ATA launches Driver Compensation survey

American Trucking Associations recently opened its survey for the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study, a comprehensive analysis of pay, benefits, and bonuses for a broad spectrum of trucking businesses across U.S. regions.

Participants must complete the 2026 survey by March 30, ATA said.

“In this difficult and prolonged freight recession, the companies with the greatest edge are the ones that have the best data. As a one-of-a-kind benchmarking tool, the Driver Compensation Study provides the crucial, actionable intelligence motor carriers need to recruit and retain their most valuable resource: professional truck drivers,” Bob Costello, ATA chief economist, said in a news release. “In order to get as accurate a picture of industry trends as possible, we rely on input from a large cross-section of motor carriers to provide detailed information about their total compensation packages and supply a clear view of how—and how much—trucking companies pay their drivers.”

Last conducted in 2024, the survey produces a unique and vital source of timely data, ATA said. Previous studies covered hundreds of fleets, including for-hire truckload carriers, for-hire less-than-truckload carriers, private carriers, and other commercial haulers.

The 2026 study will include detailed pay estimates broken down by carrier types, trailer types, and routes. It will also explore the wide variety of driver pay structures (hourly, per-mile, annual salary, percent of revenue) as well as various incentives. All proprietary information from individual carriers is kept confidential; only aggregate data is included in the final report.

Survey participants are eligible for a discounted copy of the study for $100—over 90% off the full price. Additional benefits for participants include a free executive summary prior to the release of the report and an exclusive invitation to a no-cost webinar with ATA’s Chief Economist to discuss the survey results and answer questions.