The United States boasts a massive and intricate logistics network, and at its heart are Trucking Transport Companies. These essential businesses keep the economy moving, delivering everything from raw materials to finished goods across the nation. Understanding the key players in this industry is crucial for businesses seeking reliable shipping partners, individuals interested in logistics careers, or anyone wanting to grasp the scale of American commerce.
This article delves into the leading trucking transport companies in the USA, offering insights into their history, revenue, employee strength, and core services. We’ll explore companies that not only dominate in size but also innovate in logistics and supply chain management, ensuring goods reach their destinations efficiently and effectively.
Here’s a look at some of the titans of the US trucking industry:
1. UPS Inc.
Founded: 1907
Revenue: $97.3 billion USD
Employees: Approximately 543,000
UPS Inc., short for United Parcel Service, stands as a monumental figure in global shipping and supply chain management. Originating in Seattle as the American Messenger Company, its initial focus was on telegraph delivery. Today, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, UPS has evolved into a Fortune 500 giant and a leading trucking transport company worldwide.
With a workforce exceeding 500,000, UPS’s extensive network and logistical expertise make it a cornerstone of the supply chain industry. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, from package delivery and freight forwarding to specialized logistics solutions, serving businesses and individuals across the globe. Their brown trucks are a ubiquitous sight, representing reliability and widespread reach in the trucking transport sector.
2. FedEx Corp.
Founded: 1971
Revenue: $20.6 billion USD
Employees: 850,000+ (approximately)
FedEx Corporation, formerly known as Federal Express Corporation and FDX Corporation, is another powerhouse in the trucking transport companies arena in the United States. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, since its inception in 1971, FedEx has grown to become synonymous with express delivery and e-commerce logistics.
Annually delivering around 3 billion packages, FedEx’s impact on transportation and e-commerce is undeniable. Their vast fleet of trucks and aircraft, combined with advanced tracking technology, ensures rapid and dependable delivery services. FedEx’s commitment to innovation and global reach cements its position as a leader among trucking transport companies, facilitating trade and commerce on a massive scale.
3. XPO Logistics
Founded: 1989
Revenue: $12.8 billion USD
Employees: 44,000
XPO Logistics, established in 1989, is a major player in the American freight transportation landscape, boasting decades of experience in the trucking transport business. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, XPO provides a wide array of services, including less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck brokerage across 18 countries.
Their expertise in LTL and truckload services makes them a vital partner for businesses needing flexible and efficient freight solutions. XPO’s technological advancements in freight management and their expansive network contribute to their strong standing as a leading trucking transport company, connecting businesses with reliable transportation options across diverse markets.
4. J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
Founded: 1961
Revenue: $12.16 billion USD
Employees: 29,056
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas, is a prominent American transportation and logistics enterprise. With a substantial fleet of 12,000 trucks and 100,000 trailers, J.B. Hunt is recognized for being an early adopter of ‘container trucking’. This innovative approach streamlined freight movement directly from trains and ships to trucks, enhancing efficiency in the trucking transport industry.
Serving Fortune 500 companies and beyond, J.B. Hunt provides comprehensive freight transportation and logistics solutions. Their intermodal and dedicated contract services are particularly noteworthy, offering businesses robust and scalable transportation options. J.B. Hunt’s forward-thinking strategies have solidified their place as a leading trucking transport company in the US.
5. Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
Founded: 1990
Revenue: $4.67 Billion USD
Employees: 28,000+
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., the fifth-largest US trucking transport company, is based in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 diverse truckload services, including asset-based dry van and temperature-controlled transport. Their ‘one-stop shopping’ service model provides clients with a comprehensive range of trucking solutions, utilizing both company-owned and owner-operated trucks. With terminals strategically located across major US and Mexico freight centers, Knight-Swift ensures extensive coverage and efficient trucking transport services.
6. Yellow Corporation (formerly YRC Worldwide)
Founded: 1929
Revenue: $1.183 billion USD
Employees: 29,000
Yellow Corporation, previously known as YRC Worldwide, has been a significant presence in the US trucking transport industry since 1929. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Yellow operates with over 300 terminals and delivers approximately 11 million shipments annually.
Initially established as Yellow Roadway Corporation, a taxi and bus company, Yellow evolved through mergers with leading trucking companies like Roadway and Reimer Express. Specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, Yellow has played a crucial role in the American supply chain for decades. Despite recent financial challenges and eventual closure in 2023, Yellow’s historical impact on trucking transport remains significant.
