10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Raleigh, NC
We reviewed key factors — including pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance — across 125 trucking companies in Raleigh, NC. Our analysis shows that Southern Express, Inc. stands out as the best employer for drivers in Raleigh.
Top Trucking Companies in Raleigh, NC
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Raleigh:
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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 Raleigh. Every Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
Southern Express, Inc.
2531 Schieffelin Road, Apex, NC, 27502- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 17
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $100,000
- Miles driven: 500,239 (2023)
Southern Express, Inc. (DOT: 1984638) is a reputable trucking company located in Apex, North Carolina. Established with a specific focus on transporting refrigerated goods, they successfully operate a fleet comprising dry vans and tankers to carry specialized cargo, including reefer and tank operations. With a fleet age averaging five years, they maintain high standards with their interstate operations. Southern Express, Inc. primarily hires drivers for over-the-road routes, regularly incorporating team drivers and reefer drivers into their dedicated services.
Employee benefits at Southern Express stand out with competitive offerings, including health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. They provide paid time off, 401(k) retirement plans, and ongoing training development programs. Additionally, drivers can take advantage of safety bonuses, deadhead detention layover compensation, and paid CDL training. Sign-on bonuses and pay advances further underscore their commitment to driver satisfaction, as does their allowance for passengers or pets alongside flexible working conditions such as guaranteed home time.
With an admirable indeed rating of 4.0 and a glassdoor rating of 4.2, Southern Express, Inc. is highly rated among its employees, who frequently praise the competitive compensation packages and robust benefits. The company's culture and job security also receive commendations. However, some feedback highlights the lack of guaranteed home time as a potential area for improvement. Despite these minor drawbacks, Southern Express, Inc. continues to maintain a healthy environment for its workforce, promoting ongoing growth and development.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
JOE Harris Truckin, Inc.
1516 Ford Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 80,000 (2023)
- Indeed:
JOE Harris Truckin, Inc. (DOT: 1195853) is based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Despite the absence of a specific founding year, their operational status is verified as active. The company specializes in a variety of truck services, including reefer, dry van, and flatbed operations primarily carrying other types of cargo. They focus on hiring a diverse range of drivers such as flatbed, reefer, and tanker drivers, and offer opportunities for team drivers, both regionally and over-the-road (OTR).
The company offers a selection of benefits aimed at enhancing driver satisfaction and retention. Among these are safety bonuses, life and disability insurance, a retirement plan (401k), and health insurance that covers vision and dental. They also provide paid time off (PTO), roadside assistance programs, and direct deposit options. A notable recruitment strategy includes offering sign-on bonuses for new drivers, promoting a strong focus on employee satisfaction and retention.
Although there is no Glassdoor rating available, Joe Harris Truckin, Inc. boasts an Indeed rating of 4.2. This high score implies a generally positive work culture, supported by comments praising compensation, benefits, and job security. However, some feedback suggests areas for improvement, such as flexible scheduling options and guaranteed home time, where the company's promises may occasionally fall short according to some reviews. Overall, the positivity around benefits and compensation are recurring themes in employee feedback.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- 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: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Whitley Logistics, Inc.
6117 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27603- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 41
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $22,923,000
- Miles driven: 3,000,000 (2024)
Whitley Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1338406) is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. This seasoned carrier, established as part of the robust transportation industry, specializes in both full and partial truckload shipments. Their cargo primarily includes general freight and other unspecified goods. Whitley Logistics prides itself on a diverse fleet with a focus on dry van and less-than-truckload services, employing a range of dedicated and regional drivers to fulfill its interstate operations.
Employee satisfaction at Whitley Logistics is fortified by a comprehensive benefits package. Among the highlights are competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000, as well as health insurance, including dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers are also guaranteed home time and paid time off, contributing to a balanced lifestyle. This dedication to employee welfare extends to training opportunities such as a new driver program, underscoring the company's commitment to professional development.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, Whitley Logistics garners praise for job security, advancement potential, and a supportive company culture. Employees often applaud the company's reliable pay structure and responsive management. However, feedback occasionally emphasizes areas for improvement, such as increasing flexibility in scheduling and enhancing communication regarding route assignments to further support work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 4.87
- Driver fitness: 0.36
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.79
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Davis Trucking
800 Pinewood Drive, Apex, NC, 27502- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 30,000 (2014)
Davis Trucking (DOT: 2505258) is located in Apex, North Carolina. Although the exact founding year is unclear, the company has been active since its MCS-150 registration in 2014. Davis Trucking specializes in transporting construction-related freight utilizing full truckloads and flatbed trucks. They primarily employ drivers for over-the-road (OTR) and reefer operations, along with local solo flatbed drivers.
