08/30/2026
Recognizing the People Who Keep Us Moving: A Conversation with Jim Pirnie About Driver Pay Increases and the Future of Grand Island Express
At Grand Island Express, success has always started with the people behind the wheel. After navigating several of the toughest years the trucking industry has seen, the company is proud to announce a pay increase for drivers and owner operators, effective with paychecks issued October 2.
We sat down with Jim Pirnie, President and Owner of Grand Island Express, to talk about the decision, the improving freight market, and why he believes this is the right time to invest in the people who have helped carry the company through challenging times.
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Q: Jim, you've got some good news to share. Tell us about the pay increase.
Jim Pirnie: We do, and I'm really happy to be sharing it. Effective with our October 2 paychecks, company drivers and owner operators will receive a 5-cent-per-mile increase, and our local drivers will receive a 10% pay increase.
This announcement is really about recognizing our people. Our drivers and owner operators work incredibly hard every day, and we're excited to be able to reward that commitment.
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Q: Why now? What made this the right time to make this investment?
Jim Pirnie: The last few years have been difficult for everyone in trucking. We've seen lower freight demand, too much capacity in the market, and a lot of uncertainty about where things were headed.
While we're not completely out of the woods yet, we're starting to see positive signs. The market is showing improvement, and we're feeling more optimistic about the future. As that confidence grows, we want our drivers to benefit from it too.
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Q: It's been several years since the last overall pay increase. Was that a factor in the decision?
Jim Pirnie: Absolutely. It's been about four years since our last overall pay increase, and that's not something we take lightly.
During that time, we focused on keeping Grand Island Express strong and stable through one of the most challenging freight markets many of us have ever experienced. We worked hard to make decisions that would position us well for the future, and now we're at a point where we can take this step.
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Q: Some companies might choose to wait until the market fully recovers. Why not wait longer?
Jim Pirnie: Honestly, because our drivers have earned it.
Through all the ups and downs, they never stopped showing up. They continued taking care of our customers, operating safely, and representing Grand Island Express the right way. Their professionalism and dedication didn't change when freight got tough.
We felt it was important to recognize that commitment now rather than waiting for some perfect moment. Our drivers played a huge role in helping us get through the challenges of the last few years.
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Q: Does this mean the freight market is back to normal?
Jim Pirnie: Not completely.
We're encouraged by what we're seeing, but we're also realistic. There are still challenges ahead, and we know recovery takes time.
What this increase represents is confidence. We believe we're heading in the right direction, and we want the people who helped us get here to share in that progress.
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Q: What's the one thing you'd like every driver and owner operator to hear from you?
Jim Pirnie: Thank you.
I know those words can sound simple, but I truly mean them.
The last few years haven't been easy. There have been challenges for everyone, and our drivers have handled them with professionalism, patience, and a commitment to doing the job right. They've continued to take care of our customers and support this company through a difficult period for the industry.
This pay increase is one way of showing our appreciation, but more importantly, I want our drivers to know that what they do matters. We recognize it, and we're grateful for it.
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Q: When will drivers start seeing the increase?
Jim Pirnie: The new rates will be reflected on paychecks issued October 2, so drivers won't have to wait long to see the change.
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Q: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about?
Jim Pirnie: I'm excited about the opportunities in front of us.
We've got a great team, loyal customers, and a strong foundation. As the market continues to improve, we'll keep focusing on growth, stability, and creating opportunities for our drivers and owner operators.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: continue building a company that people are proud to be part of and one that's positioned for long-term success.
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A Final Thank You
Jim Pirnie: "To every driver and owner operator at Grand Island Express, thank you. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have helped carry this company through some very challenging years. We're grateful for everything you do, and we're excited about the future we'll continue to build together." 🚛
