The Best Trucking Companies to Work For 2024 USA

How to Become a Successful Owner Operator

In this guide, we’ll help you find the best trucking companies to work for. Whether you’re looking for paid CDL training, or just a good, honest carrier to work for – we’ve got all the info you need. 

Over 47 years of working in the trucking industry, as a truck driver and a fleet owner, I’ve learned the qualities that make for a great carrier. I know what to look for in a company for a good experience as a truck driver. 

To make your job search task easier, we’ve curated hand-picked lists of the best U.S. trucking companies to work for. We’ve also gathered thousands and thousands of comments and reviews of real-life experiences from real truck drivers.

These are well-rated carriers which we believe are worthy of further investigation.

The recommended companies and lists will be updated often and new categories will be continually added. Be sure to check back for new additions and updates.

A photo of a truck driver standing beside a blue Peterbilt truck.

Top 10 Trucking Companies To Drive For

Nussbaum Transportation

Hudson, Illinois

Nuusbaum logo

They are a medium size carrier, a dry freight hauling company, wisely managed and are known for being well liked by their drivers.

We receive numerous good reports about this company.

Pride Transport

Salt Lake City, UT

Pride Transport logo

This is a relatively small reefer outfit. They run top notch equipment, and are privately owned.

They have an excellent reputation for treating their drivers ‘like family’. Many drivers stay with this company: much lower turnover than industry norms.

Walmart Transportation

NW Arkansas, Silicon Valley, DC Metro Area

Walmart Transportation logo

Walmart is a quality trucking company with great job security, good pay, very low driver turnover, both much sought after qualities by drivers. The reason for the solid job security is due to the fact that Walmart is not a common carrier, but a private carrier. Good health benefits.

They run their own fleet of trucks and hauls their own freight, not a common scenario for trucking companies, but one that provides a good deal of business security.

I specifically like Walmart as it’s a private fleet, with excellent job security. Although they have thousands of trucks, but also don’t fall into the usual mega carrier classification.

TMC Transportation

Des Moines, Iowa.

TMC trucking company logo

TMC is a flatbed trucking outfit that own and operate excellent equipment – a definite attraction for drivers.

GP Transco

Joliet, Illinois

A photo of a GP Transco Truck and truck driver.

A relatively new and innovative company. Great pay, runs most all states, reputation for treating drivers with respect.

Western Distribution Transportation Corp

Denver, Colorado

A logo for Western Distributing Transportation Corp.

This medium sized, privately owned company runs some of the best looking company equipment seen on the road. However, they are not noted for being a top paying carrier. They are a specialized automobile carrier service out of Denver, Colorado.

Crete Carriers + Shaffer Trucking

Lincoln, NE, Mechanicsburg, PA

These 2 companies are part of the same group. Good pay. Well respected trucking company in trucking. Crete and Shaffer require one year of driving experience. They’ve recently increased their governed truck speeds to 68 MPH in cruise, 65 MPH on the pedal. They gave good benefits including a 401K match and profit sharing. They have a very good pet and rider program. 

Hirschbach

Dubuque, IA

The logo of Hirschbach Motor Lines.

This trucking company has been around for well over half a century. A privately owned carrier. Drivers are known to hire on with Hirschbach and stay for along time. They have a reefer freight division, dry freight but are best known for over the road trucking. 

Heartland Express

The logo of Heartland Express.

16 Terminals Throughout U.S.

Heyl Truck Lines

Akron, Iowa, Zephyrhills, FL, Edinburg, TX, Estherville, IA, Sioux Falls, SD (+1 in Canada)

The logo of Heyl Truck Lines.

Related > 5 Important Things You Should Know About a Career in Trucking

Best Trucking Companies For New Drivers

Estes Express – A good starting company for new truckers. They have a large freight base. Great pay, good home time, respect for their drivers.

Review of Estes

TMCDes Moines, IA – A good starter company for the new CDL driver. The pay is decent and yep they have Peterbilts, if that appeals to you.

SchneiderGreen Bay, WI – A financially sound company (which is pretty important), no team driver training, 3 week very structured training, less time with a mentor on the road than most. Run well equipped Freightliners with APU + fridge. Good benefit package.

