When you’re looking for a trucking company to work for in North Carolina, there are a lot of things to consider. We’ve made your search a little easier by narrowing it down to the companies that have the best pay, benefits, and workplace culture, among other key factors.
Best Trucking Companies to Work For
Here are our picks for the top-tier North Carolina trucking companies to work for:
Why Trust Freightwaves?
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 North Carolina. Every North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc
500 Old Dominion Way, Thomasville, NC, 27360- Routes: interstate
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 10974
- Drivers: 11620
- Revenue: $91,291,000
- Miles driven: 847,000,000 (2024)
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc (DOT: 90849) is a well-established trucking company founded in 1934 with a strong reputation in North Carolina and beyond.
Old Dominion specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, and paper products. Their extensive fleet and experienced drivers ensure reliable and efficient transport of these goods.
Besides standard freight services, the company also offers several employee benefits such as dental, life, and disability insurance, flexible scheduling, a retirement plan (401k), and paid time off, highlighting their commitment to employee welfare.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Tuition reimbursement
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 660
- Unsafe driving: 0.5
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 159
Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation
5333 Davidson Highway, Concord, NC, 28027- Routes: interstate
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 2954
- Drivers: 3010
- Revenue: $38,119,000
- Miles driven: 197,000,000 (2024)
Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation (DOT: 191496) based in North Carolina, was established in 1980 and operates with a significant fleet size of over 2,950 trucks. This company provides comprehensive transportation services, carrying a plethora of cargo including beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods.
Cardinal Logistics is notable for its commitment to employee benefits, offering health, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, they provide tuition reimbursement and a retirement plan (401k), contributing to their reputation as a supportive employer in the freight trucking industry.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Tuition reimbursement
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 176
- Unsafe driving: 1.01
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 9
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress Inc
3255 20 Th Ave Se, Hickory, NC, 28602- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 272
- Drivers: 266
- Revenue: $2,344,000
- Miles driven: 17,200,000 (2023)
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress Inc (DOT: 97173) is a freight trucking company established in 2016 and based in North Carolina. Specializing in the transportation of a variety of cargo, they carry beverages, building materials, fresh produce, grain feed hay, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
The company employs 266 drivers who manage a fleet of 272 trucks. Although they do not offer services like hazardous material transportation or household goods relocation, Sunbelt Furniture Xpress prides itself on its general freight and refrigerated food transport capabilities.
Despite certain limitations in employee benefits, such as the absence of dental and life insurance, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating and have received positive reviews on platforms like Glassdoor.
Driver Options
- Reefer
- LTL
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 1.03
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Harris Teeter Llc
701 Crestdale Rd, Matthews, NC, 28105- Routes: interstate
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 402
- Drivers: 470
- Revenue: $2,893,000
- Miles driven: 34,900,000 (2024)
Harris Teeter Llc (DOT: 16362) is a reputable freight trucking company based in North Carolina. They specialize in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food.
Harris Teeter Llc offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. Although they do not have dedicated routes or specialized drivers, they maintain an active and robust fleet of 402 trucks and 470 drivers, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery services.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Tuition reimbursement
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 31
- Unsafe driving: 0.06
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.63
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Pittman Trucking Inc
177 New Vale Road, Newland, NC, 28657- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 56
- Drivers: 54
- Revenue: $274,000
- Miles driven: 3,746,745 (2024)
Pittman Trucking Inc (DOT: 355700) is an active freight trucking company based in North Carolina. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, machinery large objects, meat, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and utilities.
With a total of 54 drivers and 56 trucks, Pittman Trucking Inc’s operations reflect a robust capability to handle various types of shipments efficiently. Although certain benefits such as dental and vision coverage are not offered, the company maintains satisfactory safety ratings and ensures reliable freight transportation across interstate routes.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.24
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.57
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Barnes Transportation Services Inc
2309 Whitley Road, Wilson, NC, 27893- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 309
- Drivers: 309
- Revenue: $14,700,000
- Miles driven: 23,700,000 (2022)
Barnes Transportation Services Inc (DOT: 548617) is a trucking company operating out of North Carolina, with a solid reputation and an active USDOT status. The company specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products.
In addition, they manage significant shipments of US Mail and intermodal containers, displaying their versatility in handling various types of freight. Safety is a priority for Barnes Transportation Services Inc, as indicated by their satisfactory safety rating and low out-of-service violation rates for hazardous materials.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 27
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Yarbrough Transfer Company
1500 Doune Street, Winston Salem, NC, 27127- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 38
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $1,741,000
- Miles driven: 2,190,000 (2024)
Yarbrough Transfer Company (DOT: 97221) has been a trusted name in the trucking industry since 1927, specializing in heavy equipment hauling and specialized transfer services based in North Carolina. Their fleet of 38 trucks reliably carries a variety of cargo, including building materials, construction equipment, machinery, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment.
