If you’re searching for Trucking Companies That Pay 65 Cents Per Mile, you’re likely aiming to earn more without guessing which job ads are realistic. With rising fuel costs and longer routes, many drivers want clear, honest information about who actually pays 65 CPM (or more) and what qualifications are required. This guide breaks down the facts, real-world expectations, and proven strategies to help you reach that pay level.
What Does “65 Cents Per Mile” Really Mean in Trucking?
Before listing companies, it’s important to understand how CPM (cents per mile) works in practice.
65 cents per mile usually refers to:
- Base pay for company drivers or
- Top-end pay tiers after experience bonuses or
- All-in CPM including safety, performance, or mileage incentives
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Example Weekly Pay at 65 CPM
| Weekly Miles | Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| 2,000 miles | $1,300 |
| 2,500 miles | $1,625 |
| 3,000 miles | $1,950 |
📊 According to industry labor statistics summarized on Wikipedia, mileage pay remains the most common compensation model for long-haul trucking in the US.
Is 65 CPM Considered High Pay in Trucking?
Yes—65 CPM is above average for company drivers.
Average CPM in the US
- Entry-level drivers: 45–52 CPM
- Experienced drivers (2–5 yrs): 55–62 CPM
- Premium / specialized roles: 65–75+ CPM
Drivers earning 65 CPM are typically:
- Experienced (2+ years)
- Accident-free
- Running consistent long-haul or specialty freight
Trucking Companies That Pay 65 Cents Per Mile (or More)
Below are well-known trucking companies that advertise up to or above 65 CPM for qualified drivers. Actual pay depends on experience, lane, and bonuses.
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Crete Carrier
- Pay range: Up to 65–70 CPM
- Freight type: Dry van & refrigerated
- Experience needed: 1+ year
Why drivers choose Crete:
Strong safety bonuses and consistent miles make hitting the top CPM realistic.
Shaffer Trucking
- Pay range: Up to 65 CPM
- Freight: Refrigerated
- Bonus: Safety + productivity
Shaffer drivers often report higher annual earnings due to steady reefer freight.
K&B Transportation
- Pay range: 60–70 CPM (guaranteed pay programs)
- Freight: Dry van
- Home time: Structured schedules
K&B is known for guaranteed weekly pay, which can outperform CPM-only jobs.
Maverick Transportation
- Pay range: Up to 69 CPM
- Freight: Flatbed & glass
- Training: Specialized securement
Flatbed work pays more due to physical demands and safety skill requirements.
Roehl Transport
- Pay range: 60–70+ CPM (experience-based)
- Freight: Van, reefer, flatbed
- Bonus: Profit-sharing & safety pay
Roehl offers multiple divisions, allowing drivers to move into higher CPM roles.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Earn 65 CPM?
Not all drivers qualify immediately. Here’s what companies typically look for:
Minimum Requirements
- 2+ years CDL-A experience
- Clean driving record (no major violations)
- Consistent work history
- Ability to run 2,400–3,000 miles/week
Bonus Qualifications
- Hazmat endorsement
- Flatbed or refrigerated experience
- Safety awards or fuel efficiency records
CPM vs Salary vs Percentage Pay: Which Is Better?
65 CPM sounds great—but context matters.
Pay Model Comparison
| Pay Type | Best For | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| CPM | High-mile drivers | Low |
| Percentage | Owner-operators | Medium |
| Salary | Regional/home-daily | Low |
👉 If you consistently run miles, CPM pay favors disciplined drivers.
How to Actually Reach 65 CPM Faster (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Target the Right Freight
- Refrigerated
- Flatbed
- Dedicated long-haul routes
Step 2: Maintain a Clean Safety Record
Safety bonuses often add 3–7 CPM.
Step 3: Ask About Pay Progression
Many companies start lower but raise CPM every 6–12 months.
Step 4: Maximize Miles
A 65 CPM job with low miles pays less than a 60 CPM job with steady dispatch.
Common Myths About 65 CPM Trucking Jobs
❌ “Everyone gets paid 65 CPM immediately”
✅ Most drivers reach it through tiers or bonuses.
❌ “Higher CPM always means higher pay”
✅ Miles matter more than advertised CPM.
❌ “Only owner-operators earn that much”
✅ Many company drivers do earn it.
Realistic Annual Income at 65 CPM
Assuming 2,700 miles/week:
- Weekly: ~$1,755
- Monthly: ~$7,020
- Annual: ~$84,000–$95,000 (with bonuses)
This aligns with upper-tier company driver earnings nationwide.
Red Flags When Applying for High CPM Trucking Jobs
Watch out for:
- Vague mileage guarantees
- “Up to” pay with no explanation
- No mention of detention or layover pay
- Unrealistic home-time promises
Always ask recruiters for written pay breakdowns.
FAQ: Trucking Companies That Pay 65 Cents Per Mile
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do new drivers earn 65 CPM?
Usually no. Most companies require 2+ years experience.
Q2: Is 65 CPM before or after bonuses?
Often it includes safety or performance bonuses—ask for clarification.
Q3: Can regional drivers earn 65 CPM?
Yes, but long-haul drivers reach it faster due to higher mileage.
Q4: Does freight type affect CPM?
Yes. Flatbed and refrigerated typically pay more than dry van.
Q5: Is CPM pay better than hourly?
For long-haul OTR drivers, CPM is usually more profitable.
Conclusion
Finding Trucking Companies That Pay 65 Cents Per Mile is absolutely realistic—but only if you understand how CPM, miles, and bonuses work together. The highest earners focus on consistent freight, safety, and smart company selection, not just headline numbers.
If this guide helped you plan your next career move, share it on social media so other drivers can avoid misleading ads and find trucking jobs that truly pay what they promise.
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