Truck drivers play an important part in supporting the economy by facilitating the transportation of valuable goods and products between diverse locations. In their continuous journey on the highways, it becomes important for them to join a reputable trucking company that values their contributions and provides them with the necessary resources for maximum performance.
Identifying the most reputed trucking companies becomes essential when starting a journey in a truck driving profession. It can be tough to choose which companies are good to work for; we should remember that every company is flawed. But some companies do a great job of caring for their drivers and making their hard work feel worth it.
In this article, you’ll learn about some companies that have been praised for treating truck drivers well. It also gives helpful advice on what to look for when choosing a trucking company and how to start a career in truck driving.
Schneider cares about safety, and you can see that from the bright orange colour of their trucks, which are easy to see on the road. They make sure their drivers get continuous safety training.
Schneider also wants to help people who want to become truck drivers. They offer to pay for the training to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You can pick from different options like apprenticeship training, training sponsored by the company, or they can help you with the tuition fees.
They also like to hire veterans from the military and are known for being a good employer.
Founded- 1935
Headquarters- Green Bay, Wisconsin
Company size- 12000+ employees
Position Available
Landstar is a top choice for people who own their trucks. They don’t have drivers who work for the company; instead, they work with independent truck owners and drivers who lease their trucks. This makes it easy for drivers to pick the jobs they want from a list and decide how much they want to work. Plus, they get discounts on fuel. Landstar is big on safety. They teach drivers about safety when they start and keep giving them training to stay safe. They are very careful when picking independent truck owners and drivers to work with.
Founded- 1968
Headquarters- Jacksonville, Florida
Company size- 5,001-10,000 employees
Position Available
J.B. Hunt has many driving jobs, like delivering stuff locally, long-distance, or overseas. They make sure to hire safe drivers and check their backgrounds very carefully. They also care about safety so much that they put special warning systems in most big trucks to avoid crashes.
Founded- 1961
Headquarters- Lowell, Arkansas
Company size- 10,001+ employees
Position Available
Melton Truck Lines is among the biggest trucking companies in North America that operate internationally. They hire truck drivers with lots of experience and those just starting, but they are very careful when choosing their drivers. Their strong attention to taking care of their drivers has resulted in high retention rates, meaning drivers tend to stay with the company for a long time.
Founded- 1954
Headquarters- Tulsa, Oklahoma
Company size- 1,001-5,000 employees
Position Available
Maverick is the parent of three transportation companies: Maverick Transportation LLC, Maverick Logistics LLC and Maverick Truck & Maverick Truck & Trailer Sales. Maverick operates throughout 48 states and Canada. They have local and dedicated jobs to keep drivers in consistent lanes that allow them to go home frequently. They are known for having excellent team culture. They recognize their drivers with different awards of excellence.
Founded- 1980
Headquater- North Little Rock, Arkansas
Company size- 1,001-5,000 employees
Position Available
FedEx is a top-notch trucking company, ranking as one of the best choices. FedEx Freight can be an excellent option if you want to become a truck driver because they provide free training programs to help you get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). These programs prepare you for both the written and practical tests.
Being one of the biggest companies in the business, FedEx has a lot of resources, which can be helpful. However, because of its size, you might not get the same personal attention you would from a smaller company.
Founded- 2001
Company size- 10,001+ employees
Headquarters- Memphis, Tennessee
Position Available
Heartland Express serves some of the most successful businesses globally. They are the preferred choice for America’s top shipping companies, helping them enhance their business performance, provide outstanding customer service, and optimize their transportation operations. Businesses opt for Heartland Express because of its track record of timely pickups and deliveries, a fleet that can adapt to their specific needs, expertise in providing shipment information, and ability to transform the client relationship from transactional to strategic partnership focused on problem-solving.
Founded- 1978
Company size- 1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters- North Liberty, Iowa
Position Available
Bison Transport is a highly acclaimed Canadian transportation company known for providing drivers with a secure and stable work environment. Once a driver joins Bison, they stay because of the company’s excellent culture, top-notch equipment, outstanding amenities, and strong relationships. Bison boasts a substantial fleet of drivers who prioritize safety.
They offer various driving opportunities suitable for both new drivers and owner-operators. Moreover, Bison Transport is committed to making their facilities more welcoming for women drivers to encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.
Founded- 1969
Headquarters- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Company size- 1,001-5000
Position Available
1-800-GOT-JUNK? has been recognized as the workplace of choice through numerous awards, including Best Place to Work in BC, Great Workplaces in Canada, and 50 Most Engaged Workplaces. We are an equal opportunity employer that offers a fantastic culture that is “All About People” and where personal and professional wins are celebrated.
