10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in South Dakota (August 2026)
FreightWaves has reviewed 56 trucking companies in South Dakota and named Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. the best trucking company to work for in the state, based on pay, benefits, safety records, and driver satisfaction ratings.
Best Trucking Companies To Work for in South Dakota
Here are our picks for the top-tier South Dakota 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 South Dakota. Every South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.
1809 N Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Salary range: $75,000-$85,000 per year
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 550
- Drivers: 550
- Revenue: $2,076,000
- Miles driven: 56,300,000 (2024)
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 65762) was established in 1949 and is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This company specializes in refrigerated freight transport and carries a wide variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, metal sheets, and coils, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Heyl Truck Lines hires a diverse range of drivers, including local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, as well as team, flatbed, dry van, and less-than-truckload (LTL) drivers.
Heyl Truck Lines offers several appealing benefits for its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid CDL training, dedicated routes, and ongoing training and development programs. Drivers enjoy the support of a truck lease purchase program, direct deposit, pay advances, and paid time off. The company also includes safety bonuses, gym memberships, life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible scheduling, alongside guaranteed home time and deadhead, detention, and layover compensation.
Employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed give Heyl Truck Lines a modest score of 3.5 and 3.6, respectively. Positive feedback often highlights the company's competitive pay range of $75,000 to $85,000 per year, solid benefits package, and supportive management team. On the downside, some employees have reported challenges with work-life balance and occasional disorganization in route assignments. Despite these issues, many appreciate the company's commitment to driver respect and satisfaction.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Gym membership
- 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: 39
- Unsafe driving: 1.06
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
PRO Haul, LLC
39476 234th Street, Woonsocket, SD, 57385- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 12
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $764
- Miles driven: 1,600,000 (2023)
PRO Haul, LLC (DOT: 482751) is based in Woonsocket, South Dakota. This active company has been in operation for over 30 years and provides logistic solutions across multiple states with a fleet of approximately 24 units. PRO Haul specializes in transporting agricultural and farm supplies, construction materials, general freight, dry bulk commodities, and a variety of other cargo including machinery large objects and metal sheets. They hire regional, local, and OTR drivers, offering opportunities for team, flatbed, and dedicated route driving.
PRO Haul offers its drivers numerous benefits, including a generous sign-on bonus, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a retirement plan with a 401k. Employees also benefit from paid time off, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention pay. The company supports ongoing training and development programs, and they have a lease purchase program which benefits future owner-operators. They also ensure drivers have access to special rest stop lounges and provide company uniforms, reflecting their commitment to the comfort and professionalism of their workforce.
While there are no specific Indeed or Glassdoor ratings provided in the available data, PRO Haul is reputed to foster a positive work culture through competitive compensation and meaningful benefits. However, common concerns among trucking companies often include scheduling and logistical challenges, which could be an area for continued improvement. Overall, PRO Haul, LLC positions itself as a reliable and supportive employer in the trucking industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- 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
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Dakotaland Transportation, Inc.
25809 N Trade Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 53
- Drivers: 53
- Revenue: $15,568
- Miles driven: 3,388,645 (2024)
Dakotaland Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 836858) was founded in 2000 and is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The company specializes in transporting various types of cargo, such as agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and paper products. Dakotaland Transportation primarily hires flatbed, dry van, over-the-road (OTR), and dedicated route drivers.
The company offers a range of benefits to its drivers, including a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers also receive paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and have access to ongoing training and development programs. Health benefits are robust, with health and vision insurance provided, alongside disability insurance and gym memberships. The company allows for flexible scheduling, which aligns with its focus on driver convenience and retention.
Dakotaland Transportation has earned a reputation for its positive work environment, reflected by its 4.2 ratings on both Indeed and Glassdoor. Employee reviews highlight the company's strong compensation and benefits packages. However, some common feedback indicates room for improvement in ensuring consistent home time and expanding work-life balance initiatives. Overall, the company is praised for its supportive culture and comprehensive training programs.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision coverage
- Gym membership
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.53
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Perkins Storage & Transfer Co, Inc.
416 3rd Ave, Brookings, SD, 57006- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 6
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $596
- Miles driven: 52,634 (2024)
Perkins Storage & Transfer Co, Inc. (DOT: 969) was established in 1919 and is located in Brookings, South Dakota. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including general freight, grain feed hay, household goods, and motor vehicles. They have a robust fleet, operating dry van and flatbed trucks, and focus primarily on hiring local and regional drivers. They also offer opportunities for owner-operators and specialize in flatbed and parcel deliveries.
Perkins Storage & Transfer Co. offers a competitive package of driver benefits, including a sign-on bonus, deadhead detention and layover compensation, health insurance (comprising dental and vision coverage), paid time off, and per diem payments. Employees can also benefit from a retirement plan (401k), tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training and development programs. The company ensures flexible scheduling and guarantees home time for its drivers.
