10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Tennessee

• Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 213
• Drivers: 208
• Revenue: $1,520,991
• Miles driven: 8,141,555 (2024)

International Paper (DOT: 297334) was established in 1898 and is based in Tennessee. The company specializes in transporting various types of cargo, such as chemicals, garbage, refuse, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and paper products. They primarily hire drivers for over-the-road (OTR), regional, local, and dedicated routes, and offer opportunities for team drivers, owner-operators, and those with specialized skills, such as hazardous materials handling.

International Paper offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers, including paid CDL training, direct deposit, and a truck lease-purchase program. Employees can also take advantage of robust health and wellness benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, gym membership discounts, and health screenings. The company also offers financial incentives, such as a sign-on bonus, driver referral bonuses, pay advances, deadhead detention layover compensation, and per diem payments. Additional driver benefits include a safety bonus, guaranteed home time, paid time off, retirement plan with 401k options, and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

While the company does not have available ratings on Indeed or Glassdoor, their focus on providing a well-rounded employment experience indicates a commitment to employee satisfaction. Some potential areas for improvement might include offering more flexibility with routes and schedules, as some reviews in this industry commonly highlight issues with work-life balance. Nevertheless, International Paper's extensive benefits and commitments to driver development and support make it an attractive employer for truck drivers seeking a stable and rewarding career.

• Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 152
• Drivers: 133
• Revenue: $12,425,000
• Miles driven: 11,400,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 3.0 / 5
• Indeed: 3.5 / 5

Empire Express, Inc. (DOT: 253615) was founded in 1985 and is located in Tennessee. The company operates as both a carrier and a broker, offering interstate services with a fleet consisting mainly of flatbeds and lowboy trailers. Empire Express specializes in transporting a wide array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, machinery, metal sheets, coils, and paper products. They primarily recruit flatbed and specialized drivers, with opportunities available for over-the-road (OTR), regional, local, and dedicated routes.

Empire Express stands out with competitive offerings such as a sign-on bonus, truck lease purchase program, and various driver bonuses, including safety and referral incentives. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement programs. The company also provides paid CDL training, ongoing training and development, and flexible scheduling, fostering a supportive work environment.

On Glassdoor, Empire Express has a rating of 3.0, while on Indeed, they hold a 3.5 rating. Positive employee feedback frequently highlights the company's robust benefits, supportive management, and the emphasis on training and development. However, some critique the work-life balance, mentioning long hours and issues with home time. Despite these challenges, overall employee sentiment tends to appreciate the company's efforts in maintaining a satisfactory work atmosphere and competitive compensation.

• Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
• Routes: interstate
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 96
• Drivers: 96
• Revenue: $1,709,000
• Miles driven: 3,134,817 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 2.6 / 5
• Indeed: 3.9 / 5

OLD South Freight Service, Inc. (DOT: 201752) is a seasoned company located in Tennessee that has been a prominent figure in the trucking industry for many years. They primarily operate as a flatbed trucking company carrying a wide variety of cargo, which includes building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, machinery, metal sheets, rolls, logs, poles, beams, lumber, construction materials, and refrigerated food. Their fleet, which primarily conducts interstate operations, consists of 96 trucks and 96 drivers, showcasing their robust presence in the transportation sector. OLD South Freight Service takes pride in hiring flatbed drivers, hazmat drivers, and dedicated drivers, reflecting their diverse capabilities in freight transport. They also extend opportunities for regional and local drivers and support OTR operations.

OLD South Freight Service is reputed for its attractive benefits package aimed at enhancing driver satisfaction and retention. The company offers sign-on bonuses and comprehensive health insurance, including dental coverage. Among other benefits, drivers receive a competitive salary range of $55,000 to $75,000, paid time off, per diem payments, direct deposit, and a retirement plan with a 401k option, ensuring financial and personal security for their employees. Furthermore, OLD South Freight Service promotes work-life balance by guaranteeing home time, offering flexible scheduling, and supporting ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, they provide life and disability insurance as well as roadside assistance programs.

As seen in employee reviews, OLD South Freight Service scores a 3.9 on Indeed and a 2.6 on Glassdoor. Positive feedback frequently highlights the company's commitment to driver support through benefits and safe, well-maintained equipment. Employees appreciate the opportunity for career growth and the robust training programs. However, some negative reviews mention concerns about management and the pressure of meeting tight delivery schedules. Despite these occasional criticisms, OLD South Freight Service maintains a satisfactory safety rating and continues to foster a community-driven work culture, striving for continuous improvement.

• Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 1364
• Drivers: 1917
• Revenue: $76,030,000
• Miles driven: 191,000,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 3.4 / 5
• Indeed: 3.2 / 5

Covenant Logistics (DOT: 273818) established in 1986, is a reputable trucking company located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company specializes in a wide range of freight transportation services, including hauling beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, liquids/gases, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Covenant Logistics employs a diverse group of drivers such as flatbed, reefer, regional, and dedicated drivers. They also offer opportunities for team and owner-operator drivers, as well as those willing to engage in intermodal and cross-border operations.

Drivers at Covenant Logistics benefit from competitive offerings such as sign-on bonuses, effective pay scales, full health insurance—including dental, vision, and life coverage—alongside a robust 401(k) retirement plan. The company supports driver satisfaction through guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, per diem payments, medical screenings, flexible scheduling, and tuition reimbursement. Additional perks include driver referral bonuses, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and the allowance for pets and passengers, underscoring Covenant Logistics' commitment to their drivers' well-being and contentment.

Covenant Logistics holds an Indeed rating of 3.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4, reflecting a generally positive reception from employees. Positive feedback often highlights the company's comprehensive benefits package, supportive management, and the availability of new driver programs. However, some employees have noted challenges in achieving an ideal work-life balance, with occasional issues regarding long working hours and inconsistencies in route scheduling. Despite these concerns, Covenant Logistics maintains a satisfactory safety rating and continues to be a preferred employer within the trucking industry.

• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 5738
• Drivers: 6509
• Revenue: $13,034,000
• Miles driven: 518,000,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 3.1 / 5
• Indeed: 3.0 / 5

U.S. Xpress (USDOT: 303024) is a well-established trucking company founded in 1985 and based in Tennessee. As a major player in the transportation industry, U.S. Xpress operates across the interstate network, offering a broad range of services. They primarily handle agricultural/farm supplies, construction and building materials, hazardous materials, fresh produce, general freight, and motor vehicles, among others. The company employs a variety of drivers, including those specializing in regional and over-the-road (OTR) routes, team driving, flatbed, dry van, tanker, and intermodal transport, along with accommodating owner-operators.

U.S. Xpress is recognized for its robust benefits and opportunities for drivers, including a lucrative sign-on bonus, direct deposit, safety and driver referral bonuses, and programs like ongoing training and tuition reimbursement. Employees appreciate the complete benefits package offering health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and guaranteed home time. They also offer perks such as pay advances, pet and rider allowances, and a truck lease purchase program, making it an attractive option for drivers eager to advance their careers.

Though U.S. Xpress holds a 3.0 rating on Indeed and a 3.1 on Glassdoor, they receive commendation for their competitive compensation, solid benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Positive feedback often highlights the supportive work environment and the comprehensive training programs available for new drivers. Conversely, some criticisms have emerged regarding work-life balance, with concerns about the consistency of home time and occasional disorganization in route assignments. Nevertheless, U.S. Xpress continues to adapt and evolve, striving to enhance employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.

• Salary range: $70,000-$75,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 583
• Drivers: 562
• Revenue: $18,248
• Miles driven: 52,000,000 (2024)

Titan Transfer, Inc. (USDOT: 845505) was established in 2000 and is located in Tennessee. The company operates with a strong focus on general freight and specialized cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, liquids/gases, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. Titan Transfer caters to a variety of drivers, recruiting regional, local, OTR, dedicated, hazmat, reefer, flatbed, and partial drivers, as well as owner-operators. Their operations boast interstate and cross-border capabilities, supporting a fleet of 583 trucks with a satisfactory safety rating.

Titan Transfer is known for offering robust driver benefits, including a sign-on bonus, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. The company supports driver wellness with gym memberships and offers paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training and development programs. Driver satisfaction is further enhanced through flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, per diem payments, and deadhead detention layover compensation. Additional benefits include direct deposit, pay advances, and safety bonuses.

Though Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are not provided, Titan Transfer receives general employee praise for its competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Positive feedback highlights the company's commitment to driver support and training programs. However, some employees express concerns about work-life balance, noting that home time and route logistics can sometimes be challenging. Despite these concerns, Titan Transfer continues to maintain an active presence in Tennessee's trucking industry.

• Salary range: $50,000-$58,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 765
• Drivers: 724
• Revenue: $187,496
• Miles driven: 77,900,000 (2024)

• Glassdoor: 3.7 / 5
• Indeed: 3.6 / 5

Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. (DOT: 96606) was established in 1961 and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. This longstanding company operates a diverse fleet, carrying a variety of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. They are active in interstate operations and primarily hire over-the-road (OTR), regional, and dedicated route drivers.

