Established in 1934, DART Transit Company has been a leader in the industry for more than 70 years. Family-owned and operated, DART is one of the largest truckload carriers in the country, and the company is always looking for experienced drivers.
If you’re considering driving for DART, you probably have one question on your mind: how much will I get paid?
DART Trucking Salary Data
How does DART stack up to the competition when it comes to pay?
DART, like many other companies in the transportation industry, does not disclose how much they pay, but independent salary sites do provide some information.
There are three types of driving positions at DART:
- Fleet
- New Class A CDL Drivers
- Owner operators
Each role offers its own pay scale and perks.
Fleet Drivers
DART says their fleet drivers earn some of the highest pay in the business. The more you drive, the more you earn. The company also offers opportunities to earn bonuses and extra pay.
Here’s what DART says about fleet driver pay:
- Sign-on bonuses
- Extra stop pay
- Breakdown pay after the first 24 hours
- $300 orientation pay
- Layover pay
- Up to $100 bonus for “perfect” rating on DOT inspection
- Detention pay (after two hours)
- Additional $0.035 per mile monthly fuel bonus based on out-of-route miles and idle time
- $1,000 referral bonus for every driver you refer
What about base salary?
DART doesn’t divulge how much they pay, but we were able to track down salary information on Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Indeed: $64,739 per year on average
- Glassdoor: $2,000-$5,000 per month
DART says it has increased its fleet driver pay, so these figures may be slightly off for 2017.
In either case, the pay is well above average per Indeed’s salary information (20,245 people reported)
The average salary for a trucker in the U.S. is $59,158 per year.
Dart Transit Company Driver Average: $64,739
Benefits
When it comes to compensation, benefits should be factored into the equation. DART offers excellent benefits and perks, including:
- Paid vacation: 1 week after one year; 2 weeks after two years; 3 weeks after five years; 4 weeks after 12 years.
- Holiday pay: Drivers get 6 paid holidays per year.
- Insurance: $10,000 life insurance; health insurance; dental insurance; $10,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage; 401(k)
New Class A CDL Drivers With DART
New drivers who have just obtained their Class A CDL can work for DART. The company says they give two raises in the first year to new drivers. New drivers also get paid vacation and up to $6,000 in tuition reimbursement.
The pay rates are similar to fleet drivers, but rookies also receive the following:
- Tuition reimbursement up to $6,000
- Up to $100 for a “perfect” Department of Transportation inspections
- $300 orientation pay
- Sign-on bonuses
- Breakdown pay after the first 24 hours
- Dray or cartage pay
- Pay for extra stops
- Layover pay
- Detention pay after two hours
- $0.035 per mile monthly fuel bonus on out-of-route miles and idle time
- $1,000 bonus for each driver you refer
As far as base salary goes, the pay rates are on par with fleet drivers.
Benefits
Just like fleet drivers, new drivers also receive benefits.
- Paid vacation: 1 week after one year; 2 weeks after two years; 3 weeks after five years; 4 weeks after 12 years.
- Holiday pay: Drivers get 6 paid holidays per year.
- Insurance: $10,000 life insurance; health insurance; dental insurance; $10,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage; 401(k)
Owner Operators
DART also works with owner-operators, and the pay is significantly higher.
Of course, owner-operators have a laundry list of expenses, so depending on your truck and maintenance routine, you may walk away with similar pay to a fleet driver.
Again, DART doesn’t disclose pay rates for owner-operators, but Indeed and Glassdoor provide some information:
- Indeed: $3,226 per week (about $167,000 per year)
- Glassdoor: $145,000-$157,000 per year
DART offers multiple options for pay rates and direct deposit options for convenience. Contract options include: flat-rate mileage pay, a percentage of load revenue, or a graduated mileage scale.
One nice thing about working with DART is that you have the option to settle loads whenever you wish. In-cab scanning even lets you settle without ever having to leave your truck.
Bonuses are also available.
- $1,500-$5,000 sign-on bonus pay
- Bonus for “perfect” DOT inspections
- $500-$2,000 for driver referrals
According to Indeed, owner operators make, on average, $141,000 per year. Compared to this average, owner operators that work with DART earn more than the industry average.
Is Dart Transit a Good Company to Work For?
DART Transportation offers great benefits and above-average pay, but salary isn’t the only thing to consider when finding a job. Company culture, home time, and management are other important considerations.
Not surprisingly, DART Trucking reviews are mostly positive.
Some drivers complain that they don’t get enough home time, but most employees enjoy the fast-paced environment and the opportunities to move up in the company.
Drivers say the open-door policy makes it easy to talk to management about issues, and the family-oriented environment makes the company a great place to work.
But there’s one thing about the company that drivers will either love or hate: you’re on your own. If you’re the type of driver who needs to have your hand held, this may not be the right company for you. Independence can be a perk or a disadvantage, depending on the driver.