Trucking companies with the best benefits offer health insurance, 401k matching, paid time off, bonuses, and more. Companies like J.B. Hunt, Old Dominion Freight Line, Roehl Transport, and Schneider National are known for some of the strongest driver benefit packages in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Health insurance is the most important benefit to compare when evaluating trucking companies. Look for plans that cover your family and include dental and vision, not just basic medical.
- 401k matching can add thousands of dollars to your retirement savings every year at no extra cost to you.
- Bonuses and referral programs are a real income supplement at companies like GP Transco and Sutton Transport.
- Home time matters as much as pay. Roehl Transport and Sutton Transport both emphasize consistent home time.
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How Trucking Company Benefits Stack Up
Pay is important, but a strong benefits package can be worth thousands of dollars per year in health coverage, retirement contributions, and bonuses. The companies below are consistently recognized for offering some of the best driver benefit packages in the industry.
| Company | Health Insurance | 401k Match | Paid Time Off | Notable Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP Transco | Multiple plans, dental, vision | Yes, with match | Vacation + holidays | $2,000 referral bonus + fuel savings profit-sharing |
| J.B. Hunt | Multiple plans, dental, vision, HSA, FSA | Yes, with match | Vacation | Nationwide discount purchase programs |
| Old Dominion | Multiple plans, dental, vision, FSA, EAP | Yes, with match | Vacation + holidays | CDL tuition reimbursement |
| Roehl Transport | Medical, dental, vision | Yes | Yes | Profit sharing + Prudential Pathways financial program |
| Sutton Transport | Multiple plans, dental, vision, HSA | Yes, with match | Vacation, holidays, sick days | Guaranteed home daily |
| Schneider National | Medical, dental, vision | Yes, with match | Vacation + holidays | Quarterly bonuses + rider and pet programs |
GP Transco Benefits
GP Transco is an Illinois-based carrier known for competitive pay and a benefits package that rewards performance and loyalty. Their 401k match and $2,000 employee referral bonus stand out among regional carriers.
GP Transco Benefits Breakdown
Health
- Multiple health plans
- Dental and vision insurance
Paid Time Off
- Vacation
- Holidays
Retirement
- 401k with company match
Additional
- Driver recognition and safety bonuses
- $2,000 employee referral bonus
- Company-furnished tablets
- Pet-friendly policy
- Fuel savings profit-sharing
Best for: Above-average 401k match; earning through referral and safety bonuses
J.B. Hunt Benefits
J.B. Hunt is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States and offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the industry. Their insurance options cover everything from accidental death and dismemberment to voluntary identity theft protection.
J.B. Hunt Benefits Breakdown
Health
- Multiple health plans
- Dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off
- Paid vacation
Retirement
- 401k with company match
Insurance
- Life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Voluntary critical illness coverage
- Voluntary identity theft protection
Additional
- Home and auto insurance options
- Paid orientation and safety training
- Service and safety bonuses
- Nationwide discount purchase programs (Dell, Whirlpool, and others)
- Financial wellness resource program
Best for: Broad insurance and supplemental benefit packages
Old Dominion Freight Line Benefits
Old Dominion Freight Line is a leading less-than-truckload carrier with a reputation for stability and driver support. The company stands out for its CDL tuition reimbursement program.
Old Dominion Benefits Breakdown
Health
- Multiple health plans
- Dental and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
- Vacation
- Holidays
Retirement
- 401k with company match
Insurance
- Life insurance
- Supplemental accident insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
Additional
- CDL tuition reimbursement
- Tool purchasing program
- Employee referral program
- Safety awards and bonuses
Best for: Professional development through CDL reimbursement and safety recognition programs
Roehl Transport Benefits
Roehl Transport is a family-owned carrier based in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and is consistently recognized for treating drivers well. The company emphasizes home time and financial wellness alongside a solid core benefits package.
Roehl Transport Benefits Breakdown
Health
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
- Paid time off
Retirement
- 401k
- Retirement package
Insurance
- Life insurance
- Voluntary insurance benefits
Additional
- Profit sharing
- Prudential Pathways financial wellness program
- Transitions company benefits
- More home time
Best for: Competitive core benefits and consistent home time
Sutton Transport Benefits
Sutton Transport is a regional LTL carrier based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company is known for its guaranteed home daily policy, which is a rare benefit.
Sutton Transport Benefits Breakdown
Health
- Multiple health plans
- Dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account with company contribution
Paid Time Off
- Vacation
- Holidays (after 90 days)
- Sick days
Retirement
- 401k with company match
Insurance
- Life insurance
- Supplemental accident insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
Additional
- Quarterly individual driver bonus program
- Guaranteed home daily
Best for: Home time; quarterly bonus program
Pro tip: Ask about a carrier’s guaranteed home time policy before accepting an offer. Some companies promise weekly home time but don’t guarantee it in writing. Sutton Transport’s daily guarantee is one of the strongest in the regional LTL segment.
