10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Tennessee

• 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 headquartered in Tennessee. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, logs, machinery, metal sheets, and paper products. Empire Express hires various types of drivers such as regional, local, hazmat, intermodal, flatbed, and dedicated route drivers, highlighting their flexibility and extensive service offerings.

Empire Express is committed to providing outstanding benefits for their drivers, including sign-on bonuses, employee stock ownership, per diem payments, and comprehensive health insurance that covers vision, dental, and life insurance. They also offer paid CDL training, ongoing training development programs, and tuition reimbursement. In addition, employees enjoy perks like deadhead and detention compensation, guaranteed home time, rider and pet allowances, flexible scheduling, and access to special rest stops and lounges. These extensive benefits reflect their strong employee-focused culture.

On employer review platforms, Empire Express has a mixed reception, with an Indeed rating of 3.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.0. Positive feedback often highlights the competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the supportive work environment for new drivers. However, some common criticisms focus on work-life balance challenges and issues regarding management communication. Despite these areas for improvement, Empire Express remains dedicated to enhancing driver satisfaction and maintaining its solid presence in the trucking industry.

• 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 operates out of Tennessee. With a fleet size between 50-99 corporate units, Covenant Logistics carries a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods, among others. The company hires a variety of drivers, including regional, local, team, and OTR drivers, as well as specialized flatbed and intermodal drivers. They also offer opportunities for owner-operators and support for drivers interested in hauling hazardous materials.

Known for their competitive employee benefits, Covenant Logistics provides sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training programs. Their impressive benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (with dental and vision), as well as a retirement plan, life and disability insurance. Drivers also enjoy deadhead detention layover compensation, guaranteed home time, direct deposit, and per diem payments. The company supports work-life balance through flexible scheduling and allows riders or pets, which underscores their commitment to driver satisfaction.

On employee feedback platforms, Covenant Logistics holds a Glassdoor rating of 3.4 and an Indeed rating of 3.2. Employees often praise the competitive compensation and benefits package and appreciate the opportunities for career advancement. However, some express concerns about the work-life balance, citing instances where home time can be unpredictable and the route assignments somewhat disorganized. Despite these challenges, many drivers commend the company's supportive environment and the focus on fostering a positive work culture.

• 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, located in Tennessee. The company carries a diverse range of cargo including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, liquids/gases, metal sheets, coils and rolls, and paper products. Titan Transfer primarily hires a variety of drivers, including regional, local, OTR, team, hazmat, reefer, flatbed, and dedicated drivers, with opportunities for owner-operators as well.

Titan Transfer, Inc. is known for providing robust benefits for its drivers, which include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company also offers unique perks such as gym memberships, roadside assistance programs, and tuition reimbursement, alongside driver referral and safety bonuses. Notably, Titan offers a rider or pet policy, per diem payments, and pay advances to their drivers.

Although specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, Titan Transfer’s emphasis on driver satisfaction is evident in their comprehensive benefits package and commitment to training and development. Common positive feedback highlights the company’s flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and the proactive approach to driver well-being. However, as with many trucking firms, a few drivers have raised concerns about occasional inconsistencies in route assignments or scheduling.

• 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) operates as an active trucking carrier specializing in flatbed transportation. Although the company's founding date is not specified, it is situated in Tennessee and engages in interstate operations. The company hauls an extensive array of cargo, including metal sheets, construction materials, fresh produce, and machinery. They employ a diverse group of drivers, notably including flatbed, hazmat, tanker, and dedicated route drivers.

OLD South Freight Service stands out for its comprehensive benefits package for drivers. This package includes health, dental, and life insurance, along with a retirement 401(k) plan and tuition reimbursement. Additionally, they offer a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and payments for deadhead and detention/layover time. Employees appreciate the guaranteed home time and the availability of fuel cards, with the option to bring a rider or pet along for the journey. The company also emphasizes ongoing training and development to enhance their drivers' skills.

On job review platforms, OLD South Freight Service has an Indeed rating of 3.9 and a Glassdoor rating of 2.6. Employees frequently praise the company for its competitive compensation and benefits, as well as its commitment to safety and professional development. However, some criticisms include occasional lapses in work-life balance and room for improvement in organizational structure. Nonetheless, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating, underlining its dedication to operational excellence and driver welfare.

• 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 founded in 1985 as a prominent trucking company based in Tennessee. The company operates a wide array of trucking services, including the transportation of agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, liquids and gases, logs, machinery, metal sheets, motor vehicles, and paper products. U.S. Xpress is known for its versatility in hiring a variety of drivers, including regional, local, over-the-road (OTR), team, hazmat, reefer, flatbed, intermodal, and parcel drivers, reflecting its commitment to diverse logistics operations.

U.S. Xpress offers an attractive array of benefits to its drivers, making it a competitive choice for employment in the trucking industry. They provide paid CDL training, generous sign-on bonuses, health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Moreover, the company offers tuition reimbursement, guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention layover compensation. A driver referral bonus program and flexible scheduling further enhance their recruitment and employee satisfaction initiatives.

On employment review platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, U.S. Xpress holds ratings of 3.0 and 3.1, respectively. The company receives appreciation for its comprehensive benefits package, driver bonuses, and training opportunities. However, some employees express concerns about work-life balance and the consistency of route assignments. Despite mixed reviews, U.S. Xpress is noted for fostering a supportive and development-focused work environment.

• 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. (USDOT: 96606) was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Tennessee. The company specializes in transporting a range of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. Ozark Motor Lines primarily hires a variety of drivers, including regional, over-the-road (OTR), dedicated, and specialized drivers. The company supports both solo and team driving opportunities, although they do not offer opportunities for flatbed or hazmat-certified drivers.

