As a new truck driver, your aim should be to work for the BEST company. Working for the BEST will put you in good stead early on in your career. These top trucking companies often provide comprehensive benefits, internal mobility through training, and excellent salary. It’s safe to say that as a truck driver, it should be your primary objective/goal to work for the BEST in the business. However, what often stops a new driver or even experienced one from getting ahead in their career is NOT having the right information available to them. For example, not knowing what’s required in terms of training, essential licensing, experience, and more. With that said,

We are here to provide you with all the necessary information to help guide your career choice. We have researched the BEST in the business and will share this information with you right now. At the end, when your done reading this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the BEST trucking companies to work for right now. Before, we continue, how did we determine who are the BEST trucking companies to work for. Simply, we partnered with the leading recruitment agency to get their expert opinion on the top paying companies for truck driver salaries currently. Not only that, but we have also selected those companies that provide comprehensive benefits to their employees as well. In the end, you want to work for a company that provides the right balance of monetary and non-monetary benefits.


The Overall BEST Trucking Companies

Here are the 20 top trucking companies to work for if you’re a new driver or to look to grow within the trucking industry. Below, you will find the company name and details highlighting salary prospects with related benefits.

Please Note: Salaries listed below are AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARIES. Ranking is based not only on annual average salaries, but also takes into consideration overall benefits, packages, reputation, and the size of the company.


1) UPS (United Parcel Service)

UPS is number 1 on our list of top trucking companies and has been dominating for several years. United Parcel Service or UPS, is a supply chain solution for individuals and businesses. They have a massive infrastructure that helps them manage their transport services, i.e., air, ocean, rail, ground, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and more.

For a truck driver employee, UPS offers full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment opportunities with fantastic benefits and salary. Not only that but once you are in the company, you’ll have opportunities to transition throughout the company in less than one year.

Quick Facts:

11.5 million pick-up and delivery customers

5.5 billion packages delivered per year

More than 10,300 alternative fuel and advanced tech vehicles

495,000 employees

294.9 million online tracking requests daily

More than 220 nations and territories served

About 125,000 package cars, vans, tractors and motorcycles

More than 1,800 operating facilities

2003, the formal name change to UPS (from United Parcel Service)

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Competitive salary and bonuses

Private medical insurance (dental, disability, vision, etc.)

Company pension

Promotional opportunities

Internal development

Education and training

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:

 


2) FedEx (Federal Express)

FedEx (Federal Express) is number 2, and they continue to grow each year by providing customers with a portfolio of transportation options. For example, FedEx offers air, ground, ocean, customs brokerage, networking expertise, data management, and more.

As an employee working as a truck driver, you get to enjoy a wide range of job opportunities, and a chance to grow with an excellent company. FedEx also provides a tuition assistance program, open-door policy giving you access to management when you need them, something called APAC e-Learning that gives employees a chance to educate themselves from any location for job enhancement or personal development.

Quick Facts:

$37.3 billion FY19 annual revenue

>6M Avg. daily package volume*

>28M Avg. daily pounds of freight*

>85K Motorized vehicles

679 Aircraft at >650 airports worldwide

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Medical/Dental/Vision

Tuition reimbursement

Salary Increases

Retirement pension

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Work-life balance

Additional discounts and benefits (Discounted Travel, Reduced Shipping Rate, etc.)

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


3) DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn)

The company DHL or (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn) is a global logistics company offering a wide range of services to customers. DHL is one of the BEST trucking companies to work for because you have an enormous opportunity for growth in many of their sectors like – Warehousing & Fulfillment, Transportation & Distribution, Integrated Logistics, Customs, Security & Insurance, Visibility & Risk Management, and more.

As an employee, you will enjoy many benefits like competitive pay, pension, health, and well-being programs. DHL invests a lot in their employees, so they continue to grow in the company and become a greater asset in other divisions within the company. Here is a statement directly from their website – The roles within

Deutsche Post and DHL are as diverse as the people who perform them. Many of our employees spend their careers in various roles – joining as interns or on the shop floor and working their way up through different departments and divisions (and often different countries too).” – DHL.com

Quick Facts:

$17.2 billion FY19 annual revenue

380,000 people working at DHL

Over 220 countries and territories served

1,588,000,000 parcels delivered per year

103,573 vehicles

8,150 e-bikes

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Flexible working hours (In agreement with your manager)

Working from home (in agreement with your manager)

Meal allowances/canteen

Company nursery

Pension scheme

Health and well-being programs, the company doctor

Coaching and volunteer days

Employee discounts

Work mobile, company car, and parking space

Tickets for public transportation

Scholarships for children of employees

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


4) Old Dominion Freight Line

Quick Facts:

20,000 full-time employees

47,000 tractors and trailers

238 service centers across the United States

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Insurance program (medical, dental, and vision)

OD pays approximately 80% of the cost for our employees’ medical coverage.

