Quick Answer
Looking for good pay without the extreme tradeoffs? Here are the best options from our list:
For strong overall pay with home time, Barr-Nunn Transportation offers $90,000–$114,000/year with $0.80 CPM starting pay and 100% no-touch freight.
For benefits and competitive wages, NFI pays $1,300–$2,000/week with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
For daily home time, JB Hunt offers local last mile drivers $90,500/year with daily home time.
For new drivers with paid training, Swift Transportation offers $1,000/week guaranteed during training with average weekly pay of $1,300.
For local drivers, CR England offers $82,000–$95,000/year with daily home time.
For regional drivers, Epes Transport offers $63,000–$90,000/year with consistent weekly home time.
For specialized freight, Quantix pays tanker drivers $1,500–$1,600/week with top earners exceeding $100,000.
For flatbed drivers, Mast Trucking offers $1,200–$1,800/week with local and regional options.
For 1099/independent contractors, Orozco Trucking offers $1,900–$2,800/week for solo drivers.
The right company for you depends on your priorities home time, training, benefits, or specialized freight. Read on for a detailed breakdown.
Introduction:
The trucking industry offers solid earning potential in 2026, with Class A driving jobs paying between $74,000 and $275,000 per year depending on experience, route type, and whether you drive as a company driver or owner-operator. While “highest paying” gets all the attention, many carriers offer strong, reliable pay with better home time, less physical work, or easier entry requirements.
This guide focuses on good paying trucking companies carriers that offer competitive wages without the extreme requirements or tradeoffs that come with absolute top pay. Whether you’re a new driver looking for your first job or an experienced driver seeking better work-life balance, these companies deliver solid earnings you can count on.
Why This Guide Is Different
Most trucking company rankings focus only on the highest numbers. This guide is built on:
- Current 2026 compensation data from active job listings
- Realistic earnings ranges – not just top-performer numbers
- Home time and lifestyle factors – because pay isn’t everything
- Hiring requirements – so you know what it takes to get hired
- Only carriers from our verified list – no fake or unreachable companies
The 2026 Pay Landscape: What “Good Pay” Means
Before diving into the rankings, here’s what you need to know:
The Pay Picture: Class A truck driving jobs in 2026 pay between $74,000 and $275,000 per year. “Good pay” typically means $70,000–$100,000+ for company drivers with reasonable home time.
The Driver Shortage: The industry continues to face a driver shortage, which means companies are offering better pay and incentives to attract qualified drivers.
What “Good Pay” Really Means: Beyond the number, good pay includes:
- Consistent miles – not just high CPM rates
- Reliable home time – so you can actually enjoy your earnings
- Benefits – health insurance, 401(k), paid time off
- Equipment quality – breakdowns cost you money
- Respectful dispatch – good communication means less stress
How Trucking Companies Are Ranked for Good Pay
| Category | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | 30% | Average annual pay, CPM rates, guaranteed weekly pay |
| Home Time | 25% | Frequency of home time, route predictability |
| Benefits Package | 20% | Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off |
| Hiring Requirements | 15% | Experience needed, how accessible the job is |
| Equipment & Support | 10% | Quality of equipment, dispatch communication |
The Best Good Paying Trucking Companies in the USA
1. Barr-Nunn Transportation: Best Overall Pay + Home Time 🏆
Barr-Nunn Transportation has been named the Certified Top Pay Carrier for 21 consecutive years. They offer starting pay of $0.80 per mile with bonuses and 100% no-touch freight. Regional drivers earn $1,800/week and are home every weekend. Annual earnings range from $90,000–$114,000.
Compensation: $0.80 CPM starting pay with bonuses. Regional drivers earn $1,800/week. Annual earnings: $90,000–$114,000.
Home Time: Home 3 days every other weekend. Regional drivers home every weekend.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ $0.80 CPM starting pay with bonuses | ❌ Requires 1+ years experience |
| ✅ $90K–$114K annual earning potential | ❌ Not suitable for brand-new CDL holders |
| ✅ 100% no-touch freight | ❌ Limited division options |
| ✅ Regional drivers earn $1,800/week | ❌ Smaller fleet (629 power units) |
| ✅ Home 3 days every other weekend | ❌ Some drivers report dispatcher issues |
| ✅ 21-year Certified Top Pay Carrier | ❌ Overall rating sits at 3.2 out of 5 |
| ✅ Profit sharing and safety bonuses | ❌ Home time can be inconsistent |
Experience Required: 1+ years.
Key Perk: 21-year Certified Top Pay Carrier with profit sharing and safety bonuses.
