10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Palm Desert, CA
We reviewed key factors — including pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance — across 104 trucking companies in Palm Desert, CA. Our analysis shows that Jones Transportation stands out as the best employer for drivers in Palm Desert.
Top Trucking Companies in Palm Desert, CA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Palm Desert:
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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Palm Desert. Every Palm Desert trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies to work for in Palm Desert.
Jones Transportation
1345 Verdi Ct, San Jacinto, CA, 92583- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 83,475 (2023)
Jones Transportation (DOT: 1212317) operates out of San Jacinto, California. This trucking company specializes in transporting dry van and flatbed cargo, with operations covering beverages, general freight, household goods, and paper products. Jones Transportation is known for hiring team drivers, flatbed drivers, local drivers, and OTR (Over-the-Road) drivers to support their services which include less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping. They were formally established 7488 days ago, but the exact founding date is unclear due to missing documentation.
Jones Transportation offers competitive benefits to its drivers, including health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), disability and life insurance, and a retirement plan with 401(k). Additional perks include safety bonuses, paid time off, guaranteed home time, and deadhead detention/layover compensation. Though they do not provide sign-on bonuses, they focus on developing their employees through ongoing training and development programs.
Employee reviews on Glassdoor rate the company highly, with a score of 4.3. Indeed ratings are similarly positive at 4.2. Employees often cite the company's strong compensation packages and focus on employee development as key positives. However, some feedback notes areas for improvement in scheduling flexibility and opportunities for advanced placement. Despite these issues, the general sentiment remains positive, reflecting a strong company culture that prioritizes its drivers' wellbeing and satisfaction.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Jody Express
831 S Harvard St, Hemet, CA, 92543- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 105,483 (2022)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Jody Express (DOT: 1077172) is a dynamic trucking company based in Hemet, California. Although the company's exact founding date isn't mentioned, its active participation in the industry is evident through its diverse operations. Jody Express carries general freight primarily using dry vans and flatbeds, providing both full and partial truckload services. The company offers team driving opportunities and employs a varied driver workforce, including regional, local, and over-the-road drivers.
Jody Express stands out for its employee benefits, making it an attractive workplace. The company offers a competitive sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and paid CDL training. Drivers benefit from comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and life insurance. The company also guarantees home time and provides flexible scheduling, contributing to a positive work-life balance. Jody Express allows for riders or pets, although they do not have a truck lease purchase program.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.1, Jody Express employees generally rate the company positively. Reviews highlight the satisfactory compensation and benefits, alongside job security and opportunities for advancement. The most prevalent positive feedback revolves around the company culture and management's efforts to ensure driver satisfaction. On the flip side, some employees have pointed out occasional scheduling challenges and room for improvement in fleet management. Overall, Jody Express provides a promising environment for its drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Star Trucking
1333 Early Blue Lane, Beaumont, CA, 92223- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 5
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $127,000
- Miles driven: 600,000 (2023)
Star Trucking (DOT: 2378866) operates under the legal name Raymundo Mota Pacheco and is based in Beaumont, California. The company primarily specializes in the transportation of general freight utilizing dry van methods. In its operations, Star Trucking prioritizes team driving opportunities, with hiring options available for both OTR and regional drivers. The company's fleet is modern, with an average age of 3 years, and includes five trucks and a total of ten power units. Their service areas span interstate routes, ensuring coverage for diverse geographic locations.
The company is notable for its comprehensive driver benefits package, even offering a sign-on bonus for new hires. Star Trucking provides its employees with health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k) and disability insurance. Additional perks include paid CDL training, ongoing training and development programs, paid time off, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time, solidifying its commitment to employee satisfaction. While the company doesn't support passengers or pets in vehicles, its compensation and benefits are competitive within the industry.
Star Trucking boasts a solid reputation on employment review platforms, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2. Positive employee feedback highlights the strong compensation, benefits, and career advancement opportunities as key advantages, while work-life balance occasionally draws critiques, with some employees noting inconsistencies in dispatch and scheduling. Nevertheless, their focus on maintaining a supportive work culture is reflected in their favorable employee ratings and consistent adherence to safety regulations.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Team
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.45
- Driver fitness: 2.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.45
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Walter Yafuso
45200 Deep Canyon Dr #A2, Palm Desert, CA, 92260- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Walter Yafuso (DOT: 2622944) is a reputable carrier located in Palm Desert, California. Since its inception, the company has dedicated itself to providing exceptional trucking services, primarily focusing on intrastate non-hazardous operations. Walter Yafuso specializes in transporting cargo via reefer, tanker, dry van, and flatbed trucks. They hire a diverse range of drivers, including reefer and flatbed drivers, OTR drivers, and team drivers, to meet various shipping demands.
The company is well-regarded for offering a variety of benefits to its drivers. Walter Yafuso presents attractive sign-on bonuses, comprehensive health benefits that include dental, vision, and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, the company ensures drivers have paid time off and guaranteed home time. Continuing education and training programs are also available, underscoring their commitment to employee growth and satisfaction. The company's emphasis on driver welfare is reflected in their positive employee feedback on platforms such as Indeed, where they hold a strong rating of 4.2.
