Real answers to the questions drivers actually ask us — pay, home time, equipment, hiring requirements, and policies. Updated June 2026. Have a question we haven’t answered? Call a recruiter at 800-500-3089.
Pay & Bonuses
What kinds of incentives or perks are offered to drivers?
In addition to our bonus programs, the maintenance and safety departments both conduct weekly raffles. In the truck our drivers enjoy company paid Sirius XM radio and smart TVs. Our drivers enjoy regular truck washes at Blue Beacon. Outside of the truck our drivers (and their families) enjoy access to a Chaplain via Corporate Chaplains of America.
Are there sign-on, referral, or safety bonuses?
We have a sign-on bonus of $3,000 paid over 12 months. We have a referral bonus of $3,000 paid incrementally at first solo dispatch, 90 days and 180 days. We have a monthly Delivering Safely On Time bonus. We also offer weekly Safety Raffles for gift cards. We also offer weekly raffles for low idle percentage.
What is the pay structure and what benefits are included?
Our van drivers start out at 65 cents per mile, paid on all miles – hazmat-endorsed drivers earn that same rate whether hauling hazmat or not. Miles are determined by Rand McNally's Household Goods (HHG) Guide. We also have certain divisions that enjoy percentage pay – ask to speak to a recruiter to learn more.
Is detention pay offered for wait times at shippers or receivers?
Yes. Shippers/receivers have 2 "free" hours. Detention will start after 2 hours. In and out times must be on your bill of lading and signed by the shipper/consignee
How much is detention pay?
If detention is approved the pay is $16 per hour after the 2 "free" hours
is there layover pay? How much is it?
Yes. Layover pay is $100 after 24 hours without a load.
is there breakdown pay? How much is it?
Yes. Breakdown pay is paid after 24 hours broke down. Pay is $100 per 24 hours broke down.
do you haul multi stops loads? If so, how much do I get paid per additional stop?
Yes we haul multi stop loads. Stop off pay is $40 for an additional stop.
how often do I get paid?
Weekly. Pay day is every Friday. Our payroll cutoff is Tuesday at noon.
how often do I get a raise?
Every year on your anniversary date. Our drivers enjoy 1 cent raise after 1 year, another 1 cent raise after 2 years, another 1 cent after 3 years, another 1 cent raise after 5 years, and each 5 year anniversary after goes up another 1 cent raise.
do you have a guarantee pay program?
No. We do not have a guaranteed pay program.
is there holiday pay?
No. We do not offer holiday pay to drivers.
Is direct deposit available, and when is the first paycheck?
Yes – pay is weekly via direct deposit, every Friday (payroll cutoff is Tuesday at noon).
Home Time & Routes
What types of freight divisions are available (reefer, flatbed, etc.)?
Our two main divisions are Van and Flatbed, but we do offer specialized services to our long-time customers, including reefer and iso-tank chassis moves
Do you run freight to or from Canada?
Yes we have specialty lanes that put our drivers in Canada, and even Alaska!
Do you run freight to or from Mexico?
No. We do not run freight into Mexico, but we do maintain a cross-border operation in Laredo, TX and we utilize carrier partners to bring our trailers to locations in Mexico and back empty to Laredo
How often can drivers expect to be home?
We let our drivers set their home time. Our van drivers typically stay out on the road and go home every 2-3 weeks. Our Regional Flatbed drivers get weekly home time + most weekends off.
Is dispatch forced or can drivers refuse loads?
Our company drivers cannot refuse loads, being a small carrier means our network is fine-tuned with driver friendly freight and lanes. We do not see a lot of driver turndowns
Do you operate in all 48 states?
Yes, we operate in all 48 states, and Alaska too!
Are drivers required to touch freight?
We have long-prided ourselves on fast moving no-touch freight. On the van-side this is still the case, though our drivers are still needed to secure the loads. On the flat-bed side, load securement is of extreme safety concern, and we put all in-coming drivers through a load securement class. Flatbed drivers must be proficient in tarping!
do you live load/unload or drop and hook?
