
If you're considering a career as a truck driver, it's essential to choose a reputable company to work for. Companies like J.B. Hunt Transport Services, with over 20,000 trucks on the road, offer a wide range of routes and opportunities for advancement.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a trucking company is pay and benefits. Swift Transportation, for example, offers competitive pay and benefits packages, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Another factor to consider is home time. Companies like Schneider National offer flexible home time options, allowing drivers to spend more time with their families.
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Choosing a Trucking Company
Choosing the right trucking company is crucial, especially for new drivers seeking to build a successful and lasting career.
You'll want to thoroughly research potential employers to avoid feeling underpaid, overworked, or in unsafe situations. Consider your priorities, such as whether you want more home time or are comfortable with long hauls, and what your target salary is.
Aligning with a company that offers strong support, comprehensive training, reliable benefits, work-life balance, and quality equipment is essential for long-term success and satisfaction in the industry.
Choosing the Right Company

Choosing the right trucking company is crucial for a successful and lasting career. You want to work for a company that offers strong support, comprehensive training, and reliable benefits.
Research is key to finding the best fit. Consider your priorities: do you want more home time or are you comfortable with long hauls? What's your target salary? Are you open to cross-country routes or would you prefer to stay local?
A good trucking company should align with your career goals, values, and lifestyle preferences. You can find companies that offer flexible schedules, mentorship opportunities, and fantastic benefits.
Some companies have strict restrictions on passenger count and age, while others offer more robust possibilities for family members to accompany you on your hauls. You can choose between many different trucking companies looking to hire you.
A family-owned company like Midwest Carriers makes its drivers feel like family. They put drivers' best interests first and offer a straightforward guaranteed pay program.
You can also consider partnering with a third-party logistics provider like Total Quality Logistics (TQL). They have deep connections with trucking networks across the country and offer access to a consistent stream of loads.
Choosing a Trucking Company
Werner Enterprises offers a Passenger Permit, which allows family members over 10 to ride in the passenger seat, or non-family members above 18.
Safety is a top priority for Werner, with one of the newest fleets in the industry and excellent training for new drivers, including a CDL training program.
J.B. Hunt has a relatively flexible rider policy, allowing immediate family members and friends over 12 to ride along with the driver.
Covenant Transport emphasizes team driving, particularly for long-haul routes, making it an excellent choice for drivers who prefer to work in pairs.
Stevens Transport has an extensive training academy, offering a good starting point for rookies, and prioritizes modern equipment to ensure drivers have the tools they need to succeed.
Schneider offers many services, including dedicated, intermodal, tanker, and owner-operator opportunities, with a strong emphasis on safety and extensive training programs.
TMC Transportation allows family members of the age of 12 to ride along with the driver, and provides spacious and well-equipped trucks to its drivers.

Central Transport specializes in LTL freight across North America, with a focus on punctual deliveries and providing drivers with consistent schedules.
Knight-Swift offers full-truckload motor shipping services, with a modern fleet and use of technology to support drivers.
CRST International is a long-haul specialist, offering opportunities mainly in team driving, with an extensive training program and comprehensive benefits package.
Trimac Transportation specializes in bulk tank trucking, with a commitment to safety and rigorous training programs, and a supportive work environment.
R+L Carriers offers a range of domestic and international shipping solutions, with opportunities for both short and long-haul routes, and a family-owned culture.
Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) specializes in heavy haul and specialized transportation, with a broad fleet and specialized trailers and equipment.
Landstar System operates primarily with owner-operators, providing them with resources and independence, and offers competitive pay percentages and fuel surcharge programs.
Groendyke Transport is a dominant player in the tanker trucking segment, with a commitment to safety and reliability, and specialized training for drivers.
Benefits and Pay

At good trucking companies, you can expect a more personal approach to being a driver. Midwest Carriers is a family-owned company that treats its drivers like family.
Drivers are given a name, not a truck number, and are put first. This means you'll be treated with respect and care, not just as a number.
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Application and Evaluation
To find a good trucking company to drive for, you'll need to navigate the application process. This can be a long and confusing process, but don't worry, there are resources available to help.
First, explore online job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms to identify companies actively hiring. Networking with current or former truck drivers, industry professionals, or local trucking associations can provide valuable insider recommendations on good trucking companies to work for.
To increase your chances of getting hired, make sure to tailor each application to showcase your skills, experience, and education. Align your qualifications with the needs of the company to stand out from the competition.
The best truck driving companies for new drivers prioritize candidates with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record. They also value candidates who have completed a truck driving training program or have relevant work experience.
Here are the key steps to follow:
- Find trucking companies hiring new drivers
- Review the job requirements
- Craft and submit your application
- Ace the interview
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to securing a role with a reputable trucking company.
Application Process Navigation
Navigating the application process can be a daunting task, but don't worry, we've got you covered. The first step is to find trucking companies hiring new drivers by exploring online job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms.
To increase your chances of getting hired, review the job requirements carefully. The best truck driving companies for new drivers prioritize candidates with a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record. This means avoiding applications that don't match your qualifications.
Crafting a strong application is crucial, so take the time to tailor each submission to showcase your skills, experience, and education. Align your qualifications with the needs of the company to stand out from the crowd.
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The interview is a two-way street, so use this opportunity to highlight your strengths while assessing if the company meets your professional and personal goals. Remember, the right company will value safety, respect your contributions, and offer a supportive environment.
Here's a quick rundown of the application process:
- Find trucking companies hiring new drivers
- Review the job requirements
- Craft and submit your application
- Ace the interview
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to securing a role with one of the best truck driving companies for new drivers.
Evaluation Criteria
Researching a company's reputation is crucial when evaluating potential employers. Look for industry awards and driver feedback to get a balanced view of the company. Don't just rely on praise, but also consider criticism to get a more accurate picture.
Talking to drivers is another great way to get firsthand experiences with a company. You can connect with them online, at truck stops, or through industry events to ask about their experiences.
Scouring social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X can also provide valuable insights into how drivers and customers feel about a company. This can give you a sense of the company's culture and values.

