The U.S. trucking industry is a billion dollar industry, but how does that translate into trucking industry pay? There's no doubt that truckers and the industry itself contribute significantly to the nation's economy, hauling more than 9 billion tons of freight every year.

But just because the trucking industry brings in more than $200 billion per year, that doesn't mean it doesn't struggle to make a profit, with operating costs estimated at 95.2% of every dollar. No doubt salaries for employees and contractors make up much of those operating costs.

Keeping salary costs low but also maintaining quality workers remains a key objective. A company driver earns on average $32,00-$42,000 annually, depending on the size of the company. Consider this transportation salary information:

1. Take apprenticeship, training and skill certification as a factor in logistics industry salary.

2. Those working as independent contractors can usually demand more as far as trucking industry compensation, but the operating costs fall on their shoulders.

3. Experience plays a huge part in hiring and salary in trucking industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out average pay for truckers

A number of companies conduct salary surveys within the transportation industry. That information is available mostly online. Basic salary information is usually free, but but you'll pay a fee for more detailed findings.

I recommend: Salary.com offers a variety of job positions within the transportation industry. Click on one of the links to find average base salary, and bonus and benefits information for a particular job description. Browse through salary survey information from Vault. More detailed results may require signing up for a gold membership.

Purchase software to figure trucking industry salaries

Put technology to work for you by finding a software option to help you manage your workforce, including salaries.

I recommend: Virtual Dispatch's Excelerate 9000 software package not only helps with driver and owner-operator payroll but the management of other transportation issues. Or request a free trial, schedule a demo or get a product tour of Halogen Software's eCompensation software.

Utilize online resources to manage transportation industry salaries

From industry news to contract documents, use the Internet to your advantage as a full resource when it comes to setting pay and related policies.

I recommend: The Transportation Intermediaries Association offers a number of contract agreements that can be modeled and modified to fit your specific situation. For those in the tank truck, tank container and storage terminal industries, sign up for Primedia's Bulk Transporter print magazine, Bulk Logistics Trends e-newsletter or Tank Wash Monthly e-newsletter to stay up to date on trends associated with your industry that may also effect compensation requirements and contracts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contracting with an owner-operator may seem like a hassle-free way to avoid costs that go along with paying trucking industry salaries for regular company employees. But be aware that if the government does not recognize the owner-operator's independent status it may come back on you to pay taxes, premiums and other penalties. Be sure you fully research the option before entering into a contract.