Smokey Point Distributing

ARLINGTON, WA – Smokey Point Distributing (SPD) has announced a revolutionary new OTR salary pay program to increase the pay and earnings stability for its flatbed drivers. This salary program also includes opportunities to earn life impacting bonuses. Effective June 1, 2018, SPD will now pay solo Over-the-Road flatbed drivers a $65,000 salary not including mileage, safety, and referral bonuses. Team drivers will each receive $75,000 plus bonuses.

SPD believes that Over-the-Road drivers leave the industry because of inconsistent pay, pay cuts or paychecks that aren’t enough to support themselves and their families, so SPD is changing the conversation by providing its drivers with stability, comfort and peace-of-mind.

On the decision to increase pay and provide a minimum paycheck, CEO Dan Wirkkala said, “Historically the trucking industry has always punished the driver financially for their lack of sales, operational efficiencies or delays due to breakdowns and maintenance requirements.  They all receive their paycheck regardless, but If the driver does not move a mile because of them, the driver’s paycheck is directly affected. That is not right!” 

Named as one of the “Best Fleets to Drive For” in 2017 and 2018, SPD has made it a priority to deliver freight in the safest manner, and the Daseke company continues to prove its dedication to the cause by bettering its employees’ compensation.

SPD’s current Over-the-Road drivers are also on board with the changes coming their way.

“My wife is extremely happy for the first time in my driving career. We can plan and maintain a budget, which means happy wife, happy life” said Darrin M., an SPD OTR driver.

Currently hiring flatbed drivers, SPD hopes that this announcement will be something that will help to recruit drivers to the company.

A former SPD Over-the-Road driver and Manager of Driver Services Sean McManama said, “Finally, some true stability in an OTR truck driver’s life, without the ultra-lows of the cyclical pay that surrounds a driver’s ability to support his or her family.”

For those drivers who have logged many miles, the pay increase bonuses come as a help to their livelihood. Thomas B., an SPD OTR driver said, “The last two years I have had yearly mileage totals that were outstanding. According to the new salary bonus award, I will not only have a stable dependable check; I am looking at an annual award of almost $12,000. That is something to think about, is it not?”

Find Out Why Smokey Point Distributing was Voted a 2017 & 2018 BEST FLEET TO DRIVE FOR!

Experienced Flatbed Drivers: Are you looking for a different kind of trucking company? Smokey Point Distributing has the perfect culture aimed at providing YOU with a superior driver experience.

We understand that our drivers are the backbone of our company and we continually meet to develop improvements to our facilities, equipment, and policies to ensure that you, our drivers, feel valued. Our turnover rate averages less than 35%, which means that our drivers like us and we must be doing at least a few things right! As our CEO, Dan Wirkkala says:

“We want to hire you to retire you. We want to be the last company you drive for.”