7. Schneider National Inc.
Founded: 1935
Revenue: $4.55 billion USD
Employees: 15,225
Schneider National Inc., originating from Green Bay, Wisconsin, is another long-standing and respected trucking transport company. The company’s foundation story is quite personal: Al Schneider, the founder, started the business by selling his family car to purchase a single truck in 1935.
Today, Schneider employs over 6,000 drivers and manages a network of 40,000 carriers, operating from more than 180 properties globally. Their service portfolio is extensive, encompassing truckload, intermodal, and logistics services, including regional, long-haul, expedited, dedicated, bulk, brokerage, and supply chain management solutions. Schneider’s growth from a single truck to a global operation underscores their enduring success in trucking transport.
8. Landstar System, Inc.
Founded: 1968
Revenue: $6.5 billion USD
Employees: 1,320
Landstar System, Inc. is a major US-based transportation company specializing in logistics and third-party logistics (3PL) services. Primarily operating across the US, Canada, and Mexico, Landstar was founded in 1968 and has since cultivated a vast network of over 10,000 independent drivers, 69,000 trucks, and 1,320 staff workers.
Landstar is particularly known for its expertise in transporting heavy and specialized cargo. Their agent-based business model and focus on safety and specialized hauling have established them as a leader in the trucking transport sector for oversized and high-value freight. Landstar’s flexible capacity and specialized services cater to niche markets within trucking transport.
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 a prominent American transportation company specializing in regional, inter-regional, and national less-than-truckload (LTL) logistics services. Founded in 1934, Old Dominion has steadily grown to become a leading LTL carrier.
Beyond core LTL services, they offer warehousing, household moving, and trade show shipping. With over 21,000 employees, 5,000 tractors, and approximately 22,500 trailers, Old Dominion’s consistent growth reflects their commitment to service quality and operational efficiency in the competitive trucking transport market.
10. TFI International Inc.
Founded: 1957
Revenue: $3.484 billion USD
Employees: 16,753
TFI International Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a significant North American transportation and logistics company with extensive operations in the US. Established in 1957, TFI has expanded its logistics services across Canada, the US, and Mexico.
Their core operational areas include less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), logistics, and package and courier services. With a substantial fleet encompassing straight trucks, trailers, and both owner-operated and company-owned power units, TFI International has solidified its position as a major trucking transport company with a broad service offering and geographical reach.
11. Ryder System, Inc.
Founded: 1933
Revenue: $8.925 billion USD
Employees: 39,900
Ryder System, Inc., commonly known as Ryder, is a well-known transportation and logistics company based in the US, particularly famous for its commercial rental truck fleet. Founded in 1933, Ryder operates through three main business divisions: Fleet Management Solutions, Supply Chain Solutions, and Dedicated Transportation Solutions.
Ryder’s diverse service offerings cater to a wide spectrum of transportation and logistics needs, from truck rentals and fleet maintenance to complex supply chain design and execution. Their extensive network and comprehensive solutions position Ryder as a versatile and leading provider in the trucking transport and logistics industries.
12. Hub Group, Inc.
Founded: 1971
Revenue: $3.7 billion USD
Employees: 2,000+
Hub Group, Inc., based in North America, is a transportation management company specializing in intermodal, truck brokerage, and logistics services. With over 50 years of experience and extensive data analytics capabilities, Hub Group provides adaptable multimodal transportation solutions across North America.
Their asset-based intermodal program is supported by a large team of skilled professionals who customize offerings to meet specific customer transportation requirements. Hub Group’s focus on intermodal transport and technology-driven solutions makes them a key player in optimizing supply chains and trucking transport efficiency.
13. Estes Express Lines
Founded: 1931
Revenue: $3.6 billion USD
Employees: 20,000
Estes Express Lines, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is an American freight transportation company providing regional, national, and international LTL freight shipping services. Founded in 1931 by W.W. Estes with a single secondhand Chevrolet truck, Estes has grown from local livestock transport to a major national carrier.
Estes also offers offshore services to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, expanding their reach beyond the contiguous United States. Their long history and commitment to customer service have solidified Estes Express Lines as a reputable and reliable trucking transport company in the LTL sector.
14. ArcBest Corporation
Founded: 1928
Revenue: $4.0 billion USD
Employees: 13,000
ArcBest Corporation is a US-based freight and logistics solutions provider focused on simplifying complex supply chain challenges. As a leading logistics and transportation company, ArcBest offers a diverse range of services, including truckload, expedited shipping, managed transportation, supply chain optimization, and less-than-truckload (LTL).
