10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Manhattan, KS
We reviewed key factors — including pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance — across 16 trucking companies in Manhattan, KS. Our analysis shows that DON Hanson Trucking, Inc. stands out as the best employer for drivers in Manhattan.
Top Trucking Companies in Manhattan, KS
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for 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.
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:
- Indeed:
DON Hanson Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 1064525) operates out of Manhattan, Kansas. Despite the exact founding date being unavailable, the company's presence in the industry is well-documented since at least 2015. They specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, primarily carrying construction materials. The company primarily hires over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed drivers.
DON Hanson Trucking, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance. Employees can also take advantage of a retirement plan (401(k)) and paid time off. These benefits make the company attractive for those seeking stability and long-term career prospects. However, they do not offer sign-on bonuses, dedicated routes, or paid CDL training at this time.
With a solid reputation for compensation and benefits, DON Hanson Trucking, Inc. scores well on employee satisfaction scales, holding a 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor. Positive feedback often highlights the valuable benefits and supportive work environment. However, employees have noted that the lack of guaranteed home time and the need for more structured scheduling are areas for improvement.
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
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 based in Manhattan, Kansas, although the founding date is not specified. The company operates as an interstate carrier primarily utilizing dry van and flatbed trucks. They specialize in transporting general freight, beverages, and paper products. Swartz Trucking actively hires a range of drivers, including local, flatbed, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, ensuring versatility in their operations.
Swartz Trucking is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to its drivers. The company offers health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. However, they do not provide gym memberships, tuition reimbursement, or safety bonuses. Despite these limitations, the company's focus on essential benefits reflects their commitment to employee welfare and satisfaction.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, Swartz Trucking receives favorable feedback from employees. Positive reviews often highlight the supportive work culture and competitive compensation, alongside the benefits package. However, some negative feedback points to a lack of guaranteed home time and limited flexible scheduling options, indicating areas where employees feel improvements could be made. Overall, Swartz Trucking maintains a strong reputation for being a reliable and employee-concerned trucking company.
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
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:
- Indeed:
Sjl, Inc. (DOT: 1723950) is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and has been operating since at least 2008. The company specializes in carrying motor vehicles and primarily uses dry van and reefer trucks for its operations. Sjl, Inc. focuses on hiring drivers for over-the-road (OTR) routes and hires both reefer and full truckload (FTL) drivers as part of their operations.
Sjl, Inc. provides several benefits to its drivers, including health insurance with dental and vision coverage, disability insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan with a 401(k). The company ensures salaries range from $60,000 to $70,000 and offers insurance, contributing to employee satisfaction. Although they do not provide sign-on bonuses or guaranteed home time, employees benefit from direct deposit for their payments.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, Sjl, Inc. is generally well-regarded by its employees. Many reviews highlight positive aspects such as good compensation and benefits, as well as a supportive work culture. However, some employees mention challenges with scheduling flexibility and the lack of certain enticements like sign-on bonuses or programs for ongoing training and development.
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
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) operates as a carrier based in Manhattan, Kansas, although the specific founding year of the company is not provided. They specialize in transporting agricultural and farm supplies, as well as construction materials. The company primarily employs dry van and flatbed drivers, focusing on local and over-the-road (OTR) opportunities.
This company provides a solid benefits package for its drivers, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. They also offer paid time off and a retirement plan with a 401(k) option. Although they don't provide a sign-on bonus or truck lease purchasing programs, their competitive salary range for drivers is between $45,000 and $55,000, which is commendable for their operation scale.
AAA Trucking & Excavation holds an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 1.0, indicating some disparity in employee satisfaction. The positive reviews often highlight the comprehensive insurance benefits and reliable salary. However, negative feedback primarily points to a lack of work-life balance, with inadequate home time being a common concern among drivers. The company has no reported crashes or fatalities, showcasing a strong safety record.
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
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) operates from its base in Manhattan, Kansas. Founded in 2005, the company primarily focuses on interstate transportation with a fleet specializing in dry van and flatbed services. They carry a diverse array of dry bulk commodities, grain feed hay, and other unspecified cargo types. R & J Trucking hires a range of drivers, including flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, supporting their operations with a small but effective total driver count of two.
This company emphasizes employee support by offering health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off (PTO) to its drivers. While the company doesn't extend sign-on bonuses or stock ownership opportunities, they ensure a satisfactory work environment through competitive salaries ranging from $45,000 to $55,000 annually. Although there is no provision for passengers or pets, R & J Trucking remains committed to maintaining a core set of benefits that are attractive to potential employees.
With a Google rating of 4.5, R & J Trucking receives generally positive reviews, particularly praising the fair compensation and supportive work environment. However, feedback from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor indicates room for improvement in areas such as work-life balance and route organization. Despite these concerns, the overall satisfaction of the employees reflects the company's commitment to fostering a reliable and nurturing workplace.
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
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 based in Manhattan, Kansas. Though the exact founding date isn't specified, the company is currently active and operates within the interstate segment. They specialize in transporting agricultural goods such as farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, grain feed, hay, and livestock.
