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10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Manhattan, KS

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

We reviewed key factors — including pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance — across 16 trucking companies in Manhattan, KS. Our analysis shows that Sjl, Inc. stands out as the best employer for drivers in Manhattan.

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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 trucking companies in Manhattan. Every Manhattan 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 Manhattan.

Sjl, Inc.

410 Ft Riley BLVD, Manhattan, KS, 66502
  • Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
  • Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
  • Power units: 1
  • Drivers: 1

  • Glassdoor: 4.0 / 5
  • Indeed: 4.2 / 5

Sjl, Inc. (DOT: 1723950) does not list a formal founding date, but its MCS-150 record dates to January 7, 2008, and the carrier is located in Manhattan, Kansas. Sjl, Inc. operates as an intrastate non-hazardous carrier and primarily hauls motor vehicles, with services that include dry van, reefer, full truckload, and less-than-truckload freight. The company hires CDL drivers for OTR, regional, reefer, and full truckload roles.

Sjl, Inc. offers several core driver benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, and direct deposit. Its reported general driver salary range is $60,000 to $70,000, and the company operates a very small fleet with one truck, one power unit, and one driver listed.

Sjl, Inc. has an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, suggesting generally positive employee sentiment. Positive feedback appears to center on solid benefits, steady pay, and a smaller-company environment, while common concerns may include limited advancement opportunities, fewer driver programs, and a lack of extras such as sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, referral bonuses, or rider and pet policies.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Reefer

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: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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DON Hanson Trucking, Inc.

3161 West 69 Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66503
  • Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
  • Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
  • Power units: 1
  • Drivers: 1
  • Miles driven: 40,000 (2015)

  • Glassdoor: 4.0 / 5
  • Indeed: 4.2 / 5

DON Hanson Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 1064525) is an active carrier based in Manhattan, Kansas, with no founding date listed in the provided records; its MCS-150 filing is dated April 16, 2015. The company hauls construction-related cargo using dry van and flatbed equipment and offers full truckload and less-than-truckload service. They primarily hire CDL-required regional and OTR drivers, especially flatbed and full-truckload drivers.

DON Hanson Trucking appears to be a very small fleet, with 1 truck, 1 power unit, and 1 driver listed. Driver benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, and direct deposit. The company holds a 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor, suggesting generally favorable employee sentiment.

Based on the limited review data available, positive employee feedback most likely centers on the company’s solid benefits package, small-company environment, and regional/OTR driving opportunities. Common negatives cannot be verified from written review text in the provided data, but the profile suggests possible drawbacks such as limited fleet size, fewer advancement paths, no sign-on or safety bonuses, no guaranteed home time, and no rider or pet program.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • 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: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Swartz Trucking

2607 Woodside Ln, Manhattan, KS, 66503
  • Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 1
  • Drivers: 1
  • Miles driven: 33,264 (2023)


Swartz Trucking (DOT: 508742) is an active interstate carrier based in Manhattan, Kansas; its founding date is not publicly listed. The company operates a very small fleet and hauls beverages, general freight, and paper products using dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, full-truckload, partial-truckload, LTL, and last-mile services. Swartz Trucking hires CDL drivers, including local, OTR, reefer, flatbed, and full-truckload drivers.

Swartz Trucking offers several core driver benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, and direct deposit. Reported driver pay generally falls in the $50,000–$70,000 range. The company does not appear to offer sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, pet or passenger programs, paid CDL training, or lease-purchase options.

Employee ratings are strong for a small carrier, with a 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor. Positive feedback appears to emphasize solid benefits, straightforward operations, and a smaller-company work environment, while negative feedback is more likely to focus on limited formal perks, fewer advancement or training programs, and the constraints that can come with a very small fleet.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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AAA Trucking & Excavation

7990 Anderson Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66503
  • Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
  • Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
  • Power units: 1
  • Drivers: 1
  • Miles driven: 200 (2024)


AAA Trucking & Excavation (DOT: 1607361) is an active intrastate non-hazardous carrier based in Manhattan, Kansas; a founding date is not listed in the available company data. The company operates a very small fleet and hauls agricultural/farm supplies and construction-related cargo, using dry van and flatbed equipment for full truckload and less-than-truckload freight.

