
Choosing the right OTR trucking company can be a daunting task, but it's crucial to get it right. Research shows that over 90% of OTR trucking companies have a bad reputation, so it's essential to do your homework.
Consider the company's safety record. Companies with a good safety record, like Landstar, have a lower rate of accidents and injuries, which is a significant factor in choosing a reliable OTR trucking company.
Look for companies with a strong reputation for on-time delivery. Companies like J.B. Hunt have a reputation for delivering cargo on time, which is essential for businesses that rely on timely shipments.
Ultimately, the right OTR trucking company for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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Top OTR Trucking Companies
If you're looking for top OTR trucking companies, consider Roehl Transport for pet-friendly policies and Nussbaum Transportation for a low employee turnover rate. Roehl Transport is also great for new CDL drivers.
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Schneider is an excellent choice for new CDL drivers, with a top-notch training program and stable work environment. They offer several types of high-paying driving jobs with great benefits.
Old Dominion Freight Line is a top OTR trucking company that can pay up to $100,000 per year, with many benefits like a 401(k) plan and health insurance. They also offer a $5,000 sign-on bonus.
Here are some top OTR trucking companies to consider:
- Roehl Transport: Best for pet-friendly policies
- Nussbaum Transportation: Best for low employee turnover rate
- Schneider: Best for new CDL drivers
- Old Dominion Freight Line: Best for high compensation rates
Werner Enterprises offers great benefits and career growth opportunities, with jobs that keep your traveling distance to 3-7 states so you can get home sooner. They also have an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars on Glassdoor.
Best Pay and Benefits
As you research good OTR trucking companies, pay and benefits are crucial factors to consider. Indeed employee reviews show that some companies receive as low as 3.2/5 stars with 974 reviews.
Drivers appreciate competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, which is why companies like Schneider, J.B. Hunt, and Crete Carrier Corporation stand out. They offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to their drivers.
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Understanding pay structures is key to maximizing earnings, with rates ranging from $0.40 to $0.60 per mile. Solo drivers typically earn salaries towards the lower-middle end of the pay spectrum.
Some companies offer a guaranteed minimum weekly paycheck, while others may offer bonuses for safety, fuel efficiency, or on-time delivery. By understanding these pay structures, drivers can choose the best company for their needs.
Drivers should also consider the type of cargo they will be hauling, as some companies may offer higher pay for specialized freight. Researching a trucking company’s pay scale, benefits, and home time can help drivers make an informed decision.
Health insurance, paid time off, life insurance, a flexible schedule, a fuel card, and other perks are essential benefits to look for in a company. As you compare more job listings, you will get a better understanding of which offers you need from an employer.
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Company Culture and Job Security

Finding a company with a strong culture and values is crucial, and it's not just about feeling good - it can actually impact your job security. Research the company's reputation and reviews from current and former employees to get a sense of the work environment.
A company's approach to safety, customer service, and driver satisfaction is a good indicator of their culture. Some trucking companies emphasize a 'family' atmosphere, treating employees like family members, which can contribute to a supportive and stable work environment.
Job security is a top concern for many drivers, and it's essential to research a company's financial stability and job security. Companies with a strong track record of stability and growth are more likely to offer long-term job security.
Choosing a company with a strong culture and a history of stability can provide peace of mind, especially during fluctuating market conditions. A company's commitment to supporting its drivers and employees during challenging times is a good indicator of its overall stability.
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Choosing the Right Company
Researching a trucking company's pay scale, benefits, and home time can help drivers make an informed decision. Companies like Schneider, J.B. Hunt, and Crete Carrier Corporation are renowned for offering competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to their drivers.
Drivers should consider the type of cargo they will be hauling, as some companies may offer higher pay for specialized freight. It's also crucial to look into the company's safety record and the quality of their equipment to ensure they are working with a reputable and reliable carrier.
Online reviews, such as those on Indeed, can provide valuable insights into a company's reputation. For example, Indeed employee reviews for some OTR trucking companies average 3.2/5 stars with 974 reviews.
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Choosing the Right Company
Research is key when choosing the right OTR trucking company. Consider online reviews to get a sense of the company's reputation and treatment of drivers.
Companies like Schneider, J.B. Hunt, and Crete Carrier Corporation are renowned for offering competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. They prioritize driver satisfaction and well-being.

