Whether you’re a seasoned driver looking for a change of pace or a rookie ready to hit the road, choosing the right trucking company can be a game-changer for your career. The transportation industry is the backbone of the American economy, making you—the truckers—the heroes behind the wheel.
You’re not just transporting goods; you’re powering the supply chain, from the mom-and-pop stores in your local town to the bustling markets up north in Canada. We know the options can be overwhelming, and every company has its perks, from different trucking services offered to their unique culture. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the 50 best trucking companies in the United States to make your decision easier.
| Company Name | Year Founded | Headquarters | Average Pay Scale | Specialty | Employees | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Cooper | 1955 | Dothan, AL | $50,000/year | LTL | 4,500 | aaacooper.com |
| Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) | 1955 | St. Cloud, MN | $60,000/year (est.) | Heavy haul & Specialized | N/A | https://www.atsinc.com/ |
| ArcBest | 1923 | Fort Smith, AR | $55,000/year | Various | 13,000 | arcb.com |
| Averitt Express | 1971 | Cookeville, TN | $55,000/year | LTL | 10,000 | averittexpress.com |
| C.H. Robinson | 1905 | Eden Prairie, MN | N/A | 3PL | 15,000 | chrobinson.com |
| Celadon Group | 1985 | Indianapolis, IN | $50,000/year (Before bankruptcy) | Various | Closed | celadontrucking.com (Closed) |
| Central Transport | 1932 | Warren, MI | $50,000/year | LTL | 4,500 | centraltransport.com |
| Covenant Transport | 1986 | Chattanooga, TN | $50,000/year | Team driving | 4,500 | covenanttransport.com |
| Crete Carrier | 1966 | Lincoln, NE | $60,000/year | General freight | 5,600 | cretecarrier.com |
| CRST International | 1955 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $45,000/year | Long-haul | 7,500 | crst.com |
| Dart Transit Company | 1934 | Eagan, MN | $55,000/year | Dry van | 2,300 | darttruckingjobs.com |
| Doug Andrus | 1937 | Idaho Falls, ID | $50,000/year | Various | 350 | dougandrus.com |
| Estes Express Lines | 1931 | Richmond, VA | $55,000/year | LTL | 18,000 | estes-express.com |
| FedEx Freight | 1971 | Memphis, TN | $60,000/year | Package delivery | 425,000 | fedex.com |
| Forward Air | 1990 | Greeneville, TN | $60,000/year | Air freight | 5,200 | forwardair.com |
| G&D Integrated | 1880 | Morton, IL | $50,000/year | Various | 1,000 | gdintegrated.com |
| Groendyke Transport | 1932 | Enid, OK | $55,000/year | Tanker | 1,300 | groendyke.com |
| Heartland Express | 1978 | North Liberty, IA | $55,000/year | General freight | 2,800 | heartlandexpress.com |
| Hub Group | 1971 | Oak Brook, IL | $50,000/year | Intermodal | 4,000 | hubgroup.com |
| J.B. Hunt | 1961 | Lowell, AR | $55,000/year | Intermodal | 30,000 | jbhunt.com |
| Knight-Swift | 1990 | Phoenix, AZ | $50,000/year | Full-truckload | 22,000 | knight-swift.com |
| Landstar System | 1988 | Jacksonville, FL | $50,000/year (Owner-Op) | Owner-Operator | 1,200 (corporate) | landstar.com |
| Marten Transport | 1946 | Mondovi, WI | $55,000/year | Refrigerated | 3,200 | marten.com |
| May Trucking | 1945 | Salem, OR | $50,000/year | Various | 900 | maytrucking.com |
| Melton Truck Lines | 1954 | Tulsa, OK | $55,000/year | Flatbed | 1,300 | meltontruck.com |
| Mesilla Valley | 1982 | Las Cruces, NM | $50,000/year | Dry Van | 1,500 | m-v-t.com |
| NFI Industries | 1932 | Camden, NJ | $55,000/year | Logistics | 12,600 | nfiindustries.com |
| Old Dominion | 1934 | Thomasville, NC | $70,000/year | LTL | 22,000 | odfl.com |
| PAM Transport | 1980 | Tontitown, AR | $45,000/year | Dry van | 3,000 | pamtransport.com |
| Paschall Truck Lines | 1937 | Murray, KY | $45,000/year | Dry van | 2,200 | ptl-inc.com |
| Penske Logistics | 1969 | Reading, PA | $55,000/year | Various | 36,000 | penskelogistics.com |
