The best Class A truck driving jobs in 2026 pay between $74,000 and $275,000 per year depending on experience, route type, and whether you drive as a company driver or owner-operator. Companies like GP Transco, Real Trucking, and FedEx stand out for pay, support, and benefits. This guide breaks down seven top employers for Class A CDL holders and what to look for before you sign.
Key Takeaways
- GP Transco is the third highest-paying trucking company in the country, with salaries ranging from $85,000 to $95,000 per year.
- Real Trucking pays $95,000 to $105,000 per year and is recognized as one of the safest carriers in North America.
- Owner-operators at Exxact Express can earn $200,000 to $275,000 per year, making it the highest-paying option on this list for experienced independent drivers.
- FedEx is the strongest option for new Class A drivers, offering tuition reimbursement and salaries up to $135,000 per year.
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7 Best Class A Truck Driving Jobs
A driver shortage has pushed most trucking companies to actively recruit Class A CDL holders. Here are seven of the top employers to consider once you have your license.
| Company | Salary Range | Min. Experience | Home Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP Transco | $85,000–$95,000/yr | 12 months | 1 day per week out | Driving-only, dedicated routes |
| Fraley & Schilling | ~$77,000/yr | 6 months | Most weekends | Home time and steady pay |
| Gulf Winds International | ~$74,164/yr | 1 year (last 5 yrs) | Daily (local routes) | Drayage and local freight |
| Exxact Express | $200,000–$275,000/yr | 12 months (last 36 mos) | Varies by route | Owner-operators, high earnings |
| Holland Enterprises | $75,000–$102,000/yr | 2 years | Every 3+ weeks | OTR, new equipment, retirement benefits |
| Real Trucking | $95,000–$105,000/yr | 1 year | Not specified | Safety culture, dispatcher support |
| FedEx | $91,000–$135,000/yr | 1 year | Varies by route | New drivers, structured training |
GP Transco
GP Transco operates routes across the U.S. and Canada and ranks as the third highest-paying trucking company in the country. Drivers handle only the driving. There is no loading or unloading freight, which makes this a strong choice for anyone who wants to stay in the cab and on the road.
GP Transco Pros & Cons
Pros
- No driver load or unload
- Dedicated routes
- Performance reviews every six months with possible pay increases
- One day home for every week out
Cons
- No lease program available
- On the road for two weeks at a time
GP Transco Requirements
Experience: 12 months of tractor-trailer experience in the last 10 years. No air brake, night driving, semi-trailer, or intrastate-only restrictions
Training: Must be trained to work with a 53-foot trailer
Best for: Driving-only focus and dedicated routes
Salary range: $85,000–$95,000 per year
Fraley & Schilling
Fraley & Schilling has built a reputation as an industry leader for home time. The orientation process stands out: drivers get catered meals, rental cars, hands-on securement training, and $100 per day orientation pay. If consistent weekly pay and strong 24/7 support matter to you, this company is worth a close look.
Fraley & Schilling Pros & Cons
Pros
- Paid time off
- Regular pay increases
- Lease purchase program
- Referral program
Cons
- Late-model equipment on some routes
- Some dispatchers are less experienced
Fraley & Schilling Requirements
Experience: Six months of driving experience; securement training required for flatbed driving
Endorsement: Tank vehicle endorsement required
Best for: Home time, steady pay, and a supportive orientation experience
Salary range: $77,000 per year
Gulf Winds International
Gulf Winds International is a recognized global leader in drayage shipments and consistently ranks as a top place to work. The company invests heavily in keeping its equipment updated and offers consistent freight for both local and OTR drivers year-round.
Gulf Winds International Pros & Cons
Pros
- Consistent year-round freight
- Local driving options available
- 24/7 dispatch
- Updated equipment
Cons
- Lower pay than some national carriers
- Some drivers report communication issues with dispatch
Gulf Winds International Requirements
Experience: One year of verifiable tractor-trailer experience within the past five years; no more than two moving violations or two preventable accidents within the past two years
Training: Heavy and tractor-trailer training required
Best for: Drayage drivers who want consistent local freight, updated equipment, and round-the-clock dispatch support
Salary range: $74,164 per year
Pro tip: Before committing to any carrier, check their safety rating on the FMCSA Safety Measurement System. A clean safety record often reflects how well a company maintains its equipment and treats its drivers.
