How Much Does Forward Air Pay?

Forward Air offers simple, no-touch freight with several divisions, including local routes that allow for daily home time and consistency.

The company first opened its doors in 1990 and has since grown into a leader in ground transportation and logistics. They provide regional and local opportunities for drivers.

Terminal to terminal runs are available at 96 locations across the nation.

When drivers can go terminal to terminal, they never need to worry about:

• Interacting with customers
• Loading or unloading

Forward Air is a massive company that is traded on the NASDAQ (FWRD). Being a public company, you can see that the company has over $1 billion in revenue every year, with steady annual growth.

Forward Air Transportation Services & Divisions

When it comes to opportunities, Forward Air has the division and services that you’ll need to be able to grow with the company. The company caters to their clients with several services and divisions.

Operating divisions at the trucking company include:

Expedited LTL (OTR)

The company’s Legacy Division, this unit includes best-in-industry retention rates and is always in search of team drivers. Owner-operators are always in demand. The OTR division includes:

• Deliveries terminal to terminal
• 99% no-touch freight
• Closed loop network to keep you driving
• Lease purchase options if you want to be an O/O
• Home time options
• Pay for all miles

Truckload Services (TLS)

TLS services allow you to be paid for all miles and has dedicated lanes. If you want routine home time, the LTS division is one to consider. You’ll benefit from:

• 99% no-touch freight
• 90% dedicated lanes
• 95% drop / hook freight
• Direct routes

TLS division drivers have stable customers and consistent miles for a consistent paycheck.

CST – Intermodal

Central States Trucking provides you with numerous opportunities, including options for local and regional drivers. The division includes 23 locations, with:

• 95% drop and hook
• Competitive compensation
• Paid detention at rail

Forward Air Solutions PUD

Dedicated drivers are always in demand with Forward Air Solutions. The division has opportunities for CDL and non-CDL drivers. The division operates in 23+ locations across the nation.

Full- and part-time opportunities are available, with several benefits, including:

• Local delivery and pickup
• Dependable schedules
• Weekly pay
• Minimal touch freight
• Sign-on and performance bonuses

Local LTL PUD

Forward Air’s LTL PUD opportunities are available for CDL and non-CDL drivers. The division is one of the most in-demand Forward Air truck driving jobs offering:

• Sign-on bonuses
• Drop and hook opportunities
• Local runs and delivery routes
• Steady work

Forward Air OTR Driver Pay

Forward Air’s pay is between $16,000 and $77,000, with the average salary of $41,119.

If you’re thinking that this is on the low side, it is 21% lower than the national average. The issue is that the company has several divisions and thousands of part-time positions, which will skew the overall figures a bit.

Glassdoor has truck driver’s averaging $42,000 to $55,000 a year, with the latter being a more respectable rate.

Keep in mind that the company works primarily with owner-operators, and that is where the real money is made when driving for the company.

Forward Air Owner-Operator Pay

Of course, Forward Air owner-operator pay is substantially higher, with the company claiming you’ll enjoy 5,800 miles per week. Team drivers claim that they received 4,000 miles a week and that there’s always a 12 to 40 hour wait between loads.

Home time is five days for 20 days out and 4 days for 16 days out.

Indeed has Forward Air owner-operator pay at between $105,000 and $664,000, with the average being $325,393.

Owner-operators claim that they’re never expected to drive a free mile and that they’re always kept busy. You also get to make your own schedule, which is a bonus.

Forward Air Reviews

What LTL Drivers are Saying About Forward Air

Drivers do not leave reviews on the company often, but when they do, the drivers seem moderately pleased with their position. It’s not a great company, but it’s also not a bad company to work for as a driver.

A key issue is that the company tends to work with seasoned drivers, so drivers without a wealth of experience often do not like the company’s communication.

The benefits are good, but you’re only able to enroll once per year. This policy may have changed, but no further information is available.

Newer reviews claim:

• There’s always work available if you want it. You’ll need to make sure you’re free Monday through Saturday.
• Company drivers have less home time than an O/O, but the company will pay you to go home if it’s within 400 – 450 miles and you’re on your 34h reset.
• OTR drivers start at $.30 CPM, with home time every two to three weeks.

Overall, the company is a great place to work, with a lot of different reviews based on the region. Texas drivers seem to love working for the company, while a lot of other drivers complain about poor communication.

Company drivers claim they pay $0.50 per mile, but miles per day hover around 200 based on reviews in Phoenix.

Solo drivers can bring a dog on the road with them, so it’s a nice position for anyone that wants a pet to keep them company on long weeks out.

Staff is friendly and welcoming, and you can go through paid orientation with the company. Rider programs are available for both children and spouses. Lay over and bonus pay are also available, but vary by position.

Overall, Forward Air is a decent company to consider, especially if you plan on becoming and owner/operator in the future. Company drivers often have difficulty entering the company because they’re truly structured to benefit owner-operators. But if you do find a company position, the equipment is often in good condition and the biggest complaint is waiting at terminals.

You may be stuck waiting at a terminal for more than 24 hours, and that’s a major issue for many company drivers. Otherwise, the terminals are clean, the company is fair with home time and life emergencies, and you’ll find that there is plenty of work available with great benefits.