Schneider National Benefits
Schneider National is one of the largest for-hire trucking companies in the United States, with a fleet operating across all 48 contiguous states. The company offers a well-rounded benefits package and is consistently recognized for driver support, paid orientation, and a culture that invests in long-term retention.
Schneider National Benefits Breakdown
Health
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
Retirement
- 401k with company match
Insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
Additional
- Quarterly performance bonuses
- Paid orientation and safety training
- Rider program
- Pet-friendly policy
- Tuition reimbursement
- Driver referral bonus program
Best for: Well-rounded benefits package, quarterly bonuses, strong training support
What Types of Benefits Do Trucking Companies Offer?
The U.S. government currently requires all employers to provide Medicare and Social Security contributions, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance. Companies with more than 50 employees must also offer health insurance and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections under certain circumstances.
Disability insurance provides partial wage replacement to sick or injured employees missing more than a week of work. It is only mandatory in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, but many carriers extend it voluntarily.
Beyond the legal minimums, the best trucking companies offer:
- Paid time off: Can include vacation, sick time, paid holidays, jury duty, and bereavement days
- Training and tuition reimbursement: Some carriers pay for CDL training upfront or reimburse the cost after a set period of employment
- Bonuses: Sign-on, safety, quarterly, and annual bonuses; employee referral programs
- Retirement plans: The best trucking employers offer 401k plans with company matching
- Corporate discounts: Some carriers negotiate discounts with outside vendors and extend them to drivers
- Life insurance: Most major carriers offer basic life insurance at no cost to the driver
How Do You Become a Truck Driver?
To become a truck driver, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a regular driver’s license, and a high school diploma or GED. Most CDL training programs take three to seven weeks to complete.
After completing a CDL training program and earning a CDL learner’s permit, you can sit for the CDL exam. Passing both the written and practical portions qualifies you to start applying for driving jobs. Several carriers, including Old Dominion and Schneider National, offer CDL tuition reimbursement for new employees.
Pro tip: If you are considering a carrier that offers CDL reimbursement, read the terms carefully. Most programs require you to stay with the company for one to two years after training. Leaving early may require you to repay a portion of the cost.
Additional Factors To Consider When Choosing a Trucking Company
- Safety record: A carrier’s safety record reflects how seriously it takes driver wellbeing. Motor carrier safety data is publicly available through the FMCSA Safety Measurement System.
- Company stability: The length of time a company has been in business gives you a sense of its long-term viability.
- Employee reviews: Job sites like Indeed and Glassdoor offer firsthand accounts from current and former drivers. Look for consistent patterns in what drivers praise and what they complain about.
- Driver turnover rate: High turnover is often a signal of poor management, low pay, or unrealistic expectations.
- Minimum qualifications: Many carriers require a clean driving record and a minimum amount of experience.
Our Take
The trucking companies on this list stand out because they treat benefits as a real part of driver compensation. Start with what matters most to you and use the comparison table above to narrow down your options. When you are ready to apply, use the link below to browse current openings.
FAQ
Which trucking companies are best for inexperienced drivers?
Schneider National, J.B. Hunt, and Old Dominion Freight Line are among the best options for drivers without experience. All three offer paid orientation, training programs, and in Schneider’s and Old Dominion’s cases, CDL tuition reimbursement. Starting at a large carrier with a structured training program is generally the safest path for new drivers.
Which type of trucking jobs pay the most?
Specialized hauling pays the most because it requires additional training and often carries higher risk. Tanker, hazmat, oversized load, and ice road trucking all command higher rates than standard dry van work. Drivers with these endorsements can earn significantly more per mile and per year.
What is the biggest trucking company in the United States?
By revenue, the largest publicly traded trucking companies in the U.S. include J.B. Hunt, Schneider National, and Werner Enterprises. UPS and FedEx also operate massive private fleets but are primarily known as parcel delivery companies rather than for-hire trucking carriers.
Do trucking companies offer health insurance to drivers?
Most major carriers offer health insurance that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. The quality and cost of plans vary. Some companies cover drivers only, while others extend coverage to family members. Always confirm whether family coverage is included and what your out-of-pocket costs will be before accepting an offer.
What should I look for beyond pay when evaluating a trucking job?
Health insurance, 401k matching, home time policy, bonus programs, and the carrier’s safety record are all worth evaluating alongside base pay. A job that pays slightly less per mile but offers 401k matching, full family health coverage, and guaranteed home time can be worth more in total compensation than a higher-paying position with minimal benefits.