Exxact Express
Exxact Express partners with owner-operators and dispatchers who have worked as owner-operators themselves. That background gives the team a genuine understanding of what independent drivers need. If you’re running your own operation, the pay ceiling here is the highest on this list, with top earners bringing in over $275,000 per year.
Exxact Express Pros & Cons
Pros
- 401(k)
- Paid vacations
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Pay starting at up to $0.50 per mile
Cons
- Unsteady schedule for some routes
Exxact Express Requirements
Experience: 12 months of verifiable experience within the last 36 months
Requirements: Must be 23 years of age with current medical certificate required; no more than three employers in the past 12 months, and no more than one serious moving violation in the last 36 months
Best for: Owner-operators who want dispatcher support and a strong earnings ceiling
Salary range: $200,000–$275,000 per year
Holland Enterprises
Holland Enterprises is built for drivers who are comfortable on long hauls and don’t need to be home every week. Trucks are less than three years old and equipped with refrigerators, freezers, satellite TV, radio service, and other comfort features. The company’s 401(k) with 75% match up to 6% of compensation is one of the better retirement packages in the industry.
Holland Enterprises Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full medical benefits paid by the company after two years
- No-touch freight
- 401(k) with 75% company match up to 6% of compensation
- Trucks less than three years old
Cons
- Difficult to get time off
- Must be out for a minimum of three weeks at a time
Holland Enterprises Requirements
Experience: Minimum two years of tractor-trailer experience
Requirements: Must be 23 years of age, and drivers must be available to stay out for a minimum of three weeks at a time
Best for: OTR drivers who want new equipment, no-touch freight, and strong retirement benefits
Salary range: $75,000–$102,000 per year
Real Trucking
Real Trucking stands out for how seriously it treats driver support. Dispatchers are experienced professionals who work weekends, so drivers are never left without backup during difficult situations on the road. The company is also recognized as one of the safest carriers in North America, with consistent loads and direct deposit pay.
Real Trucking Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sign-up and referral bonuses
- Recognized as one of the safest carriers in North America
- Consistent loads
- Direct deposit
- 24/7 professional dispatcher support, including weekends
Cons
- Some older tractors in the fleet
Real Trucking Requirements
Experience: One year of verifiable tractor-trailer experience
Requirements: Must be 23 years of age and have been active as a driver within the past six months; no accidents within three years and no DUI or criminal record
Best for: Reliable dispatcher support and a strong safety culture
Salary range: $95,000–$105,000 per year
FedEx
FedEx offers one of the best entry points for newer Class A drivers through its Driver Apprentice program, which trains drivers to become skilled combination tractor-trailer operators. The pay ceiling of $135,000 per year is among the highest for company drivers on this list, and benefits like tuition reimbursement and stock options add long-term value beyond base pay.
FedEx Pros & Cons
Pros
- Monthly incentives
- Stock options
- Annual bonuses
- Tuition reimbursement
- Structured apprentice program for new drivers
Cons
- Seasonal volume increases are intense
- Varying routes with less predictability
- Can feel impersonal at a company this large
FedEx Requirements
Experience: One year of experience driving a commercial vehicle in the U.S.
Requirements: Clean license with double/triple endorsement required; must pass a criminal background check, physical, and drug screening
Best for: New Class A drivers who want structured training, strong benefits, and room to grow
Salary range: $91,000–$135,000 per year
What Is a Class A Truck Driving Job?
A Class A truck driving job is a position that requires a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Class A CDL holders can drive and tow vehicles with a combined gross weight rating (CGWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. This covers the heaviest and most complex commercial vehicles on the road.
What Vehicles Require a Class A CDL?
Class A CDL holders can legally operate a broader range of vehicles than any other license class. The most common include:
- Tractor-trailers: The most common Class A vehicle, used for long-haul freight across the country
- Flatbeds: Open trailers used to transport oversized or irregularly shaped loads like machinery and lumber
- Tank vehicles: Used to haul liquid or gas cargo, often requiring a tanker endorsement
- Livestock carriers: Specialized trailers for transporting live animals
- Truck and trailer combinations: Any combination rig that meets the Class A weight threshold
How To Find the Right Class A Trucking Job
Here are the key factors to evaluate before you commit.
