Estes Express Lines Driver Pay
Average — #15 of 40$58,000 - $90,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Estes Express Lines Pay Overview
As the largest privately held LTL carrier, Estes offers a unique ESOP benefit that gives drivers an ownership stake in the company. ESOP contributions are free — the company funds them based on profitability. Combined with competitive hourly and mileage pay, the ESOP makes Estes one of the best total compensation packages in LTL. Their dock-to-driver program is also a strong career path.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $24 - $27/hr |
| 1-3 years | $27 - $31/hr |
| 3-5 years | $31 - $35/hr |
| 5-10 years | $35 - $39/hr |
| 10+ years | $39 - $44/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| City P&D (LTL) | $24 - $40/hr |
| Linehaul (LTL) | $0.54 - $0.72/mi |
| Road Driver | $0.52 - $0.68/mi |
Pay by Job Type
Local (City P&D)
$58,000 - $88,000
per year
Regional (Linehaul)
$65,000 - $90,000
per year
Road Driver
$62,000 - $85,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $7,500 for experienced city and linehaul drivers
Safety Bonus
$1,000 - $2,500 annual safety bonus
Referral Bonus
$1,500 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Performance incentives available
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical PPO and HDHP options |
| Dental | Dental coverage included |
| Vision | Vision plan included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match + ESOP (employee stock ownership) |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Dock-to-driver CDL programs at select locations |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
City: Home daily | Linehaul: Home nightly | Road: 1-2 nights/week
Per Diem
Not applicable — most positions are home daily
How Estes Express Lines Pay Compares
Estes Express Lines ranks #15 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Estes Express Lines (this carrier) | $58,000 - $90,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Estes Express drivers make?
Estes Express drivers earn $58,000-$90,000 annually. City drivers earn $24-$44/hr, while linehaul drivers earn $0.54-$0.72/mi. With the ESOP and safety bonuses, total compensation can exceed base pay significantly.
What is the Estes ESOP?
Estes has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) where the company contributes shares to employee accounts at no cost to the driver. This builds an ownership stake over time and can result in a substantial retirement benefit — some long-tenured drivers have six-figure ESOP balances.
Does Estes have a dock-to-driver program?
Yes, Estes offers a dock-to-driver career path where dock workers can earn their CDL while employed. The company helps with CDL training costs and transitions dock employees into driving positions when they are ready.
Do Estes drivers go home daily?
City P&D drivers are home daily. Linehaul drivers typically run relay routes and return home the same night or next morning. Estes has over 250 terminals, keeping relay runs short. Road drivers may be out 1-2 nights per week.
Is Estes Express a good company to work for?
Estes is widely regarded as one of the better LTL employers. The ESOP, competitive pay, privately-held family culture (since 1931), and strong benefits make it a top choice. The company has expanded nationally while maintaining its driver-first culture.
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