Driveaway driver pay is usually tied to the miles and loads you run rather than hours or a salary. Norton pays by the mile, and our pay is the best in the industry, with bonuses and incentives plus same-day pay. What you earn depends on how often you run, the loads you choose, and how efficiently you connect trips.
How Driveaway Driver Pay Works
Across the industry, driveaway carriers pay in a few common ways: per mile on the unit delivered, a flat rate per load, or a mix of both, sometimes with added pay for multi-unit loads. Because the truck is the freight, you get paid for delivering it, not for waiting at a dock.
At Norton, pay is per mile, and drivers can earn additional bonuses and incentives for going the extra mile on top of the best pay in the industry. Norton drivers can review their pay anytime through our online driver tools.
Same-Day Pay
Waiting on settlements is a common frustration in trucking. Norton offers same-day pay, so the money you earn doesn’t sit in limbo. That’s one of the reasons drivers who try Norton tend to stick around.
What Affects How Much You Earn
- How often you run. With no forced dispatch, you decide how much you drive.
- The loads you choose. Distance, lane, and timing all matter.
- Time between loads. Less dead time means more productive weeks.
- Load type. Deck driving and boom loads move more units per trip and can open the door to additional earning potential.
- Planning. Drivers who think a few loads ahead keep their wheels turning.
- Season and weather. Demand and driving conditions shift through the year.
Travel Between Loads
Getting home or to the next pickup is part of every driveaway load, and it affects how efficiently you work. Norton offers travel assistance: Norton has a dedicated in-house travel department that works like a travel agency within the company, helping plan every step of your trip home or to your next load. Read more about getting home after a delivery.
Contractor Pay and Taxes
Norton offers independent contract driving opportunities. As a contractor, taxes generally aren’t withheld from your pay, so set money aside and keep good records. If you’re comparing this to a company driving job, see driveaway vs. traditional trucking.
How Top Earners Approach Driveaway
- They treat driveaway like a business and track what each load really earns
- They plan their next load before dropping the current one
- They stay available when demand is strong
- They add skills like decking to access more specialized loads
- They protect a clean record, because safety keeps them working
Because driveaway driver pay is per mile, plan your week around the federal FMCSA hours-of-service rules that limit daily driving time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are driveaway drivers paid?
Most driveaway carriers pay per mile or per load on the vehicle delivered, rather than by the hour. Norton pays per mile, with bonuses and incentives and same-day pay.
Does Norton offer same-day pay?
Yes. Norton offers same-day pay to its drivers.
Do deck drivers make more than singles drivers?
Deck and boom loads move more units per trip and require added training, so they can open the door to additional earning potential. Actual earnings depend on the loads you run and how often you drive.
Can you make good money in driveaway?
Many drivers do. Earnings depend heavily on how much you run, how well you plan travel between loads, and the type of work you do.
Are taxes taken out of driveaway pay?
For independent contractors, taxes generally aren’t withheld, so drivers set money aside for taxes themselves. Talk with a tax professional about your situation.
Hear From Real Driveaway Drivers
Want the unfiltered version? These Six-Figure Trucker podcast episodes feature drivers who do this work every day:
- EP103: Becoming a Driveaway Millionaire with Jose Palma. Jose Palma on becoming a driveaway millionaire.
- EP126: A Business Approach to Driveaway Trucking with David Coates. David Coates on taking a business approach to driveaway.
- EP24: From Broke to Financial Freedom with Bryan Bonar. Bryan Bonar on going from broke to financial freedom.
- EP173: Elite Mileage, Elite Discipline with Medley Fleuranvil. Medley Fleuranvil on the discipline behind elite mileage.
If you want driveaway driver pay that rewards your hustle, with same-day pay and no forced dispatch, apply to drive with Norton Transport. Explore more in our driveaway resources. Prefer to talk first? Email onboarding@nortontransport.com or call (423) 617-0218.