The company does not highlight any specific benefits for drivers, as offerings like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, paid time off, or safety bonuses are not available. Furthermore, the lack of a driver recruitment program limits its ability to attract a wider range of candidates, including independent contractors or drivers with specialized licensing. However, their focus remains on transporting essential agricultural products, providing critical service to the farming community.
Nelson Poultry Farms, Inc. does not currently have ratings on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed. As such, there is limited employee feedback available for further insights into the company's work environment and culture. However, the absence of any reported incidents or crashes indicates a strong safety record, which can be appealing to current and potential employees.
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
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) is a carrier and shipper located in Abilene, Kansas. While the exact founding date of the company is not mentioned, Crop Service Center, Inc. is actively involved in interstate operations. Their fleet includes 22 trucks and 26 trailers, focusing primarily on transporting various types of cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grains, feed, hay, liquids, gases, livestock, and large machinery. They primarily hire drivers for general freight, without specialized or team driving roles.
Crop Service Center, Inc. does not currently offer significant benefits or incentives for its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, or extensive health and retirement plans. They lack employee stock ownership and referral bonuses, with no programs for flexible scheduling, ongoing training, or guaranteed home time. The absence of additional perks like rider or pet allowances, gym memberships, and substantial bonuses or pay advances means their benefits package may not stand out in the industry.
As of now, Crop Service Center, Inc. does not have available ratings on platforms such as Glassdoor or Indeed, so specific employee satisfaction and critique are unpublished. However, the company holds an active safety rating described as 'Satisfactory,' and despite no documented crashes, former employees might regard the lack of work-life balance and limited advancement opportunities as potential concerns. Nevertheless, the company's specialized focus on certain types of cargo could be beneficial for those with relevant experience in bulk commodity and livestock transport.
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
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 founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas. This seasoned company has a long-standing presence in the industry and operates across interstate boundaries. Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc. specializes in the transportation of materials such as logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metallic sheets, coils, and rolls. They are particularly engaged in property carrying services and maintain a corporate fleet size of 88, with a total of 44 trucks in operation and 39 drivers on their team.
The company is known for its solid and steady operations, as indicated by its active status with the USDOT. Despite not offering a robust range of employee benefits commonly seen in other trucking companies, Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc. supports its drivers with a fleet well-suited for their cargo specialization. Their reputation reflects a dedication to safety and vehicle maintenance, as indicated by the low incident statistics and vehicles kept in working order.
While specific employee ratings on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed are not readily available, the overall stability and longevity of Steel And Pipe Supply Co, Inc. suggest a company with a commitment to reliable service. However, given the lack of emphasis on driver-centric benefits or recruitment bonuses, potential drivers might miss the competitive incentives offered by newer entrants in the industry. The company maintains focus on its traditional routes and specialized material transport, solidifying its niche in the market.
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
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. (USDOT: 422011) was founded in 1955 and is based in Manhattan, Kansas. Despite its small size, with a fleet of 6 trucks and operating interstate, the company carries a diverse range of cargo. Their specialties include transporting general freight, large machinery, motor vehicles, intermodal containers, and drive/tow away services.
This trucking company prides itself on providing reliable services, although there is limited information on specific driver benefits such as sign-on bonuses or health insurance. With a focus on carrying general freight and large objects, Manhattan Wrecker Service, Inc. ensures secure and efficient transport across state lines. Details about driver opportunities like team driving or regional routes were not specified.
There are no available ratings or reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed to provide insight into employee satisfaction, benefits, or company culture. Consequently, feedback regarding the work-life balance, compensation, and home time reliability at Manhattan Wrecker Service, Inc. remains unavailable. However, the company's long-standing presence in the industry suggests a steady operational model.
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
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) operates out of Manhattan, Kansas. While the exact founding date isn't specified, the company's active USDOT status began as of November 2016, indicating its operation history. Clays Auto Service specializes in carrying motor vehicles, primarily within intrastate hazardous operations. However, the company does not engage in the transportation of specialized or hazardous materials, such as chemicals or dry bulk commodities. They do not offer full truckload or partial truckload services and focus primarily on auto carrier operations.
Despite a limited range of driver positions, Clays Auto Service prides itself on maintaining a small but dedicated fleet with a total of one driver and two fleet units. They do not currently advertise benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, or flexible scheduling, contributing to a barebones compensation package. Recruitment focuses primarily on local opportunities, as the company does not provide opportunities for over-the-road (OTR) or regional drivers.
Employee feedback about Clays Auto Service appears to be sparse, with no clear ratings available from platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor. While the company does not promote robust employee benefits or additional perks like sign-on bonuses or paid CDL training, these areas present opportunities for future growth in enhancing workplace satisfaction. As such, potential employees might find the lack of structured benefits and feedback to be a potential downside when considering opportunities with Clays Auto Service.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
DON Hanson Trucking, 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?
DON Hanson Trucking, Inc. is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Manhattan.