Forward Air Driver Pay
Average — #19 of 40$60,000 - $90,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Forward Air Pay Overview
Forward Air specializes in airport-to-airport LTL freight — essentially handling deferred air cargo by truck. This niche commands premium rates because the freight is time-sensitive and high-value. Forward Air also has owner-operator and intermodal divisions. The company has been expanding beyond its traditional airport-to-airport model into broader LTL and final-mile services.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.48 - $0.54/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.54 - $0.60/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.60 - $0.66/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.66 - $0.72/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.72 - $0.78/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| LTL (Airport-to-Airport) | $0.50 - $0.72/mi |
| Expedited | $0.56 - $0.78/mi |
| Truckload | $0.48 - $0.66/mi |
Pay by Job Type
LTL (Linehaul)
$62,000 - $88,000
per year
Expedited
$65,000 - $92,000
per year
Regional
$60,000 - $85,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $5,000 for experienced drivers
Safety Bonus
Safety bonus programs available
Referral Bonus
$1,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel bonuses for qualifying drivers
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical plans available |
| Dental | Dental coverage included |
| Vision | Vision coverage included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation and holidays |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Limited programs available |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
Linehaul: Home nightly or every few days | Expedited: Varies
Per Diem
Per diem available for OTR and expedited drivers
How Forward Air Pay Compares
Forward Air ranks #19 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Forward Air (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 Forward Air drivers make?
Forward Air drivers earn $60,000-$90,000 annually. Linehaul drivers earn $0.50-$0.72/mi, while expedited drivers handling time-sensitive freight can earn $0.56-$0.78/mi. The premium freight type (deferred air cargo) helps support higher-than-average pay.
What does Forward Air haul?
Forward Air specializes in deferred air freight — cargo that would normally fly but is shipped by truck instead for cost savings. This includes time-sensitive, high-value shipments moving between airport markets. It is a specialized niche within LTL.
Does Forward Air have owner-operator positions?
Yes, Forward Air offers owner-operator opportunities alongside company driver positions. Owner-operators can access Forward Air's freight network and run lanes between major airport markets.
Do Forward Air drivers go home daily?
Many linehaul drivers work overnight relay runs and return home by morning or the next day. Expedited drivers may have variable schedules depending on freight needs. The airport-to-airport model creates relatively predictable lanes.
Is Forward Air a good company to work for?
Forward Air offers a unique niche in trucking with premium freight and competitive pay. The company has experienced some restructuring but remains a solid option for drivers who want to haul time-sensitive, high-value freight with regular lanes.
Ready to Drive for Forward Air?
Submit your profile and we will match you with Forward Air and other top-paying carriers hiring CDL drivers right now.