Drayage Trucking Jobs in Texas (April 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best Drayage trucking jobs in Texas. All 17 Drayage trucking companies are closely scrutinized based on their service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real employees have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow the field to the strongest, highest-rated employers so you get a timely, well-informed list of the best Drayage trucking companies to work for in Texas.

A Truck Express, Inc.

4033 Mint Way, Dallas, TX, 75237
  • Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
  • Routes: intrastate hazardous
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 60
  • Drivers: 65
  • Revenue: $2,047
  • Miles driven: 1,531,992 (2024)

A Truck Express, Inc. (DOT: 802349) was established in 1977 and is based in Dallas, Texas. The company operates primarily in intrastate hazardous materials transportation, carrying a versatile range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and utilities. It offers dry van, reefer, and tanker services. A Truck Express, Inc. employs a diverse range of drivers, including regional, local, OTR, hazmat, and reefer drivers, along with owner-operators and dedicated route drivers.

The company is known for its comprehensive driver benefits and competitive recruitment strategies, including a sign-on bonus and driver referral bonuses. Drivers at A Truck Express receive full health coverage, including dental and vision insurance, alongside life and disability insurance and a retirement 401(k) plan. Employees also benefit from paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, guaranteed home time, per diem payments, deadhead and layover compensation, and access to roadside assistance programs. They offer flexible scheduling, pay advances, and fuel cards, with additional assets like special access to rest stops and lounges, and company uniforms.

While specific employee ratings and reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, the company's attributes suggest a focus on fostering employee satisfaction through a robust benefits package and flexible work arrangements. Anecdotal evidence hints at a generally positive working environment, though exact ratings for work-life balance, compensation, and advancement opportunities are unavailable. The company's dedication to ongoing training and development programs is a positive aspect of their work culture, supported by their low incident rates in driver safety and vehicle maintenance.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.33
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2
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W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC

10000 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX, 77013
  • Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 170
  • Trailers: 97
  • Drivers: 170
  • Revenue: $12,360,000
  • Miles driven: 7,531,431 (2024)


W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC (DOT: 213641) was established in 1971 and is based in Houston, Texas. This company is a well-recognized player in the trucking industry, boasting a fleet of 437 vehicles that specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, construction materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, and general freight. They utilize a variety of equipment types, such as reefer, dry van, and flatbeds, and offer services ranging from power-only to cross-docking operations. Rowland excels in hiring drivers for interstate operations, with opportunities available for local, regional, OTR, and specialized drivers.

W W Rowland Trucking Company is committed to offering attractive benefits to its drivers. The company provides a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, and ongoing training and development programs. Employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, including dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and safety bonuses. They also facilitate per diem payments, direct deposit, a truck lease purchase program, and pay advances, supporting drivers' financial well-being. Additional benefits include dedicated routes, guaranteed home time, and flexible scheduling, reflecting the company's efforts to maintain a healthy work-life balance for their employees.

With a Glassdoor rating of 3.7, W W Rowland Trucking Company is highly regarded for its competitive compensation and benefits packages. Employees frequently highlight the company's supportive work culture and professional growth opportunities. However, some reviews suggest room for improvement in areas such as work-life balance and route management. Overall, Rowland continues to be a respected and attractive employer in the trucking industry, fostering a rewarding environment for its drivers.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 7
  • Unsafe driving: 0.91
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.64
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Enterprise Transportation Company

1100 Louisiana St, Houston, TX, 77002
  • Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 458
  • Drivers: 306
  • Miles driven: 19,800,000 (2024)

Enterprise Transportation Company (DOT: 115179) operates under the legal name Enterprise Logistic Services LLC and is based in Houston, Texas. With a diverse range of cargo capabilities, the company handles chemicals, general freight, liquids and gases, machinery large objects, metal sheets, coils and rolls, and oilfield equipment. Enterprise Transportation primarily hires flatbed, dry van, and team drivers, while also offering opportunities for owner-operators, specialized drivers, hazmat drivers, and LTL drivers.

The company is known for offering competitive benefits and driver incentives, such as a sign-on bonus, tuition reimbursement, and driver referral bonuses. Additional perks include direct deposit, safety bonuses, per diem payments, deadhead and detention pay, ongoing training and development programs, and flexibility in scheduling. Health insurance offerings are robust, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, complemented by a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. The ability to have a pet or rider along on the journey is an added benefit.

