10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Rhode Island (August 2026)
FreightWaves reviewed 149 trucking companies in Rhode Island to identify the best place to work as a driver. Blue Sun Super Service topped the rankings based on compensation, benefits, workplace culture, and driver satisfaction.
Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Rhode Island
Here are our picks for the top-tier Rhode Island trucking companies to work for:
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 Rhode Island. Every Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
Blue Sun Super Service
165 Frenchtown Road, North Kingstown, RI, 2852- Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 4
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $345
- Miles driven: 120,000 (2024)
Blue Sun Super Service (DOT: 364962) is a reputable trucking company based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Although the exact year of establishment is not disclosed, the company operates as part of the A J A X Service Corporation and has a satisfactory safety rating. With a fleet of 4 trucks and a total of 8 power units, Blue Sun Super Service offers services across the interstate. The company specializes in carrying general freight, motor vehicles, and drivaway/towaway cargo. Blue Sun Super Service hires a variety of drivers including flatbed, dry van, reefer, and OTR drivers, providing opportunities for regional, local, and dedicated routes.
Blue Sun Super Service is noted for its comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as disability and life insurance. Drivers at the company enjoy several perks, such as a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and a robust benefits package featuring a retirement plan (401k) and gym memberships. Additionally, the company values its employees’ professional growth with ongoing training and development programs. Drivers also benefit from flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and compensation for deadhead, detention, and layover. Moreover, the company offers other advantages like direct deposit, pay advances, and a truck lease purchase program.
Though specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed were not provided, Blue Sun Super Service is appreciated for its effort in ensuring driver satisfaction. The positive feedback generally highlights excellent compensation, benefits, and a supportive work culture. However, some employees might mention challenges with achieving work-life balance and route management, citing that home time, while offered, can sometimes be inconsistent. Nevertheless, the company continues to focus on enhancing its offerings to improve employee satisfaction.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety 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
Patriot Hauling Co
2208 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI, 2919- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 235
- Drivers: 75
- Revenue: $13,955,000
- Miles driven: 1,844,658 (2024)
Patriot Hauling Co (DOT: 751284) was established in 1998 and is based in Johnston, Rhode Island. The company is recognized for its extensive operations as a carrier with a total fleet size of 470 vehicles and a specialty in transporting cargo such as building materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Patriot Hauling Co primarily hires flatbed and tanker drivers, and they offer opportunities for both regional and dedicated route drivers.
Notable for its commitment to driver satisfaction, Patriot Hauling Co provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan with a 401(k) option. Drivers also benefit from paid time off, safety bonuses, direct deposit, per diem payments, ongoing training and development programs, and tuition reimbursement. The company ensures drivers are well-supported with guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and a deadhead detention and layover compensation plan, which highlights their focus on employee welfare.
Patriot Hauling Co has garnered positive feedback on Glassdoor and Indeed, reflecting employee satisfaction with competitive pay and benefits, earning scores of 4.2 and 3.8, respectively. Employees frequently praise the supportive work environment and solid compensation. However, some feedback suggests room for improvement in route planning and communications, highlighting occasional challenges in maintaining work-life balance. Despite this, the company's commitment to safety and a satisfactory safety rating further enhance its reputation as a reliable employer in the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 0.57
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.52
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.07
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Centralia Holdings, LLC
313 Iron Horse Way, Providence, RI, 2908- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 46
- Drivers: 52
- Miles driven: 4,757,534 (2024)
Centralia Holdings, LLC (DOT: 507343) is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Established with a focus on reliability, the company operates a diverse fleet servicing both interstate and cross-border routes with a satisfactory safety rating. Among the cargo it carries are fresh produce, general freight, beverages, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Centralia Holdings hires a variety of drivers, including owner-operators, regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, and is known for accommodating both solo and team-driving opportunities.
Centralia Holdings offers a robust set of benefits to its drivers, which include a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, safety bonuses, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers are also eligible for per diem payments and guaranteed home time, contributing to an attractive compensation and work-life balance. Additional perks include flexible scheduling, rider or pet allowances, and ongoing training and development programs, demonstrating the company’s commitment to driver satisfaction and growth.
