Starting CPM Rate
Company OTR drivers at Hylas Companion start at 85 cents per mile (CPM). Experienced drivers with verifiable mileage history and a clean MVR may qualify for up to 90¢ CPM at placement, depending on the specific carrier program and available lanes. Flatbed-specialized drivers earn a 3–5¢ premium over dry van rates. Team drivers earn $1.00 CPM each — meaning both drivers on a team seat earn a dollar a mile simultaneously.
Weekly Mileage Expectations
On OTR solo lanes, most drivers average 2,400–3,000 miles per week depending on the account, region, and time of year. Retail dedicated accounts (Walmart, Kroger, Target) run more consistently year-round. Team drivers typically cover 5,000–6,000 miles per week combined, which translates to 2,500–3,000 miles per driver.
What a Weekly Settlement Looks Like
At 85¢ CPM on 2,500 miles: gross freight pay = $2,125. There are no truck expenses for company drivers — fuel, maintenance, insurance, and registration are fully covered by the carrier. If you're on the fuel bonus program (fuel efficiency above a set threshold), that adds $50–$150 depending on the week. Weekly gross for a solo company driver in a steady OTR lane typically falls between $1,900 and $2,400 after any deductions (health insurance enrollment, if elected).
What Comes Out of Your Settlement
As a company driver, the only things that typically come out of your settlement are: (1) health insurance premiums if you opt in — currently $89–$140/week depending on plan; (2) any advances you took during the week (fuel card advances, pre-loaded cash advances); (3) optional life insurance or short-term disability if elected. There are no truck payment deductions, no safety bond deductions, no equipment rental fees. The settlement sheet is itemized line by line — every line has a label.
Annual Earnings Range
A solo OTR driver at 85¢ CPM running 2,500 miles/week for 50 weeks (two weeks off) grosses $106,250 annually before deductions. At 2,800 miles/week, that's $119,000. Team drivers at $1 CPM each, running 5,500 miles combined per week, gross $137,500 per driver annually — making team OTR the highest-earning non-owner-operator position in our fleet. These are gross figures; net varies based on tax filing status and any benefit elections.
How This Compares to Industry Average
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry salary surveys, the median OTR company driver earns approximately $52,000–$68,000 annually. Drivers at well-structured independent fleets like Hylas Companion — where CPM rates are competitive and mileage is consistent — typically earn in the $90,000–$120,000 range. The gap is usually explained by two things: mileage consistency (empty miles, detention, and dead time at poorly-run carriers reduce effective pay) and hidden deductions (truck lease fees, administrative fees, safety bonds at some carriers that function as company loans).
If you want to run the math for your specific situation, use the Gross Pay Calculator at hylascompanion.com/pay-benefits.