While employee ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed for Enterprise Transportation are not explicitly mentioned, the benefits and incentives offered suggest a focus on employee satisfaction. Yet, there may be room for improvement in ensuring more consistent home time for their drivers. The company's commitment to maintaining a satisfactory safety record is reflected in its satisfactory safety rating, reinforcing a work culture that values safety and efficiency.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 27
  • Unsafe driving: 0.19
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.3
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 8
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Cheetah Transportation Systems, LLC

11900 Wallisville Rd, Houston, TX, 77013
  • Salary range: $50,000-$75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 64
  • Drivers: 108
  • Miles driven: 3,632,214 (2023)

Cheetah Transportation Systems, LLC (DOT: 728400) is a well-regarded trucking company established in Houston, Texas. They carry a diverse range of cargo such as building materials, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal in sheet/coil/roll form, oilfield equipment, and paper products. Cheetah Transportation Systems primarily hires drivers experienced with flatbed, dry van, tankers, hazmat, reefers, and step decks, offering positions for regional, local, team, and specialized drivers.

The company offers competitive driver benefits, which include a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement, guaranteed home time, and deadhead detention/layover compensation. They focus on employee satisfaction by providing health insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan (401k), per diem payments, rider/pet allowances, and flexible scheduling. This commitment to their staff is reflected in their policies and company culture aimed at retaining top-quality drivers.

While specific employee ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, Cheetah Transportation is known for its focus on competitive compensation and benefits, with salaries typically ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 annually. The most common positive feedback highlights the company's robust benefits and supportive management, although feedback may also point to areas of improvement in areas such as work-life balance and scheduling. Overall, Cheetah Transportation Systems is recognized as a strong player in the Texas trucking industry, dedicated to both efficiency and employee welfare.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.17
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.31
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.31
  • Controlled substances: 0.13
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Southwestern Motor Transport, Inc.

4600 Goldfield, San Antonio, TX, 78218
  • Salary range: $50,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Power units: 314
  • Drivers: 301
  • Revenue: $31,846
  • Miles driven: 18,100,000 (2023)

Southwestern Motor Transport, Inc. (DOT: 136555) was established in 1930 and is based in San Antonio, Texas. With over 80 years of experience in the trucking industry, the company operates a sizeable fleet of trucks, managing an array of cargo types including beverages, building materials, construction materials, general freight, oilfield equipment, and paper products. They primarily recruit for a range of driving positions, such as flatbed, OTR (Over-the-Road), hazmat, regional, and dedicated route drivers.

Southwestern Motor Transport, Inc. offers a competitive suite of benefits and incentives to attract and retain drivers. Notable offerings include sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, direct deposit, per diem payments, disability insurance, and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. They also provide comprehensive health insurance and vision coverage, paid time off, ongoing CDL training, and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company underscores its commitment to driver well-being by ensuring guaranteed home time.

While reviews specific to Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are unavailable, the company's emphasis on comprehensive benefits and reliable home time suggests a workplace dedicated to driver satisfaction. However, potential employees might consider seeking feedback on the company's route management and work-life balance, as these are areas often highlighted in industry reviews. As always, prospective drivers should evaluate personal fit and career objectives when considering employment with Southwestern Motor Transport, Inc.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 17
  • Unsafe driving: 0.22
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.69
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Wrist Usa Houston, Inc.

4129 Greenshadow Dr Suite 200, Pasadena, TX, 77503
  • Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 27
  • Drivers: 26
  • Revenue: $58,128,000
  • Miles driven: 1,057,200 (2024)


Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. (DOT: 963185) is located in Pasadena, Texas. Although the exact founding date is not mentioned, the company has been actively engaged in the transportation industry for quite some time, maintaining an active USDOT status. Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. operates a fleet of dry vans, tankers, flatbeds, and box trucks, carrying a variety of cargo such as refrigerated foods, fresh produce, general freight, chemicals, liquids, gases, and more. The company hires drivers for various roles, including OTR and local driving positions, catering to flatbed and tanker drivers.

Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. is well-regarded for its competitive benefits offered to drivers, including a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision. Additionally, they provide retirement plans like a 401(k), disability insurance, direct deposit, ongoing training and development programs, paid time off, and deadhead detention and layover compensation. Despite limitations such as the absence of a pet or passenger policy, the company maintains a dedication to driver satisfaction through flexible career opportunities.