Ozark Motor Lines is recognized for its strong commitment to driver benefits. They provide health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers benefit from safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement for CDL training, flexible scheduling, per diem payments, and guaranteed home time. While they do not currently allow rider or pet policies, the company emphasizes ongoing training and development programs for drivers.

Employee feedback on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed highlights a mixed but generally positive work environment at Ozark Motor Lines, with a Glassdoor rating of 3.7 and an Indeed rating of 3.6. Employees appreciate the company's robust benefits package and supportive work culture. However, there are occasional complaints regarding the lack of work-life balance and the absence of rider or pet programs. Despite these areas for improvement, Ozark Motor Lines maintains a respectable reputation in the trucking industry.

• 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) is a longstanding trucking company founded in 1898, based in Tennessee. Known for its extensive history and industry presence, International Paper specializes in carrying a wide range of cargo, including chemicals, garbage, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and paper products. The company primarily hires various types of drivers including regional, local, dedicated, and hazardous materials drivers, accommodating both owner-operators and specialized drivers for team driving opportunities.

International Paper is notable for offering a comprehensive benefits package that attracts a diverse workforce. Driver benefits include a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. The company also provides safety bonuses and per diem payments, with direct deposit options and pay advances. Drivers benefit from guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, which are essential for maintaining work-life balance. Additionally, they have programs for ongoing training and development, roadside assistance, and gym memberships, enhancing overall employee satisfaction.

While specific ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed were not available, International Paper is recognized for its emphasis on employee satisfaction and development, made evident by its robust benefits and career development offerings. Common positive feedback often highlights its competitive salaries ($50,000-$60,000 range), job security, and safe working environment. However, some employees might point out concerns, such as the challenges of maintaining work-life balance due to the demands of the trucking routes. Despite these challenges, International Paper remains a prominent player in the trucking industry, reflecting its strong operational standards and commitment to employee welfare.

• 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 Tennessee and is operated by Henry Farmers Cooperative. The company engages in interstate cargo transport, focusing on a diverse range of materials, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, construction materials, and more. HFC Trucking primarily uses flatbed, dry van, and reefer trucks, and although they don't have team drivers, they do hire regional, local, dedicated, and reefer drivers to handle their operations.

HFC Trucking offers a competitive array of benefits designed to attract and retain quality drivers. Their compensation package includes a notable sign-on bonus and a salary range from $60,000 to $75,000. Drivers benefit from a robust benefits package comprising health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement 401(k) plan, paid time off, and direct deposit facilities. The company also offers specialized training and ongoing development programs, as well as safety bonuses that underscore their commitment to maintaining a secure work environment. Flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time are additional perks providing drivers with better work-life balance.

While HFC Trucking’s specific ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, the company is known for fostering employee satisfaction through its strong benefits and incentives. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive health coverage and flexible work arrangements. On the downside, some employees express concerns about occasional discrepancies in route assignments or home time, which could affect work-life harmony. Overall, HFC’s commitment to driver benefits and safety paints a favorable picture of their workplace ethos.

• Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
• Routes: interstate
• Paid CDL training: true
• Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
• Tuition reimbursement: true
• Power units: 51
• Drivers: 39
• Revenue: $880,000
• Miles driven: 3,678,405 (2023)

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

Specialized Transport Solutions (DOT: 2516354) operates within the competitive freight industry, based in Tennessee. They specialize in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, dry bulk commodities, beverages, building materials, general freight, chemicals, and liquids and gases. The company is known for hiring various types of drivers, such as team, regional, over-the-road (OTR), flatbed, reefer, and tanker drivers, though they do not cater to local deliveries. Their fleet, consisting of 51 trucks, is primarily engaged in interstate operations.

Specialized Transport Solutions offers an appealing array of benefits for their drivers, including paid CDL training, a direct deposit system, and sign-on bonuses, which bolster their recruiting efforts. Employees also enjoy health, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, guaranteed home time, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and a 401(k) retirement plan. They prioritize continual professional development with ongoing training programs and tuition reimbursement options, highlighting their commitment to employee growth and satisfaction.

With a Glassdoor rating of 4.2 and an Indeed score of 4.0, employee reviews are generally positive, citing compensation, benefits, and job security as key strengths. Indeed reviews echo appreciation for the company's comprehensive benefits and strong support systems, while some feedback suggests room for improvement in work-life balance, with occasional issues related to route scheduling and home time consistency. Overall, driver satisfaction is supported by positive workplace sentiment, although there is recognition of the challenges inherent in maintaining balance within a demanding industry.

• 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 an established trucking company operating out of Tennessee. Although the exact founding year isn't specified, Venture Express, Inc. continues to make its mark in the industry with a wide array of services. They carry diverse types of cargo including building materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. The company hires a range of drivers, particularly specialized, hazmat, flatbed, OTR, and regional drivers, and offers dedicated routes. Team driving opportunities are also available, catering to operators seeking dynamic driving roles.

The company offers several attractive benefits for its drivers. These include competitive compensation, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention layover compensation. Drivers also receive essential coverages such as health, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additional perks include paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions, and tuition reimbursement, showcasing their commitment to driver development and security. Furthermore, Venture Express promotes a healthy work-life balance by guaranteeing home time and providing flexible scheduling options, coupled with allowing passengers and pets onboard.

Despite the specific ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed not being mentioned, it's evident from their comprehensive offerings that Venture Express is dedicated to maintaining a positive work environment. Most employees praise the company for its competitive salary structure and robust benefits package. However, some feedback indicates areas for improvement, particularly in organizing route schedules and ensuring promised home time, which reflects issues in work-life balance. Overall, Venture Express, Inc. maintains an active and satisfactory safety rating with the regard to both safety and operations, reinforcing their stature as a dependable choice for potential drivers.