Shaffer Trucking – Have a 6-8 week training on a route with a mentor. 1 week is 8 hours of a team driving situation.

Crete Schaffer Trucking Review

J.B. HuntLowell, AR – J.B. Hunt is a well respected carrier. The pay is noted to be decent. They have a hyper-focused safety program, including driver-facing dash cams. 

Smith Transport – Roaring Spring, PA – Newer model equipmentvariety of schedules eg. home daily, 21 on/7 off, home weekends, home alternate weekends. Dispatch seems to work well with drivers.

Maverick Transportation North Little Rock, AR – Flatbed company with decent equipment. Being flatbed work, the work isn’t easy. They offer decent pay and benefits. 

Dupre LogisticsLafayette, LA – A rock solid trucking company in Louisiana, hires company drivers and owner operators. Van and tanker division. Check these truck driving jobs available at Dupre

May Trucking CompanySalem, OR – May can be a solid choice for new drivers. Good training, but pay lower than their ‘equals’. They do look at those with felony convictions on an individual case-by-case basis. Number of Driver Managers are former truck drivers. Seem to have steady freight volume. Good miles. Run newer model equipment.

CFIJoplin, MO – CFI is a recommended starter company for the new driver. They hire new drivers, offer a paid CDL training program, hire experienced drivers and owner operators.

Related > 7 Things You Need To Know About Your First Year as a New Truck Driver

Best Trucking Companies With CDL Training

If you have made the decision that paid CDL training is for you, here are some of the trucking companies with CDL schools, I’d recommend to check out. 

There are more companies than what are listed below. The following are some that may be worth further investigation.

Maverick Transportation

Little Rock, AR

Maverick has a flat bed and reefer trucking division.

They run current model equipment, always well maintained. They rank well for being one of the best trucking companies with paid training.

Maverick is truly a mega carrier. However, I personally rate them a cut above the rest, due to the fact that they are a well managed carrier.

Learn more about their paid CDL training program

We like the fact they have training classes which start every Wednesday.

TMC

Des Moines, IA

If flatbed trucking floats your boat, this carrier offers a good training program with a decent wage paid for the 3 week training period.

They offer guaranteed work placement upon completion.

We like the fact that their initial training period is 3 weeks and upon completion of this portion, the student is then paired with a qualified trainer for an additional 5 week period.

TMC states they don’t have any initial costs for the program to their students.

Schneider

Green Bay, WI

Schneider is certainly near the top of the heap, when it comes to reputable companies that pay for CDL training. Yes, they are a mega carrier.

Many graduates and drivers say that the training program is solid. A good experience for new drivers. Many drivers stay with Schneider for long periods of time. 

There are multiple options and available and ways to be eligible for company sponsored training, eg. Federal Student Aid, Veteran Affairs Education Benefits, WIOA and Student Financing.

Check out Schneider’s paid CDL training offerings.

Other

  • XPO LogisticsGreenwich, CONo upfront costs to a trainee, and gives trainees and 3 meals/day along with housing provided during the training period. The classes are noted as being small even though the carrier itself is a huge carrier.
  • RoehlMarshall, WIMultiple terminals and drop yards across the country. CDL Training and Training for Inexperienced Drivers. Training is thorough and a typically a cut above most all mega carrier training. 

Related > Companies That Pay For CDL Training

Best Paying Trucking Companies – Carriers With Competitive Pay

Barr-Nunn

Granger, IA

A solid, stable carrier which works hard to reduce their carbon footprint in this world. They hire single and team company drivers as well as owner operators.

Their current driver package includes:

  • $550-$825 Bonus for Safety, every 3 months
  • Paid vacation every 90 days
  • Mileage pay as ‘practical miles’ (as opposed to shortest miles routes)
  • 401 K packages
  • Regular pay raises upon driver review
  • No New York City runs or Canada runs (Yikes, Canada isn’t so bad, eh?)
  • Drop and hook loads mostly (Mmmm. We like that.:)

They are rated a certified top paying carrier by the National Transportation Institute, for the past 14 years.

