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10 Best Trucking Companies to Work for in South Dakota

Valerie Smith, Trucking Expert

When you’re looking for a trucking company to work for in South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota. Every South Dakota 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 South Dakota.

Heyl Truck Lines Inc

1809 N Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 550
  • Drivers: 550
  • Revenue: $2,076,000
  • Miles driven: 56,300,000 (2024)


Heyl Truck Lines Inc (DOT: 65762) is a reputable trucking company based in South Dakota with a history dating back to 1949. Specializing in refrigerated freight transport, Heyl Truck Lines carries a variety of cargo including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, metals, paper products, and refrigerated foods.

Heyl Truck Lines takes pride in its expansive fleet consisting of 550 trucks and 550 drivers, primarily operating interstate. Key services offered include regional driving, team driving, and dedicated routes. They also support their drivers with benefits such as dental, health, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off.

The company emphasizes safety and maintains a satisfactory safety rating, demonstrating a commitment to both their employees and clients. Their strong focus on refrigerated and general freight makes Heyl Truck Lines a reliable choice for diverse shipping needs.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Team
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • PTO

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 39
  • Unsafe driving: 1.06
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Agtegra Cooperative

908 Lamont Street South, Aberdeen, SD, 57401
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 464
  • Drivers: 464
  • Revenue: $365,000
  • Miles driven: 8,500,000 (2023)


Agtegra Cooperative (DOT: 66197) is a South Dakota-based freight trucking company established in 1923 that boasts an extensive and varied cargo portfolio.

Specializing in the transportation of agricultural and farm supplies, chemicals, grain feed hay, and large machinery, Agtegra Cooperative ensures their services meet the specific needs of their industry. This esteemed cooperative also handles dry bulk commodities and the transportation of liquids and gases.

Despite their long-standing history and extensive fleet of 464 trucks, Agtegra Cooperative maintains a focus on safety, holding a satisfactory safety rating and a solid compliance record. This commitment to reliability and specialization makes them a trusted partner in the agricultural sector.

Quick Apply Here

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 0.11
  • Driver fitness: 0.15
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.88
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 3

Johnson Feed Inc

305 W Industrial Road, Canton, SD, 57013
  • Salary range: Starting at 50 CPM
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 266
  • Drivers: 297
  • Revenue: $10,458,000
  • Miles driven: 27,200,000 (2023)


Johnson Feed Inc (DOT: 130271) is a reputable freight trucking company operating out of South Dakota with an active status. Their robust fleet of 266 trucks and a team of 297 drivers specialize in carrying various types of freight including beverages, construction materials, fresh produce, intermodal containers, grain feed hay, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods.

Johnson Feed Inc offers dedicated routes, regional and over-the-road (OTR) driving opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of assignments. The company also provides comprehensive health benefits such as dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a retirement 401k plan, highlighting their commitment to driver welfare and job satisfaction.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Reefer

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Dedicated routes

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 14
  • Unsafe driving: 1.53
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.36
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Hedge And Herberg Inc

605 Dakota Ave, Big Stone City, SD, 57216
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 40
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $1,396,000
  • Miles driven: 3,327,884 (2024)


Hedge And Herberg Inc (DOT: 148915) operates as an active interstate carrier with a fleet of 40 trucks based in South Dakota.

The company specializes in transporting a range of goods including agricultural and farm supplies, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, machinery, and large objects, as well as building materials and dry bulk commodities. With a satisfactory safety rating and an emphasis on health insurance for its employees, Hedge And Herberg Inc ensures reliable and secure transportation of important cargo such as US Mail and paper products.

The firm maintains a respectable online reputation, reflected by a Glassdoor rating of 4.3.

Quick Apply Here

Benefits

  • Health insurance

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 2.12
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.78
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Cliff Viessman Inc

215 1 St Avenue, Gary, SD, 57237
  • Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 370
  • Drivers: 433
  • Revenue: $4,056,000
  • Miles driven: 27,100,000 (2023)


Cliff Viessman Inc (DOT: 164259) is a South Dakota-based trucking company specializing in the transportation of diverse commodities, including dry bulk, general freight, grain feed hay, refrigerated food, and liquids/gases. The company boasts a significant fleet size with 370 power units and employs 433 drivers, ensuring a broad operational reach.

Noteworthy services include dedicated routes, tanker driving, and regional driving, complemented by robust safety measures such as a satisfactory safety rating. Employees benefit from health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plans, paid time off, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training and development programs.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Tanker
  • Specialized

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 27
  • Unsafe driving: 1.83
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.36
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Stans Inc

1008 Railway Ave, Alpena, SD, 57312
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 59
  • Drivers: 58
  • Revenue: $9,682,000
  • Miles driven: 5,423,027 (2024)


Stans Inc (DOT: 133844) is a South Dakota-based trucking company, established in 1964, that operates primarily within the Transportation and Feed Services industry. The company specializes in transporting a wide variety of goods, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, fresh produce, grain feed hay, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods.

