10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Salinas, CA
Considering pay, benefits, training programs, and quality of life, we analyzed 142 trucking companies in Salinas, CA, and concluded that Flash Transport is the leading choice for drivers in Salinas.
Top Trucking Companies in Salinas, CA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Salinas:
Why Trust Freightwaves Checkpoint?
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 Salinas. Every Salinas 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 Salinas.
Flash Transport
14 West Street, Salinas, CA, 93901- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 76,668 (2024)
Flash Transport (DOT: 2369552) is a trucking company based in Salinas, California. Founded in June 2014, Flash Transport specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated foods. The company operates with a modest fleet and hires local, regional, dedicated, and over-the-road drivers. Flash Transport primarily facilitates full truckload and less-than-truckload deliveries, offering team driving opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.
Flash Transport is known for its employee benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan (401k). The company also offers safety bonuses and a rider or pet policy to ensure a positive driver experience. While sign-on bonuses and layover compensation are not part of their benefits package, Flash Transport provides a guaranteed home time policy and ongoing training and development programs to aid in driver advancement and satisfaction.
According to employees, Flash Transport has earned impressive ratings on Indeed and Glassdoor, scoring 4.2 and 4.1, respectively. Employees frequently praise the company for its competitive compensation and robust benefits. However, some feedback suggests there might be room for improvement in work-life balance, with occasional concerns about the organization of routes. Overall, Flash Transport maintains a respected presence in the industry, backed by its commitment to driver satisfaction and sound operational practices.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 10.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 7.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Torres Trucking
34 Rusell Rd Apt F, Salinas, CA, 93906- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 12
- Drivers: 10
- Miles driven: 1,129,831 (2024)
Torres Trucking (DOT: 1267362) is a well-established trucking company located in Salinas, California. While the exact founding date isn't specified, the company has been actively contributing to the trucking industry for over two decades. Torres Trucking is primarily involved in transporting fresh produce and general freight across interstate routes. Their fleet consists of dry vans and refrigerated units, manned by both local and team drivers who maintain the fluidity of goods transportation.
Torres Trucking appeals to potential employees with a competitive driver benefits package that includes safety bonuses, paid time off, life insurance, dental and vision coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering guaranteed home time and ongoing training and development programs. They are known for offering a sign-on bonus, which is a significant incentive for new recruits, particularly beneficial for team drivers.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, employees frequently praise Torres Trucking for its competitive compensation and positive work environment. Many appreciate the support they receive from management and the clear communication within the company. However, some areas for improvement highlighted in reviews include flexibility in scheduling and availability of gym memberships, which, if addressed, could further enhance overall employee satisfaction.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.13
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.09
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
A.G. Trucking
1528 Verona Ct, Salinas, CA, 93905- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Paid CDL training: true
- Power units: 3
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 145,000 (2024)
A.G. Trucking (DOT: 2209007) is based in Salinas, California. Despite a lack of available data on their founding year, the company has established itself as a reputable entity in the trucking industry. A.G. Trucking specializes in transporting building materials, fresh produce, and general freight. They employ a range of drivers, including regional, dedicated, over-the-road (OTR), and team drivers, to ensure the efficient transport of their cargo.
A.G. Trucking stands out for its commitment to employee satisfaction with competitive benefits packages. Drivers enjoy guaranteed home time, paid CDL training, and safety bonuses. Comprehensive health insurance includes dental and vision, along with a retirement plan (401k) and life and disability insurance. These benefits reflect the company's investment in workers' well-being, fostering a supportive work environment.
On employee review platforms, A.G. Trucking maintains a solid reputation, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2. Positive feedback often highlights the company's robust compensation and benefits packages. Conversely, some employees have noted areas for improvement, specifically pertaining to work-life balance and the consistency of home time. Overall, A.G. Trucking appears to provide a competitive opportunity for drivers and logistics professionals alike, driven by a focus on safety and comprehensive employee benefits.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL 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: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Goldline Trucking And Admin
6203 San Ignacio Ave Ste 110, San Jose, CA, 95119- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 5
- Drivers: 6
- Miles driven: 114,732 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Goldline Trucking And Admin (DOT: 2840267) operates from San Jose, California, and is part of Sucheta Hitesh Rajput Inc. Despite the company's unknown founding date, its active status suggests a reliable presence in the trucking industry. Goldline primarily focuses on transporting beverages, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated foods across interstate routes using a combination of dry van, flatbed, and reefer trucks. They seek out team drivers, regional and local drivers, and have a notable preference for hiring drivers for over-the-road (OTR) operations and tanker deliveries.
The company offers an assortment of driver benefits to enhance recruitment and employee satisfaction, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Drivers also benefit from paid time off, a retirement plan with 401(k) options, and guaranteed home time. Additionally, they offer paid CDL training and ongoing development programs to support driver growth and advancement. However, they do not currently provide sign-on bonuses, company uniforms, or rider and pet policies, which could be a downside for potential employees seeking those perks.
