Dayton Freight Lines Driver Pay
Average — #18 of 40$60,000 - $90,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Dayton Freight Lines Pay Overview
Dayton Freight is a privately owned regional LTL carrier that consistently rates above average for driver pay and satisfaction in the Midwest. Their 24-state coverage area means all routes are regional, so drivers are home daily. Equipment is newer than industry average, and the family-company culture creates a stable, driver-friendly environment.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $25 - $28/hr |
| 1-3 years | $28 - $32/hr |
| 3-5 years | $32 - $36/hr |
| 5-10 years | $36 - $40/hr |
| 10+ years | $40 - $45/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| City P&D (LTL) | $25 - $42/hr |
| Linehaul (LTL) | $0.56 - $0.72/mi |
Pay by Job Type
Local (City P&D)
$60,000 - $88,000
per year
Regional (Linehaul)
$66,000 - $90,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $7,500 for experienced city and linehaul drivers
Safety Bonus
Annual safety bonuses and awards
Referral Bonus
$1,500 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Included in overall performance metrics
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Comprehensive medical coverage |
| Dental | Dental plan included |
| Vision | Vision plan included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation, holidays, personal days |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Education assistance programs |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
Home daily for all positions — regional LTL carrier
Per Diem
Not applicable — home-daily LTL positions
How Dayton Freight Lines Pay Compares
Dayton Freight Lines ranks #18 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Dayton Freight Lines (this carrier) | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| 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 Dayton Freight drivers make?
Dayton Freight drivers earn $60,000-$90,000 annually. City P&D drivers earn $25-$45/hr with overtime, while linehaul drivers earn $0.56-$0.72/mi. Pay is among the best for regional LTL carriers in the Midwest.
Is Dayton Freight a good company?
Yes, Dayton Freight is widely considered one of the best regional LTL employers. Above-average pay, home-daily schedules, newer equipment, and a family-owned culture (since 1981) make it a top choice for drivers in its 24-state coverage area.
Do Dayton Freight drivers go home daily?
Yes, all Dayton Freight driving positions are home daily. Their regional LTL focus means every route is designed to return drivers to their home terminal each day or night.
What states does Dayton Freight cover?
Dayton Freight serves a 24-state region in the Midwest, Central, and Southeast U.S. Core states include Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and surrounding areas. Their next-day and two-day service focus keeps routes manageable.
Does Dayton Freight use newer trucks?
Yes, Dayton Freight operates one of the younger fleets among regional LTL carriers. The company invests in late-model tractors and trailers, typically replacing equipment every 3-5 years. This means fewer breakdowns and a more comfortable driving experience.
Ready to Drive for Dayton Freight Lines?
Submit your profile and we will match you with Dayton Freight Lines and other top-paying carriers hiring CDL drivers right now.