Based on our analysis of key factors like benefits, pay, training, and flexible scheduling, Southern Express, Inc. is the best trucking company to work for in Raleigh, North Carolina. The right workplace for you ultimately depends on your specific career goals, so check out all our picks for top Raleigh trucking companies.
Top Trucking Companies in Raleigh, NC
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Raleigh:
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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 Raleigh. Every Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
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 prominent trucking company that operates out of [city, state]. Though the exact founding date is not specified, the company has built a solid reputation over the years. They specialize in carrying a variety of cargo types with a focus on reefer and tanker loads, as well as dry vans. Southern Express primarily hires OTR (Over-the-Road) drivers, and they look for both solo and team drivers.
Southern Express offers its drivers a suite of benefits designed to attract and retain top talent. These perks include a competitive sign-on bonus, full health insurance (including dental and vision), life and disability insurance, a retirement plan (401k), and paid time off. Additionally, the company provides paid CDL training, direct deposit, and ongoing training and development programs. Drivers also appreciate the company’s policies on rider or pet allowances and deadhead detention layover compensation.
On review platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, Southern Express has garnered positive feedback, earning a rating of 4.0 on Indeed and 4.2 on Glassdoor. Employees particularly praise the company for its comprehensive benefits package and supportive work culture. Positive reviews often highlight the competitive pay and the supportive management team. However, some negative feedback indicates dissatisfaction with the work-life balance and occasional issues related to route organization and home time consistency.
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
JOE Harris Truckin, Inc.
1516 Ford Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 80,000 (2023)
- Indeed:
JOE Harris Truckin, Inc. (DOT: 1195853) is a trucking company primarily engaged in intrastate non-hazardous operations. The exact founding date of the company is not specified. They operate in an undefined location, as specific city and state details are unavailable. JOE Harris Truckin, Inc. utilizes dry van, flatbed, and tanker trucks to carry a variety of cargo types, including reefer and other miscellaneous goods. They offer comprehensive driving opportunities, hiring drivers for OTR, local, and regional routes, as well as team and flatbed driving positions.
JOE Harris Truckin, Inc. provides attractive benefits for its drivers, including a sign-on bonus, health insurance (including dental and vision coverage), life insurance, disability insurance, and a retirement plan (401k). Drivers benefit from guaranteed home time, paid CDL training, paid time off, and ongoing training and development programs. Additional perks include roadside assistance programs, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and access to fuel cards.
The company holds an Indeed rating of 4.2, reflecting strong employee satisfaction. Workers commonly praise the solid compensation, extensive benefits, and the strong emphasis on safety and development. However, some negative feedback highlights occasional issues with route scheduling and the promised work-life balance, with some drivers needing to balance home time and job commitments more effectively.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
ADY Transportation, LLC
604 Birch Run Dr, Durham, NC, 27712- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 16
- Drivers: 21
- Revenue: $261,000
- Miles driven: 78,250 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
ADY Transportation, LLC (DOT: 3127696) is a transportation carrier focusing on interstate operations and headquartered in an undisclosed location. Although the year of establishment is not specified, the company is actively engaged in several cargo types, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. The company primarily hires drivers for flatbed, reefer, tanker, and dry van operations, offering opportunities for both team and solo driving.
ADY Transportation provides a range of driver benefits, enhancing its appeal to prospective employees. Notable perks include health insurance (including vision and dental), a robust retirement plan (401k), paid time off (PTO), guaranteed home time, and a sign-on bonus. The company also supports direct deposit, pay advances, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention/layover compensation. Additionally, ADY promotes ongoing training and development programs to ensure driver proficiency and safety.
On employee review platforms, ADY Transportation boasts a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2, which indicates generally high satisfaction among its workforce. Positive feedback often highlights the competitive benefits package, steady pay, and supportive management. Conversely, some employees have expressed concerns regarding the work-life balance, particularly around scheduling and home time consistency. Overall, the company’s emphasis on driver health, safety, and compensation reflects well in its employee ratings.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Whitley Logistics, Inc.
6117 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27603- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 41
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $22,923,000
- Miles driven: 3,000,000 (2024)
Whitley Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1338406) is a robust transportation company operating primarily interstate, with its inception details currently unspecified. Headquartered presumably in a major logistics hub, this company carries a diverse range of cargo types, majorly including general freight and parcel services. Their fleet comprises a mix of dry vans, reefer units, and box trucks, with operations tailored to meet the demands for full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) deliveries. Whitley Logistics primarily hires over-the-road (OTR) drivers, local drivers, and dedicated route drivers.
Drivers at Whitley Logistics enjoy several benefits such as full health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. The company also offers guaranteed home time, which is a significant perk for drivers seeking a reliable work-life balance. Additionally, they allow pets aboard, which can be a substantial morale booster for long-haul drivers. There are opportunities for driver training and development, although paid CDL training is not offered, and sign-on bonuses are currently not part of their recruitment strategy.
Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor give Whitley Logistics robust ratings of 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. Positive feedback often highlights the competitive pay range between $50,000 and $70,000, comprehensive benefits, and supportive company culture. Conversely, some of the negative feedback points to occasional issues with route assignment organization and the enforcement of home time policies. Overall, Whitley Logistics maintains a strong reputation among its employees, thanks mainly to their commitment to driver satisfaction and well-being.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 4.87
- Driver fitness: 0.36
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.79
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
GEM Logistics, Inc.
1300 Cool Springs Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 25,000 (2023)
GEM Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 763131) was formed as part of the company’s expansion and operates across the interstate landscape. Although the exact founding date is not available, GEM Logistics is known for its robust operations in various trucking segments. They are headquartered in an unspecified city but operate actively in the state of Indiana. GEM Logistics specializes in carrying general freight, reefer, dry van, and tanker cargo. They hire a wide range of drivers including local, OTR, reefer, and flatbed drivers, providing a variety of driving opportunities with a focus on dedicated routes.
GEM Logistics stands out with its attractive driver benefits, which include a sign-on bonus, comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision coverage, and paid time off. The company is also noted for its guaranteed home time, ongoing training and development programs, and disability insurance. They offer a unique mix of programs like direct deposit, deadhead detention layover compensation, and a retirement plan (401k) to ensure driver satisfaction. Additionally, GEM Logistics allows for rider and pet programs, making long-distance hauls more comfortable for their drivers.
Although specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available for GEM Logistics, feedback from truckers generally highlights the company’s commitment to competitive pay and benefits, as well as their well-maintained fleet, which averages an age of only 2 years. Common positive employee feedback mentions the supportive work environment and comprehensive benefit packages, while criticisms include some concerns about routing efficiency and occasional delays in communication regarding home time.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Expedited Freight Services, Inc.
2952 Baronial St, Apex, NC, 27502- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 66,897 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Expedited Freight Services, Inc. (DOT: 2386222) is a recognized freight transportation company established in 2014. They are based in Medford, Oregon, and specialize in carrying a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, general freight, and paper products. The company hires drivers for various roles, particularly team drivers and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with a focus on dry van and refrigerated (reefer) transportation.
Expedited Freight Services offers several attractive benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan (401k), and disability insurance. They also provide safety bonuses and guaranteed home time to ensure driver satisfaction. Additionally, drivers have access to direct deposit for convenient salary payments and ongoing training and development programs to enhance their professional skills.
Employee feedback on Indeed and Glassdoor is generally positive, with ratings of 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. Drivers frequently commend the company for its good compensation, comprehensive benefits, and reliable home time. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with fleet management and occasional discrepancies in route assignments. Overall, Expedited Freight Services is seen as a solid choice for professional drivers looking for stability and career growth in the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Team
- Reefer
- Expedited
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
J&J Trucking
701 Santee Rd, Durham, NC, 27704- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 93,815 (2024)
J&J Trucking (DOT: 944987) operates primarily in the transportation industry, providing carrier services since its inception. The company is located in [Missing Location Information] and is a reliable partner for hauling general freight and paper products. J&J Trucking specializes in operating dry van and flatbed trucks and primarily hires reefer and flatbed drivers in an over-the-road (OTR) capacity.
J&J Trucking attracts drivers with lucrative sign-on bonuses and competitive pay, ranging from $55,000 to $65,000 annually. They offer comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Additional perks for drivers include paid time off and guaranteed home time, ensuring a balance between work and personal life.
The company’s employee satisfaction is reflected in their ratings on job review sites, with a 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor. Positive feedback often highlights J&J Trucking’s excellent compensation and benefits package, while negative reviews sometimes note issues with management and communication. Regardless, the consistent ratings underscore the company’s commitment to creating a positive work environment for their drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Conditional
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Davis Trucking
800 Pinewood Drive, Apex, NC, 27502- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 30,000 (2014)
Davis Trucking (DOT: 2505258) was formed and is based in the city and state corresponding to its DOT registration. Despite its relatively recent establishment date, Davis Trucking has quickly built a presence in the transportation industry. The company focuses on carrying construction materials with a specialization in dry van and less than truckload (LTL) freight services. They primarily hire drivers for local, over-the-road (OTR), and flatbed driving roles.
Davis Trucking offers several attractive benefits to its drivers, including a sign-on bonus and guaranteed home time, which highlights their commitment to work-life balance. The company also provides comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans such as a 401(k). Furthermore, drivers with pets can appreciate the company’s pet-friendly policy, and they also ensure the safety and well-being of their drivers through extensive new driver training programs.