Look into the company's safety record and the quality of their equipment to ensure they are working with a reputable and reliable carrier. This can be a crucial factor in your decision.
Drivers should also consider the type of cargo they will be hauling, as some companies may offer higher pay for specialized freight. This can be a great way to earn more money.
The interview process is also an opportunity to ask questions that align with your priorities. If you prioritize flexibility, ask about paid days off and vacation. If you want to earn more money, ask about bonuses and career advancement opportunities.
Indeed employee reviews can provide valuable insights into a company's culture and treatment of drivers. The best OTR companies to work for have great reviews from employees and are committed to the well-being of their drivers.
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Best Truck Driving Jobs for New Drivers
Companies like Roehl Transport and Schneider offer excellent training programs for new drivers. These programs provide the support and resources new drivers need to succeed.
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Finding a company with a strong focus on safety is crucial for new drivers. Companies like Roehl Transport and Schneider have a strong focus on safety.
New drivers should also consider the type of cargo they will be hauling and the routes they will be taking. Some companies offer more home time or flexible scheduling, which can be beneficial for new drivers.
Looking into a company's equipment quality and maintenance record is also important. A reliable carrier can make all the difference for new drivers.
By doing thorough research and comparing different companies, new drivers can find the best truck driving job that meets their needs and preferences.
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Understanding Pay and Hours
Truck drivers are typically paid per mile, with rates ranging from $0.40 to $0.60 per mile.
Understanding pay structures is crucial to choosing the best company for your needs. Some companies offer a guaranteed minimum weekly paycheck, while others may offer bonuses for safety, fuel efficiency, or on-time delivery.
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To maximize earnings, drivers should avoid deadheading and track detention time, which can add up quickly and eat into earnings. Use a mobile app or logbook to record detention time and submit it to your dispatcher for reimbursement.
Detention time can be a significant factor in a driver's earnings, so it's essential to keep accurate records.
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Understanding Pay Structures
Truck drivers are typically paid per mile, with rates ranging from $0.40 to $0.60 per mile. This pay structure can vary depending on the company and the driver's experience.
Some companies offer a guaranteed minimum weekly paycheck, while others may offer bonuses for safety, fuel efficiency, or on-time delivery. This can impact a driver's take-home pay and overall earnings.
Understanding these pay structures can help drivers choose the best company for their needs. By doing so, they can maximize their earnings and achieve a better work-life balance.
Solo drivers typically earn salaries towards the lower-middle end of the pay spectrum. This is worth considering when choosing a company to drive for.
By understanding pay structures, avoiding deadheading, and tracking detention time, truck drivers can take control of their finances and make informed decisions about their careers.
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Hours of Service

As a driver, you're likely aware that Hours of Service (H.O.S.) can vary greatly depending on your carrier and route. H.O.S. refers to the rules governing how long you can drive without rest.
Some carriers, like Prime, have dispatchers who prefer to keep solo trucks in the eastern half of the country, occasionally sending them west as far as Denver.
You can try working with a different carrier, like H.O.Wolding, which has freight going west, but be aware that switching carriers may not immediately result in more western routes.
As a solo driver, you might find yourself doing short runs, like the 4 single day runs and 1 three day run mentioned in the article, which can add up to a lot of miles, such as 3300 total miles dispatched.
To track detention time, which can eat into your earnings, use a mobile app or logbook to record the time spent waiting, and submit this information to your dispatcher for reimbursement.
If you're teaming, you may have more opportunities to drive long loads and see multiple states and time zones, like the driver who visited 44 of the 48 mainland states.
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Best Workplace and Jobs

If you're looking for a great workplace and job, consider these top paying OTR trucking companies that combine competitive pay and driver satisfaction. Many truck drivers filter the top paying jobs and come across these companies.
These companies have great reviews from employees and are committed to the well-being of their drivers. If you like reading online reviews as a part of your research process, you’ll probably like these companies.
Competitive pay is just one aspect of these companies, they also prioritize driver satisfaction.
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What to Consider
When evaluating potential employers for OTR trucking jobs, consider the company's pay and benefits. Compensation should be a top priority, so compare base salary, bonuses, and benefits, including health insurance, 401k, and paid time off. Some companies offer very competitive pay with sign-on bonuses, while others lag behind industry standards.
A modern, comfortable tractor-trailer with the latest amenities can make life better on the road. Look for a carrier's truck maintenance programs and replacement schedules, as newer fleets signal better equipment.

The routes, customers, and types of freight you haul impact earning potential as well as quality of life. Analyze lane maps and client lists to get a sense of the company's freight and lanes.
For OTR drivers, home time is invaluable. Typical schedules offer between one to two days at home per week, but this varies widely across carriers.
Carriers with decades in business and solid financials are generally the most stable. This translates to steady freight volumes and reliable paychecks. Avoid shaky companies.
To get a better sense of a company's safety culture, look for initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to keeping drivers safe, like safety bonuses, ongoing training sessions, and health and wellness programs.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating potential employers for OTR trucking jobs:
- Pay and benefits
- Equipment and maintenance
- Freight and lanes
- Home time
- Company stability
- Safety culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being an otr worth it?
Being an OTR driver can be a lucrative career, with some drivers earning upwards of several thousand dollars per week. However, it's essential to consider the demands of the job and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision
Sources
- https://ratings.freightwaves.com/best-otr-trucking-companies/
- https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/10-best-trucking-companies-to-work-for-high-paying-options/
- https://www.empwrtrucking.com/trucking-industry/the-best-otr-trucking-companies/
- https://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-22714/Page-1/companies-that-offer-true-otr-driving
- https://www.cdljobs.com/company-profiles
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