Goldline Trucking And Admin holds an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, reflecting a generally positive perception from employees. Common praises include the comprehensive benefits package and supportive work environment. However, some employees have noted challenges with flexible scheduling and could benefit from improved work-life balance offerings. Despite these concerns, the overall feedback underscores a decent workplace culture and job security within the company.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- 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
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 5.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
A & I
123 East Lee Road Suite E, Watsonville, CA, 95076- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 59
- Drivers: 111
- Revenue: $11,079,000
- Miles driven: 4,999,841 (2024)
A & I (DOT: 1715348) is a seasoned trucking company operating since its establishment in Watsonville, California. Based out of 123 East Lee Road Suite E, A & I specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated foods. The company primarily hires a variety of drivers, including local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with opportunities available for flatbed and reefer drivers. A & I supports owner-operators and places an emphasis on finding qualified drivers to join their team.
A & I offers competitive driver benefits, such as safety bonuses, direct deposit, health insurance options, including dental and vision coverage, paid time off (PTO), and guaranteed home time, enhancing job satisfaction. Furthermore, the company provides a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and disability insurance to ensure the well-being of their employees. Such comprehensive benefits packages aim to attract and retain top-tier talent in the trucking industry.
Employee reviews on platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor showcase an overall positive workplace environment, with A & I garnering Indeed and Glassdoor ratings of 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. Drivers appreciate the well-maintained fleet and supportive management, often highlighting competitive salaries and a satisfactory work-life balance. However, some employees note areas for improvement, such as the need for enhanced scheduling flexibility and occasional discrepancies in home time expectations. Despite these concerns, A & I continues to cultivate a reputation as a reliable and employee-friendly trucking company.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.67
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.03
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Mario Trucking
1770 17th Ave Unit 52, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 65,000 (2024)
Mario Trucking (DOT: 2490645) operates out of Santa Cruz, California, offering a range of trucking services since its inception. Although the specific founding year is not mentioned, Mario Trucking has established itself as a reputable player in the industry, running interstate operations. They specialize in transporting general freight and utilize both box trucks and dry vans for their cargo. The company is known for hiring local, regional, over-the-road (OTR), flatbed, and reefer drivers, though they do not offer team driving opportunities.
Mario Trucking provides several benefits aimed at enhancing driver satisfaction. These include a competitive salary range between $45,000 and $55,000, a sign-on bonus, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, they offer paid time off, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training and development programs. While they do not have policies allowing for passengers, they are pet-friendly, allowing drivers to bring their pets along on the road.
Employee ratings reflect positively on the company, with Mario Trucking holding a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2. Positive feedback often highlights the supportive work culture and the company’s commitment to health and financial benefits. However, some employees have pointed out areas for improvement, such as the need for better structured scheduling systems. Despite these observations, Mario Trucking is regarded highly for its focus on driver well-being and operational integrity.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life 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: 3.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
G.S. Transport
851 Provincetown Dr, Salinas, CA, 93906- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 63,263 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
G.S. Transport (DOT: 851640) operates out of Salinas, California. Though information on the company's exact founding date is not provided, they are registered with the DOT and actively transport goods. They specialize in carrying general freight using dry vans and flatbeds. G.S. Transport is known for offering over-the-road driving opportunities and hiring both dedicated and reefer drivers.
G.S. Transport demonstrates its commitment to driver welfare through a variety of benefits. The company offers health insurance (including dental and vision coverage), life and disability insurance, and a retirement plan. Employees can also enjoy paid time off and guaranteed home time. For new drivers, paid CDL training is provided. G.S. Transport emphasizes driver satisfaction with incentives like sign-on bonuses and rider or pet allowances.
With a Glassdoor rating of 4.3 and an Indeed score of 4.2, employee feedback for G.S. Transport is generally positive. Employees commend the company for its competitive compensation and robust benefits. However, some reviews mention areas for improvement, such as route organization and work-life balance. Overall, G.S. Transport is well-regarded for fostering a supportive workplace culture.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Paid CDL training
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.37
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Granite Rock Company
350 Technology Drive, Watsonville, CA, 95076- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 166
- Drivers: 168
- Revenue: $231,817,000
- Miles driven: 2,730,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Granite Rock Company (DOT: 714188) was established in 1900 and is located in Watsonville, California. As a longstanding carrier in the construction materials industry, Granite Rock specializes in transporting building materials, dry bulk commodities, liquids/gases, and large machinery objects using their fleet of dry vans and flatbed trucks. The company primarily employs local, flatbed, and OTR drivers.
Granite Rock offers a range of benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, as well as a retirement 401(k) plan. Additional benefits include paid time off and safety bonuses. Granite Rock's commitment to ongoing training and development shows their dedication to enhancing driver skills and safety.
