ARLINGTON, Wash. — Smokey Point Distributing (SPD) has announced an over-the-road salary pay program for its over-the-road flatbed drivers. Effective June 1, the carrier will pay solo OTR flatbed drivers a $65,000 salary not including mileage, safety, and referral bonuses. Team drivers will each receive $75,000 plus bonuses.
CEO Dan Wirkkala said, “Historically the trucking industry has always punished the driver financially for their lack of sales, operational efficiencies or delays due to breakdowns and maintenance requirements. They [other employees] all receive their paycheck regardless, but If the driver does not move a mile because of them, the driver’s paycheck is directly affected. That is not right.”
Smokey Point has been named as one of the “Best Fleets to Drive For” in 2017 and 2018.
Not surprisingly, Smokey Point reported that its OTR drivers are “on board” with the changes.
“My wife is extremely happy for the first time in my driving career. We can plan and maintain a budget, which means happy wife, happy life,” said Darrin M., a Smokey Point driver.
Currently hiring flatbed drivers, SPD hopes that this announcement will be something that will help to recruit drivers to the company.
A former driver and manager of driver services Sean McManama said, “Finally, some true stability in an OTR truck driver’s life, without the ultra-lows of the cyclical pay that surrounds a driver’s ability to support his or her family.”
“The last two years I have had yearly mileage totals that were outstanding. According to the new salary bonus award, I will not only have a stable dependable check; I am looking at an annual award of almost $12,000. That is something to think about, is it not?”
For more information on SPD and its services, go to https://www.spdtrucking.com/ or contact recruiting at (360) 474-5899.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