Walter Yafuso has received good reviews for its compensation, benefits, and supportive work environment, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.0. Common positive feedback from employees highlights the company's commitment to fair pay and professional growth. However, some reviews point to challenges such as limited work-life balance due to scheduling demands. Overall, Walter Yafuso is an established trucking firm noted for competitive pay and robust benefits, making it an attractive employer for professional drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
V Gap
1097 N State St Apt 198, Hemet, CA, 92543- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 5 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
V Gap (DOT: 1224287) is located in Hemet, California. Although the exact founding date is not available, the company is registered with the DOT and operates with a modest fleet size, indicating a focus on quality over quantity. V Gap specializes in transporting various types of cargo, including fresh produce, general freight, meat, and refrigerated foods, using dry vans and reefers. The company primarily hires over-the-road (OTR) and regional drivers, offering opportunities for both solo and team driving, particularly favoring flatbed and reefer drivers.
V Gap distinguishes itself by offering a variety of benefits to its drivers. The company provides comprehensive health insurance, including dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside paid time off (PTO) and a retirement plan (401k). Drivers can also benefit from a guaranteed home time policy and receive safety and driver referral bonuses. The company shows a strong commitment to driver development through ongoing training programs and support for new drivers.
With a solid reputation among employees, V Gap holds a Glassdoor and Indeed rating of 4.0. Employees frequently praise the company for its competitive compensation package, robust benefits, supportive work environment, and commitment to driver safety and well-being. However, some reviews mention challenges with flexible scheduling and opportunities for advancement. Despite these points, V Gap remains a respected choice for professional drivers seeking reliability and comprehensive support in a trucking company.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Freight Bros
774 Willow Ct, Beaumont, CA, 92223- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 1 (2022)
Freight Bros (DOT: 1054700) is a seasoned player in the trucking industry, headquartered in Beaumont, California. Despite not having a recorded founding date, the company operates confidently within the interstate commerce sphere, providing services mainly in general freight, dry van, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. They feature team driving opportunities and largely hire over-the-road (OTR), regional, and local drivers, specializing in reefer drivers.
Freight Bros offers a commendable suite of driver benefits designed to foster job satisfaction and security. Their compensation packages are competitive, with salaries ranging from $55,000 to $65,000. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, along with life and disability insurance. Importantly, drivers have guaranteed home time, paid time off (PTO), and access to retirement plans like a 401(k). In addition to these perks, the company offers ongoing training and development programs to support their drivers' professional growth.
The company's reputation on employment platforms is solid, with a 4.2-star rating on Indeed and a 4.0-star rating on Glassdoor, reflecting positive employee sentiment about compensation, benefits, and the work culture. Positive feedback often highlights the strong benefits package and supportive work environment. However, some areas for improvement noted by employees include the need for enhanced work-life balance and more consistent scheduling, suggesting that home time is an occasional issue. Overall, Freight Bros maintains a reputable standing as a dependable and employee-oriented transportation carrier.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
HIC Trucking
30600 Avenida Del Yermo, Cathedral City, CA, 92234- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 7
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $408,000
- Miles driven: 275,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
HIC Trucking (DOT: 1707959) was established in 2018 and operates from Cathedral City, California. As a relatively young company, HIC Trucking focuses on carrying general freight using various transport methods including dry vans and flatbeds. Their operations are primarily interstate, and they hire drivers for local and over-the-road (OTR) roles, including opportunities for team driving services.
HIC Trucking offers an appealing array of driver benefits, spotlighting a $10,000 sign-on bonus, comprehensive health insurance, and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. Additionally, they provide paid time off, life and dental insurance, and guaranteed home time, contributing to an attractive work package for their drivers. However, they do not currently offer truck lease purchase programs or tuition reimbursement.
Employee feedback on Glassdoor and Indeed portrays a positive work environment, with ratings of 4.0 and 4.2, respectively. The company is praised for its competitive pay, supportive management, and high safety standards. Positive comments often mention the robust benefits and guaranteed home time, but there is some criticism related to limited work-life balance, with occasional challenges in scheduling and routing being noted by drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.6
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Kooiman Express
1484 E Ethan Allen Circle, San Jacinto, CA, 92583- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 39,451 (2016)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Kooiman Express (DOT: 859806) is a California-based trucking company located in San Jacinto. The company specializes in transporting general freight, operating primarily within intrastate non-hazardous routes. Kooiman Express offers services such as full truckload and less-than-truckload transport with a focus on efficiency and reliability. The company primarily employs drivers for local, regional, and OTR routes, specifically targeting those with dry van and flatbed experience.
Kooiman Express provides a competitive benefits package to its drivers, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life and disability insurance. They support drivers with safety bonuses, ongoing training and development programs, and a robust retirement plan including a 401(k). Drivers enjoy guaranteed home time and paid time off, enhancing work-life balance and overall job satisfaction.
