Continental Express Inc. announced a 5 cent per mile pay increase for its OTR fleet, effective Sunday, June 14th. The nearly 8% raise comes as the trucking industry begins its recovery and the Sidney, Ohio-based carrier continues their steady expansion.
The rate increase is Continental Express’ second over-the-road pay change within the calendar year—the first coming back in January. Their starting mileage rate is now 68 cents per mile, with 72 cents per mile at the upper end of the scale.
Including bonuses, even first year OTR drivers at Continental Express could see over $110,000 annually.
“While the last four years have been extremely challenging for trucking, we believe there is finally light at the end of the tunnel,” said Continental Express President Bradley Gottemoeller. “We are seeing encouraging signs across the industry, and while we’re not out of the woods yet—and fuel prices remain elevated—we are optimistic that trucking is entering a longer-term upcycle.”
“Through every challenge, Continental’s drivers continued showing up, serving our customers, and keeping freight moving safely across the country,” Gottemoeller continued. “While we’ve increased pay each of the last four years, we felt our team has earned more. This additional 5 cent per mile increase reflects our commitment to recognizing their hard work and rewarding the professionalism they demonstrate every day.”
In addition to increased pay, Continental Express continues to offer a robust and family-friendly benefits package to its OTR fleet, including 4 weeks of paid vacation annually, free driver health insurance, and a company-matched 401 (k) program.
Drivers are offered the chance to be home weekly for a reset, or see home for 48 hours every other weekend.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent years were marked by market disruption, Continental Express held steady, growing its fleet by over 170 drivers since 2022. In that same time, they opened additional terminal locations in Fishersville, Virginia, and Oswego, Illinois.
