US Xpress (Knight-Swift) Driver Pay
Below Average — #33 of 40$52,000 - $82,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
US Xpress (Knight-Swift) Pay Overview
US Xpress was acquired by Knight-Swift in 2023 and continues operating under its own brand. The company is well known for team driving — its Variant fleet of fuel-efficient Freightliner Cascadias is designed for team operations. Team drivers earn significantly more than solo due to premium freight rates. Solo pay is competitive but not top-tier for mega carriers.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.40 - $0.46/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.46 - $0.52/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.52 - $0.58/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.58 - $0.63/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.63 - $0.68/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dry Van (Solo OTR) | $0.40 - $0.63/mi |
| Dry Van (Team) | $0.52 - $0.72/mi split |
| Dedicated | $0.48 - $0.66/mi |
Pay by Job Type
OTR (Solo)
$52,000 - $72,000
per year
OTR (Team)
$62,000 - $85,000 each
per year
Regional
$55,000 - $78,000
per year
Dedicated
$55,000 - $82,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $6,000 for experienced solo; $8,000 for teams
Safety Bonus
Quarterly safety bonus up to $750
Referral Bonus
$1,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
$0.01/mi fuel bonus for Variant fleet drivers
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical plans after 60 days |
| Dental | Dental coverage included |
| Vision | Vision coverage included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation after 1 year |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Paid CDL training programs available |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
Solo OTR: Every 2-3 weeks | Team: Varies | Regional: Weekly
Per Diem
$56/day per diem for OTR drivers
How US Xpress (Knight-Swift) Pay Compares
US Xpress (Knight-Swift) ranks #33 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Below Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| US Xpress (Knight-Swift) (this carrier) | $52,000 - $82,000 |
| 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 US Xpress drivers make?
US Xpress drivers earn $52,000-$82,000 annually. Solo OTR drivers start around $0.40-$0.46/mi, while team drivers earn $0.52-$0.72/mi split, making team driving the higher-paying option. Dedicated and regional positions fall between these ranges.
Is US Xpress part of Knight-Swift now?
Yes, Knight-Swift acquired US Xpress in 2023. US Xpress continues operating under its own brand with its existing fleet and operations. Over time, some integration with Knight-Swift's broader network may provide additional route and account opportunities.
How much do US Xpress team drivers make?
US Xpress team drivers each earn $62,000-$85,000 annually. The team CPM split ranges from $0.52-$0.72/mi. Team bonuses and the Variant fleet's fuel efficiency add to the earnings potential.
Does US Xpress hire new CDL drivers?
Yes, US Xpress accepts recent CDL graduates through their training programs. New drivers typically start in OTR and may pair with experienced drivers during their initial training period.
What is the US Xpress Variant fleet?
The Variant fleet is US Xpress's fuel-efficient division using specially configured Freightliner Cascadias. These trucks are optimized for team driving with dual bunk configurations and advanced fuel-saving technology. Variant drivers can earn additional fuel efficiency bonuses.
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