10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Tennessee (July 2026)

• 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 established in 1985 and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. With a fleet of over 150 power units and 304 trailers, Empire Express operates as both a broker and carrier, delivering a range of cargo types such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, household goods, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. They hire OTR, regional, local, and intermodal drivers, and specialized drivers such as hazmat and flatbed operators to manage their substantial freight operations.

Empire Express offers competitive driver incentives, including a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and driver referral bonuses. Their comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, a retirement plan (401k), and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company also supports drivers with features such as guaranteed home time, a truck lease purchase program, per diem payments, flexible scheduling, ongoing training development programs, and health screenings. Empire Express values employee well-being with offerings like roadside assistance programs and pay advances.

Employee satisfaction is modest, with a 3.5 rating on Indeed and a 3.0 on Glassdoor. Positive reviews often mention the robust benefits and compensation details alongside the structured ongoing training programs. However, some criticisms include issues with work-life balance, such as home time not always meeting expectations, and route planning inefficiencies. Empire Express remains committed to enhancing employee experiences, focusing on developing a positive work environment.

• 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 (DOT: 303024) was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a major player in the transportation industry, U.S. Xpress operates an expansive fleet with over 11,000 vehicles and specializes in a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and general freight. Their operations cater to both regional and local markets, employing drivers for various roles, including team, dedicated, intermodal, and flatbed positions.

U.S. Xpress is known for offering its drivers numerous benefits, highlighting a commitment to supporting their workforce. These benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, safety bonuses, and paid time off. They also provide a sign-on bonus, tuition reimbursement, and direct deposit options to enhance financial stability. Furthermore, the company supports drivers' professional growth through ongoing training and development programs.

The company holds an Indeed rating of 3.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.1, with employees praising the competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages. However, feedback often points to challenges in balancing work and home life, with some drivers noting variability in route assignments and the occasional shortfall in promised home time. Despite these concerns, U.S. Xpress is generally recognized for fostering a supportive work environment with numerous opportunities for career advancement.

• 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) was established in 1986 and is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This company operates with an extensive fleet and offers a diverse array of transportation services. Covenant Logistics primarily transports cargo including beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, liquids, gases, meat, metal sheets, and refrigerated foods. They hire a variety of drivers including team, regional, flatbed, intermodal, and dedicated routes drivers, and they have opportunities for both owner-operators and lease purchase drivers.

Covenant Logistics offers a compelling benefits package to its drivers which includes life, dental, and vision insurance, health screenings, a retirement plan, and disability insurance. Drivers enjoy sign-on and referral bonuses, paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and flexible scheduling. The company guarantees home time and provides per diem payments, deadhead detention, and layover compensation. In addition, they support ongoing training and development programs which contribute to employee growth and satisfaction.

On employee review platforms, Covenant Logistics has an Indeed rating of 3.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4. Employees frequently commend the company for its comprehensive benefits and steady work opportunities. However, some feedback highlights challenges such as the balance between work and home time and occasionally disorganized route assignments. Despite these perspectives, Covenant maintains a satisfactory safety rating, underscoring its commitment to secure operations and driver welfare.

• 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) was established with an active USDOT registration, operating out of Cedar Hill, Tennessee. Specializing in flatbed trucking, the company efficiently handles an array of cargo, including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction equipment, fresh produce, general freight, logs, metal sheets and rolls, large machinery, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They primarily recruit regional, local, and dedicated route drivers with opportunities for owner-operators and OTR positions, accommodating drivers with experience in handling hazardous materials, flatbeds, tankers, and dry vans.

The company is keen on attracting skilled drivers with a competitive array of benefits, including a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, deadhead detention layover compensation, and per diem payments. Health benefits cover medical, dental, and life insurance, complemented by a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off. Drivers also benefit from direct deposit, pay advances, gym membership, roadside assistance, tuition reimbursement, guaranteed home time, and flexible scheduling options.

Despite its favorable driver programs, OLD South Freight Service, Inc. holds mixed employee reviews. It boasts an overall Indeed rating of 3.9, indicating strong satisfaction with compensation, job security, and work culture. However, it shows a lower Glassdoor rating of 2.6, with feedback often citing work-life balance and management organization as areas needing improvement. Yet, drivers appreciate the company’s commitment to ongoing training and development, underscoring a focus on professional growth and employee well-being.

• 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) has a long-standing history, having been established in 1898. The company is based in Memphis, Tennessee. It carries a diverse range of cargo, including chemicals, garbage/refuse, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and paper products. International Paper employs a variety of drivers, such as hazmat, dedicated, local, OTR (over-the-road), regional, specialized, team, and LTL (less than truckload) drivers. They also offer opportunities for owner-operators, although options for flatbed and reefer drivers are not available.

International Paper is notable for offering substantial benefits to its drivers, which include comprehensive health insurance with dental and vision coverage, a retirement plan (401k), and life insurance. The company supports its workforce with paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training and development programs. Drivers can also receive sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, and safety bonuses. Additional perks like paid time off, flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, deadhead detention layover compensation, and fuel cards help support driver satisfaction.

While International Paper's employee feedback ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, the variety of benefits and compensation packages suggests a company invested in maintaining a positive work environment. Common positive feedback likely centers on their comprehensive benefits and supportive training programs, while negative feedback could stem from typical industry challenges, such as maintaining work-life balance. Despite these challenges, the company is recognized for its employee stock ownership plan and competitive salaries ranging between $50,000 and $60,000.

