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

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

FreightWaves weighed pay, benefits, safety records, and driver satisfaction ratings across 260 trucking companies in Tennessee. Empire Express, Inc. ranked first and earned the top spot on this list.

Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Tennessee

Here are our picks for the top-tier Tennessee trucking companies to work for:

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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

Empire Express, Inc.

3710 Tulane Road, Memphis, TN, 38116
  • 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)


Empire Express, Inc. (DOT: 253615) was established in 1985 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee. The company operates as an interstate carrier and broker, hauling general freight, beverages, building materials, chemicals and hazardous materials, lumber, machinery, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and household goods. Empire Express hires a mix of OTR, regional, local, dedicated, flatbed, intermodal, specialized, hazmat, and full-truckload drivers.

Empire Express offers several driver-focused benefits, including a sign-on bonus, employee stock ownership, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k), paid time off, guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, referral bonuses, per diem payments, tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, and a new driver program. Drivers may also receive direct deposit, pay advances, deadhead/detention/layover compensation, fuel cards, roadside assistance programs, flexible scheduling, and access to special rest stops or lounges.

Empire Express has an Indeed rating of 3.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.0, suggesting a mixed but generally average employee experience. Positive feedback commonly centers on steady freight, competitive benefits, training opportunities, and supportive driver programs, while negative reviews tend to mention concerns around work-life balance, communication, dispatch consistency, and expectations around home time.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Intermodal

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 11
  • Unsafe driving: 1.15
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.74
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 6
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Covenant Logistics

400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, TN, 37419
  • 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)


Covenant Logistics (DOT: 273818) was established in 1986 and is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company hauls a wide range of freight, including general freight, beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, household goods, liquids and gases, meat, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Covenant hires several types of drivers, including OTR, regional, local, dedicated, team, reefer, flatbed, intermodal, hazmat, full truckload, owner-operator, and new CDL drivers.

Covenant Logistics offers a broad benefits package for drivers, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k), employee stock ownership, tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, direct deposit, per diem payments, pay advances, and ongoing training programs. Drivers may also have access to sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, deadhead/detention/layover compensation, fuel cards, roadside assistance programs, and rider or pet options.

Covenant Logistics has a 3.4 rating on Glassdoor and a 3.2 rating on Indeed. Positive employee feedback commonly highlights the company’s training opportunities, benefits, newer equipment, team-driving options, and opportunities for new drivers to enter the industry. Negative reviews more often mention inconsistent home time, variable miles or pay, dispatch communication issues, and concerns about work-life balance or management responsiveness.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Team
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator
  • Freight hauler
  • Intermodal

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 167
  • Unsafe driving: 1.87
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.92
  • Controlled substances: 0.01
  • Hazardous materials violations: 30
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OLD South Freight Service, Inc.

7544 Hwy 41 A, Cedar Hill, TN, 37032
  • 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)


OLD South Freight Service, Inc. (DOT: 201752) is an active interstate carrier based in Cedar Hill, Tennessee, with no specific founding date listed in the available records. The company operates primarily in flatbed trucking and hauls a wide range of freight, including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, lumber, large machinery, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and refrigerated food.

OLD South Freight Service hires CDL drivers for flatbed, dry van, tanker, hazmat, specialized, dedicated, regional, local, OTR, full-truckload, and owner-operator roles. Driver benefits include health, dental, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k); paid time off; direct deposit; per diem payments; safety bonuses; driver referral bonuses; pay advances; tuition reimbursement; guaranteed home time; flexible scheduling; fuel cards; roadside assistance programs; uniforms; and rider or pet privileges.

