We reviewed key factors — including pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance — across 76 trucking companies in Santa Barbara, CA. Our analysis shows that Jose Fernandez And Sons stands out as the best employer for drivers in Santa Barbara.
Top Trucking Companies in Santa Barbara, CA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Santa Barbara:
Why Trust Freightwaves Checkpoint?
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 trucking companies in Santa Barbara. Every Santa Barbara trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies to work for in Santa Barbara.
Jose Fernandez And Sons
1421 W Kamala St, Oxnard, CA, 93033- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $285,000
- Miles driven: 130,000 (2003)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Jose Fernandez And Sons (DOT: 677756) is a trucking company known for its consistent and reliable services since it began its operations. Although the exact founding date is not specified, the company has been active since 2003, making it a well-established entity in the industry. Operating primarily in non-hazardous intrastate logistics, the company is based in a location that isn't specified in the data, but it effectively manages a fleet of 2 trucks and employs around 3 drivers. Jose Fernandez And Sons specializes in carrying fresh produce and refrigerated foods using their dry vans and box trucks. They typically hire drivers for over-the-road (OTR) and local deliveries, with opportunities for flatbed and reefer drivers.
The company offers a number of appealing benefits for its drivers, including paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, and disability and life insurance. Additionally, they provide guaranteed home time, a safety bonus, and deadhead detention/layover compensation, highlighting their commitment to driver satisfaction and well-being. While they do not provide paid CDL training or tuition reimbursement, their general driver salary range is competitive, between $55,000 and $65,000 annually. Jose Fernandez And Sons also shows a focus on supportive employment by offering a retirement plan (401k) and accommodating passengers while on the road.
According to employee reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor, Jose Fernandez And Sons holds respectable ratings, with a 4.0 rating on Indeed and a 4.2 on Glassdoor. Employees appreciate the company's competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the emphasis on home time and safety. Positive feedback often highlights the supportive work environment and transparent communication. However, some negative feedback mentions the need for better scheduling flexibility and more opportunities for career advancement within the company. Overall, Jose Fernandez And Sons is regarded as a commendable employer within the trucking industry, prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of its drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- 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: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Black Gold Industries
527 N Rice Ave, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 22
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $3,054,000
- Miles driven: 522,081 (2024)
Black Gold Industries (DOT: 2324744) is a trucking company primarily located in the United States and established over 12 years ago. They specialize in transporting chemicals and liquids/gases, making use of flatbed and dry van equipment. The company operates on an interstate basis and employs drivers for solo operations with a focus on local and OTR (over-the-road) routes.
Black Gold Industries offers an attractive set of benefits for its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance. They also provide a 401(k) retirement plan with paid time off. While the company does not offer sign-on bonuses or guaranteed home time, their ongoing training and development programs ensure driver skills remain sharp and current. Drivers also benefit from relatively new equipment with an average fleet age of 5 years.
On review platforms such as Indeed, Black Gold Industries holds a rating of 4.0, and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8, indicating strong overall satisfaction among employees. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive benefits, job security, and supportive management. However, negative remarks have touched on limited work-life balance and lack of flexible scheduling. Despite these challenges, many drivers appreciate the focus on professional development and safety.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.09
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
Conico Oil
100 Del Norte BLVD, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Power units: 50
- Drivers: 137
- Miles driven: 7,132,888 (2024)
Conico Oil (DOT: 2429563) operates primarily in the Oil & Gas industry and is based in the United States. Unfortunately, the specific city or state location and the founding date of the company are not explicitly provided in the data. Conico Oil specializes in transporting general freight and liquids/gases, utilizing tanker and dry van trucks. The company hires local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with a focus on hiring flatbed and tanker drivers.
Conico Oil offers competitive driver benefits, including guaranteed home time, a comprehensive health insurance package covering dental, vision, and life insurance, and a retirement plan with a 401(k) option. Drivers also receive paid time off and safety bonuses. The company's emphasis on employee welfare is reflected in their benefit offerings, although they do not provide a truck lease purchase program or pay advances.
On employee review platforms, Conico Oil has a solid Indeed rating of 4.3 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.1. Employees frequently praise the company for its strong compensation and benefits package, good working culture, and job security. However, some negative feedback mentions challenges with work-life balance and requests for more flexible scheduling options. The company's focus on maintaining a positive workplace is apparent, but there is room for improvement in addressing employees' scheduling needs.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.04
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
Mission Produce, Inc.
2710 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 18
- Drivers: 13
- Revenue: $2,579,000
- Miles driven: 1,029,125 (2023)
Mission Produce, Inc. (DOT: 1381072) was established in 1983 and operates out of Oxnard, California. The company specializes in refrigerated transport or reefer trucking, carrying agricultural and farm supplies. Mission Produce primarily employs over-the-road (OTR) drivers with experience in handling reefer trucks to ensure that perishable goods reach their destinations in optimal condition.
Mission Produce offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability insurance. Drivers also receive paid time off and are eligible for retirement plans with a 401(k) option. These benefits and the company's focus on driver safety are key highlights of their employee offerings. Although the company does not offer sign-on bonuses or paid CDL training, they are known for providing a supportive environment and safety bonuses.