1-800-GOT-JUNK? has approximately 175 locations throughout Canada, the United States, and Australia. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a franchise-based, full-service junk removal company dedicated to helping people reclaim the space in their homes and businesses. A pioneer of professional junk removal, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has set the standard for exceptional customer service.
Founded- 1989
Headquarters- Vancouver, British Columbia
Company size- 1,001-5,000 employees
Position Available
BioTrans LLC is a specialized logistics company that mainly serves the medical research and pharmaceutical industries nationwide. They have over 140 trucks and are thinking about growing their business worldwide. BioTrans has offices in 23 places in the United States and three more in Bosnia, Denmark, and Germany.
Founded- 2010
Headquarters- Boston, Massachusetts
Company Size- 51-200 employees
Position Available
Crete Carrier has become one of the biggest trucking companies that’s privately owned. They, along with their sister company, Shaffer Trucking, and their fully-owned subsidiary, Hunt Transportation, handle truckloads and flatbed transportation for almost anything you can think of. They ask their drivers for at least one year of experience driving tractor-trailers.
Founded- 1966
Headquarters- Lincoln, Nebraska
Size- 5,000-10,000 employees
Position Available
Dayton Freight is a carrier that focuses on Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping. They work in 11 states in the north-central part of the United States. They have around 2,100 tractors and 5,000 trailers and operate from over 70 service centers. Dayton Freight also provides shipping services to the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam by working with other transportation companies.
Founded- 1981
Headquarters- Dayton, Ohio
Size- 5,001 to 6,000 employees
Position Available
GSC Carriers is a well-reputed trucking company located in the suburbs of Chicago. They operate a fleet of over 300 modern trucks and trailers, prioritizing using new equipment. GSC Carriers are known for offering their drivers flexible schedules for ample home time. The company also conducts orientation programs for new hires and provides competitive pay rates and opportunities for its truckers.
Founded- 1988
Headquarters- Oakland, California
Company size- 201-500 employees
Position Available
Gypsum Express is a rapidly expanding, nationally recognized top-tier flatbed carrier. Their distinctive red trucks are engineered to be lightweight, allowing for the transportation of maximum cargo weight. Gypsum Express boasts a fleet of over 650 tractors and maintains 11 terminals across 10 different states.
Founded- 1982
Headquarters- Baldwinsville, New York
Size- 501 to 1,000 employees
Position Available
Modular Transportation is a company that focuses on flatbed deliveries. They have a team of over 190 drivers, and their operations are divided into three parts: asset transportation, specialized and oversized load transportation, and brokerage services. All of their trucks are equipped with technology to help avoid accidents. Modular Transportation has four terminals in Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas, with its main office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Founded- 1969
Headquarters- Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size- 201-500 employees
Position Available
Old Dominion Freight Line is a prominent trucking company that specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, and they don’t have union workers. They offer LTL services on regional, inter-regional, and national levels, all managed under one unified system. They also provide fast transportation services through a network of 250 service centers spread across the continental United States. Additionally, the company offers various extra services like container transportation, truckload brokerage, and consulting to help improve supply chain operations.
Founded- 1934
Headquarters- Thomasville, North Carolina
Size- More than 10,000 employees
Position Available
Navigator Express is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, a strategic location just 20 miles away from downtown Chicago, a major transportation hub in the Midwest. Their operations span all 48 contiguous states, serving a diverse clientele, including smaller businesses and large multinational corporations.
According to reviews, truckers at Navigator Express appreciate the support they receive from the management team. They are compensated per load, enjoy attractive benefits, and have access to high-quality equipment, creating a satisfying work experience.
Founded- 2012
Headquarters- Downers Grove, Illinois
Size- 201-500 employees
Position Available
Prime is a major trucking company in North America that handles refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, and intermodal transportation, moving goods throughout the United States and Canada. They have five terminals and a total of 15 facilities spread across eight states. Besides driving roles, Prime provides various career opportunities in different areas such as operations and dispatch, sales and marketing, logistics, driver recruitment, finance, and company support.
Founded- 1970
Headquarters- Springfield, Missouri
Size- 1,001-5,000 employees
Position Available
Riverside Transportation specializes in managing various transportation services, including truckload, less-than-truckload, drayage, and specialized solutions. They operate a substantial fleet consisting of over 900 tractors and 4,200 trailers. Riverside maintains operational terminals in Kansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
Founded- 1993
Headquarters- Kansas City, Kansas
Size- 1,100 employees
Position Available
TeamOne Logistics is a well-known third-party logistics provider specialising solely in asset-based transportation and logistics. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, they have a presence in over 100 locations throughout the United States. TeamOne proudly defines itself as a “long-term enhanced alternative to driver staffing/leasing companies.”