QuitPower® Tobacco Cessation

Maternity support program

401(k) program after 30 days of employment.

Basic term life insurance

Voluntary disability programs

Competitive pay

Vacation days (based on years of service)

Holidays and sick/personal time.

Birthday holiday

Employee Assistance Program (confidential assessment, referral, and counseling services)

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:





5) YRC Worldwide

YRC is one of the BEST trucking companies for new drivers because of the competitive salary, benefits, and opportunity for growth. This company was founded in 1924 and has established itself as a holding company of several shipping brands, i.e., YRC Freight, New Penn, Holland, and Reddaway.

As a new or experienced driver, you will enjoy competitive wages with annual increases based on union contracts. Each YRC employee will have the opportunity to grow in the company moving into other sectors with a higher salary grade.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Medical care coverage

Dental care coverage

Vision care coverage

Basic and accidental death and dismemberment life insurance

Short-term disability and long-term disability

Defined benefit pension

401(k) saving program

Competitive wages with annual increases based on union contract

Weekly pay via direct deposit

Up to $0.56 per mile for road drivers

Up to $22 per hour for P&D drivers

Retirement Plans

Paid overtime and paid delay time

Worker’s Compensation pay

Paid sick and/or personal days, paid holidays, and paid vacations

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


6) Swift Transportation

When working with Swift Transportation, you’ll enjoy competitive salaries and fantastic benefits. The company was founded in 1966 by Jerry Moyes. We believe that Swift Transportation is one of the top 20 trucking companies to work for if you’re a new or experienced driver. They offer essential medical benefits, training for new drivers, opportunity for growth, and even an employee assistance program.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Medical plans

Prescription drug plans

Dental plan

Vision plan

401K

Employee assistance program

Employee stock purchase program

Fully-paid college tuition program

Disability

Life

Group accident

Critical illness

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


7) Schneider National

Schneider National was founded in 1935 with just one truck and has grown to over 10,000+ trucks in its fleet. As an employee working for Schneider National, you will enjoy competitive pay with extra bonuses like extended time off, discount programs, full medical benefits, and a leading 401(k) plan with company match.

Schneider National is a massive company that invests heavily in its employees, so you will have enormous room to grow with them.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

A leading 401(k) plan with company match

Medical/Prescription

Dental

Vision

Flexible spending (put aside pre-tax cash from your paycheck to pay for non-reimbursed medical, dental, vision and dependent care expenses)

Hospital indemnity.

Facility amenities

Discount programs:

Accident insurance.

CDL defender plan

Critical illness insurance

Family legal plan

Voluntary life insurance

Voluntary short-term disability

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:





8) JB Hunt Transport Services

J.B Hunt Transport Services was founded in 1961 and is a Fortune 500 company. It is one of the BEST trucking companies to work for because of it’s extensive logistics infrastructure that gives employees room to grow in the organization. J.B Hunt Transport Services provides full truckload transportation, revenue equipment, container & trailer transportation, and customized freight transportation.

As an employee, you will enjoy medical benefits, competitive pay, and a chance to grow within the organization into higher positions. J.B Hunt Transport Services is considered a GREAT place to build your career.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Choice of medical plans*

Dental, vision and prescription coverage

Health Savings Account option

Flexible Spending Account

Basic life paid by J.B. Hunt

Basic accidental death and dismemberment paid by J.B. Hunt

Company matched 401k retirement savings plan

Paid vacation time

Paid orientation and safety training

Million Mile safety bonuses

Annual service and safety awards

Nationwide discount purchase programs with companies such as Dell, Whirlpool and more

Financial Wellness Resource Program – Momentum onUp

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


9) XPO Logistics

XPO Logistics currently has close to 97,000 employees worldwide. They have a highly integrated network consisting of less-than-truckload,full-truckload, supply global forwarding, and a full supply chain solution. XPO Logistics serves close to 50,000 customers globally in 30 different countries. With an extensive global network, XPO Logistics is always looking to hire employees who can become a part of their growing family. They offer employees a competitive salary, full medical benefits with a 401(K) retirement plan, and opportunities within the company that will allow you to follow your passion and grow within the organization.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Full health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)