Davis Trucking is committed to supporting their drivers' well-being by offering an attractive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, along with disability and life insurance. Drivers also receive paid time off, guaranteed home time, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company offers a sign-on bonus, although they do not currently provide tuition reimbursement or ongoing training programs for drivers.
Employees have rated Davis Trucking positively, with a 4.0 score on Glassdoor and 3.6 on Indeed. Drivers appreciate the company's robust insurance benefits and predictable home time. However, some have noted that opportunities for professional development could be enhanced, and a more consistent scheduling system would improve the overall work-life balance. Despite these concerns, the company maintains a strong reputation for prioritizing driver satisfaction and safety.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 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
GEM Logistics, Inc.
1300 Cool Springs Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27614- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 25,000 (2023)
GEM Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 763131) is strategically headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. GEM Logistics, Inc. boasts an impressive USDOT status and stands distinguished in the transportation industry since its inception, although the specific year of establishment is not provided. Acknowledged for its efficient interstate operations, the company specializes in transporting general freight, dry van, less-than-truckload (LTL), flatbed, and tanker shipments. As an employer, GEM Logistics primarily hires local, regional, over-the-road (OTR), dedicated, reefer, and tanker drivers.
GEM Logistics places significant emphasis on its driver incentive programs, offering appealing sign-on bonuses and guaranteed home time. Their benefits package is comprehensive, including health insurance coverage, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. Additionally, the company provides ongoing training and development along with health screenings to ensure driver safety and career growth.
While specific Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are not available, GEM Logistics has a positive overall reputation, as reflected by its 4.5-star rating on Google and 4.0-star rating on Yelp. Employee feedback often praises the company for its excellent compensation and benefits, while common concerns hint at potential areas for improvement in scheduling flexibility. The company's average fleet age of two years supports its commitment to maintaining modern and reliable equipment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- 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
Expedited Freight Services, Inc.
2952 Baronial St, Apex, NC, 27502- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 66,897 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Expedited Freight Services, Inc. (DOT: 2386222) is a freight transportation company based in Apex, North Carolina. Although the specific founding year of the company is not listed, it has been actively registered for over a decade. The company specializes in transporting beverages, building materials, general freight, and paper products by operating dry van and reefer trucks. Expedited Freight Services is known for hiring team drivers, expedited drivers, and OTR drivers to meet their interstate cargo operations efficiently.
Expedited Freight Services offers several benefits to attract and retain skilled drivers. The company provides safety bonuses and health insurance, including dental, vision, and life insurance, along with disability insurance, a retirement plan (401k), and paid time off (PTO). Drivers can also benefit from guaranteed home time and ongoing training and development programs, ensuring both job satisfaction and professional growth.
With an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, Expedited Freight Services is appreciated for its compensation and benefits, as well as the work environment it fosters. Employees frequently praise the company's robust benefits package and supportive work culture, although some feedback suggests there can be room for improvement in work-life balance and flexible scheduling systems.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Team
- Reefer
- Expedited
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
J&J Trucking
701 Santee Rd, Durham, NC, 27704- Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 2
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 93,815 (2024)
J&J Trucking (DOT: 944987) is a well-regarded player in the transportation industry, located in Durham, North Carolina. They specialize in hauling general freight and paper products using their fleet of dry vans and flatbed trucks. Despite their modest size with a total of two trucks and four trailers, J&J Trucking ensures efficient interstate transport solutions. The company primarily hires over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed drivers, with team driving opportunities available.
J&J Trucking is committed to offering competitive driver benefits. They provide guaranteed home time, paid time off, safety bonuses, and a retirement plan with 401(k) contributions. Health benefits are robust, including full health insurance with dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. While they do not currently offer a sign-on bonus, the company supports a new driver program to help ease the transition into their workforce and provides a salary range of $55,000 to $65,000 for their drivers.
With a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2, employee feedback points to a strong emphasis on compensation, benefits, and job security. Positive reviews often highlight the supportive work environment and reliable health benefits. Some of the negative feedback centers on the limited fleet size and the absence of more flexible scheduling options, which can affect the work-life balance of their employees. Despite these concerns, J&J Trucking maintains a reputation for being a reliable employer in the transportation sector.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Conditional
- 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
Hard Fork Transportation, Inc.
