Compensation for Pulling Two Trailers: An Indepth Analysis

The phenomenon of pulling two trailers on the road instead of a single one has become quite prevalent within the trucking industry. This practice, commonly referred to as 'doubles,' can significantly impact a truck driver's pay. Various factors including pay structure, regional variations, and personal experience all play a role in determining the additional compensation received. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the different factors influencing the pay for pulling doubles in the trucking industry.

Percentage Increase in Pay

For quite a few trucking companies, the practice of pulling doubles comes with a percentage increase in the driver's pay. Typically, the increase could range anywhere from 5% to 15% of the standard pay rate for single trailer loads. This additional compensation is a reflection of the extra work and responsibility involved in managing two trailers instead of just one. The higher pay rate is designed to incentivize drivers to increase their efficiency and handle the complexities associated with operating two trailers.

Flat Rate Bonuses

Not all companies opt for a percentage-based increase. Some firms instead provide a flat rate bonus for each trip made with double trailers. This can manifest as a specific dollar amount being added to the driver's pay for each load. For instance, a driver might receive an additional $50 for every trip they make pulling doubles. This approach ensures that drivers are motivated to take on these longer, more demanding trips without the need to factor in percentages.

Hourly Pay Adjustments

In some cases, drivers are compensated with an increased hourly wage when pulling doubles. This is because managing two trailers involves more coordination and time management, and thus, the role is considered more complex and demanding. For example, a driver pulling a double trailer might earn $0.75 per mile, which is higher than the standard $0.50 per mile for a single trailer. This adjustment acknowledges the additional effort and skill required to operate and safely navigate a double trailer rig.

Regional Variations

It is crucial to understand that the pay rates for pulling doubles can significantly vary based on the region. These variations are influenced by several factors, including the demand for drivers and the cost of living in the area. For instance, in regions with a high demand for drivers and a higher living cost, such as urban centers, pay rates for pulling doubles might be higher. Conversely, in areas with a low demand for drivers and lower living costs, the pay rates might be lower.

Experience and Endorsements

Truck drivers with special endorsements, such as a doubles/triples endorsement, or those with more experience, are often paid at a higher rate for pulling double trailers. These endorsements indicate that the driver has the necessary training and certification to operate double trailers safely and efficiently. Therefore, they are given additional compensation to reflect their expertise and the increased level of responsibility that comes with handling such equipment.

Case Studies from Different Companies

To gain a practical understanding of how different companies handle the compensation for pulling doubles, several case studies from real-world scenarios can be analyzed. For instance, one driver shared that their company paid an additional $0.03 per mile for pulling doubles, while others paid an extra $0.20 per mile. Another driver mentioned that if it involves three PUP trailers or two 48-foot trailers (Turnpike doubles), the compensation is an extra $0.02 per mile plus an extra hook-up. It's essential to note that many LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers that pull twin PUPs are already earning well above the average pay in the trucking industry, making the additional compensation for doubles less notable.

A specific employer, a large retail company, typically provided an additional $0.03 per mile for drivers pulling doubles. However, every employer's policy is unique and can vary significantly based on their operational needs and market conditions.

For the company under which the driver operates, both the trailer size and the type of hookup (dual or fifth wheel) did not affect the pay structure. Whether pulling a 53-foot or a 48-foot trailer, or even a 28-foot pup trailer, the drivers received the same compensation. Moreover, the pay varied between hourly for local deliveries and mileage-based pay for long-haul driving, with tasks such as coupling, uncoupling, inspection stations, and border crossings contributing to the total compensation.

Understanding the diverse compensation structures for pulling doubles is vital for truck drivers. While the exact pay increases can vary widely across the industry, the key factors include the pay structure, regional variations, personal experience, and endorsements. Drivers should always check with their specific employer to confirm the compensation policies, as these can differ significantly from company to company.