Are your drivers leaving for better pay?
Are you wondering if your wages still match what other fleets are offering?
Right now, pay is changing fast—and if you don’t keep up, you could lose good drivers.
In this article, we’ll show you what the March 2025 Driver Pay Index says about driver pay—and what smart companies are doing to keep up.
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we study driver wages every month. We help fleets like yours make smart choices about pay, bonuses, and benefits. Keep reading to see what’s really happening in March—and how you can stay ahead.
What the Driver Pay Index Means for Your Fleet
The Driver Pay Index tracks how much driver wages have changed compared to January 2020. A score of 100 means pay hasn’t changed. A score above 100 means wages are higher than they were in early 2020.
Why does this matter? If you want to keep good drivers and offer fair, competitive pay, the Index helps you see where you stand. It’s a quick way to check if your fleet’s wages are keeping up—or falling behind.
March 2025 Driver Pay: Up 34% Since 2020
The newest report shows the index at 134.05. That means driver wages are now 34.05% higher than they were in early 2020.
Let’s look at what’s happened over the last few months:
- January 2025: The index was down at 120.17, one of the lowest points in two years.
- February 2025: It jumped up to 129.54.
- March 2025: It rose again to 134.05.
That’s a big move in just two months. After most of 2024 showed weaker pay trends, this jump could mean things are changing fast.
Why Driver Pay Is Rising Fast in 2025
There isn’t just one reason, but here are the main drivers behind the increase:
More Freight in the Spring
Shipping tends to pick up in the spring, and companies need more trucks moving. When demand rises, so does pay.
Fewer Drivers Available
The “so-called” driver shortage hasn’t gone away. Fleets still struggle to hire and keep good drivers. To fill seats, many are raising wages or offering better bonuses.
Inflation and Cost of Living
Drivers are feeling the pinch from higher prices at the store, gas station, and everywhere else. Companies are now adjusting pay to help drivers keep up.
New Pay Plans for 2025
Some fleets are rolling out incentives, retention bonuses, and updated pay structures as part of their new strategy for the year.
Understanding the ‘why’ is important—but knowing how to respond is even more critical.
Why Did Driver Pay Surge in February?
February wages almost always climb after the slow start in January. Once businesses ramp back up and freight demand increases, so does driver pay.
This year, the DPI jumped more than usual, suggesting that the trucking industry is recovering at a faster pace than last year. If this trend continues, wages could remain strong heading into spring.
3 Smart Pay Moves Fleets Should Make Today
If you run a small or mid-sized fleet, you can’t afford to wait and see. Here’s what you should look at today:
Review Your Pay Packages
Are your wages still competitive? If not, drivers may start looking for better options—especially with rising pay industry-wide.
Look at More Than Mileage Rates
Mileage isn’t everything. Think about:
- Sign-on and referral bonuses
- Per diem options
- Paid time off
- Home time guarantees
- Retirement and insurance benefits
A solid package matters more than just the cents per mile.
Keep an Eye on Competitors
If nearby fleets are bumping pay and you’re not, it could lead to driver turnover. Staying in the loop can save you from big hiring headaches later.
Planning for today is smart—but looking ahead is how great fleets stay ready.
What Driver Pay Changes Could Mean for Your 2025 Budget
It’s hard to say if this is a long-term trend or just a short-term spike. But if the Driver Pay Index keeps rising, it could mean fleets across the country will need to update their 2025 budgets and rethink their recruiting plans.
Whether this is the start of a bigger trend or not, one thing is clear:
Driver pay is changing fast, and you need to stay ahead.
How to Stay Competitive as Pay Keeps Rising
Driver pay is rising—and fast. The March 2025 Driver Pay Index shows a sharp jump, and that’s something your fleet can’t afford to ignore.
If you’ve been unsure about what to pay your drivers or worried about losing them to better offers, you’re not alone. Many fleets are in the same spot right now, trying to keep up with pay changes and hiring challenges.
Want help staying ahead of the curve?
Check out our Driver Pay Index page for regular updates and insights that make planning easier. Or try our Instant Price Tool to get a quick estimate of what it would cost to have us handle your payroll—no pressure or sales calls.
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we follow these trends so you don’t have to. Whether it’s pay changes, benefits, or bonuses, we’re here to help you build smart, competitive pay plans that keep your drivers happy and your business strong.
Stay tuned for next month’s DPI update to see where trucking wages are headed next!
Written by Mike Ritzema
Before founding Superior Trucking Payroll Service, Mike was the CFO of a trucking company with 80 trucks and a thriving brokerage. This experience gave him the perspective that a payroll solution has to make the lives of the office people better. All the solutions he has designed are to benefit everyone. Our company mission is to help trucking families and that includes the company owners, the drivers, and the office.