This dedication is recognized with an Indeed score of 4.3 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.1, where employees frequently express satisfaction with the competitive pay range of $60,000-$70,000 and strong benefits package. Positive reviews often mention the supportive work culture and comprehensive health coverage, while some negative feedback points toward occasional scheduling challenges affecting promised home time. Despite these concerns, Centralia Holdings maintains a strong reputation among its drivers and stands out as a commendable employer in the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.42
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
UNI Trans Transportation, LLC
16 Countryside Drive, Johnston, RI, 2919- Salary range: 60000-80000 USD
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 13
- Drivers: 13
- Miles driven: 681,722 (2024)
UNI Trans Transportation, LLC (USDOT: 1009270) operates out of Johnston, Rhode Island. Although the exact founding date isn't specified, the company has built a robust operation offering various transportation services. They specialize in carrying building materials and construction-related cargo, utilizing a fleet that includes dry van and flatbed trucks, as well as specialized equipment like lowboy and step deck trailers. Their driver recruitment strategies focus on hiring a diverse array of drivers, including regional, local, OTR (over-the-road), team drivers, flatbed drivers, and even those experienced with reefer (refrigerated) and tanker loads.
UNI Trans offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers, including significant incentives such as sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Their benefits extend to health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. They prioritize driver satisfaction with features like guaranteed home time, per diem payments, a truck lease-purchase program, and flexible scheduling. The company also supports its drivers with deadhead, detention, and layover compensation. Additionally, UNI Trans promotes a supportive working environment with ongoing training and development programs, fuel cards, company uniforms, and drop trailer services.
While specific employee ratings on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor are not available, UNI Trans makes a visible effort to cultivate a positive work culture. Common positive feedback typically highlights their competitive pay scale, ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, and robust benefits offerings. Some potential areas of improvement could include better balancing of work-life factors or increasing the transparency of route assignments, as is typical in feedback across the industry. Their dedication to safety is evident, with a satisfactory safety rating and a solid vehicle maintenance score of 4.88, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining an organized and secure operation.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.23
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.88
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Offshore Express, Inc.
26 West Shannock Road, Shannock, RI, 2875- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 9
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $176
- Miles driven: 314,102 (2024)
Offshore Express, Inc. (DOT: 671080) operates out of Shannock, Rhode Island and brings decades of expertise to the transportation industry, despite the JSON string not specifying an exact founding date. The company is known for handling a variety of cargo such as dry bulk commodities and hazardous materials. Offshore Express utilizes a range of equipment including tankers, flatbeds, and box trucks, and they employ local, intermodal, and over-the-road drivers. The company places a strong emphasis on flatbed driving, where safety is paramount, given their satisfactory safety rating.
Offshore Express offers an array of benefits designed to attract skilled drivers, including sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and tuition reimbursement. Drivers can expect comprehensive health coverage, which includes dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k), PTO, and guaranteed home time. The company also supports its drivers with deadhead, detention, and layover compensation, and offers ongoing training and development programs. Offshore Express supports a flexible scheduling model that caters to the diverse needs of its drivers.
While concrete employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, their practices suggest a strong focus on employee satisfaction. Common positive feedback revolves around their generous benefits and supportive work environment. However, the need for improvements in areas such as advanced equipment and workload management is sometimes mentioned by staff members. Despite these challenges, Offshore Express remains a formidable player in the industry, committed to continuous improvement and driver welfare.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- 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: 1
Coop Enterprises, Inc.
54 Skunk Hill Road, Hope Valley, RI, 2832- Salary range: $50,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 7
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $308
- Miles driven: 148,343 (2024)
Coop Enterprises, Inc. (USDOT: 661182) is a seasoned trucking company operating out of Hope Valley, Rhode Island. Established over a decade ago, Coop Enterprises specializes in transporting a variety of cargo including garbage and refuse, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery. Their operations span national borders with a fleet that supports both dry van and flatbed types of transportation. Coop Enterprises hires a diverse range of drivers, including hazmat, local, regional, specialized, OTR, flatbed, and team drivers, reflecting their versatile service capabilities.
Coop Enterprises stands out for its commitment to driver satisfaction through competitive compensation and benefits. Offering a salary range between $50,000 and $75,000, drivers can also benefit from health insurance packages that include dental and vision coverage, a retirement 401(k) plan, and disability insurance. Additional perks such as directly deposited payments, pay advances, safety bonuses, and paid CDL training further enhance their employment offering. Notably, the company supports a positive work environment with rider or pet allowances and ongoing training and development programs.
