The transportation industry is the backbone of global commerce, ensuring goods reach their destinations efficiently and reliably. From delivering packages across continents to managing complex supply chains, these companies keep the world moving. This article will delve into the Top Ten Transportation Companies that are leading the way in the United States, based on their revenue, employee strength, and overall impact on the industry. These giants play a critical role in e-commerce, manufacturing, and countless other sectors, making them essential components of the modern economy.
1. UPS Inc.
Founded: 1907
Revenue: $97.3 billion USD
Employees: Approximately 543,000
UPS, short for United Parcel Service, stands as a titan in the global shipping and logistics arena. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, this American multinational corporation traces its roots back to 1907 when it began as the American Messenger Company, specializing in telegraph delivery. Over a century, UPS has transformed into a Fortune 500 powerhouse and one of the world’s largest courier companies. With a massive workforce exceeding 500,000 employees, UPS handles package delivery and supply chain management on a global scale. Its iconic brown trucks are a familiar sight worldwide, and the company’s extensive network and infrastructure make it a cornerstone of the supply chain industry.
2. FedEx Corp.
Founded: 1971
Revenue: $20.6 billion USD
Employees: 850,000+ (approximately)
FedEx Corporation, originally known as Federal Express Corporation, is another American heavyweight in transportation and e-commerce. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, FedEx was established in 1971 and has grown to become synonymous with express delivery services. Handling around 3 billion packages annually, FedEx specializes in transportation, e-commerce solutions, and related services. Its vast global network and recognizable brand have solidified its position as one of the largest trucking companies and logistics providers in the US and worldwide. FedEx’s commitment to speed and reliability has made it a crucial partner for businesses and individuals alike.
3. XPO Logistics
Founded: 1989
Revenue: $12.8 billion USD
Employees: 44,000
XPO Logistics, founded in 1989, is a major player in the freight transportation sector. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, this American company operates in 18 countries, offering a wide range of services including less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck brokerage. XPO Logistics has built a strong reputation in the trucking business by providing efficient and technology-driven solutions for freight movement. Its extensive network and diverse service offerings make it a key partner for businesses seeking comprehensive transportation and logistics support.
4. J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
Founded: 1961
Revenue: $12.16 billion USD
Employees: 29,056
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., based in Lowell, Arkansas, is a leading American transportation and logistics company with a substantial fleet of 12,000 trucks and 100,000 trailers. Notably, J.B. Hunt was a pioneer in adopting the “container trucking” approach, streamlining the transfer of goods between trains, ships, and trucks. This innovative approach has contributed to its success in providing freight transportation and logistics services to Fortune 500 companies. J.B. Hunt’s focus on intermodal transportation and efficient logistics solutions positions it as a significant force in the US trucking industry.
5. Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
Founded: 1990
Revenue: $4.67 Billion USD
Employees: 28,000+
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ranks as the fifth-largest US trucking company. Formed through the merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation, this motor carrier boasts over 28,000 employees, 4,000 trucks, and 8,700 trailers. Knight-Swift offers a comprehensive suite of truckload services, including asset-based dry van and temperature-controlled transportation. Their “one-stop shopping” approach, utilizing both company-owned and owner-operated trucks, along with strategically located terminals across the US and Mexico, provides flexible and efficient transportation solutions.
6. Yellow Corporation (formerly YRC Worldwide)
Founded: 1929
Revenue: $1.183 billion USD
Employees: 29,000
Yellow Corporation, formerly known as YRC Worldwide, has a long history in the American trucking industry, dating back to its founding in 1929 as Yellow Roadway Corporation, a taxi and bus company. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Yellow has evolved through mergers with major trucking companies like Roadway and Reimer Express. With over 300 terminals, Yellow delivers approximately 11 million shipments annually and specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. For decades, Yellow has been a prominent player in the US supply chain, providing essential LTL services to businesses across the nation.
7. Schneider National Inc.
Founded: 1935
Revenue: $4.55 billion USD
Employees: 15,225
Schneider National Inc., originating from Green Bay, Wisconsin, is another well-established and respected trucking company with a history spanning several decades. Founded in 1935 when Al Schneider acquired a truck, the company has grown to employ over 6,000 drivers and manage a fleet of 40,000 carriers, operating from over 180 properties worldwide. Schneider offers a diverse portfolio of services including truckload, intermodal, and logistics solutions. Their offerings encompass regional, long-haul, expedited, dedicated, bulk, intermodal, brokerage, cross-dock logistics, pool point distribution, supply chain management, and port logistics, making them a versatile transportation partner.
8. Landstar System Holdings, Inc.
Founded: 1968
Revenue: $6.5 billion USD
Employees: 1,320
Landstar System Holdings, Inc. is a major US-based transportation company specializing in logistics and third-party logistics (3PL) services. Founded in 1968, Landstar primarily operates across the US, Canada, and Mexico. With a vast network of over 10,000 independent drivers, 69,000 trucks, and 1,320 staff workers, Landstar is known for its expertise in transporting heavy and specialized cargo. Their focus on providing customized logistics solutions and handling unique freight requirements sets them apart in the transportation industry.
9. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Founded: 1934
Revenue: $4.015 billion USD
Employees: 21,000
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., based in Thomasville, North Carolina, is an American transportation company specializing in regional, inter-regional, and national less-than-truckload (LTL) logistics services. Founded in 1934, Old Dominion has expanded its service offerings to include warehousing, household moving, and trade show shipping, in addition to its core LTL services. With over 21,000 employees, 5,000 tractors, and approximately 22,500 trailers, Old Dominion is experiencing significant growth and is recognized for its service quality and reliability in the LTL sector.
10. TFI International Inc.
Founded: 1957
Revenue: $3.484 billion USD
Employees: 16,753
TFI International Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a leading Canadian-based transportation and logistics company with a significant presence in the US and Mexico. Established in 1957, TFI International operates across four main segments: less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), logistics, and package and courier. Boasting a large fleet including 200 straight trucks, 50,000 trailers, 10,000 owner-operated trucks, and 14,000 company-owned power units, TFI International has grown into a major North American transportation provider through strategic acquisitions and a focus on diverse service offerings.
Conclusion
These top ten transportation companies represent the pinnacle of the industry, driving innovation, efficiency, and reliability in moving goods across the United States and beyond. From package delivery giants like UPS and FedEx to freight and logistics powerhouses like XPO Logistics and J.B. Hunt, these companies are essential to the functioning of the modern economy. Their extensive networks, large fleets, and dedicated workforces ensure that businesses and consumers receive the goods they need, when they need them. As the demand for transportation and logistics services continues to grow, these top companies will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, shaping the future of the industry.