Recruiters can offer detailed information about compensation, benefits, and expectations, providing clarity beyond online research. They can answer specific questions and give you a better understanding of what to expect.
The best trucking companies for new drivers offer competitive pay structures, often by the mile, along with bonuses and comprehensive benefits packages. This includes health insurance and paid time off.
Consider a company's home time and work-life balance. A fair balance between work and personal life is essential to ensure you have time at home to recharge.
A company's equipment and technology can also impact your job satisfaction and safety. Look for companies that provide well-maintained, newer vehicles and advanced technology for communication, navigation, and load management.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a trucking company:
- Reputation: Industry awards and driver feedback
- Driver experiences: Talk to current and former drivers
- Social media: Driver and customer feedback
- Recruiter information: Compensation, benefits, and expectations
- Compensation and benefits: Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages
- Home time and work-life balance: Fair balance between work and personal life
- Equipment and technology: Well-maintained vehicles and advanced technology
Company Culture and Support
Choosing the right trucking company is crucial for new drivers seeking a successful and lasting career. Working for a company that offers strong support, comprehensive training, and quality equipment can make all the difference.

The best trucking companies for new drivers align with your career goals, values, and lifestyle preferences. This means considering your priorities, such as wanting more home time or being comfortable with long hauls, and what your target salary is.
Companies with well-established mentorship programs can provide valuable guidance from seasoned professionals, helping you avoid common mistakes and learn industry best practices. Having a mentor can make all the difference in your career.
Mentorship and Support Programs
Mentorship and support initiatives can make all the difference in a truck driving career. Having a mentor and support systems can help you learn from seasoned professionals and avoid common mistakes.
Some of the best trucking companies offer well-established mentorship programs, allowing you to learn directly from experienced drivers. These programs show a company's commitment to driver success and professional development.
Choosing a company with a mentorship program is crucial for new drivers, as it provides the guidance and support needed to grow and thrive in the career. Mentorship programs can also help you pursue advancement opportunities or specialize in specific areas, such as hazardous materials transport.
Support initiatives are also essential, providing additional resources to help drivers overcome challenges and achieve their goals. A company that offers these programs demonstrates its commitment to its drivers' success and well-being.
Preparing for Family-Friendly Companies
Researching potential employers is crucial to finding a family-friendly trucking company. Start by considering your priorities, such as your target salary and home time needs.
To make your family's experience with your new career go smoothly, it's essential to understand the company's policies on family-friendly hauls. Certain companies have different policies, and it's a good idea to research these beforehand.
Obtaining your CDL is the first step in starting your family-friendly career. This will give you the foundation you need to explore different companies and their policies.
A company's culture can make a big difference in how family-friendly they are. For example, Midwest Carriers makes its drivers feel like family, putting their best interests first.
Choosing the right employer is crucial, especially for new drivers seeking to build a successful and lasting career. Working for a company that offers strong support and quality equipment is essential for a happy and healthy work-life balance.
May

May Trucking is a company with a long-standing reputation in the industry, offering a sense of stability for drivers.
Decades of experience have given May Trucking a strong foundation in reliability and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paying truck driving company?
According to various sources, top-paying truck driving companies include Old Dominion Freight Line and Marten Transport, offering competitive salaries and benefits packages. If you're looking for a lucrative career in truck driving, these companies are worth exploring further.
Sources
- https://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/threads/what-are-recommended-companies-for-new-drivers.2494937/page-3
- https://www.dat.com/resources/guide-trucking-companies-new-drivers
- https://www.drivebigtrucks.com/blog/family-friendly-trucking-companies/
- https://strykerradios.com/trucking/trucking-companies/
- https://drivemidwest.com/2024/07/30/midwest-carriers-is-one-of-the-highest-paying-trucking-companies/
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