We do both live load/unload and drop/hook.
Hiring Requirements
Do you hire recent CDL school graduates?
No. Drivers are required to have a minimum of 6 months solo interstate tractor trailer driving experience – typically 3 states or more
Are drivers with past DUI or DWI offenses eligible?
No DUI/DWI within the last 5 years
What experience level is required to be hired?
Minimum of 6 months solo interstate tractor trailer driving experience – typically 3 states or more – within the last 3 years.
What type of drug test is required (urine, hair, etc.)?
We do a DOT 5-Panel Urine Drug Test
Do you offer CDL school or in-house training?
No formal training program
Do you have programs for military veterans?
We love our military veterans, but we do not have any government programs established like some of the big carriers
How long is training for new student drivers?
We do not have a student driver training program, currently.
Do you rehire former drivers? If so, under what conditions?
We have a rehire policy, which consists of a panel review by Safety + Operations + Maintenance personnel
Do you hire drivers enrolled in the FMCSA SAP program? or Do your hire SAP Drivers?
No we do not hire SAP drivers
What is your policy for hiring new CDL grads?
We do not have a student driver training program, currently.
Do you reimburse CDL school tuition?
We do not reimburse student drivers, unfortunately, as we do not currently have a student driver training program.
Do you offer visa sponsorship for international drivers?
We do not have a visa sponsorship program for international drivers
Are any endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker required?
Hazmat endorsement is required for all van drivers, and we strongly encourage folks to have a combo license with Hazmat and tanker… we can help you get both!
What is the minimum age to be hired?
21 years old
What qualifications must a driver meet?
To qualify, you need a valid Class A CDL, be at least 21, have at least 6 months of recent solo interstate tractor‑trailer experience, and meet our MVR, background, and DOT drug test requirements.
Is there a refresher course for inactive or returning drivers?
We do not offer refresher driving program at this time
Do you hire drivers with felony convictions?
No felonies within the last 7 years. Any felonies older than 7 years will be reviewed by our safety department.
Equipment & Trucks
Are the trucks governed? If yes, at what speed?
65 foot pedal and 69 cruise
Will I get an assigned truck or slip seat?
All Empire Express drivers get an assigned truck, and new trucks are assigned based on seniority and time since last truck assignment.
Are there inward/outward cameras in trucks?
We have both inward and outward facing event recorders in the truck. Our safety department uses these events to help out our drivers in case of accident / incident
Do you sell retired trucks or trailers to drivers or the public?
Empire trucks and trailers are properly maintained and commonly sold to repeat buyers. Please let us know if you are interested
Are the trucks automatic, manual, or a mix of both?
We predominantly run automatic transmission trucks, but we do have a few manuals for those interested!
Can drivers park their trucks at home or nearby?
Yes. As long as the parking area is safe and secure for both truck and trailer
What kind of trucks and trailers do drivers use?
Our drivers enjoy Peterbilt 579 Ultralofts, Freightiner Cascadias (including the new Gen 5) and Volvo VNL 840s. We operate Wabash duraplate 53' dry vans and Wabash Reefers. We operate Fontaine, Vanguard, Great Dane, and Dorsey flatbeds. We also have Great Dane Conestogas. We also run Pratt and Cheetah chassis.
can I smoke in the truck?
Yes you can smoke in the truck.
can I use the truck for personal use on my day off?
No. Trucks are for work only.
Benefits & Insurance
What is the cost of driver health insurance?
Empire offers multiple levels of medical benefits for our drivers, starting as low as $10 per pay check. In 2026 medical benefits are with United Healthcare.
Who provides your health insurance and what plans are available?
United Healthcare is our medical benefits provider in 2026, and we offer 3 levels of plans for employee only, employee + child, employee + spouse, and employee / family. Plans start as low as $10 / pay check.
Do you offer dental / vision benefits?
Yes – optional dental and vision plans are available through United Healthcare alongside our medical plans. Preventive dental services are covered at 100%.
Do you offer STD / LTD / Life Insurance?