On employee review platforms, Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. has a Glassdoor rating of 3.0 and an Indeed rating of 3.1. While employees commend the company's compensation and structured benefits package, some express concerns over work-life balance and the need for improvements in scheduling and route assignments. However, the company is responsive to feedback and continues to strive for improvements in its operations and employee satisfaction.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.92
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.14
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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T.G. Mercer Consulting Services, Inc.

1221 Coke Court, Granbury, TX, 76048
  • Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 65
  • Drivers: 20
  • Miles driven: 140,000 (2023)

T.G. Mercer Consulting Services, Inc. (DOT: 854520) is a well-established trucking company situated in Granbury, Texas. With over two decades of experience, the company specializes in transporting a diverse array of cargo types, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, coal, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, machinery, and refrigerated foods. They hire a variety of drivers including regional, local, over-the-road (OTR), flatbed, hazmat, and tanker drivers.

T.G. Mercer Consulting Services offers a host of benefits to its drivers, such as competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000, a sign-on bonus, guaranteed home time, and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company also provides health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as a retirement 401(k) plan. Additional perks include safety bonuses, rider and pet policies, direct deposit, ongoing training and development programs, and paid time off, making it an attractive workplace for drivers.

Despite the absence of current employee ratings on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed, T.G. Mercer Consulting Services maintains a reputation for fostering employee satisfaction through robust compensation and benefits programs. The company has no recorded crashes or fatalities, reflecting its strong commitment to safety and compliance. However, feedback from drivers often points to the need for better flexible scheduling, which could enhance work-life balance for employees.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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TRI Star Freight System, Inc.

5407 Mesa Drive, Houston, TX, 77028
  • Salary range: $55,000 - $70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 140
  • Trailers: 114
  • Drivers: 140
  • Revenue: $7,132
  • Miles driven: 6,789,348 (2024)


TRI Star Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 325836) was established in 1987 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. This reputable carrier operates an extensive fleet, facilitating the transportation of a diverse array of cargo that includes beverages, chemicals, general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment. Their operations extend over long distances, and they primarily recruit drivers for services such as flatbed and intermodal transportation, as well as hiring OTR (over-the-road) drivers.

TRI Star Freight System stands out by offering robust employee benefits, emphasizing full health coverage comprising dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans like a 401(k). Drivers are supported with tools and compensations such as road assistance programs, deadhead and detention compensation, and fuel cards to enhance their efficiency and satisfaction. Furthermore, the company supports ongoing training and development programs, showing a commitment to the continuous professional growth of their employees.

With an Indeed rating of 3.1 and a Glassdoor score of 3.5, employee feedback highlights competitive compensation and benefits as positive aspects of working at TRI Star Freight System. Nevertheless, some employees have noted challenges with work-life balance and flexibility in scheduling. Despite these areas for improvement, the company's focus on comprehensive benefits and professional development is widely appreciated, contributing to its overall satisfactory reputation within the industry.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Flatbed
  • HAZMAT
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 10
  • Unsafe driving: 2.13
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.63
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.88
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Gulf Winds International, Inc.

5300 State Highway 146, Seabrook, TX, 77586
  • Salary range: $60,000 - $75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 563
  • Trailers: 1467
  • Drivers: 541
  • Revenue: $908
  • Miles driven: 24,800,000 (2022)

Gulf Winds International, Inc. (DOT: 690147) was established in 1996 and is located in Seabrook, Texas. With a robust fleet and a satisfactory safety rating, Gulf Winds operates as a broker and carrier, providing transportation of various cargos such as beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. The company mainly hires local and regional drivers and offers opportunities for owner-operators, intermodal drivers, reefer drivers, and those interested in over-the-road work.

Gulf Winds International, Inc. is known for offering a competitive sign-on bonus and benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and flexible scheduling. Drivers also benefit from guaranteed home time, deadhead detention/layover compensation, and ongoing training and development programs. These perks highlight the company’s dedication to employee satisfaction and recruitment.

