UPT and Florida Rock & Tank Lines raise company driver pay by up to 20%

United Petroleum Transports and Florida Rock & Tank Lines said Aug. 20 they will increase base pay for all company drivers, with some markets seeing gains of up to 20%. The move is meant to help recruit and retain drivers as demand rises and to support the companies’ long-term growth plans.

Why it matters: - The pay hike is aimed at strengthening driver recruitment and retention in a tight labor market. - UPT and FRTL are using compensation to position themselves as pay leaders in some markets. - The companies link the move to long-term growth, including expansion of legacy fuel and chemical business lines.

What happened: - United Petroleum Transports and Florida Rock & Tank Lines announced plans on Aug. 20 to raise base pay for all company drivers. - The increase applies across both companies and reaches up to 20%, depending on region. - Matt Herndon, president and CEO, said the companies are rewarding drivers for safe, professional work and the value they bring to the organization and the industry.

The details: - The new pay structure is designed to further distinguish UPT and Florida Rock & Tank Lines in the markets where they operate. - In certain markets, the companies expect to establish themselves as pay leaders. - UPT said the stronger driver workforce should help provide the capacity needed to pursue further diversification. - The companies said the move will also support expansion and strengthening of legacy fuel and chemical business lines. - UPT, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, is a subsidiary of Blue Horizon Partners and says it is the largest carrier of motor fuels, aviation fuels, and chemicals in the Southwest. - UPT operates terminals in Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. - UPT says it has more than 700 professional drivers serving customers across the U.S. and Canada. - Florida Rock & Tank Lines, also a subsidiary of Blue Horizon Partners, transports petroleum, chemicals, other liquids, and bulk commodities including cement, lime, and industrial powder products. - Florida Rock currently operates 20 terminals and numerous truck domicile locations throughout the Southeast. - Florida Rock says it has more than 400 professional drivers serving customers across the U.S. - Tyler Lenz is the media contact for United Petroleum Transports and can be reached at +1 580-747-5290. - The release includes company social links for LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The timing suggests UPT and FRTL are responding to broader competition for qualified commercial drivers. - Raising pay across company drivers, rather than only in select locations, signals a broad workforce investment. - The companies are tying labor strategy directly to capacity, diversification, and growth.

What's next: - The new pay structure will roll out across the companies’ markets. - UPT and FRTL expect the changes to help them attract and retain more professional drivers. - The companies appear to be setting up for further expansion in fuel, chemicals, and related bulk transport operations.