Best Trucking Companies in North Carolina
9 top-ranked carriers hiring in North Carolina. Compare pay, hiring status, and find the right fit for your driving career.
North Carolina Trucking Market Overview
North Carolina is home to Old Dominion Freight Line, the nation's top-rated LTL carrier, making it ground zero for premium LTL driving careers. The Charlotte metro area is a major financial and distribution hub, while the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) drives biotech and tech logistics. I-85 and I-40 corridors carry heavy freight volume, and the state's growing population fuels constant demand for retail distribution and last-mile delivery.
Top 9 Companies in North Carolina
Old Dominion is headquartered in Thomasville, NC, and their home-state operations offer drivers the best LTL positions in the Southeast.
SEFL has strong North Carolina terminal coverage with reliable regional LTL routes and excellent company culture.
FedEx Freight's NC terminals serve the Research Triangle and Charlotte metro with priority and economy LTL positions.
Estes, headquartered in nearby Virginia, has extensive NC coverage with ESOP benefits and dock-to-driver opportunities.
Averitt's Southeast focus means NC drivers get strong regional coverage with a family-oriented company culture.
Schneider runs dedicated accounts for NC's growing automotive and biotech manufacturing sectors.
Saia's growing NC terminal network serves the state's fast-expanding logistics sector with competitive LTL positions.
Walmart operates multiple distribution centers in NC and their private fleet pays top-tier wages for experienced drivers.
Knight-Swift covers NC's I-85 and I-40 corridors with a wide range of OTR and regional positions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in North Carolina
What is the best trucking company to work for in North Carolina?
Based on our 2026 rankings, Old Dominion Freight Line ranks #1 in North Carolina with an average pay of $78,000 per year. They earned the top spot because old dominion is headquartered in thomasville, nc, and their home-state operations offer drivers the best ltl positions in the southeast. The best choice for you depends on your experience level, preferred driving type, and home time needs.
How much do truck drivers make in North Carolina?
Pay varies by carrier and position type. Among the top companies in North Carolina, average pay ranges from $63,000 to $78,000 per year for company drivers. Owner-operators and specialized drivers (tanker, HazMat) can earn significantly more. The state's top industries — LTL Freight (ODFL HQ), Financial Services Logistics, Biotech & Pharma — influence which types of driving pay the most.
Which trucking companies are hiring in North Carolina right now?
As of 2026, Old Dominion Freight Line, Knight-Swift Transportation are all actively hiring in North Carolina. 6 additional companies are also hiring at a steady pace. Companies marked as "Selective" are hiring but have stricter experience requirements.