Covenant Transport Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1986Chattanooga, TNFleet: 3,500+ trucks

Driver Rating

3.2/5 — Average

Annual Pay

$50,000 - $80,000

Solo CPM

$0.44 - $0.58 CPM

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (experienced drivers)

Driver Rating

3.2/5 — Average

Covenant Transport Overview

Covenant Transport, part of the Covenant Logistics Group, is a major truckload carrier based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 1986 by David Parker, the company has grown into a diversified transportation provider operating OTR, dedicated, and expedited divisions. Covenant Logistics Group is publicly traded and includes several subsidiaries beyond the Covenant Transport brand.

Covenant is particularly well-known for its team driving program, which pairs drivers for expedited, time-sensitive freight. Team drivers at Covenant can earn significantly more than solo drivers due to higher CPM rates and the ability to keep the truck moving around the clock. The company has also invested in refrigerated and dedicated divisions.

The company accepts recent CDL graduates and offers training programs, making it accessible to new drivers. Covenant's strong presence in the Southeast and Midwest means the best freight lanes tend to originate from or deliver to those regions. Driver satisfaction is mixed — team driving can be lucrative but also stressful, and solo drivers sometimes feel they take a back seat to team operations in terms of dispatch priority.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

$0.44 - $0.58 CPM

Team CPM

$0.56 - $0.72 CPM (split)

Annual Earnings

$50,000 - $80,000

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (experienced drivers)

Benefits Package

  • Medical, dental, vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid orientation and training
  • Weekly direct deposit pay
  • Team driving incentives
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner CascadiaKenworth T68053' dry van trailersRefrigerated trailers

Home Time Policy

Covenant OTR solo drivers get home every 2-3 weeks. Team drivers, because they run expedited freight, may be out for longer stretches — 3-4 weeks at a time is common. Regional positions offer weekly home time. Dedicated drivers have predictable schedules based on their customer account. Home time quality varies by division and assignment.

Training Program

Covenant Transport accepts recent CDL graduates and provides a training program that includes orientation, mentorship, and division-specific instruction. New drivers are typically paired with an experienced mentor for 4-6 weeks of over-the-road training. Covenant does not operate its own CDL school but partners with accredited schools and may offer tuition reimbursement.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

Recent graduates accepted with CDL-A

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Team driving program with strong CPM rates for drivers who want a team partner
  • Expedited division handles high-value, time-sensitive freight with premium pay
  • Accepts recent CDL graduates and provides training programs
  • Paid orientation covers travel and lodging expenses
  • Covenant Logistics Group's diversified operations provide stability

Cons

  • Solo driver pay is below average compared to other mega carriers of similar size
  • Team drivers report conflicts with assigned partners and limited choice in partner selection
  • Truck assignment quality can be inconsistent, with some drivers getting older units
  • Dispatch can be unreliable for solo drivers, particularly during slow freight periods

Best For

Covenant Transport is recommended for:

  • Drivers interested in team driving for higher pay
  • New CDL graduates in the Southeast
  • Drivers wanting expedited freight experience

Overall Driver Rating

3.2/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

Covenant Transport FAQs

How much do Covenant team drivers make?
Covenant team drivers earn $0.56 to $0.72 CPM split between two drivers. Because team trucks run nearly 24/7, annual earnings of $65,000 to $80,000+ per driver are achievable. Team driving at Covenant focuses on expedited and time-sensitive freight, which pays a premium. The highest-earning teams are those who consistently run and minimize downtime.
Does Covenant hire new CDL graduates?
Yes, Covenant Transport accepts recent CDL graduates and provides a training program. New drivers go through orientation and are paired with an experienced mentor for approximately 4-6 weeks. Covenant is one of the more accessible mega carriers for new drivers, though the starting solo pay ($0.44-$0.48 CPM) is on the lower end of the industry.
What is the difference between Covenant Transport and Covenant Logistics?
Covenant Logistics Group is the parent company that includes Covenant Transport (OTR and regional truckload), along with other subsidiaries handling dedicated services, warehousing, and freight brokerage. When you apply to drive for Covenant, you're applying to the Covenant Transport division under the Covenant Logistics Group umbrella.
Is team driving at Covenant worth it?
Team driving at Covenant can be financially rewarding, with annual earnings significantly higher than solo driving. However, sharing a truck cab 24/7 with another person is not for everyone. Common complaints include partner conflicts, difficulty sleeping while the truck is moving, and limited personal space. It works best for couples, friends, or highly compatible drivers who communicate well.
What kind of freight does Covenant haul?
Covenant primarily hauls dry van freight across OTR, regional, and dedicated lanes. Their expedited division handles time-sensitive, high-value freight that requires fast transit times. They also operate a refrigerated division for temperature-controlled freight. The majority of their freight corridors run through the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas markets.

More About Covenant Transport

Covenant Transport Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

Covenant Transport Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

Covenant Transport Jobs in Tennessee

Openings and hiring info by state

Covenant Transport Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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