Averitt Express drivers are starting to notice a hefty difference in their paychecks.

The Tennessee-based carrier recently announced several changes to its compensation packages, including an historic pay increase for its less-than-truckload (LTL) group, a new guaranteed weekly minimum for its regional and flatbed drivers, and a shorter waiting period in receiving benefit coverage for new hires.

“Averitt is committed to taking meaningful steps to provide an exceptional experience for our associates that further establishes us as the employer of choice in our industry,” Averitt president Wayne Spain said in a news release. “It is an exciting time for Averitt right now. Coming off our 50th anniversary, we have seen incredible growth and success over the last 18 months, and it is because of that we are able to make these changes to our driver pay to remain one of the top paying carriers in the industry.”

The LTL pay increase, one of the largest in Averitt’s history, went into effect in May for drivers but also covered some other positions in the group. Effective July 24, the company also will offer a $1,250 weekly minimum guarantee for its truckload regional and flatbed drivers.

Averitt also shortened its waiting period for benefits to 30 days and reduced eligibility for paid time off to 90 days. The company’s profit-sharing plan applies to both full- and part-time associates.

“It is a priority for us to take care of our associates with comprehensive benefits, and now our associates can take advantage of these benefits even earlier,” Spain said. “Our outstanding benefits support the well-being of our associates and their families. That is an investment in our greatest asset – our people.”

The compensation increase enhances an established package that makes Averitt a preferred company across the board. Earlier this year the company was recognized as the top inter-regional LTL carrier in the country. More than 1,350 of its associates have been with the company more than 20 years.

Ninety-three percent of its regional drivers are home by noon Saturday and average 65 hours at home each week. Local drivers and some dedicated drivers are home daily. More than 100 service centers are strategically placed to provide convenient and secure parking with numerous amenities in 21 states. The carrier offers professional equipment with state-of-the-art technology and 100 percent automatic transmissions.