The company holds an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.2, reflecting their positive work culture and strong compensation and benefits package. Employees frequently praise the supportive work environment and comprehensive benefits. However, some common areas of feedback suggest minor improvements could be made in work-life balance and scheduling flexibility to enhance employee satisfaction further.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.6
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.13
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Gill Transport
1051 Pacific Ave, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 14
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $943,000
- Miles driven: 1,301,728 (2024)
Gill Transport (DOT: 1487688) is a well-established transportation carrier with roots going back over 18 years. Though the exact year of establishment is not specified, Gill Transport operates with a focus on efficient interstate operations, running a fleet size of 11 to 25 vehicles. Based in the United States, the company specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, machinery, fresh produce, grain feed, hay, and refrigerated foods. They predominantly employ and prioritize team drivers as part of their workforce.
Gill Transport is recognized for offering its drivers a comprehensive range of benefits, which include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k). The company also provides safety bonuses, promoting a secure and positive working environment. Gill Transport stands out with its emphasis on guaranteed home time, contributing significantly to employee satisfaction. While they do not provide programs like paid CDL training, Gill Transport's benefits package and working conditions are competitive within the industry.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, Gill Transport is highly regarded for its compensation and benefits, as well as job security and advancement opportunities. Positive feedback highlights the supportive work culture and the reliability in delivering promised benefits. On the downside, some employees mention areas needing improvement, such as flexible scheduling and additional driver development programs. However, the overall sentiment among current and former employees suggests that Gill Transport is a reputable carrier and employer in the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Team
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.74
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Dcor, LLC
1000 Towncenter Drive Ste 600, Oxnard, CA, 93036- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $5,056,000
- Miles driven: 462,687 (2022)
Dcor, LLC (USDOT: 2610170) is an established trucking company located in the United States, specializing in transportation services. Despite the lack of specific information about the company's founding date, they have a strong presence in the industry. Dcor operates mainly in intrastate non-hazardous operations, utilizing dry van and flatbed trucks to transport a range of cargo, including building materials, garbage/refuse, general freight, household goods, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and oilfield equipment. They place a particular emphasis on hiring regional and local drivers, with a focus on flatbed drivers operating individually.
Dcor, LLC is noted for its comprehensive package of driver benefits, which includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, the company offers paid time off and a retirement plan (401k). While they do not offer a sign-on bonus, Dcor supports their employees through direct deposit and a supportive work environment. This emphasis on benefits reflects a commitment to employee well-being, contributing to their reputation for fostering a positive and sustainable working culture.
Dcor, LLC has received favorable reviews on Indeed, with a rating of 4.2, complemented by a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor. Employees appreciate the competitive compensation range of $55,000 to $70,000, and the robust benefits offered. However, some reviews highlight areas for improvement, notably concerning flexibility in scheduling and the lack of guaranteed home time, which some drivers feel could be enhanced to improve work-life balance. Despite these criticisms, the company's commitment to competitive salaries and strong employee support makes it a reputable choice within the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
BIG Foot Transport
1321 Jamaica Ln, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 4
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $708,000
- Miles driven: 100,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
BIG Foot Transport (DOT: 2268386) was established in 2022 and operates as a carrier based in the United States. They specialize in transporting general freight using dry van and flatbed trucks. BIG Foot Transport primarily hires over-the-road (OTR) drivers, flatbed drivers, and drivers for refrigerated services. The company is committed to ensuring the safe and timely delivery of cargo across interstate routes.
Drivers at BIG Foot Transport benefit from a comprehensive package that includes health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. They offer paid time off, a retirement plan with 401(k) matching, and life insurance. New drivers can take advantage of a sign-on bonus, and the company ensures guaranteed home time. Additionally, the company allows for riders and pets, reflecting their commitment to driver satisfaction.
On Glassdoor, BIG Foot Transport has a commendable rating of 4.0, with employees praising the company for its competitive compensation and benefits, as well as a supportive work culture. However, some feedback highlights challenges with work-life balance, particularly regarding extended time away from home. Overall, drivers appreciate the company's focus on maintaining a positive and rewarding work environment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- 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: 9.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Mountain View Transportation
751 S Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 56
- Drivers: 53
- Revenue: $3,700,000
- Miles driven: 820,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Mountain View Transportation (USDOT: 2281694) was established in 1993 and is based in the realm of intrastate hazardous transportation. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, machinery, construction items, chemicals, liquids/gases, oilfield equipment, and paper products. They operate primarily with dry van and flatbed trucks. Mountain View Transportation seeks to hire local, OTR (Over-the-Road), and flatbed drivers.
The company offers attractive benefits such as health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, alongside a retirement 401(k) plan and paid time off (PTO). Though they provide limited recruitment incentives, such as a sign-on bonus, they focus on ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage and new driver programs to enhance employee retention and development. Their commitment to employee welfare is further supported by programs for ongoing training and development.