Stans Inc boasts a fleet of 59 trucks and employs 58 drivers, ensuring efficient and reliable deliveries. Known for their focus on non-hazardous materials, the company provides robust transportation services for general freight and dry bulk commodities as well.

Despite their extensive service offerings, Stans Inc emphasizes safety and compliance, maintaining an active USDOT status and a commendable safety record with no crash fatalities reported. The company continues to build its reputation with positive reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, highlighting a solid work environment for their employees.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • Reefer

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 2.45
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.41
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

K & J Trucking Inc

1800 East 50 Street North, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
  • Salary range: $65,000 and $85,000 a year
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 124
  • Drivers: 140
  • Revenue: $26,984,000
  • Miles driven: 14,200,000 (2024)


K & J Trucking Inc (DOT: 171766) is a respected freight trucking company established in 1979 and based in South Dakota. Specializing in temperature-controlled and dry van services, they efficiently transport a diverse range of cargo including refrigerated foods, beverages, chemicals, paper products, fresh produce, and building materials.

K & J Trucking offers several benefits to their employees, such as dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as direct deposit and paid time off. They also have a solid reputation, with a “Satisfactory” safety rating and favorable reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed.

Additionally, the company supports driver well-being and professional growth through ongoing training and development programs, driver referral bonuses, and guaranteed safety bonuses. With a fleet of over 124 trucks and a commitment to maintaining an average fleet age of just 2 years, K & J Trucking is dedicated to providing reliable transportation services.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Reefer
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Ongoing training
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 8
  • Unsafe driving: 1.84
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.56
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Western Provisions Inc

1701 East Benson Road Ste 202, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 42
  • Drivers: 45
  • Revenue: $1,038,000
  • Miles driven: 5,800,000 (2024)


Western Provisions Inc (DOT: 196545) is a reputable freight trucking company based in South Dakota. With a fleet of 42 trucks, they specialize in transporting a variety of goods, including fresh produce, general freight, meat, and refrigerated foods across interstate routes.

Despite their strong focus on essential and perishable goods, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating. However, it is important to note that they do not offer many employee benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, and driver reviews suggest room for improvement in workplace conditions.

Overall, Western Provisions Inc continues to play a critical role in the distribution of fresh and refrigerated products, ensuring timely and safe delivery of vital goods across the region.

Quick Apply Here

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 1.16
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.28
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.59
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Selland Livestock Inc

39620 Sd Hwy 34, Woonsocket, SD, 57385
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 32
  • Drivers: 32
  • Revenue: $440,000
  • Miles driven: 2,715,355 (2023)


Selland Livestock Inc (DOT: 146447) is a well-established trucking company in South Dakota, in operation since 1975. They specialize in hauling a variety of cargos including building materials, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls.

With a fleet of 32 trucks and a commitment to guaranteed home time for drivers, Selland Livestock Inc ensures a reliable and balanced work environment. Although they do not offer services like refrigerated transportation or hazmat transport, their focus on specialized hauling makes them a dependable choice for specific logistics needs.

Quick Apply Here

Driver Options

  • Flatbed
  • Freight hauler

Benefits

  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 0.79
  • Driver fitness: 0.09
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.13
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

Agland Coop

115 S First, Parkston, SD, 57366
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 20
  • Drivers: 12
  • Revenue: $1,927,000
  • Miles driven: 100,000 (2023)


Agland Coop (DOT: 191812) has been serving the South Dakota region since 1939, specializing in the transport of various types of cargo including chemicals, general freight, grain, feed, hay, and liquids/gases.

The company maintains a modest fleet of 20 trucks and employs a total of 12 drivers, focusing on interstate operations. Agland Coop is committed to providing flexible scheduling for their drivers and offers a sign-on bonus as part of their employment benefits.

With a strong presence in the agricultural and cooperative industry, Agland Coop continues to uphold high standards of safety and reliability, ensuring their cargo is transported efficiently and safely across state lines.

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Benefits

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Sign-on bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.52
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.66
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

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 South Dakota:

  • 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.
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Types of Driving Jobs Available

Trucking companies in South Dakota 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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Heyl Truck Lines Inc is known for offering outstanding benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.

What type of driving jobs are most available in South Dakota?

Most companies in South Dakota 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 South Dakota:

  • 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.
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Conclusion

Finding the right trucking company in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.


Valerie Smith
Valerie Smith has been creating content for and about supply chain logistics companies since 2010. Writing on behalf of globally recognized industry leaders, her work has been featured extensively in print and digital publications and at speaking engagements. As editorial director of FreightWaves Ratings, she focuses on exploring topics that help readers make more informed career and business decisions.