The best OTR trucking companies for drivers offer competitive pay, reliable home time, modern equipment, and strong benefits. Roehl Transport, Prime Inc., and Schneider consistently rank among drivers’ top choices, with starting pay ranging from $0.45 to $0.65 per mile depending on experience and carrier.
Key Takeaways
- Roehl Transport is our top pick for pet-friendly policies and a strong overall driver experience.
- Prime Inc. stands out for benefits, including on-site health and wellness facilities and a paid CDL training program.
- Nussbaum Transportation has one of the lowest driver turnover rates in the industry.
- ABF Freight offers union-backed compensation with 100% company-paid health insurance and a fully funded pension.
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What Are OTR Trucking Companies?
Over-the-road (OTR) trucking companies specialize in long-haul transportation, moving freight across multiple states or the entire country. Unlike regional or local carriers, OTR jobs typically keep drivers on the road for one to four weeks at a time, covering routes that span 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week. These carriers are the backbone of the national supply chain, transporting raw materials, consumer goods, and industrial equipment.
Best OTR Trucking Companies for Driver Jobs
Our eight best carriers to work for stand out for pay, benefits, equipment, and driver satisfaction. Each has been evaluated based on third-party driver reviews, compensation structure, and carrier reputation.
| Company | Best For | Indeed Rating Out of 5 | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roehl Transport | Pet-friendly policies | 3.2 (1,000+ reviews) | 1962 |
| Prime Inc. | Benefits | 3.7 (1,800+ reviews) | 1970 |
| Nussbaum Transportation | Low driver turnover | 4.6 (90 reviews) | 1945 |
| TMC Transportation | Modern equipment | 3.5 (900+ reviews) | 1972 |
| Schneider | New CDL drivers | 3.4 (5,000+ reviews) | 1935 |
| Maverick Transportation | Paid CDL training | 3.8 (450+ reviews) | 1980 |
| ABF Freight | High compensation | 3.5 (750+ reviews) | 1923 |
| Old Dominion Freight Line | Experienced drivers | 3.6 (1,800+ reviews) | 1934 |
Roehl Transport
Roehl Transport has built a strong reputation among OTR drivers for its safety-first culture, honest management, and driver-friendly policies. Founded in Marshfield, Wisconsin in 1962, the company earns consistently solid marks on Glassdoor and Indeed for professionalism and driver support. Roehl’s passenger and pet program lets drivers bring a companion on the road. For drivers who spend weeks at a time away from home, that matters.
Roehl Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pet and passenger policy for OTR drivers
- Strong safety culture with ongoing training
- Multiple carrier types including flatbed and refrigerated
- Nationwide coverage with dedicated lanes
Cons
- Indeed rating is below some competitors
- Smaller fleet than national mega-carriers
Roehl Transport Details
Established: 1962
Location: Marshfield, Wisconsin
Carrier types: Dry van, flatbed, specialized/over-dimensional, refrigerated and temperature-controlled
Services: Dedicated, nationwide coverage, curtainside
Best for: Drivers who want to bring a pet or passenger on OTR runs
Prime Inc.
Based in Springfield, Missouri, Prime Inc. has operated since 1970 and grown to over 2,000 employees. Prime is well-regarded for its benefits package, which includes access to an on-site gym, healthcare facilities, and a paid CDL training program. The company runs refrigerated, flatbed, and tanker freight, with over-the-road, dedicated, expedited, and regional options available.
Prime Inc. Pros & Cons
Pros
- Paid CDL training for new drivers
- On-site gym and healthcare facilities
- Multiple freight types and service options
Cons
- Large company feel may not suit all drivers
- Training program comes with a driving commitment period
Prime Inc. Details
Established: 1970
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Carrier types: Refrigerated, flatbed, tanker
Services: Over-the-road, dedicated freight, expedited shipping, regional
Employees: 2,000+
Best for: Drivers who want strong benefits and career growth opportunities
Pro tip: If you don’t have your CDL yet, Prime Inc. and Maverick Transportation both offer paid training programs that cover your license costs.
