10 Best Trucking Companies to Work for in the USA

Did you just obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? Or are you an experienced driver looking for a fresh start? Either way, selecting the right trucking company to work for can be challenging. 

Given the saturation of trucking companies in the US, finding and choosing the right one for yourself is extremely important if you want a happy job. 

But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place where all your problems will be solved. In this article, we will list down our top 10 picks for the best trucking companies in the US to work for.

This list has been compiled considering competitive pay, safety records, financial reliability, and, significantly, driver satisfaction levels.

Factors to consider when choosing a trucking company

When choosing the right trucking company for employment, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure a fulfilling and satisfactory career. Here are the key aspects to weigh:

1. Reputation: Opt for a company with a positive standing among drivers, known for fair treatment and supportive policies.
2. Compensation: Evaluate the pay structure and benefits provided by the company to ensure they meet your financial requirements and aspirations.
3. Work-life balance: Consider the company’s stance on schedules, home time, and overall work-life equilibrium to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
4. Equipment and maintenance: Assess the quality and upkeep of the company’s trucks and equipment, along with its maintenance protocols, to ensure safe and reliable operations.
5. Career growth prospects: Investigate the company’s offerings regarding career advancement, including training initiatives, advancement pathways, and opportunities for specialized roles.
6. Driver assistance: Evaluate the level of support extended to drivers, encompassing communication avenues, assistance with administrative tasks, and access to resources while on the road.
7. Safety culture: Look for a company that prioritizes safety, offering training programs, safety incentives, and adherence to regulatory standards.
8. Organizational culture: Assess the company’s values to verify their alignment with your own, fostering a positive and encouraging workplace atmosphere.
9. Routes and cargo: Evaluate the types of routes and cargo the company handles to ensure they match your preferences and expertise as a driver.
10. Feedback from other drivers: Seek feedback from current and former drivers associated with the company to gain insights into their experiences and satisfaction levels.

Ten best trucking companies to work for in the US

If you’re considering a career in truck driving or looking for a change in companies, finding the right fit is essential. Let’s look at some of the top companies to work for as a truck driver, considering factors like salary, benefits, and overall job satisfaction.

1. Road Legends

Founded on principles of reliability and efficiency, Road Legends is a trucking company with a fleet of modern vehicles equipped with the latest technology. This ensures both driver safety and customer satisfaction. 

The company stands out as one of the premier trucking companies to work for in the USA for several compelling reasons. 

Their commitment to driver satisfaction is unmatchable. They prioritize fairness and equality through their non-forced dispatch policy and first-in, first-out dispatch system, ensuring all drivers are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities. 

At Road Legends, drivers can expect competitive compensation packages, including attractive salaries, the best lease purchase program, and comprehensive benefits, including fuel discounts, weekly pay, trailer maintenance coverage, and cash advances. 

2. Sysco

Sysco is a prominent figure in the food distribution sector, contributing significantly to the economy. The company offers its drivers an annual salary averaging $87,000, making it an appealing option for truckers seeking stable and well-paying employment. This compensation is approximately $31 per hour, providing a competitive wage within the transportation industry.

Sysco allows drivers to operate on 100% local routes. This holds immense value for drivers who prioritize spending time with their families, ensuring they can return home every day after their shifts. This local focus fosters a better work-life balance and contributes to a sense of stability and routine for truckers.

Sysco also offers drivers consistent daily routes; knowing their designated routes in advance allows truckers to plan their schedules effectively and minimizes uncertainty about their work assignments. 

Other benefits include stock discounts, paid vacations, and retirement plans, all of which contribute to the company’s efforts to support its workforce’s financial security and overall well-being. Such perks add value to the employment experience and demonstrate Sysco’s commitment to fostering a positive and rewarding work environment.

3. Landstar System

Landstar System, with an impressive revenue of $7.44 billion and a workforce of 38,000 employees, stands for reliability and safety in the transportation industry. Since its establishment in 1988, Landstar has embraced innovation and remained at the forefront of logistical advancements. Unlike companies bound by traditional methods, Landstar continuously explores and implements technologies to enhance its services for drivers and customers.

The company’s logistical support extends beyond its customers to ensure that drivers receive the same level of safety and reliability. Landstar understands the importance of fostering a conducive work environment for its drivers, as their contributions are integral to the company’s success.

One key benefit offered to drivers is Landstar’s innovative electronic payment system. This system ensures that drivers receive prompt payment for their services, with invoices processed and payments disbursed within two days. Such efficiency streamlines the payment process and provides drivers with financial stability and peace of mind.

4. J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.

Established in 1961, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. is a prominent American transportation and logistics company headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas. J.B. Hunt operates a fleet comprising 12,000 trucks and 100,000 trailers, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry.

J.B. Hunt’s legacy is its early adoption of the ‘container trucking’ approach, a pioneering move that revolutionized the transportation sector. This approach streamlined the transfer of goods directly from trains and ships to trucks, enhancing efficiency and expediting the transportation process. As one of the first major trucking companies in the United States to implement this innovative strategy, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. demonstrated a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to embracing cutting-edge practices.