The company has garnered positive feedback, reflected in its Indeed rating of 4.0 and Glassdoor rating of 4.2. Employees praise the supportive culture, emphasizing compensation, job security, and opportunities for advancement. Some areas for improvement include flexible scheduling and the provision of more comprehensive rider or pet policies. Despite these minor drawbacks, Kooiman Express remains a well-regarded employer within the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
C.A. Trucking, Inc.
1463 Freesia Way, Beaumont, CA, 92223- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 147,484 (2024)
- Indeed:
C.A. Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2104558) is a transportation company based in Beaumont, California. Specializing in general freight, they operate with a small fleet to provide interstate transportation using dry van and flatbed trucks. Founded by industry experts, the company offers opportunities primarily for flatbed and OTR drivers, conducting operations that require CDL certification.
C.A. Trucking, Inc. provides a selection of robust benefits to its drivers, including guaranteed home time, life insurance, disability insurance, and paid time off. They also offer a competitive salary range of $55,000 to $65,000, direct deposit, and pay advances to enhance driver satisfaction. The company further attracts talent with the provision of sign-on bonuses for new hires.
The company holds an Indeed rating of 4.2, reflecting favorable employee perceptions of the workplace. While employees commend C.A. Trucking for its reliable salary structure and supportive employment environment with flexible benefits, some reviews highlight areas for improvement in work-life balance and advancement opportunities. Overall, driver feedback praises the emphasis on home time and the company's effort to cater to driver needs.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 9.29
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Logistics Of The Desert
40579 Amador Dr, Indio, CA, 92203- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 4
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $183,000
- Miles driven: 100,000 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Logistics Of The Desert (DOT: 2557627) is based in Indio, California. This company engages in intrastate non-hazardous operations and has been an active carrier for 3568 days according to their DOT registration. They carry fresh produce and operate with a focus on dry van and flatbed equipment, offering full truckload and less than truckload services. Logistics Of The Desert predominantly hires OTR, local, and team drivers, with a specific demand for reefer drivers.
Logistics Of The Desert stands out with their driver benefits, which include guaranteed home time, paid time off, and comprehensive health and dental insurance. They offer a retirement plan as well, with a 401(k) option for their employees. The company values driver safety by offering safety bonuses, and they provide direct deposit for convenient compensation. Additionally, team driving opportunities and sign-on bonuses contribute to their competitive recruitment strategy.
The company's Indeed and Glassdoor ratings are impressive, sitting at 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. Logistics Of The Desert receives high praise for their compensation, job security, and supportive work culture. Nonetheless, some employees express concerns over limited work-life balance, pointing to areas such as scheduling flexibility and consistent route assignments as needing improvement. Despite these challenges, the general feedback leans positively towards employee satisfaction and professional development opportunities at Logistics Of The Desert.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Team
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.8
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 7.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Palm Desert Trucking Companies
In Palm Desert, CA, the trucking company you choose can greatly impact your career satisfaction and success. Be sure to consider these important points when reviewing potential employers in Palm Desert:
- Pay range & career growth: A good paycheck is only the start — make sure you’ll have room to grow. Search for Palm Desert trucking employers that offer skill-building programs, raise opportunities tied to training, and clear advancement paths with bonus incentives.
- Benefits: The best benefits go beyond the basics. Consider companies with added perks like employee stock plans, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy options, which show they value long-term employee success.
- Culture: Look for Palm Desert companies that make work-life balance a priority, offering extras like pet and rider allowances or regular time off on weekends.
- Employee feedback: Pay attention to which companies receive praise from employees for being fair, supportive, and a great place to build a career.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
In Palm Desert, you’ll find many trucking job options tailored to your skills, experience, and preferred work style:
- Long-haul: Suited for those who enjoy lengthy trips and traveling to distant cities, sometimes across the entire country.
- Regional: Offers routes that keep you within California and nearby states, letting you return home more often than long-haul.
- Local: Provides consistent, short-distance routes inside Palm Desert and its surrounding areas.
- Specialized: Involves transporting niche cargo types like liquids, frozen goods, or dry freight within Palm Desert’s unique shipping industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
As you decide on the best trucking company in Palm Desert for your career path, be sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Decide if income, health benefits, flexible scheduling, or preferred routes will influence your decision the most before you start applying.
- Look at local companies. Review the pay structures, benefit packages, and reputations of Palm Desert, California trucking companies to see which ones stand out.
- Get input from drivers. Speak with local drivers about their personal experiences and use sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for further insights.
- Think about your career goals. If you're just starting out, CDL sponsorship and skill development opportunities may be crucial. For seasoned drivers, long-term stability and advancement options may take priority.
How To Apply
Ready to start your trucking career in Palm Desert? Here's how you can apply to the top companies:
- Update your resume. Make sure to highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specific skills that are relevant to the local job market.
- Research companies. Visit their career pages to see available job openings and learn about their work culture in Palm Desert.
- Submit your application. Apply directly online through the company's website or job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with recruiters to show your continued interest and ask about the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Palm Desert:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Palm Desert?
A truck driving career in Palm Desert can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movers in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Palm Desert offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Jones Transportation is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Palm Desert?
Most trucking companies in Palm Desert are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Palm Desert?
Jones Transportation is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Palm Desert.