UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) Driver Pay
Top Tier — #3 of 40$80,000 - $120,000+/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) Pay Overview
UPS feeder drivers are among the highest-paid CDL drivers in the world. Under the 2023 Teamsters contract, top-rate feeder drivers earn over $50/hr. Health benefits are fully company-paid with no employee premiums — extremely rare in any industry. Most feeder drivers are promoted from within UPS (package car drivers, hub workers), though external CDL hires do occur. The pension + 401(k) combination creates one of the strongest retirement packages in trucking.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $30 - $34/hr |
| 1-3 years | $34 - $38/hr |
| 3-5 years | $38 - $42/hr |
| 5-10 years | $42 - $48/hr |
| 10+ years | $48 - $55/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Feeder (Hub-to-Hub) | $34 - $52/hr |
| Feeder (Sleeper Team) | $36 - $55/hr |
| Yard Shifter | $28 - $40/hr |
Pay by Job Type
Local (Feeder)
$82,000 - $110,000
per year
Regional (Sleeper)
$88,000 - $120,000+
per year
Yard Operations
$65,000 - $90,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Not standard — union seniority-based pay
Safety Bonus
Safe driving awards and union-negotiated incentives
Referral Bonus
Limited — most feeder drivers are promoted from within
Fuel Efficiency
Not standard — union hourly pay structure
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Teamsters health benefits — among the best in any industry (fully company-paid) |
| Dental | Full dental — company-paid through Teamsters plan |
| Vision | Full vision — company-paid through Teamsters plan |
| Retirement | Teamsters pension + UPS/Teamsters 401(k) |
| Paid Time Off | Generous paid vacation (up to 6 weeks), holidays, personal days, option days |
| Tuition Reimbursement | UPS Earn & Learn program for part-time to full-time advancement |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit (Teamsters pay schedule)
Home Time
Feeder: Home daily for most runs | Sleeper: Varies but usually home within 2-3 days
Per Diem
Not typically applicable — most feeder runs are local/regional
How UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) Pay Compares
UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) ranks #3 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Top Tier for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| UPS (Tractor-Trailer Division) (this carrier) | $80,000 - $120,000+ |
| 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 UPS feeder drivers make?
UPS feeder (tractor-trailer) drivers earn $80,000-$120,000+ annually. Under the 2023 Teamsters contract, top-rate feeder drivers earn over $50/hr. With overtime, some feeders exceed $130,000. This makes UPS one of the highest-paying CDL positions in the country.
How do you become a UPS feeder driver?
Most UPS feeder drivers are promoted from within — typically from package car driver or hub worker positions. External CDL-A hires are sometimes brought on during peak seasons or in high-demand markets. Internal candidates have seniority preference under the Teamsters contract.
Are UPS feeder drivers in a union?
Yes, UPS feeder drivers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The 2023 contract secured significant pay increases, maintained fully company-paid healthcare, and improved working conditions. Union representation provides strong job security.
Do UPS feeder drivers go home daily?
Most UPS feeder runs are local hub-to-hub routes where drivers return home the same night or early morning. Sleeper team positions exist for longer runs but are less common. The majority of feeder work is designed for daily home time.
What benefits do UPS feeder drivers get?
UPS feeder drivers receive what many consider the best benefits in trucking: fully company-paid healthcare (medical, dental, vision — zero employee premiums), Teamsters pension, 401(k), up to 6 weeks paid vacation, and numerous paid holidays and personal days. The 2023 contract made these benefits even stronger.
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