BRENTWOOD, TN – May 18, 2026 – Fleet Intel, a division of Conversion Interactive Agency, announces the release of the data community’s Q1 2026 Driver Pay Trend Tracker Report highlighting key trends in truck driver pay across the transportation industry. The report provides valuable insights from Q1 2026, including National Average Weekly Pay by Driver Type, National Average Weekly Pay by Trailer Type, and geographic trends in company driver compensation across the United States.
The data for Q1 2026 reveals continued upward movement in advertised driver compensation as driver pay becomes an increasingly important topic across the industry. Company drivers experienced the most notable increase during the quarter, with average weekly pay rising 11% from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026. Lease purchase, owner operator, and team driver compensation also remained strong throughout the quarter. “The Q1 data reflects growing momentum in driver compensation as carriers continue prioritizing recruiting and retention efforts,” said Steve Sichterman, Chief Product Officer at Conversion Interactive Agency.
Company driver pay by trailer type also revealed notable trends during Q1 2026. Refrigerated freight continued to report some of the strongest advertised compensation levels, while flatbed and van pay remained competitive throughout the quarter. These findings demonstrate the continued strength of specialized freight segments while highlighting sustained demand across core equipment categories.
Another key highlight from the Q1 2026 report was the regional variation in company driver pay across the country. Several Midwestern and Southern states ranked among the nation’s highest-paying markets for company drivers, while portions of the Northeast and West Coast reported some of the lowest average weekly pay levels during the quarter.
“Understanding how driver compensation shifts across freight markets remains critical for carriers looking to stay competitive,” Sichterman noted. “These insights help transportation companies benchmark pay trends, strengthen recruiting strategies, and better positioning themselves in a rapidly evolving labor market.”
Comparing driver pay across carriers in targeted freight markets remains essential for gaining a competitive edge in driver recruitment. Fleet Intel is dedicated to providing real-time data to help recruiting, sales, and operations teams better understand the dynamics of truck driver pay in their operational markets.
CLICK HERE to access Fleet Intel’s Q1 2026 Driver Pay Trend Tracker Report.
