New higher pay & bonus opportunities for reefer drivers at Tyson Foods


Post Date - Jan 14, 2022

At Tyson, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our drivers’ experiences and feed their future. We are so excited about our latest driver pay raise for our refrigerated division, which happens to be the largest pay increase we’ve ever made. Our reefer division drivers can now earn $85,000+ per year! Plus, we’ve enhanced our time-off benefit, layover pay, and per diem as well.

Pay increase & bonuses
Tyson continuously monitors driver pay to be sure we remain competitive to both retain our current drivers and recruit drivers into our private fleet. After all, you’re our greatest asset! With that in mind, we are pleased to announce we have implemented a 4 CPM pay increase for drivers in our refrigerated division! This is a huge increase that makes a significant difference in your earnings! This updated pay package will go into effect January 31.

In addition, Tyson has increased our safety bonus if all qualifications are met in calendar year. This is a progressive bonus so as long as you’re a safe driver, your bonus goes up! For example, for safe driving in the first quarter, drivers earn an additional 1 CPM; for safe miles in second quarter, drivers earn an additional 2 CPM, and so on. The bonus increases each quarter up to an added 4 CPM by fourth quarter. Then the bonus starts over at the start of the next fiscal year. Potential safety bonus money adds up to $3,300 for the year.

This pay raise is a great enhancement to our already long list of driver benefits. For example, in 2021 Tyson added about $ 6,011 per driver in bonuses, 401(k) and stock matching.

Layover Policy
Tyson’ Layover Policy has also been addressed and improved! The main improvement is that layover qualifying time has changed from an 18-hour period to a 12-hour period! All other requirements remain the same, including the $100 pay out. For example, Tyson Foods will pay $100 if its company driver is not loaded (or repositioned over 200 miles) within 12 hours of prior scheduled delivery appointment.

Per Diem
The IRS has increased the per diem allowances based on the increased cost for drivers to live out on the road. Tyson Foods is passing that whole savings along to our drivers by increasing the per diem allowance by .01 per mile, and not taking any cuts. It all goes to the driver.

Time off
You have the ability to earn additional time off! For drivers, this means you can earn up to 2 additional vacation days in a calendar year.

Not a current Tyson driver?
Here’s a quick look at some of the many perks our drivers love about working with us:

- Weekly home time
- Generous group health plan as low as $15.50/week
- Layover pay $100 if not loaded within 12 hours of scheduled appointment
- 100% no touch freight
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Safety bonuses
- Additional mileage pay when your single trips are less than 250 and 500 miles

Ready to make the switch to Tyson? Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have at least 9 months of verifiable tractor-trailer experience within the last year, a valid CDL-A in your state of residence and live within one of our hiring areas. Connect with Tyson to find out more about joining the team!