Top 10 best trucking companies to work for across the US

If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career, trucking remains one of the strongest industries in the United States. With over 3.5 million professional truck drivers employed nationwide, it’s clear that America’s supply chain relies heavily on dedicated drivers.

But here’s the big question: What are the best trucking companies to work for?

Not all employers are equal. The right company can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, modern equipment, and work-life balance—while the wrong one could leave you overworked and underpaid. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top trucking companies to work for in the US, with insights into what makes them stand out.

👉 For deeper research, explore WiseWorq’s directory of 25,000+ US companies, where you’ll find honest employee reviews, ratings, and company insights.

1. UPS

UPS isn’t just a delivery company—it’s one of the highest-paying and most stable trucking employers in the US. Most of their trucking roles are union-backed through the Teamsters, which means you get strong job security and negotiated raises.

Best for: Drivers who want stability, great benefits, and strong union protection.
Job types: Local package delivery, tractor-trailer drivers (feeder drivers), regional freight.
Why drivers like it: High pay, retirement pension, excellent healthcare.
Considerations: Very competitive hiring process; seniority affects route assignments.

2. FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, meaning drivers often have regular routes with consistent home time.

Best for: Drivers seeking a balance between steady pay and family time.
Job types: City drivers, linehaul drivers, freight handlers.
Why drivers like it: Tuition reimbursement, clear career ladder, solid benefits.
Considerations: Physical work is sometimes required when handling freight.

3. Schneider National

Schneider is a massive carrier that offers diverse job options—from OTR to regional and dedicated accounts. They’re especially known for investing in driver safety and technology.

Best for: New drivers seeking training programs and experienced drivers wanting flexibility.
Job types: Tanker, intermodal, dedicated, OTR, and local.
Why drivers like it: Sign-on bonuses, high earning potential, strong safety culture.
Considerations: Some OTR routes mean long stretches away from home.

4. J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt is one of the largest trucking companies in North America. Their big draw is dedicated accounts—routes where drivers haul for a single customer, often with predictable schedules.

Best for: Drivers who value regular home time and predictable work.
Job types: Intermodal, dedicated contract services, OTR.
Why drivers like it: Options for regional/local work, tuition reimbursement, consistent pay.
Considerations: Pay rates vary significantly by division.

5. Old Dominion Freight Line

Regularly ranked as one of America’s best large employers, Old Dominion runs primarily in the LTL space. Drivers often cite respect and stability as reasons for staying long term.

Best for: Drivers who want premium pay and long-term stability.
Job types: Linehaul, P&D (pickup and delivery), dockworker/driver combos.
Why drivers like it: Salaries above industry average, low turnover, strong company culture.
Considerations: Hiring standards are higher; they prefer experienced drivers.

6. XPO Logistics

XPO is a fast-growing logistics company with a reputation for innovation and training opportunities. They’re a good match for drivers who want career growth beyond the wheel.

Best for: Drivers seeking career advancement within logistics.
Job types: LTL linehaul, local, and freight handling.
Why drivers like it: Training programs, modern fleet, advancement into dispatch or management.
Considerations: Some terminals are busier than others—driver experience varies by location.

7. Estes Express Lines

Estes is one of the largest privately owned trucking companies in the US. Being family-owned, they emphasize a supportive culture and work-life balance.

Best for: Drivers who want a family-like company culture with steady routes.
Job types: City drivers, linehaul, dockworkers.
Why drivers like it: Strong retirement plan, home time, caring management.
Considerations: Routes may not be as nationwide as mega carriers.

8. Knight-Swift Transportation

As one of the largest carriers, Knight-Swift offers incredible stability and a wide variety of freight. They’re also known for new driver training and mentorship programs.

Best for: Drivers who want a large network of opportunities and structured training.
Job types: OTR, regional, refrigerated, flatbed.
Why drivers like it: Consistent freight, flexible scheduling, paid training.
Considerations: Big-company feel—not as personal as smaller fleets.

9. Prime Inc.

Prime is often considered one of the best trucking companies for new drivers thanks to their paid CDL training program. They also offer high earning potential for experienced OTR drivers.

Best for: New drivers wanting to earn while they learn.
Job types: Refrigerated, flatbed, tanker.
Why drivers like it: Excellent training program, strong support system, high pay for OTR.
Considerations: Long OTR hauls can mean less home time.

10. Crete Carrier

Crete has a reputation for high driver satisfaction and excellent pay packages. Their turnover rate is one of the lowest in the industry.

Best for: Experienced drivers looking for long-term, high-paying employment.
Job types: OTR, dedicated fleets, regional.
Why drivers like it: Top pay (often up to $95,000 annually), modern trucks, respect for drivers.
Considerations: Routes are best suited for drivers who prefer OTR.

How to Choose the Right Trucking Company for You

Not every company will fit every driver. Here’s what to consider before applying:

Your lifestyle needs – Do you want home daily, weekly, or monthly?
Pay structure – Per mile vs. hourly vs. salary-based.
Type of freight – LTL, OTR, flatbed, tanker, or refrigerated.
Training programs – Ideal if you’re new to trucking.
Employee reviews – Check what current and former drivers say.

👉 You can compare all of these factors in WiseWorq’s trucking company listings, where real employees share honest ratings and reviews.

FAQs About the Best Trucking Companies

1. What is the highest-paying trucking company?
Companies like UPS, Old Dominion Freight Line, and Crete Carrier consistently offer some of the highest driver salaries.

2. Which trucking company has the best benefits?
Union-backed employers like UPS and FedEx Freight are known for strong healthcare and retirement packages.

3. What trucking companies are best for beginners?
Companies like Prime Inc., Schneider, and Knight-Swift offer robust training programs.

4. Which companies have the best home time policies?
J.B. Hunt and Estes Express Lines are known for regional and dedicated routes that give drivers more home time.

5. Where can I find reviews of trucking companies from drivers?
Visit WiseWorq to read and leave honest reviews on trucking companies and explore insights from thousands of employees.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right employer is one of the most important career decisions a truck driver can make. The best trucking companies to work for—like UPS, FedEx Freight, and Old Dominion—stand out because of their pay, benefits, and employee satisfaction.

👉 To make the smartest choice, explore WiseWorq, a career builder directory with over 25,000 US companies and employee-driven reviews. See what drivers really think before you hit the road with your next employer.