- Doubled Early Exit Option. Nussbaum’s Early Exit Option — which gives new hires $2,000 in transition help if they decide within their first 90 days that Nussbaum isn’t the right fit — has doubled from $1,000 to $2,000. It’s part of the company’s “No Surprises” recruiting philosophy: be straight with drivers up front, and stand behind it.
What this means for driver earnings:
New hires for Irregular Route Dry Van will earn an additional $5,000–$6,000 per year ($120 per week) and can expect $81–92K their first year depending on experience. Drivers can scale earnings further through tenure raises, performance bonuses, and Nussbaum’s Professional Certification program.
Key Location hires can expect $12,000 more per year ($230 per week) and $86–95K in year one, climbing to $91–100K+ by year two with room to grow from there.
Before these increases, the top 30% of Nussbaum OTR drivers were already earning an average of $100,000 per year. Nussbaum expects that number to rise significantly once the new pay takes effect.
About Nussbaum
Nussbaum is an industry leader in over-the-road freight transportation. Since 1945, trust and integrity have guided our operations as we serve our customers and employees with a level of care and integrity unique to Nussbaum. In 2018, we began a new journey as an ESOP, giving our people an ownership stake in the company. As employee-owners, we are purpose-driven to create a positive impact with every interaction and maximize Nussbaum’s potential for ourselves, our families, our customers, and our partners. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.
Contact
Nussbaum Marketing Department | marketing@nussbaum.com | p: 309-260-3423
