Roehl Transport raises driver pay again in 2026

Roehl Transport says its second pay increase of the year will lift top drivers well past $100,000 annually starting Oct. 4. The move comes as carriers compete for experienced drivers and aims to boost pay across most company-driver fleets and some contractor roles.

Why it matters: - Roehl Transport is putting more money into driver pay at a time when trucking companies are competing for experienced drivers. - The company says the combined 2026 increases will add millions of dollars to driver earnings. - Top Roehl drivers will be among the highest-paid in trucking, with many earning well over $100,000 a year while still getting home weekly, and in some cases daily.

What happened: - Roehl Transport announced its second truck driver pay increase of 2026 on Sept. 16. - The changes take effect Oct. 4. - The increase applies to most company drivers in Roehl’s Refrigerated, Flatbed, Van, Curtainside and Dedicated divisions. - Roehl also announced a significant compensation increase for owner-operators and lease operators who partner with the company.

The details: - Roehl says the 2026 pay changes build on an earlier increase that rewarded longevity and tenure. - The earlier raise also covered drivers who started through Roehl’s on-the-job CDL training program. - Roehl increased Certified Driver Trainer compensation and added retention bonuses earlier this year. - CEO Rick Roehl said, “We believe Roehl drivers should earn more.” - Rick Roehl also said the company wants to reward drivers who stay on time, follow Roehl’s operating standards and support customer service. - Roehl says more than half of its drivers are home at least every week. - Roehl offers paid CDL training, national, regional and dedicated driving jobs, and a lease purchase program for drivers who want to own their own trucking business.

Between the lines: - The pay move signals that Roehl is using compensation as a recruiting and retention tool in a tight driver market. - The company is also trying to keep more drivers in-house by pairing pay raises with training, retention bonuses and home-time options. - Roehl’s emphasis on safety and service suggests the company is tying higher pay to performance and culture, not just labor supply.

What's next: - Roehl’s pay increases should show up in driver earnings beginning Oct. 4. - The company will continue recruiting experienced drivers and new entrants through paid CDL training and fleet options. - Roehl Transport plans to mark 65 years in business in 2027.

The bottom line: - Roehl Transport is betting that higher pay, home time and training support will help it keep and attract drivers in a competitive industry. - For more information on experienced truck driving jobs, owner-operator opportunities or paid on-the-job CDL training, call 715-591-7050 or visit Roehl Transport jobs.