Black Gold Transport

North Pole, AK

No this isn’t a typo. This company hires drivers with CDL A with Doubles/Triples Endorsement, with pay (October 2023) range of $130,000 – $160,000/year.

A photo of a Black and Gold Semi Truck and Trailer.

Other

ABF FreightFort Smith, AR – Mainly an LTL carrier based out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, with multiple yards. Another unionized carrier which is definitely an above average payer.

Dupre LogisticsLayette, LA – A small tanker trucking outfit. They are in the process of opening a few new branches across the U.S. They keep late model well maintained equipment.  Most of their trucking jobs are ‘paid by the hour’ positions. Their management team is top notch.

GP Transco Joliet, IL – A medium size company located in Illinois, GP Transco is the 3rd highest paying carrier in the U.S. This up and coming trucking company sets a good example for other companies to follow. Extra 2 cents/mile for drivers with Driver Facing Dash Cams (Not a mandatory program). Just call 1-844-WORK4GP. 

UPSNationwide – The well known carrier has multiple yards nationwide and is a unionized trucking company. Since they are unionized, their driver pay is above average. They have low driver turnover.

TSD LogisticsTexarkana, TX – Great pay, treat drivers with respect. 

Old Dominion Freight LineThomasville, NC – They have been around for 85 years and still going strong. Although they are based out of Virginia, they have multiple yards across the U.S. Their rate of pay to their drivers is above average driver pay.

Warrior Logistics Coppell, TX – A Texas carrier, paying .52/mile for solo drivers, $600/week training (If you have CDL)

Forward Air CorporationGreenville, TN – Noted to have the top pay for the independent contractors. Recently, they’ve increased their pay rates for independent contractor drivers further.

Related > Current Year Truck Driver Salary Reference Guide

A photo of a Forward Air Truck and Trailer.

Best Tanker Trucking Companies To Work For

Dupre Logistics Lafayette, LA – Good reputation, well managed, good pay.

KAGNorth Canton, OH – Large U.S. tanker company. Fuel division, specialty products, compressed gas, van division, dump trailers. Mileage rate is very good. Compensated for all the work done.  

Groendyke – Enid, OK A top shelf tanker company with competitive pay and benefits, high standards for their drivers. Run top notch, well maintained equipment. 

Liquid Trucking Plattesmouth, NE – Good pay, bonus program, can be home weekly.

Schneider – Green Bay, WI Responsible carrier with a good reputation. 

Indian River – Winter Haven, FL – Good pay, good equipment. Generally well rated by drivers, other than a handful of disgruntled past employees.

FoodLinerDubuque, IA – Decent pay, steady work. Not perfect, but steady pay check.

Puryear Tank LinesApex, NC – Great pay and home time. Management respects drivers. 

Related > Is It Still Worth It To Be a Truck Driver?

A photo of a large long-nose truck in red.

Owner Operator Carriers To Work For

Mercer Transportation –  Louisville, KY  – Drivers with Flatbed experience.

Forward Air CorporationGreeneville, TN – Great pay (a top paying company in the industry to Owner Operators), respect to their contractors. Many contractors stay with the company for long periods.

Related > What You Need to Know About Being a Long Haul Trucker

Driver Rated Best Trucking Companies

Crete CarriersLincoln, NE

Crete’s headquarters is centrally located in the U.S, in Lincoln, Nebraska, which can make this large carrier convenient, should you live in the central U.S.A. region.

They have a reputation for being a well managed outfit and are known for treating their employees fairly. Their dispatch gets good reports for efficiency and being personal (which can be rare).

I have interviewed drivers currently at Crete who say they receive ‘raises’ which are fleet-wide, due to their performance during the current Pandemic.

We’ve found through our interviews that pay can be nearly twice as much as other similar carriers.

They have been around for 55 years and are still a privately owned entity which we think is a good perk.

Related > Guide to Trucking Companies Hiring Felons

Trucking Companies – Temperature-Controlled Specialty

Perkins Becker, MN – Reefer outfit with Kenworth and Freightliner, Utility and Great Dane Trailers.

Double JJackson, WI – Excellent family owned and operated carrier. A driver favourite. 