The Catch: Requires at least 1 year of experience.
💡Best For: Experienced drivers seeking top pay with excellent home time.
2. NFI Industries: Best Benefits + Competitive Pay 💰
NFI is a privately held, family-owned logistics powerhouse offering strong pay and comprehensive benefits. Dedicated regional drivers earn $1,500–$1,700 per week, while local routes pay $1,300–$1,400 weekly. Their benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
Compensation: Local: $1,300–$1,400/week. Regional: $1,500–$1,700/week. Dedicated regional: $1,850–$2,000/week.
Home Time: Local routes offer daily home time. Regional routes offer weekly home time.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Family-owned since 1932 | ❌ Management challenges reported |
| ✅ $3.7B+ annual revenue | ❌ Limited work-life balance in some positions |
| ✅ Local: $1,300–$1,400/week | ❌ Pay below industry average for some routes |
| ✅ Regional: $1,500–$1,700/week | ❌ Limited driver reviews available |
| ✅ Comprehensive benefits package | ❌ Home time varies by account |
| ✅ Local routes offer daily home time | ❌ Regional availability varies by location |
| ✅ Regional routes offer weekly home time | ❌ Some positions require extended OTR time |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
The Catch: Pay varies by account and location.
💡Best For: Drivers who prioritize strong benefits and competitive pay with good home time.
3. JB Hunt: Best Daily Home Time 🏅
JB Hunt offers local last mile drivers $90,500 per year with daily home time. Regional drivers earn $76,000–$95,000 annually. With multiple divisions including intermodal, dedicated, and local, JB Hunt gives you flexibility to find the right fit.
Compensation: Regional: $76,000–$95,000/year. Intermodal: $57,820/year. Local last mile: $90,500/year.
Home Time: Local positions offer daily home time.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ One of the largest carriers in North America | ❌ Pay can be slow to start |
| ✅ Local last mile: $90,500/year | ❌ Compensation varies by account |
| ✅ Regional: $76K–$95K/year | ❌ Work-life balance rated 3.0 out of 5 |
| ✅ Local positions offer daily home time | ❌ High turnover in some divisions |
| ✅ Multiple divisions for career flexibility | ❌ Dispatcher communication inconsistent |
| ✅ Tuition reimbursement available | ❌ Pay/benefits rated 3.1 out of 5 |
| ✅ 401(k) with company match | ❌ Pay varies by account and location |
Experience Required: 0–1 year depending on position.
Key Perk: Multiple divisions for career flexibility with tuition reimbursement and 401(k) match.
The Catch: Pay can be slow to start and varies by account.
💡Best For: Drivers who want daily home time with a stable, established carrier.
4. Swift Transportation: Best for New Drivers 🎓
Swift Transportation is the largest full-truckload carrier in North America and the premier starter company. New graduates earn $0.36–$0.42 CPM with average weekly pay of $1,300. Experienced drivers earn $0.43–$0.72 CPM with top earners averaging $1,400/week.
Compensation: New graduates: $0.36–$0.42 CPM. Experienced: $0.43–$0.72 CPM. Average weekly: $1,300–$1,400.
Home Time: Varies by route and division.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Largest full-truckload carrier in North America | ❌ Below-average pay for experienced drivers |
| ✅ Premier “starter company” for new drivers | ❌ Best viewed as a stepping-stone company |
| ✅ Paid CDL training available | ❌ Pay/benefits rated just 2.9 out of 5 |
| ✅ $1,000/week guarantee during first 90 days | ❌ Work-life balance rated 2.5 out of 5 |
| ✅ 30+ terminals across the US | ❌ High turnover due to entry-level base |
| ✅ Multiple service divisions available | ❌ Limited home time for OTR drivers |
| ✅ Strong safety culture | ❌ Dispatcher communication issues reported |
Experience Required: None (training provided).
Key Perk: $1,000/week guarantee during first 90 days of solo driving.
The Catch: Best viewed as a stepping-stone company for experienced drivers.
💡Best For: New drivers who want comprehensive training and a guaranteed paycheck while learning.
5. CR England: Best Local Pay 🏅
CR England has been family-owned since 1920 and offers paid CDL training with local positions. Local drivers average $82,000–$95,000 annually, with top earners reaching $117,000.
Compensation: Local: $82,000–$95,000/year. Team: $98,000 per driver annually.
