Tyson Foods has announced a new pay package for long-haul drivers in its private fleet as an incentive to recruit and retain drivers.

Starting pay under the new compensation plan could be up to 49 cents per mile depending on experience. Drivers will top out at 51 cents per mile and teams can start out as high as 52 cents per mile with a top pay of 54 cents per mile. Tyson said its drivers average 2,600 miles per week and up to 5,500 miles per week on teams.

Regional drivers have also been given a pay increase. with pay starting at 48-51 cents per mile depending on experience.

“As part of our efforts to continue to attract and retain professional drivers, Tyson Foods increased pay for our over-the-road, refrigerated truck drivers by as much as 15%,” said Mike Franco, manager of driver recruiting for Tyson Foods. “We also increased starting pay for drivers with experience and accelerated the timeframe for raises; so many new drivers will be eligible to reach the top of our scale within one to three years.”

Related: Driver Pay - Making the Grade