Do UIIA truckers get paid per mile or per container?

1. What is a UIIA trucker?
A UIIA trucker is a motor carrier or owner-operator who moves intermodal equipment such as containers and chassis between terminals, ports, rail yards, and warehouses under the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA).

2. How are UIIA truckers typically paid?
Payment depends on the carrier type, load, and contract arrangement. Common methods include:
1. Per Container (Per Trip) Pay
Most common in drayage and intermodal operations
Truckers earn a flat fee for each container picked up, delivered, or dropped off
Often includes additional accessorial fees for detention, layover, or special handling
2. Per Mile Pay
Less common in strict intermodal operations
Sometimes used for longer drayage routes or specialized broker agreements
Usually paired with per-container fees for flexibility

3. Which payment method is more common?
Per container is the industry standard for UIIA drayage operations because it aligns with intermodal contracts, terminal access, and load scheduling.
Per mile may be offered by some logistics brokers or carriers, but flat per-container rates are easier to track and invoice.

4. Are accessorial fees included in payment?
Often, no—these are billed separately. Common accessorial charges include:
Terminal detention or wait time
Layover or overnight fees
Special handling or oversized load fees
These fees can significantly increase total earnings, especially for owner-operators.

5. Can owner-operators earn more than company drivers under per-container pay?
Yes. Owner-operators can take on multiple containers per day and may retain more of the revenue after expenses, whereas company drivers often receive a fixed salary or per-mile pay with fewer opportunities for accessorial fees.

6. Does load type affect pay?
Absolutely. Premium loads like reefer containers, oversized equipment, HAZMAT, or expedited shipments typically pay higher per-container rates than standard loads.

7. Key takeaway
Most UIIA truckers are paid per container, sometimes supplemented with accessorial fees, while per-mile pay is less common. Payment structures may vary depending on contracts, load types, and carrier arrangements, but understanding the per-container model is essential for maximizing revenue.