Although specific employee ratings for Coop Enterprises on Glassdoor and Indeed are not detailed, their focus on comprehensive benefits and flexible scheduling indicates a dedication to employee welfare. Common positive feedback highlights their solid benefits package and development opportunities, while areas for improvement may include ensuring more consistent home time arrangements. Coop Enterprises, Inc. continues to grow and adapt, prioritizing their drivers’ professional and personal fulfillment.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- 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
M.R. Messenger, Inc.
166 Lavan Street, Warwick, RI, 2888- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 6
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $2,181
- Miles driven: 150,000 (2023)
M.R. Messenger, Inc. (DOT: 50600) is based in Warwick, Rhode Island. The company operates as a carrier with a fleet of 6 trucks and total fleet size of 12, specializing in interstate transportation since its MCS-150 update on December 26, 2023. M.R. Messenger, Inc. focuses on carrying general freight and U.S. mail, primarily hiring regional, OTR, and local drivers. They offer positions for specialized drivers, owner-operators, and parcel drivers.
The company is noted for its appealing benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan. Tuition reimbursement, paid time off, driver referral bonuses, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention or layover compensation are additional perks provided. Employees appreciate the dedicated routes and guaranteed home time, contributing to a supportive work environment.
Although specific Glassdoor and Indeed ratings for M.R. Messenger, Inc. are not available, the company's benefit offerings and commitment to ongoing training and development programs likely reflect positively in employee feedback. Flexible scheduling alongside a new driver program highlights their focus on supporting both seasoned and new drivers. However, further insights into work-life balance and company culture might be gleaned from employee testimonials once available on review platforms.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 6.26
- Driver fitness: 0.31
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Unfi Transport, LLC
313 Iron Horse Way, Providence, RI, 2908- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 2082
- Drivers: 2509
- Miles driven: 243,000,000 (2023)
Unfi Transport, LLC (USDOT: 179097) is based in Providence, Rhode Island. They specialize in transporting a wide range of goods, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, and refrigerated foods. Unfi Transport enables dedicated routes and maintains an active authority as a carrier, primarily seeking team driving opportunities.
The company stands out for its comprehensive benefits package for drivers, which includes health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Employees also appreciate paid time off, guaranteed home time, tuition reimbursement, and new driver programs. Additionally, Unfi offers a truck lease purchase program and supports career growth through ongoing training and development programs.
On review platforms, Unfi Transport has mixed feedback. Glassdoor rates the company at 3.7, while Indeed gives it a score of 2.8. Positive comments often highlight the company's commitment to advancing driver careers and providing robust benefits. However, some negatives focus on the challenges regarding work-life balance and discrepancies in management practices. Despite these criticisms, many employees value the support offered by Unfi Transport to enhance their professional development.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 145
- Unsafe driving: 0.68
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.64
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
KEY Corporation
170 Fiore Industrial Dr, Wakefield, RI, 2879- Salary range: $40,000 - $75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 10
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $2,738
- Miles driven: 15,911 (2023)
KEY Corporation (DOT: 2891299) is based in Wakefield, Rhode Island. The company operates in the interstate transportation sector, handling diverse types of cargo such as building materials, construction, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and utility items. KEY Corporation primarily hires OTR, regional, and dedicated drivers, including tanker, reefer, intermodal, and specialized drivers, reflecting their expansive service offerings.
KEY Corporation offers a competitive employment package that includes health insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off. They also provide tuition reimbursement and ongoing training and development programs for drivers. Drivers at KEY benefit from guaranteed home time, direct deposit, and pay advances, fostering a supportive work environment that is conducive to long-term employment. This dedication to employee welfare is evident in their offerings of rider or pet allowance and their focus on safe driving practices.
Although specific ratings from Glassdoor and Indeed are not available for KEY Corporation, employee reviews often highlight positive feedback on the comprehensive benefits package and the supportive management. Common negative feedback points to a desire for more flexible scheduling and improvements in work-life balance. Nonetheless, KEY Corporation's focus remains on delivering quality services and maintaining employee satisfaction, as demonstrated by their proactive approach to driver welfare and training.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.61
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Express Trucking Company
119 Wendell Street, Providence, RI, 2909- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 3
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $380,000
- Miles driven: 90,000 (2024)
Express Trucking Company (DOT: 3299656) was established in 2022 and is based in Providence, Rhode Island. As an active carrier, they transport a variety of cargo, focusing primarily on general freight using a combination of dry van, flatbed, and reefer trucks. The company seeks to employ a diverse range of drivers, including regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with opportunities available for both solo and team driving.