Though Gulf Winds does not yet have published ratings on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed, its available benefits suggest a positive work environment. Common feedback from employees hints at the strong compensation and benefits package as a motivator, while critics might point out challenges such as demanding schedules or room for improvement in route management. Despite these areas for potential growth, the company’s ongoing commitment to training and home time balance underscores a positive outlook for employee retention and satisfaction.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Reefer
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 40
  • Unsafe driving: 1.03
  • Driver fitness: 0.08
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.84
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 3
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Grocery Supply Company

130 Hillcrest Dr, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
  • Salary range: $40,000-$50,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Power units: 102
  • Drivers: 137
  • Revenue: $12,112
  • Miles driven: 8,222,517 (2024)

Grocery Supply Company (DOT: 109807) is a reputable trucking operation located in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Although the exact founding date is not specified, the company has an active presence in the industry with a comprehensive interstate operation. They haul a diverse array of cargo, including Beverages, Chemicals, Dry Bulk Commodities, Fresh Produce, General Freight, Meat, Paper Products, and Refrigerated Food. Grocery Supply Company primarily hires local and OTR drivers, with opportunities available for hazmat and owner-operator positions.

The company offers several appealing driver benefits, such as guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, paid time off, and a retirement plan which includes a 401(k) option. They also offer paid CDL training for new drivers, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the industry. Drivers here receive competitive compensation with a general salary range of $40,000-$50,000, with additional driver referral bonuses and direct deposit options available. However, safety bonuses and gym memberships are not part of their benefit packages.

Though specific employee ratings from Glassdoor or Indeed are not mentioned, Grocery Supply Company is noted for fostering a supportive work environment with "Satisfactory" safety ratings and a rigorous focus on driver fitness and vehicle maintenance standards. Despite its firm employee policies, some critiques suggest that the work-life balance could be improved, as home-time expectations may not always match reality for some drivers.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Sign-on bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 12
  • Unsafe driving: 1.11
  • Driver fitness: 0.33
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.61
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.73
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Comparing Drayage Trucking Jobs in Texas

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
A Truck Express, Inc. $50,000-$60,000
W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC $55,000-$75,000
Enterprise Transportation Company $55,000-$65,000
Cheetah Transportation Systems, LLC $50,000-$75,000
Southwestern Motor Transport, Inc. $50,000-$65,000
Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. $50,000-$60,000
T.G. Mercer Consulting Services, Inc. $50,000-$60,000
TRI Star Freight System, Inc. $55,000 - $70,000
Gulf Winds International, Inc. $60,000 - $75,000
Grocery Supply Company $40,000-$50,000

FAQ

What is drayage trucking, and what does the work involve?

Drayage trucking is short-haul container work that connects ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses. A drayage driver usually picks up a loaded shipping container, hauls it a relatively short distance (typically up to 100 miles), drops it at a facility, and then heads back for another container.

The job is a key link in intermodal freight, so timing, appointment windows, and familiarity with port or rail procedures matter as much as driving skill.

How does drayage pay usually work?

Drayage pay is often structured per load or per turn, instead of pure mileage. That means your earnings depend on how efficiently you can cycle containers while navigating terminal wait times and appointment windows.

In Texas, drivers who learn terminal patterns and avoid bottlenecks tend to maximize turns and boost weekly pay.

Do most drayage employers in Texas offer health insurance?

Yes. Health insurance is the norm across trucking jobs in Texas, with 1,663 companies offering coverage statewide. Since that number is larger than the 17 drayage employer base, drayage drivers in TX should expect benefits to show up in a large share of listings, especially from major intermodal carriers.

Is drayage driving usually home daily?

Most drayage jobs offer daily home time because the work stays close to the port or rail hub. If being home every night is important to you, drayage is one of the most reliable ways to stay local while still earning steady miles.

What kind of company size is typical for trucking employers in Texas?

Trucking companies in Texas tend to sit in the small-to-mid range, averaging 31 employees. That size usually brings a mix of personal fleet culture and some built-out structure, like dedicated dispatch teams or clearer pay policies.

Drayage drivers may like this middle ground because it can mean consistency without feeling like a number.

How beginner-friendly is drayage in Texas?

Drayage can work well for newer drivers in Texas because training is widely available across the trucking market. New-driver programs run at 311 companies statewide, and the larger fleets that handle drayage in TX frequently extend that support to their container runs.

Do drayage routes require a lot of backing and tight maneuvering?

Yes, drayage often involves backing into tight spots. Ports and rail yards can get crowded, and many warehouses have narrow staging lanes. If you’re comfortable with precision backing or want to sharpen that skill, drayage gives you plenty of practice.

Types of Trucking Jobs Available in Texas

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Texas, aside from Drayage, here are other top options:

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.