Experienced truckers and newly-minted CDL holders are more likely to enjoy prosperous careers by working for a good organization. What makes one trucking outfit “better” than another remains a matter of opinion. But high salaries, perks, and favorable working conditions rank among the top truck driver values. Recent surveys indicate the following are considered among the best trucking companies.
- GP Transco: With a reported average base salary of $84,000 and truckers routinely exceeding $90,000, this organization rivals the pay over at Walmart. Headquartered in Joliet, Illinois, the operation has earned wide-reaching awards since being founded more than a decade-and-a-half ago. Perhaps the most telling comes from a non-trucking sector nod. The Chicago Tribune named GP Transco one of the “Best Work Places” in 2021.
- Barr-Nunn Transportation: Committed to hiring only experienced truckers with exemplary safety records, Barr-Nunn offers “truck drivers higher pay, substantial paid time off, good benefits, access to unrivaled safety-based compensation, newer trucks and equipment, top-notch 24/7 support, and the respect they deserve.” Their rates reportedly include $0.71 for top, regional north fleet, $0.06 additional per mile for solo and team drivers, and a top rate of $0.89 to $0.92 per mile for tandems.
- Walmart Fleet: The average trucker at Walmart puts in 5.5 days and earns more than $86,000 annually. The big-box operation routinely raises pay scales, adds incentives, and has been instrumental in pulling truck driver pays up in recent years. Along with returning home at least once weekly, Walmart offers drivers benefits that include medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, and a 401(k) enrollment option.
- Epes Transport: Several merges resulted in Epes growing to one of the larger South and Southeast carriers in recent years. Their benefits package rivals that of Walmart and goes further to offer spouse support resources for OTR truckers. Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, the average salary runs upwards of $84,000, and Epes continues to present excellent opportunities for truckers in the mid-Atlantic region.
- United Parcel Service: Although only offering industry average salaries in the $58,000 range, UPS presents unique opportunities for hard-working people trying to break into the sector. It’s possible to work in a loading and sorting facility and secure a promotion to a behind-the-wheel position. This can prove invaluable for newly-minted CDL holders in terms of garnering experience. The downside to working at UPS stems from challenging delivery expectations and stress. However, it does rank among the best places to get first-year experience.
- Anderson Trucking Service: Offering a mix of flatbed, vans, heavy haul, specialized haul, and owner-operator relationships, Anderson pays its in-house truckers an average of $80,000. Owner-operators can anticipate annual salaries upwards of $180,000 for pulling loads full-time. But perhaps the best thing about Anderson involves the organization’s willingness to train upstart truckers.
The best trucking outfit to work for remains a subjective concept. Other preferred trucking companies include Hogan Transportation, Mercer Transportation, Grand Island Express, Artur Express Inc, and Brady Trucking. If you are considering a good-paying job as a truck driver, it’s essential to speak with a professional about available opportunities.
Sources: smart-trucking.com, truckdriverssalary.com
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