8480 Honeycutt Road Ste 200, Raleigh, NC, 27615- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 10
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $279,000
- Miles driven: 1,067,552 (2024)
Hard Fork Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 3071580) is situated in Raleigh, North Carolina and has carved out a niche in the trucking industry by specializing in the transportation of a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Although the exact founding date is not listed, the company demonstrates a robust operation with a fleet of 10 trucks. Hard Fork primarily hires local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with opportunities available for team driving and reefer operations.
Hard Fork Transportation supports its drivers with a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and guaranteed home time. In addition, the company offers paid time off and safety bonuses to its drivers, which reflects its commitment to fostering a fulfilling work environment. A sign-on bonus is also part of their competitive recruitment strategy to attract skilled drivers to their growing team.
Despite some areas for improvement, such as work-life balance and fleet organization, Hard Fork Transportation maintains a solid reputation with an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8. Employees frequently praise the company for its comprehensive benefits and supportive work culture, though some express concerns about route planning and scheduling. Overall, Hard Fork remains dedicated to providing a positive workplace for its drivers, with an ongoing focus on safety and employee satisfaction.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.32
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
JFA Transport, LLC
4202 Loch Harbour Ln, Raleigh, NC, 27606- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 91,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
JFA Transport, LLC (DOT: 516391) is based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company is engaged in the transportation of a variety of cargo, including building materials, general freight, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products using dry van and flatbed trucks. JFA Transport does not have a set founding date in the available data. They hire primarily local drivers with opportunities for solo over-the-road (OTR) driving positions, but also offer team driving services.
JFA Transport stands out for its attention to employee benefits, offering health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with guaranteed home time and paid time off. They entice new drivers with sign-on bonuses while offering competitive general driver salaries ranging from $50,000 to $70,000. Unfortunately, they do not offer programs like driver referral bonuses, ongoing training and development, or tuition reimbursement. While there's no program for paid CDL training, their benefits package is a strong aspect of their employment offering.
JFA Transport has received favorable employee feedback, with an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8. Employees commend the company for its compensation, benefits, and commitment to providing home time. However, areas for improvement noted by employees include a lack of flexible scheduling and opportunities for professional development. Despite this, JFA Transport maintains a satisfactory safety rating, assuring a secure working environment for its staff.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- 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
Builders Firstsource
4800 Falls Of Neuse Road Suite 400, Raleigh, NC, 27609- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 4923
- Drivers: 4974
- Miles driven: 114,000,000 (2023)
Builders Firstsource (DOT: 325981) is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, at 4800 Falls Of Neuse Road Suite 400. The company has been active in the trucking industry and carries building materials, construction supplies, general freight, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. Their fleet primarily comprises dry van and flatbed trucks, and they hire a range of drivers including flatbed drivers and over-the-road (OTR) drivers to meet their operational needs.
Builders Firstsource provides several appealing benefits to their drivers. They offer health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance and disability insurance. Paid time off and a retirement plan (401k) add to their comprehensive benefits package. The company is also committed to ongoing training and development programs, supporting their drivers' growth and skills enhancement.
Builders Firstsource holds an Indeed rating of 3.8 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.6. Employees appreciate their solid compensation and benefits, but some express concerns about the work-life balance, noting that guaranteed home time is not always a reality. Despite these challenges, the company's focus on maintaining a supportive work environment is frequently highlighted in reviews.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 117
- Unsafe driving: 0.16
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Raleigh Trucking Companies
In Raleigh, NC, 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 Raleigh:
- Pay range & career growth: A good paycheck is only the start — make sure you’ll have room to grow. Search for Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh, 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 North Carolina and nearby states, letting you return home more often than long-haul.
- Local: Provides consistent, short-distance routes inside Raleigh and its surrounding areas.
- Specialized: Involves transporting niche cargo types like liquids, frozen goods, or dry freight within Raleigh’s unique shipping industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
As you decide on the best trucking company in Raleigh 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 Raleigh, North Carolina 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 Raleigh? 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 Raleigh.
- 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 Raleigh:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Raleigh?
A truck driving career in Raleigh 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 Raleigh offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Southern Express, Inc. is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Raleigh?
Most trucking companies in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
Southern Express, Inc. is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Raleigh.