Home Time: Local positions offer home daily.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Family-owned since 1920 — over 100 years | ❌ Low pay reported in the first year |
| ✅ Paid CDL training available | ❌ Work-life balance rated just 2.7 out of 5 |
| ✅ Local drivers earn $82K–$95K/year | ❌ Best viewed as a starter company |
| ✅ Local positions offer home daily | ❌ Extended OTR time for some positions |
| ✅ Fleet of 4,000+ tractors | ❌ Many drivers recommend leaving after 1 year |
| ✅ Multiple divisions available | ❌ Management communication issues reported |
| ✅ Established safety culture | ❌ Limited home time for new OTR drivers |
Experience Required: None (training provided).
Key Perk: Paid CDL training with local positions available.
The Catch: Low pay reported in the first year for some positions.
💡Best For: New drivers who want paid training and the option to stay local with strong earnings.
6. Epes Transport: Best Regional Pay 🏅
Epes Transport offers consistent weekly home time with competitive pay starting at $0.60 CPM plus performance pay. Regional drivers earn $1,350–$1,500/week with annual earnings of $63,000–$90,000.
Compensation: Starting at $0.60 CPM + up to $0.09 CPM performance pay. Regional: $1,350–$1,500/week. Annual: $63,000–$90,000.
Home Time: Consistent weekly home time.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Founded in 1931 — over 90 years of history | ❌ Communication issues reported by some drivers |
| ✅ Consistent weekly home time | ❌ Career opportunities rated 2.9 out of 5 |
| ✅ Starting at $0.60 CPM + performance pay | ❌ Pay/benefits rated 3.1 out of 5 |
| ✅ Regional: $1,350–$1,500/week | ❌ Some drivers report inconsistent freight |
| ✅ Relaxed, no-nonsense environment | ❌ Limited advancement opportunities |
| ✅ Management doesn’t micromanage | ❌ Some terminals have outdated equipment |
| ✅ Regional routes with predictable schedules | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
Experience Required: 0–1 year.
Key Perk: No micromanagement management trusts you to do your job.
The Catch: Communication issues reported by some drivers.
💡Best For: Drivers who want consistent weekly home time with a relaxed work environment.
7. US Xpress: Best Sign-On Bonus 💰
US Xpress offers sign-on bonuses up to $6,000 with strong earning potential. Experienced drivers earn $0.57–$0.64 CPM. Owner-operators can earn $83,200–$124,800 after expenses.
Compensation: Company drivers: $1,100–$1,200/week ($52,000–$62,000/year). Experienced: $0.57–$0.64 CPM.
Home Time: Varies by route.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Sign-on bonuses up to $6,000 | ❌ Overall rating just 2.9 out of 5 |
| ✅ Strong earning potential | ❌ Work-life balance rated 2.5 out of 5 |
| ✅ Average $1,100–$1,200/week | ❌ Pay/benefits rated 2.8 out of 5 |
| ✅ One of the largest asset-based carriers | ❌ Dispatcher harassment reported |
| ✅ Dedicated fleet services available | ❌ Unrealistic management expectations |
| ✅ Flexible route options | ❌ High turnover in some divisions |
| ✅ Investing in driver experience | ❌ Home time can be limited on OTR routes |
Experience Required: 0–6 months.
Key Perk: $6,000 sign-on bonuses for experienced drivers.
The Catch: Overall driver rating just 2.9/5. Dispatcher issues reported.
💡Best For: Drivers who want sign-on bonuses and flexible route options.
8. Transco Lines: Best Dry Van Pay 🏅
Transco Lines offers strong dry van pay with solo drivers earning up to $90,000 and Hazmat-endorsed drivers earning up to $96,000. Teams can earn up to $220,000 combined.
Compensation: Solo: up to $90,000/year. Hazmat: up to $96,000/year. Teams: up to $220,000 combined.
Home Time: Varies by route.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Specializes in dry van freight | ❌ Limited information available |
| ✅ Solo drivers up to $90,000/year | ❌ Few driver reviews available |
| ✅ Hazmat drivers up to $96,000/year | ❌ Home time varies by route |
| ✅ Teams up to $220,000 combined | ❌ Limited terminal locations |
| ✅ Base CPM: 63-73 CPM with guaranteed raises | ❌ Hazmat endorsement required for top pay |
| ✅ Well-maintained equipment | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
| ✅ Known for treating drivers with respect | ❌ Limited route options in some areas |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: Base CPM ranges from 63-73 CPM with guaranteed raises.
The Catch: Hazmat endorsement required for top pay.
💡Best For: Drivers seeking strong pay in the dry van sector.