401(K) retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Discounts

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


10) CRST International

Founded In 1955 by Herald and Miriam Smith. CRST International has now evolved from a trucking firm into one of the nation’s leading providers of transportation solutions. For new and existing truck drivers, CRST offers excellent career opportunities within the eight operating companies it owns. Employees also enjoy a competitive salary, full benefits, and opportunity for growth within the organization as stated here –

“You might start in an entry-level position with one company and then be promoted to a leadership position with another.”

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Competitive pay

Major medical insurance and wellness plan

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible benefits

Short-term disability

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


11) R+L Carriers

R+L stands for Ralph L. “Larry” Roberts and was founded 50+ years ago. This transportation company has specialized in LTL freight services, logistics, business-critical services, and technology services. R+L Carriers has been able to dominate in all of these sectors by encouraging employees to voice their opinion on new projects they feel will be beneficial to the company. R+L has an open-door policy, a close-knit community, and every employee at R+L Carriers is allowed the opportunity to advance through the company.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Major Medical, Dental, and Vision

Short-term Disability

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Personal/Sick Days

Three employee resorts established exclusively for R+L employees and their families.

Employee contests with cash awards and vacation packages based on performance criteria and teamwork.

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:





12) Werner Enterprises

Werner Enterprises was founded in 1956 and now offers a diversified portfolio of transportation and logistics services to companies around the globe, including Dedicated, One-Way Truckload, Intermodal, Temperature-Controlled, Expedited, Logistics, Cross-Border, Global Services, Final Mile, and Custom Solutions. An extensive portfolio means as an employee, you have the opportunity to grow and gain experience in many different areas.  Werner Enterprises offers it’s employees fantastic benefits, including health insurance, paid orientation, an employee stock purchase plan, and industry-leading 401(K) retirement plan where Werner will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid toll and fuel cards

Electronic funds source cards

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid orientation

Industry-leading 401(K) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Werner discount program

Health savings account, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and critical illness plans

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


13) Ryder

At Ryder, employees enjoy a competitive salary, GREAT benefits, and an opportunity for growth. Ryder was founded in the 1930s by Jim Ryder. It now has over 90,000+ employees and has been recognized by Fobes as one of American’s BEST Employers.

We believe Ryder is one of the best truck driving companies because of its commitment to customers and employees. For example, Ryder has been known to invest heavily in its employees, providing an engaging team-based environment that encourages growth across all levels and positions..

Quick Facts:

85+  years of experience

95,000 professional drivers

800+ maintenance facilities

6,300 trained technicians

Relied upon by more than half of the Fortune 500

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Medical insurance coverage

Prescription insurance coverage

Dental insurance coverage

Vision insurance coverage

Life insurance coverage (employee, spouse, and children)

Accidental death and dismemberment coverage

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts (health care and dependent care)

401(k) savings plan

Employee stock purchase plan

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


14) Penske Transport Services

Penske offers a wide range of services, including logistics, leasing, rentals, and even supply chain solutions. Penske helps customers and businesses succeed every day by providing GREAT customer service, on-time delivery, and logistics that help a business grow. Working for Penske (as an employee), you will enjoy full medical coverage, a competitive salary, excellent retirement plan, and wellness benefits, including personal health coach program, 24-hour nurse advice line, and incentive programs.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Medical coverage (including vision and RX)

Life insurance (employee, spouse, and children)

More family time with paid holidays and vacations

Short- and long-term disability

Health care and dependent care spending accounts

Retirement Savings Plan

Employee discounts

Wellness benefits, including personal health coach program, 24-hour nurse advice line, and incentive programs

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


15) Marten Transport

Marten Transport was founded in 1946 and has grown to be one of the top trucking companies in America. Marten offers a wide range of services from truckloads, brokerage, dedicated, and intermodal. Marten excels by ensuring deliveries are made on-time, and helping businesses grow. Marten has often said that their success would NOT be possible without their passionate and dedicated employees. As an employee of Marten, you will enjoy a competitive salary, full medical coverage, paid vacation, and even detention pay.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Health, dental, and vision Insurance

401(K) with company match

TOP PAY – Average 62 CPM with exclusive pay boosters

Take a BEST friend with you

Paid orientation

Paid vacation

Home time options

Receive detention pay (get paid for waiting for a late shipper or receiver)

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


16) Knight Transportation

Knight Transportation is a publicly-traded company and was founded in 1990. They specialize in flatbed, refrigerated, and dedicated transportation. Knight Transportation is one of the top trucking companies because of the relationships they’ve built with their customers and employees. This relationship has allowed Knight to excel, making it one of the largest trucking companies in the United States.