| Prime Inc. | 1970 | Springfield, MO | $50,000/year | Refrigerated | 7,000 | primeinc.com |
| R+L Carriers | 1965 | Wilmington, OH | $60,000/year | LTL | 13,300 | rlcarriers.com |
| Roadrunner | 1984 | Downers Grove, IL | $50,000/year | LTL | 4,600 | rrts.com |
| Roehl Transport | 1962 | Marshfield, WI | $55,000/year | Various | 2,800 | roehl.jobs |
| Ryder System | 1933 | Miami, FL | $55,000/year | Various | 39,000 | ryder.com |
| Saia Inc. | 1924 | Johns Creek, GA | $60,000/year | LTL | 10,500 | saia.com |
| Schneider | 1935 | Green Bay, WI | $65,000/year | General freight | 19,600 | schneider.com |
| Stevens Transport | 1980 | Dallas, TX | $45,000/year | Refrigerated | 2,000 | stevenstransport.com |
| TMC Transportation | 1972 | Des Moines, IA | $55,000/year | Flatbed | 3,000 | tmctrans.com |
| Total Quality Logistics | 1997 | Cincinnati, OH | N/A | 3PL | 7,000 | tql.com |
| Transport America | 1984 | Eagan, MN | $55,000/year | Various | 2,500 | transportamerica.com |
| Trimac Transportation | 1945 | Houston, TX | $60,000/year | Tanker | 4,000 | trimac.com |
| U.S. Xpress | 1985 | Chattanooga, TN | $50,000/year | General freight | 8,000 | usxpress.com |
| Universal Logistics | 1932 | Warren, MI | $55,000/year | Various | 4,000 | universallogistics.com |
| UPS Freight | 1907 | Atlanta, GA | $70,000/year | Package delivery | 481,000 | ups.com |
| Werner Enterprises | 1956 | Omaha, NE | $55,000/year | General freight | 13,000 | werner.com |
| Western Express | 1991 | Nashville, TN | $45,000/year | Various | 2,500 | westernexp.com |
| XPO Logistics | 1989 | Greenwich, CT | $60,000/year | Various | 100,000 | xpo.com |
| YRC Worldwide | 1924 | Overland Park, KS | $55,000/year | LTL | 19,000 | yrcw.com |
UPS Freight
UPS Freight is a subsidiary of the UPS empire known for its impeccable reliability and expansive network. They offer full-truckload and less-than-truckload shipping services across North America. One of the standout benefits for truckers is their well-maintained fleet and emphasis on safety. UPS Freight provides great job security and excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and more. Their extensive network provides an opportunity for varied routes, making it an excellent choice for drivers who dislike monotony.
FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight is a segment of FedEx Corp., specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. The company stands out for its innovative use of technology to streamline deliveries, including top-of-the-line tracking and fleet management systems. They also offer team driving opportunities and a strong focus on safety and driver well-being. Known for its competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, FedEx is popular among truckers seeking stable employment with career advancement opportunities.
J.B. Hunt
Founded in 1961, J.B. Hunt is one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America, with an estimated 12,000 tractors and over 100,000 containers/trailers. What makes J.B. Hunt stand out is its focus on intermodal transport, providing various experiences for drivers. They are also leaders in technology adoption, with their J.B. Hunt 360 platform offering real-time data that enhances operational efficiency. Their focus on career growth and well-rounded benefit packages make them a good fit for long-term employment prospects.
Schneider
Schneider is a household name in the trucking industry, best known for their iconic orange trucks. They offer many services, including dedicated, intermodal, tanker, and owner-operator opportunities. With a strong emphasis on safety and extensive training programs, Schneider is a good option for new and experienced drivers. The transportation company’s long-standing reputation and varied job options make it a top choice for job security and career development.
