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 in NC
Here are our picks for the top-tier North Carolina trucking companies to work for:
Why You Can 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.
Cargo Transporters
3390 North Oxford St, Claremont, NC, 28610- Salary range: $52,000-$68,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 502
- Drivers: 530
- Revenue: $67,482,000
- Miles driven: 53,700,000 (2024)
Cargo Transporters (DOT: 257768) is an established freight carrier located in North Carolina. The company carries a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction supplies, general freight, grain feed hay, household goods, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. They hire regional, local, dedicated, hazardous materials, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers as well as owner-operators and specialized drivers.
Cargo Transporters offers a broad range of driver benefits, such as dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, a truck lease purchase program, safety bonuses, and direct deposit. On Glassdoor, the company has a rating of 4.2, praised for its competitive compensation and robust benefit packages. However, some employees note that the work-life balance could see improvements. On Indeed, they have a rating of 3.6, with frequent mentions of supportive management and opportunities for advancement, while some negative feedback focuses on long hours and demanding schedules.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- HAZMAT
- 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
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Salem Carriers, Inc.
175 Charlois BLVD, Winston Salem, NC, 27103- Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
- 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), established in North Carolina, operates as a trucking company specializing in a variety of cargo types, including building materials, general freight, grain feed, hay, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, livestock, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They hire both over-the-road (OTR) and hazardous materials (hazmat) drivers, as well as owner-operators and specialized drivers.
Salem Carriers offers a range of benefits to its drivers, including dental and life insurance, paid time off, sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, disability insurance, and ongoing training and development programs. Drivers can also take advantage of flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, roadside assistance programs, and access to special rest stops and lounges.
Employee perspectives on Salem Carriers are mixed with a Glassdoor rating of 3.0 and an Indeed rating of 3.1. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive benefits and supportive work culture, while common complaints revolve around route planning and occasionally inconsistent home time deliveries.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 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: 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
GXO Logistics
4043 Piedmont Parkway, High Point, NC, 27265- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 515
- Drivers: 426
- Miles driven: 10,000,000 (2023)
GXO Logistics (DOT: 153372) is an established freight trucking company located in North Carolina. The company specializes in hauling a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, general freight, liquids/gases, refrigerated food, and large machinery. They hire a diversified pool of drivers, including regional, LTL, OTR, local, hazmat, and specialized drivers.
GXO Logistics offers numerous benefits to their drivers, including dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, gym memberships, flexible scheduling, direct deposit, and an employee stock ownership plan. They also provide attractive incentives like sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, safety bonuses, PTO, deadhead compensation, ongoing training, and guaranteed home time. Employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed generally praise the company’s competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, though some feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in route assignments and work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- 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
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.98
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
W & B Trucking, Inc.
2072 Shelby Road, Kings Mountain, NC, 28086- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 24
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $11,960
- Miles driven: 1,375,000 (2023)
W & B Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 184539) was founded nearly 15 years ago and is based in North Carolina. The company specializes in transporting a variety of cargo including beverages, grain, metal sheets and coils, lumber, and large machinery. They employ regional, local, hazmat, flatbed, and OTR drivers, offering dedicated routes along with less than truckload and intermodal container services.
W & B Trucking, Inc. boasts a range of employee benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, paid time off, sign-on bonuses, and guaranteed home time. The company also provides 401(k) retirement plans, ongoing training programs, and paid CDL training, highlighting their commitment to fostering a supportive working environment for drivers.
Based on reviews from Glassdoor and Indeed, W & B Trucking, Inc. is generally well-regarded for their compensation packages and benefits. However, some employees have raised concerns about organizational issues and work-life balance. Feedback frequently highlights the robust benefits and support the company provides, while some negative comments mention occasional inconsistencies in route assignments and home time delivery.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
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
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.92
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
OLD Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
500 Old Dominion Way, Thomasville, NC, 27360- Salary range: $70,000-$90,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- 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) was established in 1934 and is based in North Carolina. Specializing in a variety of cargos, they transport agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, paper products, and more. They hire a diverse range of drivers, including regional, hazardous materials, LTL, parcel, OTR, and owner-operators.
Employee benefits at Old Dominion include tuition reimbursement, driver referral bonuses, life and disability insurance, flexible scheduling, health and vision coverage, and paid time off. Feedback on Glassdoor and Indeed reflects positively on compensation and benefits, giving the company ratings of 3.8 and 3.6 respectively. However, common negative remarks highlight challenges with work-life balance and sometimes disorganized route assignments, while positive reviews commend competitive salaries and a robust benefits package.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- 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
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc.
1365 Harlold Andrews Road, Siler City, NC, 27344- Salary range: $45,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 26
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $6,532
- Miles driven: 890,000 (2024)
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 146452) is based in North Carolina and has been in operation since 1974. This company specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, household goods, meat, metal sheets, rolls, paper products, refrigerated foods, and general freight. They primarily hire local, regional, and OTR drivers, including flatbed, specialized, LTL, and drop trailer drivers.
Darrell Andrews Trucking offers a wide range of driver benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan with 401(k). Additional perks include a driver referral bonus, sign-on bonus, flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and various safety and performance bonuses. A special emphasis is placed on training and development, with ongoing programs in place and paid CDL training for new drivers.
Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed highlight the company’s competitive salaries ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, employee stock ownership opportunities, and the supportive work environment. Positive feedback commonly mentions the excellent benefits, supportive management, and opportunities for professional growth. However, some employees note that workload and scheduling issues can impact work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
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: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.15
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Adusa Transportation, LLC
2085 Harrison Road, Salisbury, NC, 28147- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 862
- Drivers: 1335
- Revenue: $5,748
- Miles driven: 89,000,000 (2024)
Adusa Transportation, LLC (DOT: 57029) was established in North Carolina and has become a significant player in the freight trucking industry within the state. The company, known for transporting a variety of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, refrigerated food, paper products, and meat, employs a diverse range of drivers such as regional, hazmat, specialized, and flatbed drivers.
Adusa Transportation offers numerous benefits to its drivers, including dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, gym memberships, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training and development programs. Drivers can also expect to receive safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, sign-on bonuses, as well as direct deposit and pay advances.
Employee feedback on Glassdoor and Indeed shows mixed reviews. On Glassdoor, the company holds a rating of 3.5, with positive comments highlighting competitive pay and substantial benefits. However, reviews on Indeed, which average a rating of 2.4, often mention concerns such as management issues and work-life balance challenges. Overall, Adusa Transportation strives to provide a supportive workplace with comprehensive benefits, although there is room for improvement according to employee feedback.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 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
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 82
- Unsafe driving: 0.68
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress, Inc.
3255 20 Th Ave Se, Hickory, NC, 28602- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 272
- Drivers: 266
- Revenue: $2,344,000
- Miles driven: 17,200,000 (2023)
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress, Inc. (DOT: 97173) was established in 2016 and is based in North Carolina. The company specializes in carrying a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, metal sheets, and paper products. Sunbelt Furniture Xpress hires a range of drivers, including OTR, local, parcel, LTL, and reefer drivers, with a total fleet size of 544 trucks and 266 drivers.
Drivers at Sunbelt Furniture Xpress enjoy several benefits such as dental and vision insurance, direct deposit, flexible scheduling, paid time off, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. Additionally, the company offers sign-on bonuses and deadhead/detention/layover compensation. The company holds a solid reputation with employees, reflected in a 4.1 Glassdoor rating and a 3.2 rating on Indeed.
Positive employee feedback commonly highlights the competitive pay and robust benefits, as well as the supportive management and good work environment. Conversely, employees have mentioned that scheduling and organizational aspects sometimes need improvement. Overall, Sunbelt Furniture Xpress is known for its comprehensive driver benefits and its focus on maintaining a good work-life balance for its team.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Southern Express, Inc.
2531 Schieffelin Road, Apex, NC, 27502- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 17
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $100,000
- Miles driven: 500,239 (2023)
Southern Express, Inc. (DOT: 1984638) is a freight trucking company based in North Carolina. Although the exact founding date is not provided, the company operates in the trucking industry, specializing in transporting passengers. Their fleet includes 17 buses and 25 drivers, primarily focusing on dry van, reefer, and tanker transportation.
Southern Express, Inc. offers various benefits to its drivers, such as dental, life, disability, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off, health screenings, and a retirement 401(k) plan. They are also known for their ongoing training and development programs, safety bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and the option for drivers to have passengers. Their commitment to driver satisfaction is reflected in an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.2, with employees typically praising their competitive salary range of $50,000-$60,000, as well as the supportive and professional work environment.
However, some commonly noted areas for improvement include their scheduling flexibility and guaranteed home time, which some employees feel could be enhanced. Despite these minor setbacks, the general consensus remains positive, with many drivers appreciating the company’s dedication to offering extensive employee benefits and maintaining a satisfactory safety rating.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Southland Transportation
112 River Road, Boonville, NC, 27011- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 226
- Drivers: 226
- Revenue: $12,986,000
- Miles driven: 17,600,000 (2024)
Southland Transportation (DOT: 311711) was founded in 1988 and is based in North Carolina. They specialize in hauling a diverse array of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated food items. Southland employs various types of drivers such as regional, local, owner-operators, and OTR drivers, with a particular emphasis on dedicated and reefer drivers.
Southland Transportation offers comprehensive benefits to its drivers, including dental, life, disability, and vision insurance, direct deposit, paid time off, ongoing training and development programs, safety bonuses, and a retirement plan. The company also guarantees home time, provides a sign-on bonus, and allows for riders and pets.
Employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed provide mixed feedback, with Indeed showing a rating of 3.4 and Glassdoor a rating of 3.0. Positive feedback often highlights the competitive salary range ($50,000-$70,000), robust benefits, and guaranteed home time. Negative comments primarily focus on organizational issues and occasional inconsistencies in route assignments.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety 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
Local Trucking Companies In North Carolina
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
What To Look for in North Carolina Trucking Companies
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.
Is a truck driving career worth it in North Carolina?
Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in North Carolina. While trucking can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation, drivers can earn an income 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 North Carolina offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Cargo Transporters 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.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in North Carolina?
Cargo Transporters is known for paid CDL training, as well as ongoing training programs, and offers competitive starting salaries.
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.