Employees rate Granite Rock with a 4.2 on Indeed and a 4.0 on Glassdoor. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive benefits package and supportive management. However, some employees express concerns about the lack of flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time. Despite these minor issues, Granite Rock maintains a strong reputation for compensating drivers fairly and ensuring job security and advancement opportunities.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.22
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Alco Water Service
249 Williams Road, Salinas, CA, 93905- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 19
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $5,860,000
- Miles driven: 65,000 (2019)
Alco Water Service (DOT: 2735490) is officially known as Alisal Water Corporation, based in Salinas, California. The company operates intrastate non-hazardous routes with a fleet of 19 trucks and primarily transports general freight, building materials, utilities, machinery, metals, and liquids/gases. They employ local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, catering specifically to those with dry van and flatbed experience.
Alco Water Service provides several benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off (PTO), and a 401(k) retirement plan. Although some typical industry perks like sign-on bonuses and guaranteed home time are not offered, Alco focuses on helping drivers maintain work security and health. The trucking company also ensures drivers meet the required compliance and safety standards.
Employees appreciate Alco Water Service's work environment, granting it a 4.0 score on Indeed and a 3.8 rating on Glassdoor. Reviews highlight compensation and a supportive work culture as significant positives. However, there are occasional grievances about the lack of flexible scheduling and advancement opportunities. Nevertheless, the company's commitment to driver welfare and operational safety resonates well with its workforce.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Tanker
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
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
Montano Transportation, LLC
950 Chamise Dr, Salinas, CA, 93905- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $276,000
- Miles driven: 127,282 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Montano Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1064516) is a trucking company based in Salinas, California. Established several decades ago, it has been serving the transportation industry efficiently. The company specializes in transporting fresh produce and general freight, utilizing a fleet of dry van and flatbed trucks. Montano Transportation primarily employs local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers. While team driving opportunities are absent, they focus on solo drivers and particularly seek flatbed drivers to join their ranks.
The company is known for offering a variety of driver benefits, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Additionally, they provide a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off to ensure their drivers' well-being and job satisfaction. Montano Transportation offers a sign-on bonus and guarantees home time, although they do not have a formal lease purchase program. Moreover, while they promote a healthy work-life balance, flexible scheduling is not officially provided.
Montano Transportation holds strong reviews on employment platforms, with an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0. Employees appreciate the reliable compensation and benefits package, alongside the guaranteed home time. However, some feedback points to potential improvements in the structure of route assignments and responsiveness to driver concerns. Overall, most reviews highlight the positive work culture and job security, making Montano Transportation an attractive employer for drivers seeking a stable and supportive work environment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on 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
What To Look for in Salinas Trucking Companies
Your choice of trucking company in Salinas, CA, can shape your long-term career success and happiness. Keep these crucial considerations in mind as you evaluate local trucking employers in Salinas:
- Pay range & career growth: A competitive starting salary is a plus, but also consider your long-term trajectory. The best Salinas trucking companies offer ongoing education, pay raises tied to training, and structured promotion ladders with performance rewards.
- Benefits: Go beyond the essentials like health insurance and retirement savings. Perks such as stock options, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy opportunities often indicate a company’s dedication to its workforce.
- Culture: Choose Salinas employers that encourage work-life balance by offering pet and rider allowances or time off on weekends.
- Employee feedback: Look for organizations with a strong reputation among employees, backed by positive reviews and a history of treating staff well.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
There are multiple driving positions available at Salinas trucking companies based on your preferences and prior experience:
- Long-haul: This is a great option for drivers who like being on the road longer and traveling further, sometimes across the country.
- Regional: If you’d rather stay a little closer to home, regional driving positions allow for travel throughout California and surrounding states while still staying relatively close to home.
- Local: Local truckers drive consistent routes each day in and around Salinas.
- Specialized: Specialized trucking positions include driving tankers, dry vans, and refrigerated trucks within Salinas's diverse freight industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
To find the right trucking company in Salinas for your career goals, remember to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Decide whether higher earnings, strong benefits, flexible schedules, or varied routes are your top priorities so you can focus on companies that align with your needs.
- Look at local companies. Research trucking companies in Salinas, California, and compare their pay rates, perks, and standing within the trucking community.
- Get input from drivers. Talk to drivers in Salinas for firsthand insights, and read unbiased reviews on job boards like Glassdoor or Indeed.
- Think about your career goals. For newcomers, CDL sponsorship and structured training might be most important. For long-term careers, seek employers in Salinas with promotion opportunities, strong benefits, and policies that support work-life balance.
How To Apply
Want to begin your trucking journey in Salinas? Here’s how to get started with the top employers:
- Update your resume. Emphasize your truck driving history, certifications, and any local industry-specific skills.
- Research companies. Explore their career portals to find current job postings and get a feel for their work environment in Salinas.
- Submit your application. Apply through the company’s official channels or major job boards like Glassdoor and Indeed.
- Follow up. Contact the hiring team after submission to confirm they received your application and to express your interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Salinas:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Salinas?
A truck driving career in Salinas 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 Salinas offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Flash Transport is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Salinas?
Most trucking companies in Salinas 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 Salinas?
Flash Transport is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Salinas.