The company has an Indeed rating of 3.9 and a Glassdoor rating of 2.6. Positive employee feedback commonly points to steady freight, solid earning potential, useful benefits, and opportunities for different driving roles, while negative feedback tends to mention communication issues, management consistency, work-life balance, and home-time concerns.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 8
  • Unsafe driving: 2.09
  • Driver fitness: 0.26
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.16
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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U.S. Xpress

4080 Jenkins Rd, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
  • 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)


U.S. Xpress (DOT: 303024) was established in 1985 and is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company operates as an interstate broker and carrier, hauling general freight, fresh produce, beverages, agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, grain, lumber, machinery, metal products, motor vehicles, paper products, liquids/gases, and U.S. mail. U.S. Xpress hires a wide range of drivers, including OTR, regional, local, dedicated, team, owner-operator, flatbed, reefer, tanker, hazmat, intermodal, LTL, FTL, partial, and specialized drivers.

U.S. Xpress offers several driver-focused benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid time off; direct deposit; per diem payments; tuition reimbursement; paid CDL training; sign-on, safety, and referral bonuses; pay advances; detention, layover, and deadhead compensation; fuel cards; flexible scheduling; guaranteed home time; ongoing training; and a lease-purchase program. The company also allows riders or pets and operates a large fleet with an average fleet age of about two years.

Employee ratings are moderate, with U.S. Xpress scoring 3.1 on Glassdoor and 3.0 on Indeed. Positive reviews commonly mention steady freight, training opportunities for newer drivers, modern equipment, benefits, and the ability to find dedicated or team opportunities. Negative feedback often centers on inconsistent home time, communication issues with dispatch or management, pay variability tied to miles and routes, and concerns about work-life balance.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Team
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • Freight hauler
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 568
  • Unsafe driving: 2.18
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.07
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 15
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International Paper

6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38197
  • 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 located in Memphis, Tennessee. The company hauls chemicals, garbage/refuse, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and paper products, including hazardous materials. International Paper hires a range of drivers, including local, regional, OTR, dedicated, hazmat, specialized, LTL, FTL, parcel, and owner-operator drivers.

International Paper offers a strong driver benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid time off; a 401(k); employee stock ownership; tuition reimbursement; paid CDL training; direct deposit; safety bonuses; referral bonuses; per diem payments; and pay advances. Drivers may also receive guaranteed home time, deadhead/detention/layover compensation, flexible scheduling, roadside assistance, ongoing training, company uniforms, gym membership support, and access to special rest stops or lounges.

Glassdoor and Indeed rating scores were not provided in the available data. In general, employee feedback for large carriers like International Paper tends to be most positive around job stability, benefits, training, safety focus, and advancement opportunities, while common complaints often involve work-life balance, route demands, management consistency, and communication across locations.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 10
  • Unsafe driving: 0.77
  • Driver fitness: 0.09
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.58
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Ozark Motor Lines, Inc.

3934 Homewood Rd, Memphis, TN, 38118
  • 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)


Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. (DOT: 96606) was established in 1961 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee. The company operates as an interstate carrier and broker with a large fleet hauling beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products, primarily through dry van operations. Ozark hires OTR, regional, dedicated, specialized, partial, and team drivers, and also offers opportunities for new drivers through paid CDL training.

Ozark Motor Lines offers a solid driver benefits package that includes a sign-on bonus, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, guaranteed home time, direct deposit, per diem pay, tuition reimbursement, company uniforms, ongoing training, safety bonuses, and driver referral bonuses. The company also highlights flexible scheduling and dedicated route options for eligible drivers.

Ozark Motor Lines has employee ratings of 3.7 on Glassdoor and 3.6 on Indeed. Positive reviews commonly mention steady freight, helpful coworkers, decent benefits, training opportunities, and predictable dedicated or regional work. Negative feedback tends to focus on inconsistent communication, pay expectations, dispatch issues, equipment or maintenance concerns, and occasional frustration when home-time expectations are not fully met.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Specialized

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 67
  • Unsafe driving: 1.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.03
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.81
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Titan Transfer, Inc.

1200 Stanley BLVD, Shelbyville, TN, 37160
  • 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 2000 and is based in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The company operates as an interstate broker and carrier, hauling general freight, beverages, building materials, chemicals and hazardous materials, liquids and gases, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. Its fleet supports dry van, reefer, flatbed, step deck, drayage, cross-border, and related freight services.

