Minnesota-based Kottke Trucking has increased driver pay for the second time in six months, resulting from gains in the marketplace.

Effective Aug. 14, all existing and new drivers will receive a pay bump. Single drivers can now earn 46 -54 cents per mile and up to 61 cents per mile with performance bonuses. Team drivers are able to earn 29-33 cents per mile and can earn an additional 4 cents per mile with performance bonuses.

Kottke also provides drivers with a full benefits package that includes full employee health coverage.

It is one of many fleets that have increased driver pay in recent months. With an elevated freight market, trucking companies are able to explore pay and and benefit improvements in an effort to recruit new drivers and retain current ones. The August issue of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine offered a more in-depth look at this trend.

“We are proud to be able to continue to focus on the importance of drivers in our ongoing success and make sure that the gains we are realizing in the marketplace are shared equally,” said Kyle Kottke, general manager and co-owner at Kottke Trucking. He was one of HDT's Emerging Leaders in 2016.