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Top 5 Trucking Companies That Pay Percentage in 2026
In 2026, percentage pay remains a popular compensation structure for truck drivers, offering a straightforward and potentially lucrative way to earn a living. Many drivers actively seek out companies that provide this pay model, as it aligns with their financial goals.
In this article, we’ll highlight five leading companies offering percentage pay to their truckers, explain what percentage pay entails, and discuss the advantages of this payment method in today’s labor market.
Key Takeaways
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Among the top companies that pay truckers a percentage are TMC Transportation, Roehl, and USA Truck.
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Percentage pay allows truck drivers to earn a share of the total payment for the load they transport.
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Mileage pay is another prevalent compensation structure, rewarding drivers based on the distance they travel.
Top 5 Companies That Pay Truckers a Percentage
If you’re seeking a trucking job that offers percentage pay, here are the top five companies that currently do so.
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Founded in 1972 in Des Moines, Iowa, TMC Transportation is one of the leading privately-owned flatbed trucking companies in the U.S. TMC welcomes both experienced drivers and recent graduates of accredited trucking schools.
The company offers truckers a choice between percentage pay and mileage pay, with percentage rates starting at 26% for new drivers and going up to 32% for seasoned professionals.
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Headquartered in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Roehl Transport is a prominent player in the American trucking industry, with major terminals in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Dallas.
Roehl offers a flexible owner operator and lease purchase program, allowing drivers to choose between percentage pay and mileage pay based on their preference.
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Established in 1966 in Crete, Nebraska, Crete Carrier began as an all-owner-operator company and now hires company drivers while still supporting its owner-operators. They offer various pay packages, including flat-rate mileage and a percentage of gross load revenue.
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With over 50 years of experience, CRST is dedicated to supporting its owner-operators. Drivers with their own trucks can earn an average of $1.60 per mile, while those in an extended lease purchase program can receive 70% of revenue, plus a fuel surcharge.
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USA Truck supports owner-operators and provides them with opportunities to grow their businesses. Drivers can choose between mileage pay or revenue pay at a rate of 65% plus a fuel surcharge. The company is a popular choice due to its benefits, including self-dispatch, bonuses, and a comprehensive lease purchase program.
What Is Percentage Pay?
For over-the-road drivers and owner/operators, the two primary payment methods are mileage pay and percentage pay. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to understand how they differ:
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Mileage pay compensates drivers with a fixed dollar amount for each mile driven. For instance, if a driver earns 55 cents per mile and drives 1,500 miles, their pay would total $825 (0.55 x 1500 miles).
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Percentage pay calculates earnings based on a percentage of the total payment made by the shipper for the load. For example, if a driver’s percentage is 30% and the shipper pays $3,000, their pay would be $900 (3000 x 0.3).
Owner-operators typically negotiate the percentage of the linehaul, which represents the gross revenue of the load minus any fuel charges. Higher gross revenues lead to better payouts for drivers, who can also expect to be compensated for most if not all fuel surcharges.
Benefits of Percentage Pay
Understanding the benefits of percentage pay is crucial for making informed career decisions. Here are some advantages of opting for percentage pay:
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No mileage disputes. Drivers often face challenges in disputes regarding mileage and compensation. Percentage pay offers a more transparent system that minimizes such conflicts.
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Rising freight rates. As of 2026, the average freight rates pay company drivers around $55,000 annually, starting at 25% of the linehaul revenue. With the ongoing demand for professional drivers, shipping rates are anticipated to rise, making percentage pay increasingly attractive.
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Enhanced job satisfaction. Studies indicate that truck drivers who receive percentage pay report higher job satisfaction compared to those compensated hourly or by mileage. According to recent surveys, drivers on a percentage split expressed 31% greater job satisfaction than those receiving hourly pay and 29% more than those on per-mile pay.
It is vital to comprehend the differences between payment methods in the trucking industry. Always ask questions during your job search to ensure you fully understand the logistics of your compensation plan.
Compensation varies based on multiple factors, so it’s essential to assess your pay structure individually according to your experience, skills, and qualifications.
What Is Lease Purchasing?
Many trucking companies that employ owner-operators also offer lease purchase options. This arrangement allows drivers to lease a truck from the company, making monthly payments throughout the lease term. At the end of the lease, they can either pay the final balance to purchase the truck or trade it in.
This model enables drivers to become owner-operators without needing a substantial down payment for truck ownership.
Final Thoughts
As you explore career opportunities in the trucking industry, understanding the intricacies of truck driver pay is crucial. Your compensation will vary based on your experience, location, mileage, and any specialized qualifications you possess.
There are several payment structures available for truckers, including hourly pay, pay per mile, salary, and pay per load. Additionally, you may receive reimbursements for overnight stays, meals, and other travel-related expenses.
Percentage pay continues to be a prevalent and favorable compensation method in the trucking industry.
- Companies
- Largest Trucking Companies
- Highest Paying Truck Driving Jobs
- Ice Road Trucking Jobs
- Best Trucking Companies To Work For
- Trucking Companies That Pay Percentage
- Refrigerated Trucking Companies
- Is Trucking A Good Career
- Ocean Freight Companies
- Tanker Trucking Companies
- Ups Pension Plan
- Flatbed Trucking Companies
- Freight Broker Companies
- Hotshot Trucking
- Ups Driver Payscale
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
