Central Transport Driver Pay
Below Average — #30 of 40$55,000 - $85,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Central Transport Pay Overview
Central Transport is a national LTL carrier with a strong presence in the Midwest and Northeast. Pay is competitive for the LTL sector, though slightly below top carriers like Old Dominion and FedEx Freight. Central Transport has invested in expanding its terminal network nationwide, creating more local opportunities. Overtime is commonly available for city drivers.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $23 - $26/hr |
| 1-3 years | $26 - $29/hr |
| 3-5 years | $29 - $33/hr |
| 5-10 years | $33 - $37/hr |
| 10+ years | $37 - $41/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| City P&D (LTL) | $23 - $38/hr |
| Linehaul (LTL) | $0.52 - $0.66/mi |
Pay by Job Type
Local (City P&D)
$55,000 - $80,000
per year
Regional (Linehaul)
$60,000 - $85,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $5,000 in select markets
Safety Bonus
Safety bonus programs available
Referral Bonus
$1,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Not standard
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical coverage available |
| Dental | Dental plan included |
| Vision | Vision plan included |
| Retirement | 401(k) plan available |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation and holidays |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Dock-to-driver programs at some terminals |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
City: Home daily | Linehaul: Home nightly or next morning
Per Diem
Not applicable — LTL positions
How Central Transport Pay Compares
Central Transport ranks #30 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Below Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Central Transport (this carrier) | $55,000 - $85,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Central Transport drivers make?
Central Transport drivers earn $55,000-$85,000 annually. City P&D drivers earn $23-$41/hr, while linehaul drivers earn $0.52-$0.66/mi. Pay varies by market, with Midwest and Northeast terminals typically offering competitive rates.
Do Central Transport drivers go home daily?
City P&D drivers are home daily. Linehaul drivers run overnight relay routes and typically return home by morning. The company's nationwide terminal network helps keep relay distances manageable.
Is Central Transport a good LTL company?
Central Transport is a solid mid-tier LTL carrier with a long history (since 1932). While pay is slightly below the top LTL carriers, it offers home-daily schedules, nationwide service, and dock-to-driver career paths at select locations.
Does Central Transport have dock-to-driver?
Yes, some Central Transport terminals offer dock-to-driver programs where dock workers can earn their CDL and transition to driving positions. Availability varies by location.
What areas does Central Transport primarily serve?
Central Transport serves the entire U.S. with next-day and second-day LTL service. Their strongest presence is in the Midwest (Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania) and Northeast, where they have the densest terminal network.
Ready to Drive for Central Transport?
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