The highest paying trucking companies include GP Transco, Walmart, Sysco, and Epes Transport. GP Transco drivers earn up to $90,000 per year, while Walmart pays around $87,500. Pay varies by experience, route, and bonuses. Long-haul and specialized freight typically offer higher salaries.
Understanding Truck Driver Pay
Truck drivers working for the top-paying trucking companies can earn over $100,000 per year, especially in roles involving specialized freight or long-haul transport. The trucking industry continues to grow due to driver shortages, freight demand, and evolving federal regulations.
Factors that influence pay include:
- Driving type: solo drivers vs. team truck drivers
- Route: local drivers vs. over-the-road
- Cargo: hazardous materials, dry van, oversized loads
- Company structure: company drivers vs. owner operators
Many drivers are moving toward well-paying positions in companies that offer guaranteed minimum weekly paychecks, safety bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.
Key Factors That Affect Truck Driver Salaries
Annual pay varies significantly based on route type, experience level, and type of freight hauled.
Main pay influencers:
- Miles driven: More miles equal more pay, especially for line haul drivers.
- Cargo type: Drivers hauling hazardous materials or oversized freight earn more.
- Driving format: Team company drivers usually make more than solo drivers due to constant movement.
- Experience level: New drivers often start with lower pay but increase earnings after their first year.
- Geographic location: Pay rates vary widely. Trucking companies in New York and Wyoming often pay more than those in Hawaii or Alaska.
Top trucking companies also offer bonuses, flexible schedules, and paid time off, improving overall compensation.
Highest Paying Trucking Companies
The following table compares average annual pay and key benefits offered by the leading trucking companies.
Highest Paying Trucking Companies
| Rank | Company | Average Annual Pay | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E. W. Wylie Corporation | $119,927 | Specializes in flatbed and step deck trailers; offers safe driver incentives. |
| 2 | Walmart | Up to $110,000 | Private fleet; compensates for all time, including overnight stays. |
| 3 | Barr-Nunn Transportation | $113,283 | Dry van carrier; known for pay raises and newer equipment. |
| 4 | Old Dominion Freight Line | $78,000 | LTL freight carrier; offers local and OTR routes with competitive benefits. |
| 5 | GP Transco | $87,723 | Known for competitive pay and driver satisfaction. |
| 6 | Sysco Foods | $80,000 | Focuses on local routes; offers health insurance and retirement plans. |
| 7 | UPS | Starting at $35/hour | Provides comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities. |
| 8 | Mercer Transportation | $83,740 | Works with owner-operators; offers quick settlements for completed loads. |
These companies lead the industry in offering superior pay, reliable routes, and great benefits for both company drivers and owner operators.
Company Spotlight: Walmart Private Fleet
Walmart offers one of the highest paying private fleet driver jobs, with annual pay reaching up to $110,000.
- Private fleet status allows Walmart to offer guaranteed pay, paid time for overnight stays, and strict hiring standards.
- Walmart employs tractor trailer drivers with clean records, typically requiring at least 30 months of driving experience.
- These drivers often transport goods across long distances, making them among the highest-paid in the industry.
- Walmart’s compensation covers all time worked, including waiting periods and twenty two hours spent on site or off duty.
Walmart’s fleet is one of the largest and safest fleets in the country, making it ideal for drivers seeking job security and high income.
Company Spotlight: GP Transco and Sysco
GP Transco
- Average salary: $87,723
- Known for competitive pay and strong work life balance.
- Offers one of the highest paying trucking jobs for new drivers.
- Includes health insurance, guaranteed pay, and driver retention programs.
Sysco Foods
- Average pay: $80,000
- Focuses on local routes for delivery of foodservice supplies.
- Offers daily home time, medical coverage, and retirement plans.
- Ideal for local drivers seeking good income with family time.
Both companies offer competitive pay and cater to different driving positions, from solo drivers to team company drivers.
How to Qualify for High-Paying Trucking Jobs
Drivers need proper certifications, clean driving records, and relevant experience to qualify for high-paying trucking positions.
Key qualifications:
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Hazmat, Tanker, and TWIC endorsements
- Experience in handling over dimension loads and specialized freight
- Compliance with federal regulations, including Transportation Security Administration checks
- Good safety record with few or no moving violations
Many companies provide training programs for new drivers and pathways to become team truck drivers or owner operators hauling high-value or hazardous materials.
How to Find and Apply to the Best Trucking Companies
The fastest way to get hired by a high-paying trucking company is by applying directly through company websites or trucking-specific job boards.
Top methods:
- Use job sites like Indeed, TruckingTruth, and ZipRecruiter
- Connect with driver recruiters from major companies
- Apply directly to fleets such as Barr-Nunn Transportation, Old Dominion Freight Line, and Mercer Transportation
- Join forums or Facebook groups where many drivers share updates about pay packages and company policies
When applying, be ready with:
- A complete driving history
- Clean MVR (motor vehicle record)
- List of certifications and endorsements
Popular Qs About High-Paying Trucking Jobs
What certifications can help truck drivers earn more?
Specialized certifications like Hazmat, Tanker Endorsements, and TWIC increase earnings. These allow drivers to haul hazardous materials, industrial machinery, and oversized loads.
Do trucking companies offer signing bonuses?
Yes, companies like Walmart and Barr-Nunn Transportation offer signing bonuses. These incentives help them attract and retain qualified drivers.
How does location affect truck driver salaries?
Drivers in states like New York and Wyoming earn more due to demand and challenging routes. Salaries are also influenced by freight volume, cost of living, and route difficulty.
Are there high-paying trucking jobs for new drivers?
Yes, GP Transco and Old Dominion Freight Line offer training and competitive starting pay. These positions lead to higher income as experience increases.
What are the risks associated with the highest-paying trucking jobs?
Jobs involving remote destinations, hazardous materials, or extreme weather offer more money due to higher risk. Examples include ice road trucking or transporting wind turbines.
Can owner-operators earn more than company drivers?
Owner operators can earn more by managing their own routes and loads, but they also cover fuel, maintenance, and commercial vehicle insurance costs.
Final Thoughts
High-paying trucking jobs are available to drivers who meet experience and certification standards. The best companies offer great benefits, health insurance, and superior pay through guaranteed pay models and safety bonuses.
Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced owner operator, there are well-paying positions in the trucking industry across various freight types—from dry van to specialized freight and over the road assignments.
Choose companies that invest in drivers, provide consistent miles, and reward safety and professionalism.