As an employee at Knight Transportation, you will enjoy many excellent benefits outlined below. However, some highlights are competitive pay, medical insurance, flexible hometime, and 401(k) with company match.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Daily or weekly pay options (in most markets)

Paid time off  (PTO)

Consistent miles

Single-source dispatch

Enhanced rider program and pet policy

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance

401(k) with company match

Earn up to $.05/mile quarterly bonus

Flexible Hometime Options

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


17) US Express

US Express was founded in 1986 by Max Fuller and Patrick Quinn. This trucking company currently provides services throughout the United States and North America. They currently employ 10,000+ employees and have been able to achieve exponential growth by providing a wide range of services like truckloads, brokerage services, team driving, and more. It has made our list of the best truck driving companies because of the competitive pay it provides to employees with excellent benefits. Employees enjoy full medical coverage, wellness programs, 401(K) with company match, and more.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Medical, dental, and vision included

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

401k match

Full Ride Program: Free College for our drivers & their families

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


18) AAA Cooper

AAA Cooper was founded in the 1930s and has 3000+ tractors, 6,500 trailers, and 5000+ employees. AAA Cooper is a privately held multi-regional transportation provider. Some of the services they provide are less-than-truckload transport, dedicated contract carriage, brokerage, fleet maintenance, and even international services. With all these divisions, employees have room to grow and establish their careers with AAA Cooper. Some of the key highlights for employees are complete medical coverage, 401(k) with profit-sharing, long term disability, and competitive pay.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Health plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Health savings plan

Long term disability

Sick plan/life pan

401(k) with profit-sharing

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


19) Prime Inc

Prime Inc is another major trucking company in the United States, and it was founded in 1970. They offer a wide range of transportation services, including flatbed, load tracing, refrigerated division, tanker division, and more. These divisions provide room for an employee to grow within the company and establish a long-term career with Prime Inc. Working for Prime Inc is very rewarding because they offer excellent benefits like complete medical coverage, a 401(k) success sharing plan, home policy, and more.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and life)

A 401(k) Success Sharing plan

Passenger and pet policy

Safety bonus for diving safely

Home policy

Vacation time

Fuel, tire, and service discounts

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


20) Crete Carrier

Crete Carrier is number 20 on our list of best trucking companies to work for, and they deserve to be here because of the fantastic opportunities it provides for its employees. Crete Carrier was founded in 1971 and has now grown to 5,000 tractors and over 13,000 trailers throughout the continental United States. This company continues to grow with the support of its entire team, which is why a family-like culture is critical to Crete. The employees enjoy competitive pay, full medical coverage, a 401k account with a partial match, and opportunities for growth within the organization.

Employee Benefits/Highlights:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Basic life insurance coverage

Short-term disability coverage

401k account with a partial match

Home time opportunity

Vacation and breakdown pay

Stop off and

Military leave

Scholarship Program

And many other benefits…

Salary Range:


Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has provided you with the essential information you need to make an informed decision when applying for your first or next trucking job. This guide has enlisted the best trucking companies to work for currently. Not only do they provide a competitive salary, but they also provide non-monetary benefits like medical coverage, a 401(K) retirement plan, basic life insurance, and opportunities for growth. It’s also key to be associated with the BEST in the industry because this holds a certain prestige that will help put you in good stead for your career path. For example, when starting in this industry, it’s essential to choose a company that will give you a chance to grow into other positions, enhancing your skillset.

In closing, as mentioned, these are the top 20 trucking companies to work for that will help you follow your passion and grow in the industry.

If you have found our guide useful, please don’t forget to share your thoughts and feedback below in the comment box. We would love to hear what you and others have to say about our list of BEST trucking companies to work for.

Additional Resources

12 Common Truck Driver Interview Questions And Answers
How to Get Your CDL License In Texas – A Complete Guide
19 Best Bluetooth Headsets For Truckers
Top Ranked Truck Driving Schools in San Diego
YRC Employment and Job Requirements



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