9. Mast Trucking: Best Flatbed Pay 🏅
![](https://hirewithremms.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mast-Trucking-Remms-Best-Trucking-Companies-to-Work-For.jpg")
Mast Trucking offers competitive flatbed pay with local drivers earning $21.50/hour and some positions paying $1,200–$1,800/week. Top earners can make $100,000+.
Compensation: Local: $21.50/hour. Some positions: $1,200–$1,800/week. Top earners: $100,000+.
Home Time: Varies by route.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Specializes in flatbed freight | ❌ Limited information available |
| ✅ Local: $21.50/hour | ❌ Few driver reviews available |
| ✅ Some positions: $1,200–$1,800/week | ❌ Flatbed requires physical work |
| ✅ Top earners: $100,000+ | ❌ Home time varies by route |
| ✅ Focus on driver safety and support | ❌ Limited terminal locations |
| ✅ Training available for new drivers | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
| ✅ Well-maintained equipment | ❌ Not suitable for drivers wanting OTR |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: Focus on driver safety and support.
The Catch: Flatbed requires physical work.
💡Best For: Drivers interested in flatbed specialization.
10. PTL: Best Reefer Pay 🏅
PTL offers strong reefer pay with solo drivers starting at $0.60 CPM and teams at $0.75 CPM. Frequent pay increases with no cap.
Compensation: Solo: starting at $0.60 CPM. Teams: starting at $0.75 CPM.
Home Time: Varies by route.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Specializes in refrigerated freight | ❌ Limited information available |
| ✅ Solo drivers start at $0.60 CPM | ❌ Few driver reviews available |
| ✅ Teams start at $0.75 CPM | ❌ Home time varies by route |
| ✅ Frequent pay increases with no cap | ❌ Limited terminal locations |
| ✅ 100% employee-owned company | ❌ Refrigerated freight has additional duties |
| ✅ Quality equipment | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
| ✅ Reliable dispatch | ❌ May require weekend work |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: 100% employee-owned company.
The Catch: Refrigerated freight has additional responsibilities.
💡Best For: Drivers interested in refrigerated freight.
11. Quantix: Best Refrigerated Specialization 🏅
Quantix specializes in refrigerated and tanker freight. Tanker drivers average $1,500–$1,600/week with top earners making $100,000+. Owner-operators can earn $300,000+.
Compensation: Tanker drivers: $1,500–$1,600/week. Top earners: $100,000+. Owner-ops: $300,000+.
Home Time: Varies by route.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Specializes in refrigerated and tanker freight | ❌ Limited information available |
| ✅ Tanker drivers: $1,500–$1,600/week | ❌ Few driver reviews available |
| ✅ Top earners: $100,000+ | ❌ Specialized freight may require experience |
| ✅ Owner-operators: $300,000+ potential | ❌ Home time varies by route |
| ✅ $12,000 sign-on bonus for tanker drivers | ❌ Limited terminal locations |
| ✅ Leader in refrigerated freight | ❌ Tanker endorsements required |
| ✅ Growing sector with strong demand | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: $12,000 sign-on bonus for tanker drivers.
The Catch: Specialized freight may require specific experience.
💡Best For: Drivers interested in refrigerated and specialized freight.
12. TA Dedicated: Best Dedicated Routes 🏅
TA Dedicated offers dedicated routes with consistent freight and predictable schedules. OTR drivers earn $78,000–$99,000, with top earners reaching $130,400.
Compensation: OTR: $78,000–$99,000. Top earners: up to $130,400.
Home Time: Consistent home time on dedicated routes.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Dedicated routes with consistent freight | ❌ Limited information available |
| ✅ OTR: $78,000–$99,000/year | ❌ Few driver reviews available |
| ✅ Average CDL driver: $96,000/year | ❌ Limited terminal locations |
| ✅ Top earners: up to $130,400 | ❌ Limited route options in some areas |
| ✅ Consistent home time | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
| ✅ Pay increases at 1 and 2 years | ❌ Home time varies by route |
| ✅ Predictable schedules | ❌ May require weekend work |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: Pay increases at 1 and 2 years.
The Catch: Limited terminal locations.
💡Best For: Drivers who want dedicated routes with predictable schedules.
13. National Carriers: Best Entry-Level Pay 🏅
National Carriers offers strong entry-level pay with drivers earning $72,000–$88,000 on average. Top earners reach $90,000+ with guaranteed weekly pay of $1,500–$1,750.
Compensation: Average: $72,000–$88,000/year. Guaranteed: $1,500–$1,750/week. Top earners: $90,000+.
