One of the largest trucking companies in the US is giving raises of up to 33%, allowing drivers to make up to $150,000 in their first year, amid worker shortage

A major US trucking company is implementing its biggest raises in its 60-year history to attract and retain workers amid a national shortage of truck drivers.

Students just out of training will be getting a pay raise from KLLM Transport Services.

Jim Richards, the company's president and CEO, said in a press release that "KLLM drivers have been nothing short of remarkable over the last few years through some challenging times in the transportation industry." They've stepped up to the plate every time they've been asked to keep food on the shelves.

The raises will take effect in February. Over-the-road drivers will see the biggest increase in their cents-per-mile rate. The pay and compensation of regional company drivers and independent contractors will be increased.

Regional company drivers will have the option of a guaranteed weekly minimum pay to help keep their wages more predictable. Truck drivers don't get paid for the time they spend waiting for cargo to be processed, which can take hours at a time, because they are paid by the mile.

"If available to drive, they know exactly how much they'll bring home each week versus having the ups and downs that can occur in some instances," he said.

According to Richards, the raises mean that drivers will be able to make $70,000 when they start, up from $48,000 before. In their first year, new drivers could make as much as $150,000.

It's become more difficult to find good, qualified drivers as of the last year or so, he told FOX Business.

There is a national truck driver shortage in the US. Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations, estimated in October that the industry was short 80,000 drivers.