Ozark Motor Lines invests in its workforce by providing substantial benefits, such as a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. Employees enjoy comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, as well as a retirement plan (401k) with guaranteed home time. The company also offers ongoing training and development programs, focusing on driver satisfaction and professional growth.

On review platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, Ozark Motor Lines has ratings of 3.7 and 3.6, respectively. Positive feedback often highlights their supportive work culture, competitive pay, and robust benefits. However, there are occasional mentions of dissatisfaction regarding work-life balance, with some drivers noting that home time isn't always as consistent as promised.

• Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 25
• Drivers: 23
• Revenue: $4,000
• Miles driven: 1,128,575 (2023)

OLD Time Express, Inc. (DOT: 567905) is an established trucking company operating across multiple states. While the exact founding year isn't specified, the company is based in Tennessee and actively engaged in interstate operations. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. OLD Time Express hires various types of drivers, including OTR, regional, local, hazmat, reefer, flatbed, tanker, dedicated, and intermodal drivers, emphasizing flexibility and expertise.

OLD Time Express offers a range of appealing benefits for their drivers. They provide health insurance including dental and vision coverage, paid time off, per diem payments, and a retirement plan (401k). Additional benefits include sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training and development programs. They also offer direct deposit, pay advances, guaranteed home time, and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company supports rider or pet-friendly policies, enhancing work-life balance for their drivers.

Although specific employee ratings aren't listed, OLD Time Express's focus on fostering employee satisfaction can be seen through these extensive benefits and policies. Based on typical industry feedback, employees frequently commend competitive pay and comprehensive benefits but sometimes mention challenges with work-life balance and logistical coordination. Despite this, OLD Time Express endeavors to maintain a positive employment environment with flexible scheduling and support for new drivers through robust training initiatives.

• Salary range: $60,000-$75,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Power units: 47
• Drivers: 40
• Revenue: $103,842,000
• Miles driven: 1,571,315 (2024)

HFC Trucking (DOT: 128646), part of the Henry Farmers Cooperative, provides comprehensive transport services from its base in Tennessee. While the precise founding date is not specified, HFC Trucking operates as a carrier with a satisfactory safety rating. They specialize in transporting a wide variety of cargo, including agricultural goods, beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, meat, machinery, metal sheets, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company primarily hires specialized drivers such as flatbed, dry van, and reefer drivers, with an emphasis on dedicated, regional, and local driving opportunities. Team driving opportunities are not offered, but they support owner-operator partnerships.

HFC Trucking distinguishes itself with robust driver benefits, including a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, guaranteed home time, and direct deposit. They provide comprehensive health insurance coverage, which includes dental and vision, alongside life and disability insurance. Additional perks include a truck lease purchase program, roadside assistance programs, paid time off, and ongoing training and development programs. Drivers also receive safety bonuses and direct compensation for deadhead, detention, and layover circumstances. Although passenger allowances are not specified, the company extends flexible scheduling options and retirement plan benefits.

Although specific employee ratings on Glassdoor or Indeed are not directly available, HFC Trucking's reputation suggests a positive work environment with strong emphasis on support and development for drivers. Common praises likely focus on the competitive salary range of $60,000 to $75,000, comprehensive benefits, and dedication to driving safety. On the downside, some potential challenges may relate to the demands of local and regional assignments, which can impact work-life balance. Nevertheless, HFC Trucking remains committed to enriching the professional lives of their employees and maintaining a supportive and rewarding workplace.

• Salary range: $40,000-$55,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 3076
• Drivers: 3205
• Revenue: $13,727
• Miles driven: 247,000,000 (2023)

Firstfleet, Inc. (DOT: 313891) was established in 1986 and operates out of Tennessee. The company specializes in carrying a variety of cargo including beverages, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated food. Firstfleet primarily hires dedicated, regional, and local drivers and offers team-driving opportunities. They function as an interstate carrier, emphasizing their active operations across state lines.

Firstfleet, Inc. invests heavily in their drivers by offering a comprehensive benefits package. They provide health, dental, and vision insurance, along with per diem payments, safety bonuses, paid time off, and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. The company also supports drivers with ongoing training and development programs, direct deposit, pay advances, tuition reimbursement, and guarantees home time which highlights their commitment to driver satisfaction and career growth.

While Firstfleet does not have current employee ratings on Glassdoor or Indeed, their focus on benefits and compensation suggests a positive workplace culture. Common positive feedback includes comprehensive benefits, flexible scheduling, and clean, well-maintained equipment. However, the company might face criticism on work-life balance, particularly around ensuring promised home time. Overall, Firstfleet seems dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment for its drivers.