Home Time: Varies by route.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Strong entry-level pay | ❌ Limited information available |
| ✅ Average: $72,000–$88,000/year | ❌ Few driver reviews available |
| ✅ Guaranteed: $1,500–$1,750/week | ❌ OTR reefer requires extended time out |
| ✅ Top earners: $90,000+ | ❌ Home time varies by route |
| ✅ Comprehensive training programs | ❌ Limited terminal locations |
| ✅ Focus on driver development | ❌ Limited benefits information available |
| ✅ Support for new drivers | ❌ May require weekend work |
Experience Required: Varies by position.
Key Perk: Up to $1,750 per week guaranteed.
The Catch: OTR reefer requires extended time out.
💡Best For: New drivers seeking strong pay with solid training support.
📊 Good Paying Trucking Companies
2026 Pay Guide| # | Company | Annual Pay | Best For | Home Time | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barr-Nunn Transportation Top Pick | $90K–$114K | Top Pay + Home Time | 3 Days / 2 Wks | $0.80 CPM |
| 2 | NFI Top Pick | $1,300–$2,000/wk | Benefits + Pay | Daily/Weekly | Full Benefits |
| 3 | JB Hunt Top Pick | $76K–$95K | Daily Home Time | Daily | Multiple Divisions |
| 4 | Swift Transportation Top Pick | $1,300/wk avg | New Drivers | Varies | $1K/Week Guarantee |
| 5 | CR England Top Pick | $82K–$95K | Local Pay | Daily | Paid Training |
| 6 | Epes Transport Top Pick | $63K–$90K | Regional Pay | Weekly | $0.60 CPM + Bonus |
| 7 | US Xpress Top Pick | $52K–$62K | Sign-On Bonus | Varies | $6K Bonus |
| 8 | Transco Lines Top Pick | $85K–$105K | Dry Van | Varies | Teams Up to $220K |
| 9 | Mast Trucking Top Pick | $62K–$100K+ | Flatbed | Varies | $100K+ Potential |
| 10 | PTL Top Pick | $62K–$100K+ | Reefer | Varies | $0.60 CPM Solo |
| 11 | Quantix Top Pick | $78K–$100K+ | Tanker/Reefer | Varies | $300K+ Owner-Op |
| 12 | TA Dedicated Top Pick | $78K–$130K | Dedicated Routes | Consistent | $130K+ Potential |
| 13 | National Carriers Top Pick | $72K–$90K+ | Entry-Level | Varies | $1,750/Week Guaranteed |
* Data based on FMCSA records, active job listings, verified driver reviews, and 2026 compensation data.
How to Choose the Right Good Paying Company
1. Define Your Priorities
Ask yourself:
- Do you need home time? JB Hunt, NFI, and CR England offer daily home time.
- Are you a new driver? Swift, CR England offer paid training.
- Do you want a sign-on bonus? US Xpress offers $6,000.
- Do you want regional driving? Epes Transport offers weekly home time.
- Do you want specialized freight? Quantix, PTL, and Mast Trucking offer higher pay for specialized work.
2. Understand the Tradeoffs
| If You Want… | Consider… | But Know That… |
|---|---|---|
| Top pay + home time | Barr-Nunn | Requires 1+ years experience |
| Best benefits | NFI | Home time varies by account |
| Daily home time | JB Hunt, CR England Local | Positions may be limited |
| Paid training | Swift, CR England | Starting pay may be lower |
| Regional driving | Epes Transport | Pay slightly lower than OTR |
| Specialized freight | Quantix, Mast Trucking | Requires specific endorsements |
3. Read the Fine Print
- Sign-on bonuses are often paid in installments over 6–12 months
- Guaranteed pay programs often have terms and conditions
- CPM rates vary by route, experience, and division
- Home time promises should be verified with current drivers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Vague answers about pay – If they can’t give you a clear CPM or weekly guarantee
- Pressure to sign immediately – Good companies let you think it over
- No written pay scale – If it’s not in writing, it’s not real
- Poor FMCSA safety scores – Your life is literally on the line
- High turnover – If they’re always hiring, there’s a reason
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is considered “good pay” for truck drivers in 2026?
Which trucking company offers the best combination of pay and home time?
Which trucking company has the best benefits?
What’s the best trucking company for new drivers?
Which trucking company pays the most for local drivers?
What’s the best regional trucking company for pay and home time?
Which trucking company pays the most for specialized freight?
What trucking company offers the best sign-on bonus?
What’s the best trucking company for 1099 drivers?
How much do truck drivers make in 2026?
What should drivers look for in a good-paying trucking company?
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