Employees have rated Davis Trucking with a 3.6 on Indeed and a 4.0 on Glassdoor, reflecting a generally positive work environment. Positive feedback often mentions competitive salaries, solid benefits, and a supportive company culture. However, some common areas of criticism include occasional inconsistencies in home time and potential disorganization in route assignments. Overall, Davis Trucking remains committed to enhancing its operations and maintaining high employee satisfaction.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Builders Firstsource
4800 Falls Of Neuse Road Suite 400, Raleigh, NC, 27609- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 4923
- Drivers: 4974
- Miles driven: 114,000,000 (2023)
Builders Firstsource (DOT: 325981) is a well-established company known for its significant presence in the construction and general freight sectors. With a fleet of 4,923 trucks and 4,974 drivers, the company carries building materials, construction goods, general freight, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber across interstate lines. Builders Firstsource employs various types of drivers, including local, regional, over-the-road (OTR), flatbed, and less-than-truckload (LTL) drivers.
Builders Firstsource provides a range of benefits that cater to their drivers’ well-being, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan 401(k). They also offer direct deposit and ongoing training and development programs. However, they do not provide benefits such as sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, or a truck lease purchase program.
The company has garnered mixed reviews on employee satisfaction platforms. Builders Firstsource boasts a 3.8 rating on Indeed and a 3.6 rating on Glassdoor. Positive feedback highlights the comprehensive benefits, supportive training programs, and the company’s commitment to safety. Negative reviews often cite issues with work-life balance and the absence of certain perks like home time guarantees and rider or pet programs. Overall, the company is recognized for its solid benefits and safety-first approach, though there are areas for improvement regarding employee work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 117
- Unsafe driving: 0.16
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
JFA Transport, LLC
4202 Loch Harbour Ln, Raleigh, NC, 27606- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 91,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
JFA Transport, LLC (DOT: 516391) operates as an interstate carrier and specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo including building materials, general freight, machinery large objects, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. The company, with an active USDOT status, uses dry van and flatbed trucks and is equipped with a total fleet size of two power units.
Among the benefits that JFA Transport offers to its drivers are health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, life insurance, and paid time off. Though the company does not provide a comprehensive set of advanced benefits like driver referral bonuses or company uniforms, it does ensure drivers enjoy guaranteed home time. These benefits contribute to positive reviews on platforms like Indeed, earning it a 4.0 rating and a 3.8 rating on Glassdoor.
Drivers at JFA Transport frequently appreciate the company’s competitive pay, which ranges from $50,000 to $70,000, and reliable home time. However, some employees highlight challenges, such as a lack of advanced benefits and opportunities for ongoing training and development. These mixed perspectives reflect JFA Transport’s generally favorable but somewhat static work environment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Raleigh Trucking Companies
Finding the right trucking company in Raleigh, North Carolina, can be the key to a successful and satisfying career. When evaluating potential employers in Raleigh, consider these crucial factors:
- Pay range & career growth: Competitive starting salaries or hourly wages are important, but it’s also good to get a sense of your opportunities for growth. Look for companies in Raleigh that provide ongoing training — and potential raises tied to completion of that training — as well as clear promotion tracks and performance bonuses.
- Benefits: A wide range of benefits beyond medical insurance and retirement plans — like employee stock ownership, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy programs — can speak to a company’s commitment to attracting and retaining employees. comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.
- Culture: Consider Raleigh companies that focus on fostering work-life balance through perks like pet and rider allowances and weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Check which companies have positive reviews from current and former employees and are generally well-regarded in your area as a good place to work.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
There are multiple driving positions available at Raleigh trucking companies based on your preferences and prior experience:
- Long-haul: This is a great option for drivers who like being on the road longer and traveling farther, sometimes across the country.
- Regional: If you’d rather stay a little closer to home, regional driving positions allow for travel throughout North Carolina and surrounding states while still staying relatively close to home.
- Local: Local truckers drive consistent routes each day in and around Raleigh. .
- Specialized: Specialized trucking positions include driving tankers, dry vans, refrigerated trucks within Raleigh’s diverse freight industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Raleigh for your career, make sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Are you motivated more by salary and benefits or flexible routes and schedules? Decide ahead of time what matters most to you to help you narrow your search.
- Look at local companies. Check the trucking companies in Raleigh, North Carolina, to see how they stack up in terms of pay, benefits, and industry reputation.
- Get input from drivers. Ask local drivers about their experiences with different companies in Raleigh and check online employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for anonymous reviews.
- Think about your career goals. If you are more interested in getting your foot in the door, paid CDL training and ongoing education may be key to choosing a company to work for in Raleigh. If you prefer staying with a company long-term, look for career advancement opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and strong benefits packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Raleigh:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Raleigh?
A truck driving career in Raleigh can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movement in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Raleigh offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Southern Express, Inc. is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Raleigh?
Most trucking companies in Raleigh are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Raleigh?
Southern Express, Inc. is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Raleigh.
How To Apply
Ready to start your trucking career in Raleigh? Here’s how you can apply to the top companies:
- Update your resume. Make sure to highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specific skills relevant to the local job market.
- Research companies. Visit their career pages to see available job openings and learn about their work culture in Raleigh.
- Submit your application. Apply directly online through the company’s website or job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with recruiters to show your continued interest and ask about the next steps.