Taylor Swift gives ‘life-changing' $100,000 bonuses to Eras Tour truck drivers

New York CNN

Taylor Swift goes out in "Style"

Swift, who is wrapping up her highly successful Eras Tour in the US, gave a generous bonus to a number of crew members, including the truck drivers, for their hard work on the road.

Michael Scherkenbach of Denver-based Shomotion Trucking Company, the founder and CEO, told CNN that Swift surprised the trucking staff of the tour by giving them each a check for $100,000.

Shomotion is one the two transportation companies that are used by this tour. My company is responsible for the transportation of the structure and stage, which is the framework that all the equipment hangs from at the concert venue.

Scherkenbach refused to reveal how many members of his staff had received the six-figure bonuses, but he did say that it was nearly 50 trucking crews in total.

He said that the 'generous amount' was far more than expected. The typical bonus is between $5,000 and $10,000. This large amount of money is incredible.

Scherkenbach added that the money is also a "life-changing" amount.

They live on the road. He said, 'They sleep in the daytime and work at night. It's a difficult task. For weeks, they leave their children and families behind. Taylor's tour has them away from their families for 24 weeks.

He said that $100,000 would be a downpayment on a home or tuition for a student. Look, a fair wage does not put you in the position to purchase a house. This opens the door to that possibility.

A surprise meeting

Scherkenbach stated that his drivers were shocked when they were invited to what they believed was a routine meeting for production before a concert. It was far from that.

He said: 'We are in L.A., and I have called a Monday meeting to review the schedule for the L.A. concert this week at SoFi Stadium.' Swift's dad, Scott Swift, then made a surprise appearance.

Scherkenbach said that the 'Taylor Family is always there and very kind to our drivers, but Scott doesn't usually lead the meeting'. Scott gave a speech in which he said that Taylor had spoken to him about this and that they both thought it only fair that everyone received a bonus. Taylor insisted that each driver receive a handwritten letter and the wax seal with her monogram.

Each envelope had the bonus amount written on it. The drivers did not want to look. The checks were then given out with the tax documents.

Scherkenbach also said that other members of the tour crew, such as those who work in catering, audio, video and lighting, received bonuses.