AAA Trucking & Excavation hires CDL drivers, including local, OTR, and flatbed drivers. Reported driver benefits include direct deposit, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan, with a listed general driver salary range of about $45,000 to $55,000.

The company has an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 1.0. Positive employee feedback appears to center on steady work, small-company familiarity, and basic benefits, while negative feedback is more likely to focus on limited advancement, fewer formal driver perks, and concerns about management or workplace consistency, especially given the low Glassdoor score.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • 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: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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R & J Trucking

333 Dix Dr, Manhattan, KS, 66502
  • Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 2
  • Drivers: 2
  • Miles driven: 41,447 (2024)

R & J Trucking (DOT: 1547345) is an active interstate carrier based in Manhattan, Kansas, with no founding date listed in the available records. The company operates a small fleet carrying dry bulk commodities, grain, feed, hay, and other freight, using dry van and flatbed equipment for full truckload and less-than-truckload service.

R & J Trucking primarily hires CDL drivers for local, OTR, and flatbed roles. Driver benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit, with a listed general driver salary range of about $45,000 to $55,000.

No Glassdoor rating is available, and the provided Indeed profile does not show an employee rating, so verified common positive and negative employee feedback themes are limited. Based on the available data, the company appears to offer core insurance benefits and PTO, but there is no review-backed evidence on Glassdoor or Indeed to confirm recurring praise or complaints about pay, home time, management, or work-life balance.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Flatbed

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • PTO

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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
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Nelson Poultry Farms, Inc.

8530 East Hwy 24, Manhattan, KS, 66502
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 10
  • Drivers: 6
  • Revenue: $7,755,000
  • Miles driven: 143,893 (2024)

Nelson Poultry Farms, Inc. (DOT: 72884) is an active interstate carrier located in Manhattan, Kansas. The company’s founding date is not listed in the available records. Operating under the DBA “Npfi,” it hauls agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, feed, hay, and livestock.

Nelson Poultry Farms, Inc. appears to be a small carrier, with 10 trucks, 10 power units, and 6 interstate drivers reported. The available data does not list specific hiring categories such as local, regional, OTR, team, owner-operator, flatbed, reefer, tanker, or hazmat drivers. No formal driver benefits are listed, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, rider/pet policies, or guaranteed home time.

Nelson Poultry Farms, Inc. does not have available Glassdoor or Indeed ratings in the provided data, so there is not enough employee review information to identify consistent positive or negative feedback themes. Its safety rating is listed as “Satisfactory,” and the record shows no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities, but employee sentiment on compensation, management, work-life balance, and benefits is not publicly summarized in the available review data.

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 16.33
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Crop Service Center, Inc.

818 Se 4th St, Abilene, KS, 67410
  • Salary range: Not available
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 22
  • Trailers: 26
  • Drivers: 29
  • Revenue: $20,735
  • Miles driven: 290,000 (2023)

Crop Service Center, Inc. (DOT: 439257) has no listed founding date in the available data and is located in Abilene, Kansas. The company operates as an active interstate carrier and shipper, hauling agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, grain/feed/hay, liquids/gases, livestock, and large machinery. Specific driver hiring categories are not listed, and the company does not advertise dedicated, regional, local, OTR, team, owner-operator, hazmat, flatbed, tanker, or specialized driver roles.

Crop Service Center, Inc. operates a small fleet with 22 trucks, 26 trailers, and 29 total drivers. The available data does not show advertised driver benefits such as health insurance, dental or vision coverage, paid time off, retirement plans, safety bonuses, sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, pet or passenger policies, paid CDL training, or tuition reimbursement.

Crop Service Center, Inc. does not have available Glassdoor or Indeed ratings in the provided data, so there is no reliable employee-review snapshot to report. As a result, common positive or negative employee feedback about pay, benefits, management, home time, culture, or work-life balance is not available from those platforms.

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.21
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2
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Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc.