Pay Structure
Most Class A drivers are paid on a cents-per-mile structure. Regional drivers typically earn $0.37–$0.55 per mile, OTR drivers earn $0.44–$0.55 per mile, and dedicated route drivers can earn $0.58–$0.78 per mile. Some companies with in-state routes pay hourly, which includes tasks like loading, unloading, and customer interaction, creating overtime potential. Carriers hauling refrigerated or hazardous materials often pay a premium above standard rates.
Benefits
Most full-time Class A positions include health care, paid vacation, retirement plans, and life insurance. Not every company covers the full cost, though. If you have a family to add to your plan, verify that your current prescriptions and any specialists you see regularly are covered before accepting an offer.
Safety
Ask about the age of the fleet, available safety technology, and what personal protective equipment the company supplies. Newer trucks typically include collision warning systems, driver alert systems, and rear-view cameras. Drivers hauling hazardous materials or doing physical freight work should expect cut-proof gloves, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility vests at minimum. You can also check any carrier’s safety record directly through the FMCSA Safety Measurement System.
Home Time
Some companies advertise weekly home time but put newer drivers on the road for two to three weeks at a stretch. Senior drivers typically get first pick of schedules, so ask specifically how home time is assigned for drivers at your experience level. If you have family obligations or custody agreements, get the home time policy in writing before you sign.
Equipment
You spend a lot of time in your cab. Trucks with sleeper cabs should come with a bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and climate control at minimum. A hands-free mount for your electronic logging device (ELD) and a quality seat cover are small details that matter over long hauls. Ask what year the trucks are and whether the company has an equipment replacement schedule.
Dispatcher Support
24/7 dispatcher availability is a non-negotiable for OTR drivers. Companies that are understaffed on dispatch leave drivers without help during breakdowns and other road emergencies. The best way to gauge this is to ask current drivers directly or search driver forums before accepting any offer.
Pro tip: Search a company’s DOT number on the FMCSA SAFER system before applying. You’ll see their crash history, inspection results, and out-of-service rates, which tells you a lot about how they operate before you ever talk to a recruiter.
FAQ
What is the highest paying Class A truck driving job?
Owner-operators consistently earn the most. According to industry data, owner-operators can earn $200,000 or more per year depending on miles run, freight type, and operating costs. Among company drivers, positions hauling hazardous materials or specialized freight tend to pay the most.
Can I make $100,000 driving a truck?
Yes. Several companies on this list pay company drivers $95,000 or more per year. Real Trucking pays $95,000–$105,000, FedEx pays up to $135,000, and GP Transco pays up to $95,000. Owner-operators can reach $100,000 faster, but company drivers typically get there with a few years of experience and a strong safety record.
Why do team truck drivers make more money?
A team of two drivers can cover significantly more miles in a shorter time frame because one driver rests while the other drives. Freight delivered faster can command a higher rate from shippers, and carriers pass a portion of that premium along to the team.
What experience do I need for a Class A truck driving job?
Most companies require at least six to 12 months of verifiable tractor-trailer experience. Some, like Holland Enterprises, require two years. FedEx and Fraley & Schilling are more accessible for newer drivers, with lower experience thresholds and structured training programs. If you still need your CDL, Roehl Transport offers a CDL training program that can get you on the road.
What is the best trucking company for home time?
Fraley & Schilling is widely recognized as an industry leader for home time among Class A carriers. GP Transco also has a structured policy of one day home for every week out. For local or regional drivers, Gulf Winds International offers consistent local freight that keeps drivers closer to home.
Do Class A truck drivers need endorsements?
It depends on what you haul. A standard Class A CDL covers tractor-trailers and most combination vehicles. Hauling liquid or gas cargo requires a tanker endorsement. Transporting hazardous materials requires a HAZMAT endorsement, which involves a TSA background check. Some companies, like Fraley & Schilling, require a tank vehicle endorsement as a condition of hire.