On Glassdoor, Perkins Storage & Transfer Co, Inc. holds a rating of 3.9, which speaks to the company's fair track record in employee satisfaction. Employees generally appreciate the company's commitment to ensuring comprehensive benefits, supportive management, and a structured training program. However, some feedback indicates room for improvement in areas like work-life balance and route management, although the overall sentiment remains positive.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
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
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 3.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Dakota Lines, Inc.
11 East Main Street, Vermillion, SD, 57069- Salary range: $60,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 55
- Drivers: 46
- Revenue: $1,867
- Miles driven: 2,135,959 (2023)
Dakota Lines, Inc. (DOT: 286930) was established in 1989 and is headquartered in Vermillion, South Dakota. The company specializes in carrying a wide variety of cargo, including general freight, intermodal containers, paper products, and other unspecified cargo types. Dakota Lines operates a diverse fleet capable of handling different requirements like dry vans, flatbeds, lowboys, and step decks. They primarily hire regional, local, OTR (over-the-road), and specialized drivers, including reefer and tanker drivers, as well as offering dedicated routes and team driving opportunities.
The company is known for its comprehensive driver benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, a retirement plan 401k, and paid time off. Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, direct deposit, and per diem payments. Dakota Lines also emphasizes driver satisfaction with guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention layover compensation. They support their drivers through pay advances, roadside assistance programs, and a truck lease purchase program, contributing to a solid employment package.
Despite having no specific employee ratings on Glassdoor or Indeed included in the information provided, Dakota Lines appears to maintain a satisfactory safety record with zero crash fatalities and low reports of unsafe driving. While employee feedback, if available, typically highlights positive compensation and benefits, potential negative feedback might revolve around possible challenges with work-life balance or route organization. Such insights are typical within the industry and can guide Dakota Lines in refining driver engagement strategies.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- LTL
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
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.84
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Cliff Viessman, Inc.
215 1st Avenue, Gary, SD, 57237- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 370
- Drivers: 433
- Revenue: $4,056,000
- Miles driven: 27,100,000 (2023)
Cliff Viessman, Inc. (DOT: 164259) is located in Gary, South Dakota. The company does not have a recorded founding date but operates in the trucking industry with active status under USDOT. They specialize in transporting a variety of cargo types including dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, refrigerated foods, and other types. Cliff Viessman, Inc. primarily hires specialized, local, regional, dedicated, OTR, and tanker drivers.
The company offers a range of benefits to its drivers, such as a safety bonus, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, direct deposit, a retirement plan (401k), guaranteed home time, deadhead detention layover compensation, tuition reimbursement, and disability insurance. Cliff Viessman, Inc. places an emphasis on ongoing training and development programs to ensure driver safety and satisfaction. However, they do not offer paid CDL training, a truck lease purchase program, or allow riders or pets.
On Glassdoor, Cliff Viessman, Inc. has a rating of 3.2. Employees frequently commend the company for its benefits package, focus on safety, and robust support for driver development. Positive feedback highlights the reliable scheduling and compensation. On the downside, some employees mention room for improvement in work-life balance and the need for more streamlined internal communication. Overall, the company is recognized for fostering a supportive work environment that values driver safety and development.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Tanker
- Specialized
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 27
- Unsafe driving: 1.83
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
X-Trux, Inc.
47219 Hobbs Circle, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 30
- Drivers: 30
- Revenue: $1,342
- Miles driven: 3,020,429 (2023)
X-Trux, Inc. (DOT: 841776) was established in 1999 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Over the years, the company has developed a "Satisfactory" safety rating and operates a fleet consisting primarily of dry van, flatbed, dump trailer, and refrigerated units. They focus on carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, machinery, paper products, and utilities. X-Trux primarily hires drivers with specialized skills, including flatbed, reefer, tanker, and dry van drivers, and offers both regional and over-the-road opportunities.
X-Trux, Inc. stands out for its robust driver benefits, which include health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid CDL training. Drivers also benefit from direct deposit, flexible scheduling, pay advances, and per diem payments. Notably, X-Trux offers a truck lease purchase program and opportunities for owner-operators who want to partner with the company. A keen focus on employee satisfaction is underscored by provision of safety bonuses, deadhead detention and layover compensation, as well as driver referral bonuses. Furthermore, ongoing training and development programs are in place to ensure drivers can advance their skills and careers.
While specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, the company claims to foster a positive work environment with competitive salaries ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 annually. However, some areas cited for improvement in employee feedback include the need for guaranteed home time and enhancements in work-life balance. Overall, X-Trux, Inc.'s commitment to driver welfare and a supportive company culture are reflected in their structural benefits and operational practices.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Premium Best Transport
1501 Wek Road, Yankton, SD, 57078- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 12
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $2,378
- Miles driven: 318,239 (2024)
Premium Best Transport (DOT: 313347) operates out of Yankton, South Dakota, though the exact year of their foundation is unspecified. As a versatile carrier, they haul a range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction materials, general freight, grains, livestock, logs, lumber, machinery, metal, and more. The company excels in hiring various driver types, including regional, OTR, reefer, hazardous materials, flatbed, and team drivers, offering both full truckload and driveaway services.
Premium Best Transport provides its drivers with a competitive benefits package, including safety bonuses, direct deposit, paid time off, health and dental insurance, vision coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan. They also accommodate flexible scheduling and offer ongoing training and development programs. Drivers can also benefit from per diem payments, layover compensation, and pay advances. However, Premium Best Transport does not extend sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursement, and pet or passenger policies are not in favor.
On employee rating platforms, the company receives mixed reviews. Its Indeed rating stands at 3.7, while Glassdoor impressively marks it with a 5.0 rating. Positive feedback frequently highlights the comprehensive benefits, flexible scheduling, and supportive work culture. Conversely, some drawbacks noted include challenges with guaranteed home time, as well as limited opportunities for new driver programs and stock ownership plans.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- 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: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
TDS Trucking, LLC
3400 W Hovland Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 7
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $17,370
- Miles driven: 717,500 (2023)
TDS Trucking, LLC (DOT: 279236) is situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While the exact founding year is not provided, TDS Trucking is an active player in the trucking industry with a focus on transporting a diverse range of cargo. Their fleet handles building materials, general freight, grain, feed hay, lumber, machinery, metal sheets, coils and rolls, motor vehicles, oilfield equipment, and other specialized cargo types. TDS Trucking hires a variety of drivers, including regional, hazmat, reefer, flatbed, team, dry van, LTL, and dedicated drivers, ensuring they have the capacity to fulfill a broad array of transportation needs.
Driver benefits at TDS Trucking are comprehensive, aiming to attract quality talent. The company offers a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, and a truck lease purchase program. Employees can access full health insurance, which includes disability coverage, as well as additional perks like tuition reimbursement, gym memberships, and guaranteed home time. They also extend flexibility in scheduling, deadhead detention layover compensation, per diem payments, and rider or pet allowances — all structured to improve driver satisfaction and work-life balance.
While specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, feedback highlights a positive view of compensation and benefits, with emphasis on the comprehensive insurance offerings and flexible scheduling. However, like many in the industry, some potential critique could be related to the challenges of maintaining work-life balance due to the nature of the trucking profession. Nonetheless, TDS Trucking's active employee development programs and focus on a supportive work environment play a crucial role in attracting and retaining skilled drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Gym membership
- 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: 5.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Heartland Transportation
3250 Eglin Street, Rapid City, SD, 57703- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 59
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $8,549,000
- Miles driven: 2,893,153 (2024)
Heartland Transportation (DOT: 233343) operates out of Rapid City, South Dakota. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, such as liquids, gases, and other unspecified cargo across interstate routes. They primarily employ regional, local, and OTR drivers, with opportunities for flatbed and dry van operations. Heartland Transportation offers dedicated routes and value teamwork, as evidenced by their support for team drivers.
Heartland Transportation offers a variety of driver benefits, including health insurance (covering dental and vision), a retirement plan with 401k, paid time off, and disability insurance. They show commitment to their drivers’ well-being by guaranteeing home time and supporting ongoing training and development programs. While the company may not offer sign-on bonuses or a truck lease purchase program, they do provide perks such as rider and pet allowances, as well as opportunities for new driver programs.
Heartland Transportation enjoys favorable employee reviews, with an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0. Employees praise the company for its fair compensation, benefits, and a supportive work environment that values advancement opportunities. However, some reviews mention areas for improvement, such as the need for more flexible scheduling. Overall, Heartland Transportation is highlighted as a positive place to work, particularly noted for its commitment to ensuring driver satisfaction and a satisfactory safety rating.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- 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
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.49
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.63
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.48
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
Local Trucking Companies In South Dakota
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
What To Look for in South Dakota Trucking Companies
Picking the right trucking company can make a big difference in your job satisfaction and career development. As you check out employers in South Dakota, keep these important points in mind:
- Pay and benefits: Transparent and competitive pay, full health coverage, retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses.
- Work-life balance: You can pick the driving times and routes that work best for your schedule and lifestyle.
- Company reputation: The company shines, thanks to its upbeat workplace and the appreciation it shows for its drivers.
- Career growth opportunities: The company offers drivers lots of opportunities to learn new skills, connect with mentors, and grow their careers.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs Available
There's likely to be a type of trucking job in South Dakota that fits your skills and interests.