The company offers extensive services, such as general freight and large object machinery transportation, ensuring that diverse shipment needs are met with professionalism. Yarbrough Transfer Company is committed to interstate operations, continually maintaining a satisfactory safety rating.
Driver Options
- Owner/operator
- Heavy haul
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.02
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Cargo Transporters
3390 North Oxford St, Claremont, NC, 28610- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 502
- Drivers: 530
- Revenue: $67,482,000
- Miles driven: 53,700,000 (2024)
Cargo Transporters (DOT: 257768) is a prominent freight carrier based in North Carolina that has an active USDOT status. They manage a substantial fleet of over 500 trucks and 530 drivers, ensuring they efficiently handle a wide range of cargo types, including beverages, building materials, construction materials, grain feed hay, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and general freight.
Cargo Transporters specializes in dedicated routes, providing reliable and consistent service for their clients. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training and development programs, they demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high safety standards and operational excellence.
Benefits
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 40
- Unsafe driving: 0.91
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Southland Transportation
112 River Road, Boonville, NC, 27011- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 226
- Drivers: 226
- Revenue: $12,986,000
- Miles driven: 17,600,000 (2024)
Southland Transportation (DOT: 311711) is a reliable trucking company based in North Carolina that has been in operation since 1988. With a fleet size of over 50 trucks and 226 drivers, they specialize in transporting a diverse variety of cargo including refrigerated foods, farm supplies, fresh produce, and building materials. Southland also enables local and over-the-road driver operations, ensuring cargo such as logs, poles, beams, lumber, and general freight are delivered efficiently and on time.
Southland Transportation stands out for its commitment to driver satisfaction with offerings such as sign-on bonuses and guaranteed home time, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a dedicated and satisfied workforce. Their focus on safety is evident in their satisfactory safety rating and rigorous vehicle maintenance protocols.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 2.46
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Salem Carriers Inc
175 Charlois BLVD, Winston Salem, NC, 27103- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 338
- Drivers: 343
- Revenue: $1,825,000
- Miles driven: 23,200,000 (2024)
Salem Carriers Inc (DOT: 229354) is an established freight trucking company based in North Carolina, primarily specializing in the transportation of various cargo types including building materials, general freight, and machinery large objects.
They pride themselves on offering a strong package of employee benefits such as dental, life, and disability insurance, along with a comprehensive 401k retirement plan. Drivers at Salem Carriers Inc enjoy significant incentives that include sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, and guaranteed home time.
The company is well-equipped to handle complex logistical needs with their fleet of 338 trucks, ensuring a wide range of capabilities including the transportation of intermodal containers and liquids/gases. Salem Carriers Inc is committed to ongoing driver development with robust training and development programs, plus new driver programs that welcome fresh talent into the industry.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training}
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 0.66
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
What To Look for in a Trucking Company
Choosing the right trucking company is crucial for your career satisfaction and growth. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating potential employers in North Carolina:
- Pay and benefits: Competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
- Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling and the ability to choose routes that fit your lifestyle.
- Company reputation: A strong reputation for treating drivers well and providing a supportive work environment.
- Career growth opportunities: Availability of training, mentorship, and pathways for advancement within the company.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
Trucking companies in North Carolina offer a variety of driving positions to suit different preferences and experiences:
- Long-haul driving: Ideal for those who enjoy cross-country routes and extended time on the road.
- Regional driving: Perfect for drivers who want to stay closer to home while still covering significant distances.
- Local driving: Best for those who prefer daily routes and the ability to return home each night.
- Specialized driving: Opportunities to drive tankers, flatbeds, refrigerated trucks, and more.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
Selecting the best trucking company for your career goals requires careful consideration:
- Assess your priorities. Determine what’s most important to you—whether it’s pay, benefits, route type, or company culture.
- Research companies. Look into each company’s reputation, employee reviews, and the benefits they offer.
- Talk to current employees. Get insights from current or former drivers about their experiences.
- Consider long-term growth. Choose a company that offers opportunities for career development and advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in North Carolina.
Which company in North Carolina offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc is known for offering outstanding benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in North Carolina?
Most companies in North Carolina are hiring for long-haul and regional positions, with some offering specialized roles as well.
How To Apply
Ready to take the next step in your trucking career? Here’s how to apply to the top trucking companies in North Carolina:
- Prepare your resume. Highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specialized skills.
- Research the companies. Visit their career pages to learn more about the job openings and company culture.
- Submit your application. Apply online through the company’s website or job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with the company to express your continued interest and inquire about the next steps.
Conclusion
Finding the right trucking company in North Carolina can set you on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career. By considering the factors outlined above and applying to the companies that align with your career goals, you can make an informed decision and take the next step in your professional journey. Explore more job resources or get in touch with recruiters to learn more about the opportunities waiting for you in North Carolina.