5. Old Dominion Freight Line (OD)

Old Dominion Freight Line (OD) is a leading non-asset-based LTL (less-than-truckload) freight carrier, offering comprehensive truckload shipping solutions to its clientele. Established in 1933 by Ralph James, the company is headquartered in Thomasville, North Carolina, and has earned a reputation as one of the top trucking companies in the United States.

Old Dominion’s fleet comprises more than 5,000 tractors and 16,000 trailers, facilitating the movement of over 8 million pounds of freight daily. 

Specializing in LTL freight services, Old Dominion prides itself on delivering tailored transportation solutions to meet its customers’ unique needs. In addition to national LTL services, the company offers a wide range of logistics services, including air transport service, truckload brokerage, and freight forwarding, further enhancing its versatility and appeal in the market.

With 21,000 employees, Old Dominion continues to uphold its legacy of excellence and innovation, setting the standard for quality and reliability in freight transportation. As a trusted partner for businesses across various sectors, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver superior transportation solutions while driving growth and efficiency in the logistics landscape.

6. Nussbaum Transportation

Drivers laud Nussbaum for its exceptional benefits, fostering a conducive work-life balance, and providing valuable training opportunities. Many drivers highlight the competitive pay as a major draw, with new recruits potentially earning between $80,000 to $90,000 in their first year alone. This positions Nussbaum as a top contender in terms of compensation, even for those lacking prior driving experience. Notably, Nussbaum’s website touts that the top 30% of drivers earn an average annual income of $100,000, a claim the National Transportation Institute endorsed as ‘Top Paying’.

Of significant mention is Nussbaum’s Driver Excelerator Bonus Program, offering top-performing drivers an additional $0.035 per mile. Such incentives further boost the company’s commitment to rewarding excellence and incentivizing performance among its workforce.

Beyond financial incentives, Nussbaum has been praised for its proactive measures in addressing driver concerns and enhancing overall satisfaction. 

While challenges regarding communication with dispatch and the presence of driver-facing cameras have been raised in past reviews, Nussbaum’s concerted efforts to address these issues reflect its dedication to fostering a supportive and conducive work environment for its drivers.

7. FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight, a division of FedEx Corporation, is one of the nation’s largest trucking companies. It specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services within the FedEx network. With a workforce exceeding 42,000 individuals operating from 350 service centers, FedEx Freight handles an impressive volume of approximately 100,000 shipments daily.

Despite its mammoth size, FedEx Freight offers truck drivers the advantage of the FedEx conglomerate’s extensive resources. However, it’s worth noting that this expansive scale may entail a somewhat diminished level of personalized attention compared to smaller firms.

Nevertheless, FedEx Freight presents an attractive option for prospective truck drivers seeking to enter the industry. The company extends different types of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs to equip aspiring drivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the licensing tests’ written and practical components. It’s important to mention, though, that this training opportunity is typically restricted to existing FedEx employees. Despite this limitation, the program underscores FedEx Freight’s commitment to nurturing talent within its ranks and facilitating career advancement opportunities for its workforce.

8. YRC Worldwide

With revenue totaling $5.1 billion, YRC Worldwide owns several esteemed shipping brands, such as YRC Freight, Holland, New Penn, Reddaway, and HENRY Logistics. 

Distinguishing itself with a wide-ranging scope, YRC Worldwide possesses capabilities spanning local, regional, national, and international operations. This comprehensive reach enables the company to offer a diverse array of supply-chain solutions and transportation services tailored to meet the varying needs of its clientele.

YRC Worldwide’s portfolio encompasses an extensive range of transportation services, including long-haul national, regional, and international shipments. Using the expertise of its experienced team of trucking and freight service professionals, YRC ensures the seamless execution of heavyweight shipments and provides flexible supply chain solutions to cater to each customer’s unique requirements.

The company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its ability to instill confidence in truck drivers seeking to build a safe and growing career. 

9. Walmart Trucking 

With an annual salary reaching $85,000, Walmart, while not primarily a trucking company, is an impressive private fleet. In a recent announcement, the retail giant unveiled plans to offer drivers an annual salary of up to $90,000, aiming to recruit the most skilled professionals in the field. On average, full-time drivers employed by Walmart can expect to earn around $85,000 annually, working five and a half days per week.

Walmart is committed to supporting its drivers by covering various expenses, including CDL training, mileage, activity, and a quarterly safe driving bonus. Moreover, Walmart drivers enjoy the convenience of returning home once a week and taking hours off the road to rest. Additionally, Walmart provides the option to enroll in a 401(k) plan, offering drivers a means to secure their financial future.

Despite Walmart’s reputation as one of the premier flatbed trucking companies, aspiring drivers should be aware of a key requirement: prior truck driving experience is necessary for consideration. This prerequisite ensures that Walmart recruits individuals with the necessary skills and expertise to uphold the company’s standards of excellence in transportation and logistics.

What’s your choice?

We hope that this overview of the top trucking companies can provide valuable guidance for individuals seeking employment in the trucking industry. With numerous options available, aspiring commercial drivers with the necessary medical criteria have ample opportunities to pursue their career goals. 

For those new to the field, obtaining training, applying for positions, or directly seeking employment with companies offering CDL training are viable paths. As you gain experience within the industry, the ongoing shortage of drivers ensures a steady demand for your skills. Various job roles cater to different CDL holders, offering diverse opportunities.