Two major carriers, Schneider National and Covenant Transport, have announced large bonuses to help attract teams.


Schneider National is now offering sign-on bonuses of $12,000 ($6,000 per driver) for those with prior driving experience when joining Schneider's Van Truckload division. Recent driving school graduates will earn $7,000 ($3,500 per driver). These bonuses apply to both company and owner-operator teams hired before June 30, 2012.

"As our expedited freight business continues to grow, so does our need to hire more team drivers," says Paul Simmons, vice president at Schneider National. "New and existing customer demand provides a tremendous opportunity for great, consistent miles each week."

Although not eligible for the sign-on bonus, Schneider will also help match solo drivers looking for a team partner.

Covenant Transport is offering a new Owner-Operator Hazmat Team Equity Bonus, which is an extra $10,000 per year to assist Hazmat team owner-operators in replacing equipment.

"Our company has decided that owner operators shouldn't be in it all alone when it comes to paying to replace their tractors," says Covenant Transport's John Arthur Daniel, vice president for capacity development. "The $80,000 truck expenditure from just a few years ago has suddenly turned into a $120,000 expenditure and that hits owner-operators hard. So we want to step up and help them out when it's time for them to replace their equipment."

All hazmat owner operator teams who run at least 35 loads per quarter will now be eligible for a $2,500 per quarter bonus payout on an ongoing basis.

"This is not a one-time payout," he said. "Those who qualify will continue to receive the bonus for as long as they drive for Covenant." Lease purchase drivers will be eligible for the bonus after their trucks are paid out.

For more information about Schneider and Covenant employment, go to www.schneiderjobs.com or www.covenantdrivers.com.