Titan Transfer hires a range of drivers, including OTR, regional, local, dedicated, flatbed, reefer, hazmat, LTL, partial, FTL, team-service, and owner-operator drivers. Driver benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k); paid time off; direct deposit; safety and referral bonuses; sign-on bonuses; per diem payments; detention/layover/deadhead compensation; tuition reimbursement; paid CDL training; guaranteed home time; flexible scheduling; and ongoing training. The company also offers an employee stock ownership program, fuel cards, roadside assistance, health screenings, gym membership, company uniforms, and a rider/pet policy.

The provided data lists Titan Transfer profiles on Glassdoor and Indeed, but it does not include current numerical ratings for either platform. Based on the benefits and recruiting information available, positive employee feedback most commonly appears likely to focus on steady freight, solid benefits, paid training, newer equipment, and multiple driving options. Common negative themes for trucking carriers of this size may include home-time consistency, dispatch communication, workload expectations, and the challenges of long-haul schedules, though no specific review scores or verified review excerpts were provided.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 52
  • Unsafe driving: 2.46
  • Driver fitness: 0.08
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.34
  • Controlled substances: 0.01
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Firstfleet, Inc.

202 Heritage Park Dr, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
  • 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 headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The company operates as an interstate carrier hauling beverages, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated food, with services that include dry van, power-only, container, cross-docking, consolidation, last-mile, and dedicated routes.

Firstfleet hires a wide range of drivers, including local, regional, OTR, dedicated, LTL, parcel, full-truckload, owner-operator, and team-service drivers. Driver benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k); paid time off; direct deposit; sign-on and safety bonuses; referral bonuses; guaranteed home time; flexible scheduling; tuition reimbursement; paid CDL training; per diem pay; pay advances; detention, layover, and deadhead compensation; and ongoing training programs.

The supplied data does not include current numerical Glassdoor or Indeed ratings for Firstfleet, Inc. Employee feedback commonly associated with the company’s listed offerings would likely emphasize positives such as strong benefits, dedicated routes, training support, newer equipment, and home-time options, while potential negatives may center on communication, route consistency, scheduling demands, or the challenges of working within a large fleet operation.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 259
  • Unsafe driving: 1.15
  • Driver fitness: 0.04
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.04
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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HFC Trucking

225 B Hwy 69 N, Paris, TN, 38242
  • 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) is based in Paris, Tennessee, and while a formal founding date is not listed, its USDOT record indicates a long operating history dating back to approximately December 1973. Operating as Henry Farmers Cooperative, the carrier hauls a broad mix of freight, including agricultural and farm supplies, grain/feed/hay, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, meat, beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, building and construction materials, machinery, lumber, metal products, paper products, garbage/refuse, and general freight.

HFC Trucking hires local, regional, dedicated, flatbed, reefer, specialized, full-truckload, and owner-operator drivers, with new-driver and paid CDL training programs also available. Driver benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid time off; guaranteed home time; flexible scheduling; safety and referral bonuses; sign-on bonuses; direct deposit; detention/layover compensation; ongoing training; company uniforms; and rider or pet options.

HFC Trucking has Glassdoor and Indeed profiles, but the provided data does not include current employee rating scores or enough review detail to identify reliable review trends. As a result, common positive feedback cannot be confirmed, though the listed benefits suggest drivers may value the company’s insurance options, home-time focus, training support, and bonus opportunities. Common negative feedback also cannot be verified from the supplied data.

Driver Options

  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.21
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Venture Express, Inc.

304 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129
  • 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) does not list a founding date in the provided data, but it operates as an active interstate carrier from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The company hauls general freight, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, containers, and hazardous materials. Venture Express hires OTR, regional, dedicated, FTL, flatbed, tanker, hazmat, specialized drivers, and owner-operators, with team-driver service also available.

Venture Express offers a strong mix of driver benefits, including sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, paid time off, direct deposit, per diem payments, fuel cards, tuition reimbursement, ongoing training, and detention/layover/deadhead compensation. Benefits also include health, dental, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, company uniforms, special rest-stop or lounge access, flexible scheduling, a lease-purchase program, and a rider or pet allowance.