555 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 44
  • Drivers: 39
  • Revenue: $104,282,000
  • Miles driven: 936,744 (2024)

Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc. (DOT: 72348) was established in 1933 and is located in Manhattan, Kansas. The company operates as an active interstate carrier with a fleet of 44 trucks and carries logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal materials such as sheets, coils, and rolls.

Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc. appears to hire company drivers to support its property-carrying operations, though available data does not specify whether it hires local, regional, OTR, flatbed, team, or owner-operator drivers. Public information also does not list specific driver benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, safety bonuses, sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, or rider and pet policies.

Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc. does not currently have available Glassdoor or Indeed ratings in the provided data. As a result, there is no clear public snapshot of common positive or negative employee feedback from those platforms; prospective drivers may need to contact the company directly to learn more about pay, benefits, scheduling, home time, and workplace culture.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.88
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Manhattan Wrecker Service, Inc.

1300 Kretschmer Dr, Manhattan, KS, 66502
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 6
  • Drivers: 6
  • Revenue: $322,000
  • Miles driven: 51,187 (2022)

Manhattan Wrecker Service, Inc. (DOT: 422011) was established in 1955 and is located in Manhattan, Kansas. The company operates as an active interstate carrier with a small fleet, hauling drive/tow-away cargo, general freight, intermodal containers, large machinery, and motor vehicles. Its available records do not specify formal hiring categories, but its operations suggest roles tied to wrecker/tow-away, vehicle transport, machinery hauling, intermodal, and general freight driving.

Manhattan Wrecker Service, Inc. appears to be a small, long-running carrier with 6 drivers and 6 power units listed in federal records. Public data does not confirm specific driver benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, bonuses, rider or pet policies, or guaranteed home time. However, the company has an active operating status and a satisfactory safety rating, with no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the available record.

Manhattan Wrecker Service, Inc. does not currently have publicly available Glassdoor or Indeed ratings in the provided data. Because employee review information is not available, there is no reliable snapshot of common positive or negative feedback from drivers on those platforms. Prospective drivers may want to ask directly about pay structure, benefits, schedules, home time, and equipment during the application process.

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • 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
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Clays Auto Service

1630 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502
  • Routes: intrastate hazardous
  • Power units: 1
  • Drivers: 1
  • Miles driven: 2,000 (2016)

Clays Auto Service (DOT: 1000612) is an active carrier based in Manhattan, Kansas, with no founding date listed in the available records. The company operates as a very small intrastate carrier, with one truck, one power unit, and one driver reported. Its listed cargo is motor vehicles, and it is identified as an auto carrier with intrastate hazardous operation authority.

Available data does not show active hiring categories such as local, regional, OTR, team, owner-operator, flatbed, tanker, or specialized drivers. No listed driver benefits are reported, including health insurance, dental or vision coverage, paid time off, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, retirement plans, guaranteed home time, rider or pet policies, or training programs.

Clays Auto Service does not have available Glassdoor or Indeed employee ratings in the provided data. Because there are no verified review scores or employee comments, there is not enough information to identify common positive feedback such as pay, management, or work culture, or common negative feedback such as home time, benefits, or scheduling concerns.

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
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What To Look for in Manhattan Trucking Companies

In Manhattan, KS, 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 Manhattan:

  • Pay range & career growth: A good paycheck is only the start — make sure you’ll have room to grow. Search for Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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.
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Types of Driving Jobs Available

In Manhattan, 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 Kansas and nearby states, letting you return home more often than long-haul.
  • Local: Provides consistent, short-distance routes inside Manhattan and its surrounding areas.
  • Specialized: Involves transporting niche cargo types like liquids, frozen goods, or dry freight within Manhattan’s unique shipping industry.
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How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals

As you decide on the best trucking company in Manhattan 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 Manhattan, Kansas 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.
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How To Apply

Ready to start your trucking career in Manhattan? 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 Manhattan.
  • 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Manhattan:

Is a truck driving career worth it in Manhattan?

A truck driving career in Manhattan 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 Manhattan offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?

Sjl, Inc. is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.

What type of driving jobs are most available in Manhattan?

Most trucking companies in Manhattan 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 Manhattan?

Sjl, Inc. is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Manhattan.

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.