[Christ]

They get paid by distance, not time (most cases). So in their mind, the faster they're going, the more money they're making.

If fuel comes from the driver's pocket, however, and he's making $0.90 CPM (non-veteran drivers), Driving 60 MPH average, he's making $0.90*60 = $54/hour. At 70MPH, he's making $0.90*70 = $63/hour, for a difference of $63-$54 = $9/hour.

If he loses 1mpg at 70, opposed to 60, assuming 4mpg loaded @ 70, that's 17.5gph of fuel, 17.5*$3=$52.5/hour in fuel costs.

5mpg @ 60 = 12gph*$3=$36/hour in fuel costs, for a difference of $6.50/hour in fuel costs.

Total leftover, after fuel @ 70mph = $63-$52.5=$11.50/hour profit
@ 60MPH $54-$36 = $18.00/hour profit

Obviously, the results of this are skewed by estimation, but for the sake of the situation, it will work.

You have to understand that they might be faced with both time constraints and a misconception that faster = more money, as well.

In the case where fuel is subsidized, or where the company provides it, they're DEFINITELY making more money the faster they drive.