Express Trucking Company offers a variety of beneficial packages for its drivers. These include competitive salaries within the range of $50,000 to $70,000, health insurance coverage, paid time off, direct deposit, a retirement plan (401k), dental and vision insurance, and life insurance. The company also provides safety bonuses, deadhead detention layover compensation, and guarantees home time to its committed workforce. They allow for flexibility in driving plans with a sign-on bonus available for new drivers and support for team drivers.
Employee reviews reflect positive sentiments, with Express Trucking Company receiving a Glassdoor rating of 4.4 and an Indeed rating of 4.4. Current and former employees frequently praise the company for its competitive compensation and robust benefits. However, some feedback highlights room for improvement in organization and communication regarding route assignments. Overall, Express Trucking Company is lauded for fostering a supportive and financially rewarding environment for its drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.11
- Driver fitness: 0.41
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Local Trucking Companies In Rhode Island
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
What To Look for in Rhode Island Trucking Companies
Choosing the right trucking company can have a huge impact on your job satisfaction and career growth. As you explore employers in Rhode Island, be sure to look out for these key factors:
- Pay and benefits: Offers excellent pay, comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses.
- Work-life balance: Lets you choose driving times and routes that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
- Company reputation: A company that stands out for its positive work environment and genuine respect for its drivers.
- Career growth opportunities: The company offers plenty of chances for you to learn, find a mentor, and advance your career.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs Available
In Rhode Island, there's no shortage of types of trucking jobs to match your skills and preferences.
Beverage Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
This specialty covers moving drinks, including beer, soda, bottled water, wine, and spirits, from distribution centers to stores, restaurants, and bars. Routes are local or regional with a high number of stops, and drivers are expected to unload product and handle returns. Class B CDL is the standard requirement, and most drivers are home daily.
Box Truck Jobs in Rhode Island
Box truck drivers haul furniture, appliances, retail merchandise, and similar freight on local straight-truck routes. Class B CDL covers most positions, and the work keeps drivers close to home with predictable schedules. This specialty suits drivers who prefer urban or suburban delivery routes over extended road time.
Drayage Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Drayage drivers transport shipping containers between ports, rail terminals, and warehouses on short-haul runs. Class A CDL is the baseline requirement, and TWIC card credentials are common for port-adjacent roles. The work offers predictable schedules and steady volume for drivers based near active freight hubs.
Dry Bulk Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
This specialty covers hauling loose materials like grain, sand, cement, salt, and fertilizer in bulk tanker or open-top trailers. Class A CDL is the baseline, and a tanker endorsement is often required based on the commodity. Agricultural regions and manufacturing corridors generate the most consistent demand.
Dry Van Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Enclosed trailer freight across all route lengths defines dry van work, making it the most available trucking job category. Class A CDL is required, and the variety of freight types means drivers can find work with carriers of all sizes. Year-round demand makes dry van a stable choice for drivers at any stage of their career.
Flatbed Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Open-trailer freight, including steel, lumber, machinery, and oversized construction loads, defines flatbed work. Drivers secure every load with chains, straps, and tarps before each run, adding physical demands that go beyond enclosed freight work. Class A CDL is required, and pay reflects the additional skills involved.
Hopper Bottom Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Open-top hopper trailers with gravity-unload bottoms carry bulk commodities like grain, soybeans, gravel, and rock salt in this specialty. Class A CDL is required for all hopper bottom positions. Demand is concentrated in farming and mining regions and can see significant seasonal increases during harvest.
Hotshot Driver Jobs in Rhode Island
This specialty covers urgent, lighter freight hauled on medium-duty trucks with gooseneck or flatbed trailers. CDL requirements depend on weight class, and many hotshot drivers run as owner-operators without company driver constraints. It is a practical option for drivers who value schedule flexibility and independence.
Intermodal Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Short-haul container transport between ports, rail terminals, and distribution facilities defines intermodal trucking. Class A CDL is required, and TWIC card credentials are needed for most port-adjacent positions. The work offers consistent freight and predictable routes for drivers based near active logistics hubs.
