Taylor Swift generously provides life-changing $100,000 bonuses to the dedicated truck drivers of her Eras Tour
As she was about to conclude the successful US leg of her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift expressed her gratitude to the hardworking crew members who have been a vital part of her journey on the road. Among these essential team members are the tour’s truck drivers, who received a remarkable surprise.
In an unexpected gesture, Taylor Swift handed out substantial checks worth $100,000 to each of the tour’s truckers. Michael Scherkenbach, the CEO of Shomotion, a trucking company based in Denver,
Shomotion is responsible for transporting the stage and essential structures, essentially forming the foundation for the concert setup. Scherkenbach revealed that while he couldn’t reveal the exact number, nearly 50 members from the combined trucking crews were recipients of this six-figure bonus.
The extraordinary sum handed out by Taylor Swift goes far beyond the standard anticipated bonus. According to Scherkenbach, typical bonuses in this field range from $5,000 to $10,000 per individual. The substantial amount provided by Swift is truly remarkable and has left everyone in awe.
It’s not just about the money, according to Scherkenbach. He emphasized that this amount holds the potential to be truly life-changing. He pointed out that for these hardworking individuals who practically live on the road, often working tirelessly through the night while sleeping during the day, this bonus signifies a significant shift. Many of them sacrifice time with their families, including young children, for weeks on end. During Taylor’s tour alone, they’ve been away from home for a total of 24 weeks.
Scherkenbach further explained that receiving $100,000 is more than just a financial boost; it could serve as a substantial down payment for a home or cover college tuition for a child. He noted that a fair wage might not necessarily provide the means to purchase a home, but this unexpected bonus could potentially open up that door.
The whole situation took an unexpected turn during what seemed like a regular production meeting on Monday. Scherkenbach recounted how his drivers were completely taken aback when Taylor Swift’s father, Scott Swift, made a surprise appearance. This unexpected encounter added an extra layer of astonishment to an already remarkable gesture.
Scherkenbach shared, “The Taylor family has consistently been supportive and kind to our drivers, although Scott doesn’t typically lead these meetings.” He went on to describe how Scott Swift took the lead during a recent meeting, delivering a heartfelt speech. Scott conveyed that he and Taylor believed it was only fair for everyone to receive a bonus.
Taylor Swift herself took the extra step of adding a personal touch. Scherkenbach mentioned, “Taylor insisted on writing a handwritten note to each driver and even sealed the envelopes with a wax seal bearing her monogram.”
The envelopes contained information about the bonus amount, but the drivers hesitated to open them immediately out of politeness. Scherkenbach recalled, “The drivers didn’t want to seem impolite, so they hesitated before checking. One thought it was $1,000, another saw it as $10,000, and then one exclaimed, ‘This must be a joke!'” Following the letter, the checks were distributed along with the appropriate tax documentation.
Not only did Scherkenbach’s team receive these unexpected bonuses, but other members of the tour crew, including those in catering, video, audio, and lighting, also found themselves receiving bonuses. It truly was a remarkable and generous gesture that extended beyond just the truck drivers.