Nussbaum Transportation
According to the American Trucking Associations, driver turnover is a persistent problem across the trucking industry. However, Nussbaum Transportation is a notable exception. The Hudson, Illinois carrier has maintained a turnover rate well below the industry average for years. Drivers cite pay, benefits, company culture, and management as reasons they stay. Nussbaum runs LTL and truckload freight with round trip, multi-stop, point-to-point, and drop-and-hook options.
Nussbaum Transportation Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading third-party ratings
- Driver turnover rate significantly below industry average
- Strong marks for company culture and management
- Flexible service options including drop-and-hook and multi-stop
Cons
- Smaller regional carrier with less nationwide reach than mega-fleets
Nussbaum Transportation Details
Established: 1945
Location: Hudson, Illinois
Carrier types: LTL, truckload
Services: Round trip, multi-stop, point-to-point, drop and hook
Best for: Drivers who prioritize culture, stability, and low-turnover environments
TMC Transportation
TMC Transportation sets itself apart with a performance-based pay model and a strong commitment to providing drivers with quality equipment. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, and founded in 1972, TMC runs open deck, flatbed, and specialized freight with an employee-ownership model that ties driver success directly to company performance.
TMC Transportation Pros & Cons
Pros
- First-year earning potential up to $88,000
- Performance-based pay rewards quality work
- Employee-ownership model
- Wide range of freight types including over-dimensional and specialized
Cons
- Open deck work requires additional skills and physical demand
- Performance pay means earnings vary based on output
TMC Transportation Details
Established: 1972
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Carrier types: 3PL, LTL, intermodal, open deck, over-dimensional, reefer, specialized, van
Services: Linehaul, dedicated, specialized
Best for: Experienced drivers who want performance-based pay and modern equipment
Schneider
Schneider has been moving freight since 1935 and operates more than 190 locations worldwide. That scale means the company is constantly hiring. Schneider is known for thorough training programs, a stable work environment, and predictable home time. It runs LTL, flatbed, truckload, and refrigerated freight with a strong technology infrastructure including real-time shipment tracking and fleet management tools.
Schneider Pros & Cons
Pros
- Onboarding and training for new CDL drivers
- 190+ locations worldwide with consistent freight volume
- Strong technology platform with real-time tracking
- Multiple freight types and lane options
Cons
- Large company environment may not be the best fit for everyone
- Indeed rating is on the lower end of this list
Schneider Details
Established: 1935
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Carrier types: LTL, flatbed, truckload, reefer
Services: Real-time shipment tracking, supply chain management, fleet management
Best for: New CDL drivers looking for strong training and job stability
Maverick Transportation
Maverick Transportation offers one of the more comprehensive paid CDL training programs in the industry. Based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the company covers housing, breakfast, and lunch during the approximately four-week training period. The company is known for newer equipment, solid home time policies, and a safety-first culture. Maverick specializes in flatbed and dedicated freight.
Maverick Transportation Pros & Cons
Pros
- Paid CDL training including housing and meals
- Newer equipment across the fleet
- Home time policies for OTR drivers
- Strong safety culture
Cons
- Primarily flatbed and dedicated freight; limited variety
- Training program includes a driving commitment period
Maverick Transportation Details
Established: 1980
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Carrier types: Flatbed, dedicated
Services: Customer analytics, brokerage, marine, glass
Best for: Drivers who want paid CDL training and a structured path to a flatbed career
ABF Freight
ABF Freight stands out for compensation. The Fort Smith, Arkansas, carrier is union-backed and offers 100% company-paid health insurance, a fully funded pension plan, and overtime pay. With more than 36% of drivers staying for over a decade, ABF’s retention speaks for itself. Many drivers are home every other day, and paid time off increases with tenure, topping out at six weeks annually for long-term employees. ABF runs LTL freight with a focus on time-critical and expedited shipments.