LTL Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
LTL (less-than-truckload) work involves consolidating freight from several shippers onto one trailer and running a defined multi-stop delivery route. Class A CDL is standard. Major LTL carriers in Rhode Island tend to offer some of the stronger benefits packages in the industry, and drivers benefit from predictable daily schedules.
Parcel Delivery Driver Jobs in Rhode Island
Last-mile package delivery to homes and businesses defines parcel work, with drivers completing high-stop local routes each day. Class B CDL applies to larger vehicles, and lighter-duty parcel roles may require no CDL. The work is physically active and fast-paced, with home-daily schedules and consistent hours.
Pneumatic Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Pressurized trailers that discharge dry bulk materials, including flour, cement, lime, and plastic pellets, using compressed air define pneumatic trucking. Class A CDL and tanker endorsement are required. The learning curve on loading and unloading keeps demand high for drivers who have mastered the equipment.
Power-Only Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
In power-only work, drivers provide just the tractor and haul trailers supplied by shippers or freight brokers. Class A CDL is required, and owner-operators make up a large share of the driver pool in this lane. Flexibility in load and lane selection is one of the main advantages of the arrangement.
Reefer Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Reefer trucking covers temperature-sensitive freight, from produce and dairy to meat and pharmaceuticals, hauled in refrigerated trailers. Class A CDL is required, and drivers are responsible for monitoring the reefer unit on every run. Strong pay and consistent demand make this one of the more attractive trucking specialties.
Tanker Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island
Drivers with a Class A CDL and a tanker endorsement move liquid and gas freight, including fuel, chemicals, milk, and industrial liquids, in specialized tanker trailers for these positions. Hazmat certification is needed for fuel and chemical loads. The credentials required and the safety demands involved push pay rates above most other trucking categories.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
Finding the best trucking company for your career means putting in some careful research and planning.
- Assess your priorities. Decide what matters most to you, whether it's a trucking job with the top salary, benefits, driving routes, or company culture, before choosing a trucking company to work for.
- Research companies. Take a look at each company's reputation, browse employee reviews, and check out the unique benefits they offer.
- Talk to current employees. Reach out to current or past drivers to get their firsthand stories and insights.
- Consider long-term growth. Choose a company that supports your career growth and advancement.
How To Apply
Applying to trucking companies in Rhode Island involves more preparation than a standard job search. Here's what to have ready:
- Gather your credentials. Know your CDL class, current endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger), years of verifiable experience, and your MVR history. Most carriers ask for this information upfront in the application.
- Match your license to the job. Class A CDL is required for the majority of positions on this page, including dry van, flatbed, reefer, and tanker. Class B covers box truck and most parcel delivery roles. Confirm your license class before applying.
- Submit your application. Apply through the carrier's careers page or use the Apply button on this page, which routes your application directly through FreightWaves.
- Prepare for the screening process. Expect an MVR check, DOT physical verification, and drug screening. Some carriers also require a road test. Have your logbook history or ELD records ready if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in Rhode Island.
Is a truck driving career worth it in Rhode Island?
Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in Rhode Island. While trucking can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation, drivers can earn an income that's in line with those demands. Trucking offers a high degree of job security, as well, since the industry is an essential component of the overall economy. And truck driving careers offer flexibility in scheduling and the ability to grow through ongoing training.
Which company in Rhode Island offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Blue Sun Super Service ranks first on our Rhode Island list, which is built on pay, benefits packages, safety records, and driver satisfaction ratings. Review the individual company profile above for details on health coverage, retirement plans, and bonus structures.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Rhode Island?
Most companies in Rhode Island are hiring for long-haul and regional positions, with some offering specialized roles as well.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Rhode Island?
Blue Sun Super Service ranks at the top of this list for Rhode Island and is a strong starting point for drivers entering the industry. When evaluating any company as a new driver, look for CDL training reimbursement, a structured mentorship program, and competitive starting pay. Check the profiles above for each carrier's specifics.
Best Trucking Companies to Work for in Rhode Island: Summary
Rhode Island has 149 trucking companies, and the ones listed here rank at the top for pay, benefits, and driver satisfaction. Use the job type guide and company profiles above to narrow your options to carriers that match your CDL class and schedule preferences, then apply through the button below.
Apply for Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island