Related > How to Choose a Great Trucking Company to Work

Alaska Trucking Companies

Black Gold TransportNorth Pole, AK – If you are looking for a trucking job that challenges your skills as a professional, then trucking at the North Pole may be for you. Pays well. Good reputation. 

California Trucking Companies

Certified Freight Logistics Santa Mira, CA – A smaller California company running dedicated freight for Costco Wholesale, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Northern CA and Southern CA. They pay for all time driving and on duty, plus mileage. They also have a good medical package.

Best Trucking Companies Florida 

Sterling Transportation Miami, F, Houston, TX, Coppell, TX  – Great pay, great benefits, decent amount of home time.

Indian River Transport, Inc – Medium sized food grade tanker outfit that hails from Winter Haven, Florida. Run great equipment, though not a high paying carrier.

Cypress Truck LinesJacksonville, FL – Good all around company to work for.

Illinois Trucking Companies 

Dynamic Transit, Inc.Granite, IL – Carrier with an ‘old school’ feel. They run 10 speed manual Peterbilt 389 hood trucks, governed at 70 mph with reefer units.

GP Transco – OTR carrier that hires professional drivers from all states. Known for treating their drivers right. 

Globe Transportation GroupLake Zurich, IL – Good pay. Company drivers take home per week: $2000 – $2800 US weekly.

Martin BrowerRosemont, IL – Multiple locations. Union company with good pay and benefits. Overtime work seems available and compensated accordingly. 

Iowa

10 Roads ExpressCarter Lake, IA, (with Multiple Terminals) – Good pay, benefits, can be home every night, work hard to get drivers home when needed.  They also have fly in driver options. Mostly 500-600 mile trips. Company pays for driver’s travel, boarding and per diem. Runs entirely dictated by Postal Service, (can be a disadvantage if they are dissatisfied).

Don Hummer TruckingCedar Rapids, IA – Good pay and paid weekly salary, therefore miles a non-issue. Newer model equipment. Typically home weekly. 4 cents/mile safety bonus. No force dispatch. Dispatchers must be former drivers. Run most of the continental U.S. Lots of drivers with 10+ with the company.

Kentucky

Phoenix TransportationGeorgetown, KY – Small company that treats drivers well. Pay isn’t the greatest, but pay always there. 

Louisiana

Acme Truck LineHarvey, LA – Oversize loads, good company to work for.

Missouri

Butler Transport, Kansas City, KS – Starter company, decent pay, minimal home time.

SiedhoffUnion, MO

Siedhoff Trucking Review

Minnesota 

Freerksen TruckingDodge Center, MN – Flatbed trucking company. Good home time. Good to work for.

Montana

Sammons Trucking – Sammons has been around for some time. They  specialize in flatbed trucking and is based in Missoula, Montana. They hire both company drivers as well as owner operators.

Nebraska 

Dedicated TransportationLincoln, NE – Small outfit. Keeps drivers busy.

Ohio 

Kentucky Container ServiceCinncinnati, OH  (other terminals) – Hourly pay + overtime, mostly newer model equipment. 

Oregon

South CarolinaPageland, SC – Hourly pay, good benefits, decent home time (can be home every night).

Pennsylvania 

Mountain ExpressMountain Top, PA – Good pay, ok trucks.

Texas Trucking Companies

World Kinect CorpArlington, TX (+other locations) – Good pay, overtime, home every night (possible).

Utah Based Trucking Companies

Pride TransportSalt Lake City, UT – See above for more detail. 500 trucks, primarily reefer niche carrier.

Wisconsin Carriers

Midwest CarriersKaukauna, WI – OTR and local work. Currently at .70/mile (2400+ miles/week). Company has a flat rate minimum weekly pay. Reasonably priced health benefits, weekly pay. Specializes in temperature controlled freight.

West Bend TransitWest Bend, WI -Local work. Great pay, decent benefits. No micromanaging. 

H.O. Wolding, Inc. – Amherst, WI Wolding is a dry freight carrier, privately owned, located in Amherst, Wisconsin. A notable quality of Wolding is their very low driver turnover rate, which speaks volumes about their driving jobs.

A well managed carrier known for treating their drivers well. I have personally spoken to many of their drivers over the years, and every driver spoke very highly of their experiences with this company.

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