ABF Freight Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100% company-paid health insurance
- Fully funded pension plan
- Overtime pay after eight hours
- Paid time off up to six weeks annually for long-term employees
- According to ABF, over 36% of drivers stay more than a decade
Cons
- LTL-only carrier limits freight variety
- Union environment may not suit all drivers
ABF Freight Details
Established: 1923
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Employees: 10,000
Carrier type: LTL
Services: Time-critical deliveries, expedited shipping, final mile, intermodal
Best for: Experienced drivers who prioritize compensation, benefits, and long-term financial stability
Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) is one of the largest LTL carriers in the U.S., with approximately 23,000 employees. The Thomasville, North Carolina company has operated since 1934 and is consistently recognized for driver pay, equipment quality, and maintenance standards. ODFL operates as a single integrated, union-free organization offering regional, inter-regional, and national LTL service. It’s best suited for experienced drivers with a clean safety record.
Old Dominion Freight Line Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong reputation for equipment quality and maintenance
- Nationwide LTL network with regional and inter-regional lanes
Cons
- Competitive hiring process favors experienced drivers with clean records
- LTL-only; not a fit for drivers seeking truckload or flatbed work
Old Dominion Freight Line Details
Established: 1934
Location: Thomasville, North Carolina
Employees: Approximately 23,000
Carrier type: LTL
Services: Regional, inter-regional, and national LTL; expedited transportation; container drayage; truckload brokerage; supply chain consulting
Best for: Experienced drivers with a clean safety record seeking a large, stable LTL carrier
What To Consider in a Potential OTR Trucking Employer
Choosing an OTR carrier is a big decision. Time away from home, potential to earn a top trucking salary, and daily quality of life all depend heavily on which company you drive for.
- Pay and benefits: Compare base pay per mile, bonuses, health insurance, 401k, and paid time off. Some carriers offer sign-on bonuses or pay above $0.60 per mile for experienced drivers.
- Equipment and maintenance: Newer equipment means fewer breakdowns and a more comfortable life on the road. Ask about fleet age and replacement schedules.
- Freight and lanes: Understand whether a carrier’s lanes align with where you want to be. Dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight each come with different demands and pay structures.
- Home time: OTR typically means one to two days home per week, but this varies widely.
- Company stability: Carriers with decades of operation and strong financials offer more consistent freight and reliable paychecks. Revenue figures and tenure of top drivers are good signals of long-term stability.
- Safety culture: Look for carriers that back up their safety claims with bonuses, ongoing training, and health and wellness programs.
Pro tip: Before applying, check driver reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor for the specific terminal or region you’d be working out of. Company-wide ratings can mask significant variation between locations.
FAQ
Is OTR truck driving worth it?
For many drivers, yes. According to Truckstop, OTR truckers typically earn about 25% more per year than the average truck driver, and experienced OTR drivers at top carriers can earn $70,000 to $90,000 or more annually. The trade-off is extended time away from home, usually one to four weeks at a time.
How many miles do OTR drivers average a week?
OTR truck drivers typically average 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week. Actual mileage varies based on assigned routes, cargo type, and road or weather delays. Drivers paid per mile benefit directly from higher weekly mileage totals.
How long are OTR drivers gone for?
Most OTR drivers are out on the road for three to four weeks at a time before returning home. Some carriers advertise weekly home time for OTR drivers, though the frequency and duration of home time varies significantly by carrier and lane.
What is the largest OTR trucking company?
J.B. Hunt Transport Services is widely considered the largest over-the-road trucking company in the U.S. based on revenue and fleet size. Other major national carriers include Schneider, Werner Enterprises, and Swift Transportation.
Which OTR trucking company pays the most?
Pay varies by carrier, freight type, and experience level. ABF Freight is consistently recognized for its union-backed compensation, including 100% company-paid health insurance and a fully funded pension. TMC Transportation offers performance-based pay with first-year earning potential up to $88,000. Experienced flatbed and specialized drivers often command the highest per-mile rates.
What is the best OTR trucking company for new drivers?
Schneider and Prime Inc. are two of the strongest options for new CDL drivers. Both offer structured training programs, consistent freight, and a clear path to higher pay as drivers gain experience. Maverick Transportation is also worth considering if you want your CDL paid for upfront.