Yes – Empire provides short-term disability (60% of weekly pay) and $15,000 basic life/AD&D insurance at no cost to you. Optional long-term disability is available after 6 months, and you can purchase additional voluntary life/AD&D coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your children.
When do benefits start?
Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For example, if you start June 15, your benefits begin September 1.
Can I cover my spouse and kids on the benefits plans?
Yes – medical, dental, and vision plans cover your family. Dependent children are eligible through age 26. Spouses are eligible unless they have access to medical coverage through their own employer.
Can I see a doctor while I'm out on the road?
Yes – our United Healthcare plans include $0-copay MDLive virtual visits, so you can see a doctor 24/7 by phone or video right from the truck.
Policies & Life on the Road
What is your policy for handling driver data and privacy?
We treat driver data as confidential and only collect/use it for legitimate business purposes like safety, compliance, payroll, and operations, using a minimum-necessary standard. Access is restricted to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis, and data is stored and shared securely only with approved vendors or when legally required. We do not sell driver data, and we retain it only as long as needed for regulatory and business requirements, then dispose of it securely.
Do you hire or support team drivers?
Yes we hire teams
Are pets allowed in the truck? Are there any restrictions?
Yes. We love dogs, and because that we believe that not all dogs belong in a big rig for weeks at a time. Because of that, pets must be approved by our safety department. Our common rules of thumb include: dogs must be under 50 lbs; no aggressive breeds – pitbulls or rotweillers are examples that we do not allow; and you have to pay a pet deposit.
Who can drivers contact for help or issue resolution?
We are an open-door company. Our staff is available to anyone, but we ask that you speak to your dispatcher first! We also have a Chaplaincy Program through Corporate Chaplains of America, and our Chaplain will meet you on Day 1 at Empire to make himself available to you!
do you allow passengers?
Yes. Rider policy must be filled out and approved by safety.
Is there an age restriction on riders?
Yes. Riders must be 11 years or older.
Orientation & Getting Started
Where is orientation held?
Orientation is held in Memphis, TN. Though we encourage in-coming drivers to complete onboarding paperwork and training materials prior to coming on-site, all training and onboarding can be done at the terminal during Orientation
How long does orientation take?
We try to get our drivers through orientation as quickly as we can. Our Van drivers are usually finished at the end of Day 2. Our Flatbed drivers are typically finished middle of Day 3. Drivers are encouraged to complete pre-employment Drug and Alcohol testing prior to Orientation. Drivers are encouraged to complete onboarding and e-learning training online prior to Orientation.
Do you provide travel to orientation?
Yes – we arrange bus or plane tickets where reasonable, rental cars where available and it makes sense, and we will also reimburse mileage / fuel if you drive in.
Do you provided hotel and meals during orientation?
Yes – hotel provides breakfast, we provide lunch during orientation, and we'll cover lodging details with you when you schedule.
Owner Operators
Do you offer opportunities for Owner Operators?
We offer opportunities for Owner Operators on both the van and the flatbed side. Our contract is driver friendly and we would love to speak to you about opportunities!
Is there a lease-to-own or lease purchase truck program?
No, we do not offer a lease purchase or lease to own program.
About Empire Express
Driving Jobs – Are there career opportunities outside of driving roles?
Yes – Empire does offer non-driving jobs in Operations, Safety, Maintenance and Administration. Being a small, tight-knit family company, turn-over is rare. Our hiring managers are always willing to talk to interested parties
do you allow personal conveyance?
Yes, when approved by your fleet manager. It is not to be used to extend your clock.
do you tarp loads? How much do I get paid to tarp a load?
Yes we tarp loads. We pay $50 per tarped load. Drivers MUST be proficient in tarping loads
do you haul lumber loads?
Yes we haul lumber loads.
what type of coil loads do you haul?
We haul eye to the side, suicide and palletized coils
Do you offer per diem?
Yes – our OTR pay package includes a per-diem component, which increases your take-home pay.
Is there a 401(k), and is there a company match?
Yes – 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
