The trucking industry helps the United States maintain its economy. As a part of this active industry, you’ll be responsible for delivering goods locally, regionally, or even across the country, ensuring that consumers have what they need wherever they are.

If you have your commercial driver’s license or will get it soon, you’re probably researching to find out the best trucking company to drive for. You have to consider factors like the equipment the companies use, company culture, and pay and benefits. 

There are a number of companies that offer roles to new and experienced drivers in the western U.S., but the following are five that you may want to look into to find one that suits your career aspirations.

What Makes for a Great Trucking Company?

The best-paying trucking companies aren’t necessarily the best for you based on all the factors you’re looking for in a workplace. Before you select a company and apply based on pay alone, remember to consider the following:

• Competitive pay
• Mileage Opportunities
• Quality equipment
• Work environment 
• Home Time
• Strong safety culture

The best trucking companies to work for will ensure you not only receive a solid paycheck but also that you’re driving a safer vehicle, have a positive work environment, have time at home to see your family and friends, and have the potential to advance as you gain more experience and training.

Top Trucking Companies in 2025

Not sure where to start when choosing who to work for? Check out these top 5 trucking companies.

1. Pride Transport

CPM: $0.57 to $0.75

Pride Transport stands out in the western region for putting drivers first, offering a strong benefits package, top-tier equipment, and a consistent focus on safety and respect. As a smaller trucking company with 620 critical team members , Pride strikes a balance between a close-knit, small company feel, where anyone can walk into the boss's office, and the stability, pay, and benefits you'd expect from a larger carrier.

Benefits That Matter

Pride offers full medical, dental, life and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) with 5% company match. They also provide paid orientation, paid vacation, fuel and productivity bonuses, and other perks that ensure your long-term financial health, not just your weekly paycheck. Their rider and pet programs also make life on the road more comfortable and flexible.

Top-Notch Equipment

Drivers at Pride operate  2022 or newer Freightliners and Peterbilts, all equipped with modern safety features, 32” TVs, refrigerators, APUs, satellite radio, optimized idle, and inverters. Pride keeps their fleet well-maintained and up-to-date, so you’re not stuck in a breakdown lane waiting on outdated gear.

Miles You Can Count On

Whether you prefer regional runs or coast-to-coast hauls, Pride keeps its drivers moving with an average of 2,700 miles per week! And with 100% no-touch freight, you can stay focused on the road, not on loading docks.

Predictable Hometime

Pride takes home time seriously. Many drivers report that their Driver Managers consistently honor hometime requests, which makes a big difference in overall job satisfaction. Pride also offers dedicated routes with the possibility of being home nightly, as well as regional and OTR positions for those who prefer longer hauls. Drivers are also allowed to take their trucks home during 32-hour resets, saving time and offering more flexibility between trips.

Pay That Reflects Experience

With a CPM range of $0.57 to $0.75, Pride drivers earn competitive wages, with the average driver making $77,000 a year and the top 10% bringing in over $111,352 a year. 

2. Roehl Transport

CPM: $.40 to $.51 (Student drivers)

CPM: $.39 to $1.50 (Dynamic Pay Plans)

Roehl Transport was founded in 1962 and has over 5,800 trailers and 2,000 trucks. It specializes in refrigerated trucking and flatbed trailers, offering full-truckload transportation across multiple industries. Roehl also operates a freight brokerage, which you might have heard of, called Roehl Logistics. All of its trucks are less than two years old. 

Roehl Transport offers Dynamic Pay Plans™ designed to reward drivers for their efforts. Dynamic pay plans consider the mileage you drive as well as your time. It also offers a profit-sharing contribution to drivers and non-drivers (based on 2023 financial data). In November 2024, Roehl reported that the average driver pay was $1,540 per week, or approximately $80,000 annually. 

As for training, Roehl is recognized by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and has received the organization’s highest safety honor, the President’s Award, four times. The company offers training, support, monthly tuition reimbursement, and a longevity bonus.

3. Knight Transportation

CPM: $0.45 to $0.63

Knight Transportation runs the largest truckload fleet in North America, meaning it has many routes and is home to thousands of employees (over 3,200 driving associates). It offers dry van, refrigerated, and dedicated trucking. It also offers port services, logistics support, expedited transportation, and warehousing. 

Knight’s average tractor age is two years old, and the vehicles are made by brands such as Volvo, Freightliner, Kenworth, and International. There is a 3:1 trailer-to-tractor ratio. 

For dedicated drivers, pay varies. Based on the current job postings, the average cents per mile (CPM) is $0.52, with an average of $1,500 paid to drivers weekly. 

Knight Transportation has its own CDL driving schools in Phoenix, AZ, and Indianapolis, IN. It also offers training through partner CDL schools around the United States. It offers paid over-the-road (OTR) training. Getting ahead with Knight means taking advantage of its training and putting in the time; competition is high, but the payoff can be great.

4. Estes Express

CPM: $0.74 to $0.87 (many roles are hourly)

Estes states that it is the largest privately held freight transportation company in North America. It has been in operation for over 90 years and has over 24,000 employees. At the end of 2024, it had a fleet of 10,621 tractors, including over 70 renewable natural gas-powered tractors and 175 compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) tractors. 

Unlike several other companies, Estes Express does not transport temperature-controlled goods. 

Estes Express offers regular training through its safety initiatives, such as the:

• Driver Awareness Program
• Sleep Apnea Program
• No-Zone Educational Workshops

5. Navajo Express

CPM: Starting at $0.54

Navajo Express has been in operation for over 75 years and has three brands: its over-the-road brand, Digby Dedicated, and Navajo Expedited. It offers shipping solutions, including dedicated, refrigerated, logistics, dry van, specialized, and heavy haul transportation. 

Its equipment includes 53’ reefer trailers, 57’ reefer trailers, 57’ dry van trailers, and Rocky Mountain doubles, each available in specific service regions. Tractor-trailers have auto-inflation devices, automatic kingpin release, grill guards, and more to keep drivers safe on the road (This also includes a speed gauge drive cam, which records you the whole time you’re working).

As for pay and training, Navajo states that it pays new drivers up to $.54 per mile, based on availability. Drivers are placed in Freightliner, Peterbilt, or Kenworth tractors. Orientation training is a three-day program that takes place in either Denver, CO, or Tolleson, AZ. 

Navajo allows one dog under 25 lbs, one non-driving rider over 11 in each truck.

The Right Trucking Company for You: Pride Transport

No matter where you are in your trucking journey, choosing the right company can have a big impact on your experience and success behind the wheel. Whether you prioritize modern equipment, a strong safety culture, competitive pay, or a solid company reputation, there’s a carrier out there that fits your needs. Pride Transport is honored to be among the top names in 2025, continuing a 45-year legacy built on safety, dependability, and respect for drivers. If you’re weighing your options and looking for a company that reflects what matters most to you, it’s worth taking a closer look. The right opportunity is out there, and it just might begin with Pride Transport.