Founded- 2003
Headquarters- Alpharetta, Georgia
Size- 501-1,000 employees
Position Available
Roehl Transport is an American trucking company that provides national transportation and logistics services. Roehl has over 1,900 tractors and 5,200 trailers. Roehl Transports provides services in Appleton, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Iron Mountain, Marshfield, and Phoenix and drop yards in many other locations.
Founded- 1962
Headquarters- Marshfield, Wisconsin
Size- 1,001-5,000 employees
Position Available
Also, read about the State and Federal Trucking Associations in the United States at Truck Driver News.
When choosing a truck driving company, you should always select according to your priority. You need to look for pay, benefits, and other facilities a company offers.
A reputed company is beneficial for your career. You’re valued in the trucking industry if you work with a reputable company. To know about the company’s reputation you can research on the internet. You can even talk to the drivers who are working in that industry.
While the job description might tell you when you’ll work and how often you can be at home, it’s important to ensure the company sticks to that and is open to changes when you have special events to attend at home.
To find this out, talk to other drivers who work or have worked at the same company. You can chat with them in person or online on job forums. People who currently work or used to work there are usually happy to share what it’s like at the company, and you can ask them specific questions.”
In the trucking industry, your pay can vary by the mile you drive or hourly rate. However, hourly pay is typically given to more experienced drivers. They have a good sense of how long trips take and are better at handling unexpected situations. It’s a good idea to inquire about pay raises, bonuses, and extra pay for special tasks.
You should also ask about the company’s insurance coverage and which doctors and hospitals are in their network. Some people might be concerned about retirement plans, so get all the details before committing to a company. Don’t forget to check if they offer paid vacations; it’s important not to have unused vacation days if the company changes its policy.
As a professional truck driver, your truck is your home. So, it’s important to ensure everything, from the seats to the air conditioner, is in good working condition for a comfortable experience. Nowadays, most truck manufacturers are paying more attention to this. Ask about the age of the trucks because newer ones tend to have more comforts, which can make your life on the road much easier.
Additionally, it’s crucial to choose a well-maintained truck model with a good preventative maintenance schedule. You can also check the Federal safety scores for different types of trucks to get a better idea of their performance and safety.
Examine whether potential employers offer complete training programs and continuous support. Certain companies have developed structured training initiatives to assist drivers in improving their skills.
If you are starting a career in truck driving, there are many factors you should consider before stepping into this profession. Pursuing a career as a truck driver represents a serious breakthrough in one’s life.
Here are some steps that you can follow:
Before entering the trucking industry, it’s essential to conduct complete research. Begin by understanding the licensing and training requirements for commercial truck driving in your area, as obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is typically necessary. Explore the diverse trucking jobs available, from long-haul to specialized niches, and assess how they align with your preferences and lifestyle. Investigate salary structures and compensation packages, including potential bonuses and benefits.
Remember that trucking often involves long hours on the road, so consider its impact on work-life balance. Research prospective trucking companies, looking into their reputation, safety record, and opportunities for career advancement. Stay informed about industry regulations, maintenance practices, health and wellness considerations, and the latest technology used in the field.
Networking with experienced truck drivers, understanding legal and insurance aspects, and staying environmentally conscious are also vital.
The minimum requirements for getting into the business of trucking are:
Before obtaining your CDL, you should have a regular driving license and two years of driving experience. CDL can be obtained from your state’s DMV.
Your resume is important in determining whether you advance to the next stages of the job selection process. Creating your resume requires careful consideration of the information you include. Avoid including unnecessary details and focus on showcasing your skills and accomplishments. A well-structured resume should contain essential information, including contact details, email, educational background, and a brief professional summary.
Job opportunities within the trucking industry can be located on the official websites of trucking companies and on various online job boards. It is advised to conduct thorough research on the trucking organization, even if you need more experience.
If you have confidence in the content of your CV, it is advised to apply to the hiring organization. Submitting your resume according to the company’s specified method shows your attentiveness to the job opportunities and your ability to follow instructions. For instance, certain companies prefer applications via email, while others prefer using forms available on their official website.
If your resume makes an impression on the employer, you will likely receive an interview invitation. To prepare effectively, you can research potential interview questions the employer might ask and engage in mock test sessions with friends or family to build confidence and remove nervousness.
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