Springfield, MO-based carrier Prime, Inc., has bolstered its compensation for its refrigerated division of company drivers. The new pay rate with a driver with 12 to 17 months of experience could start at up to 35.5 cents/mi. and with more experience could earn up to 62.5 cents/mi. This includes all bonuses and programs such as fuel surcharge and driver training programs.

Prime has also increased the company’s contribution to its employee 401K plan, offering a 50-cent match for every employee dollar up to 6% of the employee’s gross pay.

Prime has also taken an initiative to expand its flatbed division, which currently operates between 400 and 500 units, by opening what was previously an owner-operator exclusive division to company drivers, utilizing the same aggressive company driver pay scale for its refrigerated division. Prime operates a total fleet between 2,500 and 3,000 units.

“We’ve taken feedback from existing fleet and people we’re interviewing for driving opportunities. Prime stays ahead of the curve and its initiatives reflect what they’re hearing from their drivers in their policies,” Chase Wagner, Prime spokesperson, told Fleet Owner. “The new [company] drivers are coming form everywhere- most do have prior driving experience.”

“We wanted to create the opportunity for experienced drivers to become company drivers in our flatbed division in addition to the current independent contractors,” said John Hancock, director of training and driver recruitment.