April 2025 Driver Pay Drops Slightly, But Watch What's Next

A Slight Drop in April—Should You Be Concerned?

Every month, fleet owners and payroll managers ask the same question:

“What’s happening with driver pay—and should we be worried?”

Here’s the latest: in April 2025, the Driver Pay Index dropped slightly—from 134.05 in March to 132.58. It’s a small decline, but one that has some in the industry watching closely.

If you’ve been in trucking for a few years, this might feel familiar. And it should. This same dip has happened in every April since 2021.

So is this a problem? No—but there are some new things to keep an eye on. In this article, we’ll show you:

A Seasonal Pattern We’ve Seen Before

April’s dip is part of a four-year pattern—it’s normal, not a red flag.

Since 2021, driver pay has gone down slightly in April compared to March. It’s usually because of things like:

This year fits that same pattern. So if you saw the index go down and felt nervous—don’t be. This drop is part of the usual rhythm in trucking payroll.

Wages Are Still Strong Compared to Earlier This Year

Even with April’s dip, wages remain historically high and continue to rise overall.

April’s number—132.58—is much higher than where we started in January (120.17). That’s more than a 10% increase in just a few months.

And zooming out further:

So, while April cooled slightly, pay levels are still in a strong, healthy range.

What’s Next? Tariff Concerns Could Shape May and June

Tariff worries could impact driver pay in the coming months.

While April doesn’t worry us, the next few months could look different.

There’s growing concern in the industry about possible tariff increases. If those go into effect, they could cause:

If that happens, we could see the Driver Pay Index flatten or dip in May and June—not because driver supply is too high, but because freight demand shrinks.

What Should You Do Right Now?

Stay calm, stay steady, and focus on keeping the drivers you already have.

Here’s what we recommend:

Don’t panic. April’s dip is normal and expected.
Stick with your current pay plan if it’s working. Drivers notice when a company stays steady.
Focus on retention. Now’s a great time to have conversations with your current drivers and keep them engaged.
Review your pay structure. Not just your mileage rate—think about per diem, bonuses, and home time, too.

Staying ready now will make it easier to adjust if market conditions shift later this year.

Take Control of Payroll Stress with a Trucking-Specific Partner

April’s Driver Pay Index dropped slightly—from 134.05 to 132.58—but that’s part of a familiar seasonal pattern we’ve seen every April since 2021.

The real challenge isn’t this one-month dip—it’s the ongoing pressure of managing payroll, staying compliant, and keeping up with wage trends while trying to run your business.

You don’t have to figure all this out alone. As your Trucking Payroll Partner, we’re not here to tell you what to pay—we’re here to give you the data, tools, and guidance you need to make confident decisions. With our help, you’ll stay ahead of changes and eliminate payroll guesswork.

At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we work with fleets like yours every day to make payroll simpler, smoother, and more strategic. We’re on your side—focused on helping you stay compliant, competitive, and stress-free.

Explore the Driver Pay Index and get the clarity you deserve!

Written by Mike Ritzema

Before founding Superior Trucking Payroll Service, Mike was the CFO of a trucking company with 80 trucks and a thriving brokerage. This experience gave him the perspective that a payroll solution has to make the lives of the office people better. All the solutions he has designed are to benefit everyone. Our company mission is to help trucking families and that includes the company owners, the drivers, and the office.

April 2025 Driver Pay Drops Slightly, But Watch What’s Next