Percentage Pay
Percentage pay is a driver compensation model where the driver earns a percentage of the gross revenue from each load, typically 25–30% for company drivers or 88–95% for leased owner-operators. It ties driver income directly to the load rate.
In Depth
Percentage pay aligns driver incentive with carrier revenue — when the carrier earns more, the driver earns more. This model is common in flatbed, specialized, and owner-operator lease arrangements.
For a company driver earning 28% of a $2,800 load: they earn $784 for that load regardless of miles. On short, high-rate loads this can exceed per-mile rates. On long, lower-rate loads it can fall below.
Leased owner-operators often see 88–92% settlements that appear attractive, but these percentages are calculated after carrier deductions for fuel surcharge, insurance, and other charges — so the effective percentage of total revenue can be much lower.
Usage Example
Example: 'My flatbed driver earns 28% of gross. On a $3,200 load, he takes home $896 — more than his old $0.62/mile rate would have paid.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Pay Per Mile
Pay per mile is a compensation model used by trucking companies where drivers are paid a set rate for every mile driven, typically ranging from $0.55–$0.75/mile for company drivers. Owner-operators earn gross revenue per mile and cover their own expenses.
Gross Revenue
Gross revenue in trucking is the total amount a carrier invoices for transportation services before deducting any expenses, including linehaul, fuel surcharge, detention, and other accessorials.
Owner-Operator
An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns and operates their own commercial truck, running freight either independently (with their own authority) or leased onto a motor carrier.
Lease-Purchase Agreement
A lease-purchase agreement is a contract where a driver leases a truck from a carrier with the option to purchase it at the end of the lease term. Weekly payments are made from the driver's earnings, and the balance can be applied toward ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage do company drivers earn?
Typically 25–30% of gross load revenue. Leased owner-operators see 88–95% settlements, though deductions reduce the effective rate.