Carriers companies have increased driver pay once again.

Carriers are increasing compensation to keep their equipment running in the face of increased freight demand and a shrinking pool of drivers. For the past year and a half, driver pay have been steadily increasing, and this trend is expected to continue for a sector that struggles to recruit and retain workers in both good and bad times.

Cargo Transporters, a dry van freight carrier, announced the largest-ever wage raise for over-the-road drivers. Starting on Sunday, the North Carolina-based carrier will pay solo drivers 6 cents extra every dispatched mile calculated using practical mile estimates rather than shortest-route instructions. Starting base pay has been increased to 60 cents per mile. There will be a 3 cent per mile rise for team drivers.

According to MorPro, utilizing practical mile estimations improves a driver’s mileage by 8% on average.

Starting solo drivers will get 67 cents per mile if they choose the “all-in” pay option. This is up from 55 cents per mile when the program was originally launched.

The all-in pay option was introduced nearly a year ago by the 40-year-old company. It’s aimed to smooth out income volatility by prorating time off and incentives.

In a news statement, Chairman John Pope noted, “This is the highest single raise in OTR driver compensation the firm has achieved since its inception in 1982.” “We expect these drivers to sacrifice time with their families, maintain a high degree of safety, fuel and maintain equipment, care for freight, and a slew of other responsibilities. We are pleased to provide this level of remuneration to individuals who are the finest in their field.”

In January, the corporation boosted paid time off compensation. New workers can now receive three weeks of paid vacation time.