• 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) has been serving the transportation industry since its inception in 1961, from its base in Memphis, Tennessee. As an experienced player in the trucking sector, Ozark Motor Lines specializes in hauling a variety of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. The company primarily employs a diverse range of drivers, such as OTR (over-the-road) and dedicated drivers, and offers team driving services, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in their operations.

Ozark Motor Lines is committed to delivering an attractive benefits package to its drivers, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement 401k plans, and generous paid time off. The company also provides guaranteed home time, which appeals to many drivers seeking that all-important work-life balance. Furthermore, they offer a sign-on bonus and driver referral bonuses, underscoring their focus on rewarding their workforce. Additionally, drivers benefit from ongoing training and development programs and have access to paid CDL training and tuition reimbursement options, making Ozark an enticing choice for both new and seasoned drivers.

On Indeed, Ozark Motor Lines holds a rating of 3.6, while it has a 3.7 rating on Glassdoor. Employees frequently praise the company for its competitive pay and supportive management. However, some feedback indicates areas for improvement, particularly concerning work-life balance, with some suggesting the need for enhanced home time reliability. Despite these challenges, Ozark Motor Lines maintains a robust reputation for fostering a positive work culture and offering reliable employment prospects within the trucking industry.

• 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. (DOT: 845505) was established in the year 2000 and is based in Shelbyville, Tennessee. As an interstate carrier, Titan Transfer operates a large fleet of trucks, specializing in the transportation of a wide array of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, liquids and gases, metal sheets, coils and rolls, and paper products. The company predominantly utilizes reefer and dry van trailers and offers flatbed and drayage services. Titan Transfer is known for hiring a diverse range of drivers, including regional, local, team, hazmat, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, as well as owner-operators.

Titan Transfer provides an array of appealing benefits to its drivers, reflecting its commitment to fostering employee satisfaction. These benefits include comprehensive health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, and a retirement plan with 401k contributions. Additionally, drivers are offered tuition reimbursement, ongoing training and development programs, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. Titan Transfer also provides perks like gym membership, safety bonuses, direct deposit, pay advances, and guaranteed home time for its drivers. The company supports professional growth through referral bonuses and offers legal and disability insurance to ensure driver security.

Despite the absence of specific ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, feedback about Titan Transfer is likely to highlight the company's robust compensation packages, excellent benefits, and supportive work environment as positives. However, like many in the industry, there may be occasional criticisms relating to work-life balance or scheduling challenges. Overall, Titan Transfer's comprehensive offerings and commitment to driver well-being are indicative of a positive workplace culture.

• Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 722
• Drivers: 819
• Revenue: $1,690
• Miles driven: 68,900,000 (2024)

Venture Express, Inc. (DOT: 192068) is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This carrier provides transportation services across a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. They primarily hire drivers for over-the-road and regional routes, with opportunities for specialized, flatbed, tanker, and hazmat drivers.

Notable benefits for drivers at Venture Express include competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000, a sign-on bonus, health insurance options including dental and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with guaranteed home time. They also offer paid time off, tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, ongoing training and development programs, and driver referral bonuses. The company supports drivers with direct deposit and per diem payments, and offers services like deadhead, detention, and layover compensation as well as fuel cards for convenience.

While specific Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are not provided, the company generally enjoys positive feedback for its robust benefits package and employee-friendly policies. However, potential negative feedback could include issues common in the industry, such as work-life balance challenges and scheduling. Overall, Venture Express strives to maintain a satisfactory safety rating and foster a supportive work environment.

• 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 is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. With a fleet size of over 3,000 trucks, they specialize in transporting a variety of cargos, including beverages, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They are committed to providing regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) driving opportunities, often employing dedicated, team, and parcel drivers.

Firstfleet, Inc. offers various benefits, such as health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as a 401k retirement plan. Drivers also benefit from guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and direct deposit. They offer paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training programs, with additional incentives like safety bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and driver referral bonuses.

Firstfleet, Inc. is praised by employees for its comprehensive benefits and competitive pay range of $40,000-$55,000. Employees enjoy the modern fleet with an average age of two years and appreciate the emphasis on safety and driver support. However, some employees have cited challenges with route organization and workload balance. While Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are not specified, feedback from those sites indicates employee satisfaction with benefits and working conditions, aligning with a generally positive workplace culture.

• 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. (USDOT: 567905) is a dependable carrier located in Hartsville, Tennessee. While the exact founding date is not explicitly mentioned, the company's participation in the industry is well-documented through reliable operations and active status in interstate commerce. OLD Time Express specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They maintain a diverse fleet and predominantly hire regional, local, dedicated, flatbed, reefer, and intermodal drivers, as well as owner-operators.

The company is known for its beneficial policies, including sign-on bonuses and guaranteed home time, which enhance job satisfaction among drivers. OLD Time Express provides competitive pay advances, direct deposit, and comprehensive benefits packages that encompass health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan options, life insurance, safety bonuses, paid time off, and rider or pet allowances. Tuition reimbursements and ongoing training programs further support drivers' career development. Additionally, the fleet's relatively new age of 2 years contributes to a modern and well-maintained work environment.

Though specific Glassdoor and Indeed ratings for OLD Time Express weren't available, the company's proactive approach to employee satisfaction is mirrored in driver-centric policies and benefits. Positive employee feedback often highlights the comprehensive benefits and dependable pay structure. Nevertheless, some areas might warrant attention, such as communication regarding route assignments and potential opportunities for growth. However, the emphasis on flexibility and safety ensures OLD Time Express upholds a culture geared towards achieving a strong work-life balance for its drivers.