With a strong fleet of over 4,000 trucks and a wide network of transportation partners, ArcBest ensures smooth, efficient, and dependable shipping solutions. Their integrated approach to logistics and comprehensive service offerings make ArcBest a valuable partner for businesses seeking robust trucking transport and supply chain management.
15. Werner Enterprises, Inc.
Founded: 1956
Revenue: $702.9 million USD
Employees: 12,784
Werner Enterprises, Inc., based in Omaha, Nebraska, serves the US, Mexico, and Canada markets as a prominent transportation and logistics company. Founded in 1956 by Clarence (C.L.) Werner with the purchase of a single truck, Werner has grown into one of the top five truckload carriers in the US.
Werner offers a wide array of transportation services, including temperature-controlled, regional, medium-to-long-haul, and dedicated van services. Werner Logistics extends their capabilities with intermodal, final mile, freight management, and truck brokerage services across North America. Werner’s extensive service portfolio and long-standing industry presence mark them as a key trucking transport company.
16. Penske Logistics
Founded: 1969
Revenue: $39 Billion USD
Employees: 10,001+
Penske Logistics, headquartered in Pennsylvania, provides state-of-the-art transportation and distribution solutions. Founded in 1969, Penske offers flexible and scalable solutions to manage freight, track shipments, and optimize logistics operations.
Penske’s approach allows businesses to choose from third-party carrier management, outsourced logistics teams, or hybrid models to achieve optimal value. Their expertise in supply chain management and technology-driven solutions positions Penske Logistics as a leading partner for businesses seeking advanced trucking transport and distribution strategies.
17. Roadrunner Transportation Systems
Founded: 2005
Revenue: $1.848 million USD
Employees: 4,502
Roadrunner Transportation Systems, based in Illinois, provides high-quality, scalable LTL freight services to shippers in major metropolitan areas across the US. Established in 2005, Roadrunner utilizes a network of over 900 independent contractors to deliver LTL freight efficiently.
With over 100 pickup and delivery partners, 21 physical service locations, and strategic rail relationships, Roadrunner offers extensive coverage across the United States. Their focus on LTL freight and network optimization makes Roadrunner a significant provider in the trucking transport landscape.
18. Prime Inc.
Founded: 1970
Revenue: $2 billion USD
Employees: 9,000+
Prime Inc., founded in 1970, is one of North America’s largest and most successful freight carriers. With a fleet exceeding 6,500 trucks and 11,700 temperature-controlled trailers, Prime is a leader in refrigerated transportation.
Prime specializes in transporting temperature-sensitive goods, including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and frozen foods, across the US and Canada. Their extensive network of reefer trucks and focus on temperature-controlled logistics establish Prime as a leading specialized trucking transport company in the perishable goods sector.
19. NFI Industries
Founded: 1932
Revenue: $3 billion USD
Employees: 15,000
NFI Industries, a leading American third-party logistics provider located in Dallas, Texas, offers comprehensive domestic and global supply chain solutions. Founded in 1932, NFI’s services range from freight forwarding and warehousing to distribution and last-mile delivery.
With an adaptable fleet of trucks, trailers, and specialty vehicles, NFI provides integrated logistics solutions across various industries. Their broad service portfolio and extensive network position NFI as a versatile and major player in the trucking transport and logistics sectors.
20. U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.
Founded: 1985
Revenue: $1.742 million USD
Employees: 8,600+
U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the largest asset-based truckload carriers in the United States. Founded in 1985, U.S. Xpress operates throughout the US with a vast fleet of over 5,500 tractors and 15,000 trailers.
Transporting more than 1.3 million goods annually, U.S. Xpress provides extensive truckload transportation services. Their large fleet and nationwide coverage solidify U.S. Xpress as a major trucking transport company in the asset-based truckload market.
Conclusion
The trucking transport companies listed above represent the backbone of the US supply chain. From package delivery giants like UPS and FedEx to specialized freight carriers like Landstar and Prime, these companies demonstrate the breadth and depth of the American trucking industry. Their vast networks, massive fleets, and diverse service offerings ensure that goods flow smoothly across the nation, supporting businesses and consumers alike. As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, these leading trucking transport companies will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, driving innovation and efficiency in the movement of goods.