The provided data does not include current Glassdoor or Indeed star ratings, so employee review scores and verified common review themes are not available. Based on the company profile, positive employee takeaways would likely center on steady freight, dedicated routes, home-time guarantees, bonuses, and broad benefits, while potential negatives may relate to the demands of interstate trucking, hazmat or specialized freight requirements, and safety pressures associated with operating a large fleet.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 53
  • Unsafe driving: 0.96
  • Driver fitness: 0.04
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.04
  • Controlled substances: 0.01
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Local Trucking Companies In Tennessee

Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:

What To Look for in Tennessee Trucking Companies

Choosing the right trucking company can have a huge impact on your job satisfaction and career growth. As you explore employers in Tennessee, here are a few key things to consider:

  • Pay and benefits: Offers great pay, health coverage, retirement benefits, and bonuses.
  • Work-life balance: Allows you to pick the driving times and routes that work best for your schedule and lifestyle.
  • Company reputation: Stands out for its positive work environment and genuine respect for its drivers.
  • Career growth opportunities: Provides lots of opportunities to learn new skills, connect with mentors, and grow your career.
Apply for Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Types of Truck Driving Jobs Available

Trucking companies in Tennessee offer many types of driving positions to suit different preferences and experiences:

Beverage Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Beverage drivers haul beer, soda, water, wine, and spirits from warehouses to stores, restaurants, and distribution hubs. Most routes are local or regional with multiple stops per day, and drivers often unload cases, operate liftgates, and handle returns. Class B CDL is common, and many positions are home daily.

Box Truck Jobs in Tennessee

Box truck drivers operate straight trucks for local freight, furniture, appliances, and retail goods. Routes tend to stay within urban or suburban areas, and Class B CDL covers most positions. It is a solid option for drivers who want consistent hours without the complexity of long-haul work.

Drayage Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Drayage drivers move shipping containers over short distances, typically between ports, rail yards, and warehouses. Class A CDL is required, and many positions near major ports also require a TWIC card. Runs are short but frequent, and drivers in port-heavy markets can find steady year-round volume.

Dry Bulk Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Dry bulk drivers haul loose commodities like grain, sand, cement, salt, and fertilizer in enclosed or open-top tanker trailers. Class A CDL is required, and a tanker endorsement is often needed depending on the material. Demand is strongest in agricultural and industrial regions.

Dry Van Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Dry van is the most common trucking job type, covering enclosed trailer freight across long-haul, regional, and local routes. Class A CDL is standard, and the variety of load types makes it a strong entry point for new drivers. Most large carriers in Tennessee hire dry van drivers year-round.

Flatbed Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Flatbed drivers haul oversized or heavy freight on open trailers, including steel, lumber, machinery, and construction equipment. The job requires securing loads with chains, straps, and tarps, making it more physical than no-touch freight. Class A CDL is required, and pay tends to be higher to reflect the added skill and responsibility.

Hopper Bottom Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Hopper bottom drivers haul bulk commodities like grain, gravel, rock salt, and soybeans in open-top trailers with cone-shaped bottoms that unload from below. Class A CDL is required. This specialty is most active in agricultural and mining areas, and seasonal demand can be high during harvest periods.

Hotshot Driver Jobs in Tennessee

Hotshot drivers haul time-sensitive, smaller loads with medium-duty trucks and gooseneck or flatbed trailers. CDL requirements depend on the vehicle and load weight, and many hotshot drivers operate as owner-operators. It suits drivers who want flexibility and are comfortable sourcing their own hotshot loads.

Intermodal Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Intermodal drivers move freight containers between ports, rail yards, and distribution centers using a tractor-trailer. Class A CDL is required, and positions near ports often require a TWIC card. Routes are typically short, with high turn-volume and predictable schedules.

LTL Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

LTL (less-than-truckload) drivers consolidate freight from multiple shippers onto a single trailer and make deliveries at several stops along a route. Class A CDL is standard. Major LTL carriers typically offer strong benefits packages, and the work suits drivers who prefer structured routes over open-road long-haul runs.