YRC Worldwide
YRC Worldwide is a less-than-truckload carrier known for its comprehensive North American coverage. Their focus is mainly on industrial, commercial, and retail goods. They offer a variety of driving roles, including linehaul, P&D (pickup and delivery), and specialized freight. The company is highly regarded for its commitment to safety, providing consistent and extensive training to all its drivers.
XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics is a global logistics transportation solutions provider that offers a range of services from freight brokerage to intermodal transport. As a driver for XPO, you’re likely to have access to a more diverse range of job types than with many other companies. XPO is known for its state-of-the-art technology, including advanced tracking and route optimization software. This company is best suited for drivers looking for diverse roles and who are comfortable with a technology-driven work environment.
Landstar System
Landstar is unique in that it operates primarily with owner-operators, providing them with the resources of a major carrier while allowing them the independence to run their own business. They do not have a forced dispatch, which means owner-operators can choose the loads that make the most sense for them. Known for treating its operators well, Landstar offers competitive pay percentages and fuel surcharge programs.
Old Dominion
Old Dominion Freight Line is among the most respected names in the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry. They have a well-maintained fleet and offer extensive training programs. The company is known for its low claims ratio and high on-time delivery rate, making it a reliable choice for drivers who pride themselves on performance and reliability. Their comprehensive benefits package and potential for long-term career growth make it an attractive option for many drivers.
Knight-Swift
Formed from the merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation, this company offers full-truckload motor shipping services. It’s known for its modern fleet and use of technology to support drivers. The company offers multiple driving routes, including regional, OTR (Over-The-Road), and intermodal, providing various opportunities for drivers looking for flexibility in their job roles.
CRST International
CRST International is a long-haul specialist offering opportunities mainly in team driving. This is an ideal environment for new drivers who can learn from experienced partners. They provide an extensive training program and offer expedited freight, flatbed, and dedicated services. The company is also known for its comprehensive benefits package, including life insurance and retirement plans.
Werner Enterprises
Werner is known for its commitment to safety and one of the newest fleets in the industry. They offer various types of driving roles, from team driving to specialized and dedicated services. The company also provides excellent training for new drivers, including a CDL training program. Their comprehensive benefits package includes stock options, which is relatively unique in the industry.
Crete Carrier
Crete Carrier Corporation specializes in dry-van truckloads and is well-known for its long-standing customer relationships and high level of service. The company is also lauded for its approach to driver pay, offering practical mileage pay. They have multiple terminal locations across the U.S., offering a variety of routes and job flexibility. The company’s culture is very driver-focused, emphasizing safety, pay, and well-maintained equipment.
ArcBest
ArcBest offers a range of logistics services, including less-than-truckload, truckload, and even international service. The company stands out for its focus on customer service and innovation. They offer a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans and health insurance. With its multiple subsidiaries, there are various driving opportunities, making it a good option for those looking for diverse experiences.
R+L Carriers
A premier provider of LTL freight services, R+L Carriers offers a range of domestic and international shipping solutions. The company provides plenty of opportunities for both short and long-haul routes. They are known for their family-owned culture, giving drivers a sense of belonging rather than feeling like just another number.
Estes Express Lines
Estes is the largest privately-owned freight shipping carrier in the U.S. Specializing in LTL shipping; they offer various services, including dry freight transportation and custom solutions. The company is known for its stable, team-oriented work environment and offers numerous career paths for both dock workers and drivers.
Covenant Transport
Covenant Transport is known for emphasizing team driving, particularly for long-haul routes. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who prefer to work in pairs. Their double-loaded truck strategy ensures timely deliveries and maximized earning potential. Covenant is also lauded for its commitment to safety and ongoing training, ensuring drivers are well-prepared for the road.
Heartland Express
With a reputation for high pay and excellent equipment, Heartland Express focuses heavily on on-time deliveries. The company provides regional, short haul, and long haul operations, giving drivers a variety of route options. Heartland also stands out for its low driver-to-leader ratios, ensuring more personalized attention and a strong sense of community among its workforce.
Central Transport
Central Transport specializes in LTL freight across North America. Their dedicated routes often appeal to drivers looking for predictable schedules and more home time. With a focus on ongoing technological upgrades, the company ensures its drivers have access to modern and well-maintained equipment. Their emphasis on punctual deliveries provides drivers with consistent schedules.