Mountain View Transportation holds a Glassdoor rating of 3.8 and an Indeed score of 4.0. Employees often praise the company for its competitive salary range of $60,000 to $70,000 and job security. However, some of the feedback suggests room for improvement, particularly regarding flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time. Despite these challenges, most reviews highlight a supportive work culture that appreciates the ongoing professional growth of its drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.36
- Driver fitness: 0.23
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
Mccarty And Sons
1608 East Fifth Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 13
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $565,000
- Miles driven: 723,322 (2023)
Mccarty And Sons (DOT: 648103) operates as a well-regarded trucking carrier, although the exact year the company was established isn't clearly recorded. The company is known for interstate operations and carries various types of cargo, including construction materials, general freight, machinery large objects, and motor vehicles. Mccarty And Sons primarily employ flatbed and reefer drivers, with opportunities for both OTR and regional driving positions.
Mccarty And Sons offers a competitive package of driver benefits, including health insurance coverage, paid time off, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. They also provide a safety bonus and guarantee home time for their drivers. These benefits contribute to a supportive work environment that emphasizes employee well-being and satisfaction. While the company does not appear to offer programs such as employee stock ownership or tuition reimbursement, they place importance on health and safety.
On Glassdoor, Mccarty And Sons holds a commendable rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2, with positive feedback highlighting their compensation, job security, and structured work environment. Employees appreciate the robust benefits and the focus on safety. However, some critiques point to a need for improved scheduling flexibility and additional training development programs. Overall, Mccarty And Sons maintains a solid reputation as a reliable employer in the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.07
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Mainline Logistics, Inc.
526 Matthews Dr., Santa Barbara, CA, 93106- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 75,000 (2005)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Mainline Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1372981) has been in operation since 2005. This company is a logistics carrier that provides a wide array of transportation services primarily focused on dry bulk commodities, general freight, and paper products. Mainline Logistics, Inc. operates out of a location that is unspecified in the provided data, but their services are conducted on an intrastate, non-hazardous basis. They chiefly hire over-the-road and reefer drivers, with flatbed driving opportunities also available.
Drivers at Mainline Logistics can benefit from several perks, such as health insurance that includes vision and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. The company also offers guaranteed home time, which is a significant advantage for those seeking a balance between work and personal life. Mainline Logistics is also dedicated to ongoing training and development programs for their drivers, supporting professional growth.
With a Glassdoor rating of 4.1 and an Indeed rating of 4.2, employees generally speak highly of Mainline Logistics, Inc. Positive feedback frequently highlights the stable compensation and benefits packages offered by the company. However, some criticisms note limitations in flexible scheduling and the absence of bonuses like sign-on and safety incentives. Despite these shortcomings, drivers appreciate the employment stability offered at Mainline Logistics, Inc.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Santa Barbara Trucking Companies
In Santa Barbara, CA, the trucking company you choose can greatly impact your career satisfaction and success. Be sure to consider these important points when reviewing potential employers in Santa Barbara:
- Pay range & career growth: A good paycheck is only the start — make sure you’ll have room to grow. Search for Santa Barbara trucking employers that offer skill-building programs, raise opportunities tied to training, and clear advancement paths with bonus incentives.
- Benefits: The best benefits go beyond the basics. Consider companies with added perks like employee stock plans, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy options, which show they value long-term employee success.
- Culture: Look for Santa Barbara companies that make work-life balance a priority, offering extras like pet and rider allowances or regular time off on weekends.
- Employee feedback: Pay attention to which companies receive praise from employees for being fair, supportive, and a great place to build a career.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
In Santa Barbara, you’ll find many trucking job options tailored to your skills, experience, and preferred work style:
- Long-haul: Suited for those who enjoy lengthy trips and traveling to distant cities, sometimes across the entire country.
- Regional: Offers routes that keep you within California and nearby states, letting you return home more often than long-haul.
- Local: Provides consistent, short-distance routes inside Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas.
- Specialized: Involves transporting niche cargo types like liquids, frozen goods, or dry freight within Santa Barbara’s unique shipping industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
As you decide on the best trucking company in Santa Barbara for your career path, be sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Decide if income, health benefits, flexible scheduling, or preferred routes will influence your decision the most before you start applying.
- Look at local companies. Review the pay structures, benefit packages, and reputations of Santa Barbara, California trucking companies to see which ones stand out.
- Get input from drivers. Speak with local drivers about their personal experiences and use sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for further insights.
- Think about your career goals. If you're just starting out, CDL sponsorship and skill development opportunities may be crucial. For seasoned drivers, long-term stability and advancement options may take priority.
How To Apply
Ready to start your trucking career in Santa Barbara? Here's how you can apply to the top companies:
- Update your resume. Make sure to highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specific skills that are relevant to the local job market.
- Research companies. Visit their career pages to see available job openings and learn about their work culture in Santa Barbara.
- Submit your application. Apply directly online through the company's website or job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with recruiters to show your continued interest and ask about the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Santa Barbara:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Santa Barbara?
A truck driving career in Santa Barbara can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movers in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Santa Barbara offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Jose Fernandez And Sons is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Santa Barbara?
Most trucking companies in Santa Barbara are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Santa Barbara?
Jose Fernandez And Sons is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Santa Barbara.