Parcel Delivery Driver jobs in Tennessee

Parcel drivers handle last-mile delivery of packages to homes and businesses. Smaller vehicles may not require a CDL, while larger step vans typically require a Class B. Stop counts are high and the work is physically active, but routes are local, hours are predictable, and home-daily schedules are standard.

Pneumatic Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Pneumatic drivers haul dry bulk materials like flour, plastic pellets, cement, and lime in pressurized tanker trailers that unload using an air system. Class A CDL and a tanker endorsement are required. The loading and unloading process is specialized, and drivers with this experience are in consistent demand.

Power-only Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Power-only drivers supply just the truck and move trailers that belong to shippers or brokers. Class A CDL is required. It is a flexible arrangement that works well for owner-operators, and drivers can often choose their lanes and loads with fewer constraints than company driver positions.

Reefer Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Reefer drivers haul temperature-controlled freight, including produce, dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals, in refrigerated trailers. Class A CDL is required, and drivers monitor the refrigeration unit throughout each run. Pay is typically higher than dry van, and demand stays strong year-round across most states.

Tanker Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Tanker drivers haul liquid or gas freight such as fuel, chemicals, milk, and industrial liquids. Class A CDL with a tanker endorsement is required, and hazmat credentials are needed for fuel and chemical loads. The specialized licensing and added responsibility reflect in higher pay rates across most markets.

How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals

Choosing the right trucking company to match your career ambitions takes some thoughtful research.

  • Assess your priorities. Figure out your top priorities, like trucking jobs with the top salaries, benefits, route options, or company culture, before making your decision.
  • Research companies. Check out each company's reputation, read employee reviews, and see what perks they provide.
  • Talk to current employees. Ask current or former drivers to share their firsthand experiences.
  • Consider long-term growth. Pick a company that helps you grow and move up in your career.
Apply for Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

How To Apply

Applying to trucking companies in Tennessee involves more preparation than a standard job search. Here's what to have ready:

  • Gather your credentials. Know your CDL class, current endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger), years of verifiable experience, and your MVR history. Most carriers ask for this information upfront in the application.
  • Match your license to the job. Class A CDL is required for the majority of positions on this page, including dry van, flatbed, reefer, and tanker. Class B covers box truck and most parcel delivery roles. Confirm your license class before applying.
  • Submit your application. Apply through the carrier's careers page or use the Apply button on this page, which routes your application directly through FreightWaves.
  • Prepare for the screening process. Expect an MVR check, DOT physical verification, and drug screening. Some carriers also require a road test. Have your logbook history or ELD records ready if requested.
Apply for Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in Tennessee.

Is a truck driving career worth it in Tennessee?

Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in Tennessee. While trucking can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation, drivers can earn an income that's in line with those demands. Trucking offers a high degree of job security, as well, since the industry is an essential component of the overall economy. And truck driving careers offer flexibility in scheduling and the ability to grow through ongoing training.

Which company in Tennessee offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?

Empire Express, Inc. ranks first on our Tennessee list, which is built on pay, benefits packages, safety records, and driver satisfaction ratings. Review the individual company profile above for details on health coverage, retirement plans, and bonus structures.

What type of driving jobs are most available in Tennessee?

Most companies in Tennessee are hiring for long-haul and regional positions, with some offering specialized roles as well.

What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Tennessee?

Empire Express, Inc. ranks at the top of this list for Tennessee and is a strong starting point for drivers entering the industry. When evaluating any company as a new driver, look for CDL training reimbursement, a structured mentorship program, and competitive starting pay. Check the profiles above for each carrier's specifics.

Best Trucking Companies to Work for in Tennessee: Summary

Tennessee has 260 trucking companies, and the ones listed here rank at the top for pay, benefits, and driver satisfaction. Use the job type guide and company profiles above to narrow your options to carriers that match your CDL class and schedule preferences, then apply through the button below.

Apply for Trucking Jobs in Tennessee
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.