Crete Carrier Corporation is increasing compensation for all national over the road truck drivers and owner operators at Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking, and Hunt Transportation. 

The pay increase will take effect on April 1 and make starting pay for national Crete Carrier drivers range from 43 cents to 47 cents per mile while starting pay for national Shaffer Trucking drivers will range from 44 cents to 48 cents per mile, depending on experience. Hunt Transportation starting pay for national drivers will be 42 cents to 46 cents per practical mile, depending on experience.

According to a published report the average national fleet driver at the Nebraska-based carrier will earn up to $2,800 more each year versus the old rates, excluding benefits and other incentives.

In an interview with the Omaha World Herald, one Crete representative said the announcement follows the company having to cap the compensation for a significant number of its drivers during the recent economic downturn.