Averitt Express
Averitt Express is widely recognized for its diverse service offerings ranging from LTL to full load. Their driver-focused approach emphasizes career growth, with many of their corporate positions filled by former drivers. They also provide extensive training opportunities, ensuring drivers are well-equipped to handle a variety of transport scenarios. Their workforce often highlights a strong sense of community and driver support.
Prime Inc.
Prime Inc. has carved a niche in refrigerated, flatbed, and tanker trucking. They’re renowned for their state-of-the-art training program for new drivers, combining classroom and on-the-road training. Their advanced fleet and emphasis on fuel efficiency make it an appealing choice for drivers concerned about environmental impact. The company’s commitment to driver health, with fitness and wellness programs, is another significant plus.
Marten Transport
Marten is a leader in refrigerated transportation, ensuring goods that require temperature control are delivered on time and in perfect condition. Their focus on technology means drivers benefit from modern equipment and tech-driven logistical support. They offer regional routes, intermodal, and more. Marten’s emphasis on driver safety and comfort is evident in their well-maintained fleet.
Anderson Trucking Service (ATS)
has been in operation for over 65 years and specializes in several transport services, most notably heavy haul and specialized transportation. They are known for their capability to transport oversized, unique, and challenging loads across North America. With a broad fleet with specialized trailers and equipment, ATS is equipped to handle a diverse range of heavy haul requirements.
Stevens Transport
As a refrigerated transport specialist, Stevens Transport is a preferred choice for those looking to enter this niche. Their extensive training academy offers a good starting point for rookies. Stevens is known for a culture of support and growth, often promoting from within and offering opportunities for career advancement. They prioritize modern equipment, ensuring drivers have the tools they need to succeed.
G&D Integrated
Having a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, G&D Integrated offers a broad spectrum of transportation services. They have a robust infrastructure, ensuring drivers have consistent routes and loads. Their focus on flexibility and service customization means drivers often experience varied job roles, making it less monotonous.
Total Quality Logistics (TQL)
TQL is more of a third-party logistics provider than a traditional trucking company. However, they have deep connections with trucking networks across the country. For independent owner-operators or small trucking businesses, partnering with TQL can mean access to a consistent stream of loads, leveraging their vast customer network. They’re recognized for their tech-driven approach, ensuring real-time tracking and efficient load matching.
May Trucking
May Trucking, with decades in the business, prides itself on reliability and service. They offer a range of driving roles, from OTR to regional hauls. The company stands out for its commitment to safety and driver satisfaction, often going the extra mile to ensure its fleet is comfortable and well-maintained. Its long-standing reputation in the industry offers a sense of stability for drivers.
Groendyke Transport
A dominant player in the tanker trucking segment, Groendyke is synonymous with safety and reliability. Transporting liquids, especially hazardous ones, requires specialized skills, and Groendyke ensures its drivers are well-trained for the job. Their commitment to safety has garnered numerous awards. For those looking to specialize in tanker trucking, Groendyke is a top choice.
Doug Andrus
Doug Andrus offers a family-like atmosphere and prides itself on its close-knit community of drivers. They offer a variety of driving opportunities, from dedicated routes to specialized hauls. Their focus on work-life balance ensures drivers get ample home time. Additionally, their safety-first approach ensures drivers operate in a secure environment.
Trimac Transportation
Specializing in bulk tank trucking, Trimac is essential in transporting chemicals, fuels, and more. They’re known for their commitment to safety and rigorous training programs. Drivers with Trimac often highlight the supportive work environment and the company’s dedication to providing top-notch equipment. Their long-standing presence in the industry provides a sense of stability and reliability.
We’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated list of the top 50 trucking companies in the United States. These standout firms not only lead the pack in the transportation industry but also play a vital role in our North American supply chain, stretching from the U.S. up into Canada. No matter your specialty—flatbed, refrigerated, or other niches—there’s a top-notch company here for you.
Use this guide as your go-to resource to find a job that’s more than just a paycheck; find a company that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle. Safe travels, and here’s to your next great job in trucking!
