Best Trucking Companies by State
Not all carriers are created equal — and the best company for you depends on where you live and drive. We ranked the top 8-10 trucking companies in every state based on local presence, pay rates, hiring activity, and freight relevance.
How We Rank
Our rankings are state-specific, not a one-size-fits-all national list. We evaluate carriers on local terminal presence, pay competitiveness relative to state averages, freight relevance to state industries, and driver satisfaction. A company headquartered in your state often has an edge because they offer more positions and better route assignments.
Select Your State
Alabama
9 ranked companies
Alaska
8 ranked companies
Arizona
10 ranked companies
Arkansas
9 ranked companies
California
10 ranked companies
Colorado
9 ranked companies
Connecticut
8 ranked companies
Delaware
8 ranked companies
Florida
10 ranked companies
Georgia
10 ranked companies
Hawaii
8 ranked companies
Idaho
8 ranked companies
Illinois
10 ranked companies
Indiana
9 ranked companies
Iowa
9 ranked companies
Kansas
8 ranked companies
Kentucky
9 ranked companies
Louisiana
9 ranked companies
Maine
8 ranked companies
Maryland
9 ranked companies
Massachusetts
9 ranked companies
Michigan
9 ranked companies
Minnesota
9 ranked companies
Mississippi
8 ranked companies
Missouri
9 ranked companies
Montana
8 ranked companies
Nebraska
8 ranked companies
Nevada
8 ranked companies
New Hampshire
8 ranked companies
New Jersey
10 ranked companies
New Mexico
8 ranked companies
New York
10 ranked companies
North Carolina
9 ranked companies
North Dakota
8 ranked companies
Ohio
10 ranked companies
Oklahoma
8 ranked companies
Oregon
8 ranked companies
Pennsylvania
10 ranked companies
Rhode Island
8 ranked companies
South Carolina
9 ranked companies
South Dakota
8 ranked companies
Tennessee
10 ranked companies
Texas
10 ranked companies
Utah
8 ranked companies
Vermont
8 ranked companies
Virginia
9 ranked companies
Washington
9 ranked companies
West Virginia
8 ranked companies
Wisconsin
9 ranked companies
Wyoming
8 ranked companies
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the best trucking companies in each state determined?
Our rankings consider several factors: whether a company is headquartered or has major terminal operations in the state, their pay rates relative to the local market, hiring volume, driver satisfaction ratings, benefits packages, and how well their freight lanes match the state's industry profile. Companies with a strong local presence consistently rank higher because they offer more positions and better route familiarity.
Do these rankings change from state to state?
Yes — rankings are genuinely different for each state. A company that ranks #1 in one state may not even appear in another state's top 10. For example, Groendyke Transport ranks highly in oil-producing states like Texas and Oklahoma but doesn't appear in Northeast rankings. Similarly, LTL carriers like Old Dominion rank higher in states with dense manufacturing and distribution networks.
Should I choose a trucking company based on where they are headquartered?
Not necessarily, but it can help. Companies headquartered in your state often offer more positions, better terminal access, and sometimes home-state advantages for route assignments. However, national carriers like Schneider, Knight-Swift, and Werner operate everywhere, so the best choice depends on your preferred driving type (OTR, regional, local), equipment preference, and home time needs.
What is the difference between mega-carriers and regional carriers?
Mega-carriers (Knight-Swift, Werner, Schneider, J.B. Hunt) operate 5,000+ trucks nationwide and offer the most positions, training programs, and route variety. Regional carriers focus on specific areas and often provide better home time and route consistency. Both have advantages — mega-carriers are easier to get hired at with less experience, while regional carriers often have higher driver satisfaction and better pay for experienced drivers.
How much do trucking companies pay in different states?
Pay varies significantly by state due to cost of living, freight demand, and competition for drivers. Northeast states (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts) typically pay the highest, with LTL drivers earning $80,000-$100,000+. Midwest and Southern states pay less in absolute terms but offer lower cost of living. States with oil and gas industries (Texas, North Dakota, Oklahoma) pay premium rates for tanker and HazMat drivers.
Ready to Apply?
Once you have found the right company, submit your application and start your trucking career.