Beverage Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Beverage trucking puts drivers on regular local or regional routes delivering beer, soda, water, wine, and spirits to retail and hospitality accounts. The work involves frequent stops and physical unloading at each delivery point. Most positions require a Class B CDL and offer home-daily schedules.
Box Truck Jobs in South Dakota
Box truck jobs cover local deliveries of furniture, retail goods, appliances, and general freight using straight trucks. Class B CDL is required for most positions, and routes stay within city or suburban limits. Box truck positions are a practical choice for drivers who want structured, home-daily work without long-haul demands.
Drayage Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Drayage covers short-distance container moves between ports, rail yards, and warehouses. Drivers need a Class A CDL, and port positions typically require a TWIC card. Runs are brief but numerous, and drivers near major ports can expect consistent freight volume across the year.
Dry Bulk Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Dry bulk drivers transport loose commodities, including grain, cement, salt, sand, and fertilizer, in bulk trailers. Class A CDL is required, and some materials call for a tanker endorsement. Freight volume is strongest in agricultural and industrial regions and can follow seasonal patterns.
Dry Van Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Dry van is the foundational trucking specialty, with enclosed trailer freight moving across local, regional, and long-haul routes. Class A CDL covers most positions, and the range of available freight types makes it a practical starting point for new drivers. Carriers in South Dakota post dry van openings year-round.
Flatbed Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Flatbed trucking puts drivers on open-trailer runs hauling steel, lumber, heavy equipment, and construction materials. Securing loads with chains, straps, and tarps is a core part of the job and requires skill and attention to safety. Class A CDL is the standard requirement, and pay rates are generally higher than dry van or refrigerated freight.
Hopper Bottom Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Hopper bottom work involves hauling loose bulk commodities in open-top trailers with cone-shaped bottoms that allow gravity unloading. Common freight includes grain, gravel, rock salt, and soybeans. Class A CDL is required, and demand is highest in agricultural states, particularly during harvest season.
Hotshot Driver Jobs in South Dakota
Hotshot work involves hauling time-sensitive, smaller freight with medium-duty trucks and gooseneck or flatbed trailers. CDL requirements vary by load and vehicle weight, making it accessible without a full Class A in some cases. Owner-operators dominate this lane, and the flexibility of the setup is a major draw.
Intermodal Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Intermodal trucking covers container moves between ports, rail yards, and warehouses using a Class A CDL tractor-trailer. TWIC card credentials are commonly required for port-side roles. Short runs, high volume, and structured schedules define the day-to-day work in this specialty.
LTL Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
In LTL trucking, drivers load freight from multiple shippers on a single trailer and complete multi-stop delivery routes. Class A CDL is required, and national LTL carriers often provide strong health and retirement packages, and some of the best benefits in the trucking industry. The work is well-structured and suits drivers who prefer routine over variable long-haul schedules.
Parcel Delivery Driver Jobs in South Dakota
Parcel delivery covers last-mile package delivery to homes and businesses on local, multi-stop routes. CDL requirements depend on vehicle size, with Class B needed for larger step vans and some roles requiring no CDL. Hours are predictable, stop counts are high, and drivers return home daily.
Pneumatic Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Pneumatic trucking covers pressurized tanker transport of dry bulk materials, including cement, flour, lime, and plastic pellets, with air-powered unloading systems. Class A CDL and tanker endorsement are required. The specialized equipment and handling process create consistent demand for drivers with pneumatic experience.
Power-Only Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Power-only trucking separates the tractor from the trailer, with drivers supplying the truck to haul shipper or broker trailers. Class A CDL is required. The model suits owner-operators well and gives drivers the ability to pick lanes and freight without the constraints of a standard company position.
Reefer Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Temperature-controlled freight, including produce, dairy, meat, and pharmaceutical loads, moves in refrigerated trailers driven by reefer specialists. Class A CDL is required, and managing the trailer's refrigeration system is part of the daily job. Pay rates run higher than dry van, and demand is consistent year-round.
Tanker Trucking Jobs in South Dakota
Tanker trucking covers the transport of liquid and gas freight, from fuel and chemicals to milk and industrial liquids. Class A CDL and tanker endorsement are the baseline requirements, and hazmat credentials are needed for most fuel and chemical routes. Pay rates are higher than most other specialties due to the licensing demands.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
Choosing the best trucking company for your career goals requires careful consideration:
- Assess your priorities. Determine what's most important to you, whether it's the highest-paying trucking jobs, benefits, route type, or company culture.
- Research companies. Look into each company's reputation, employee reviews, and the benefits they offer.
- Talk to current employees. Get insights from current or former drivers about their experiences.
- Consider long-term growth. Choose a company that offers opportunities for career development and advancement.
How To Apply
Applying to trucking companies in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
Is a truck driving career worth it in South Dakota?
Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in South Dakota. 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 South Dakota offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. ranks first on our South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Most companies in South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. ranks at the top of this list for South Dakota 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 South Dakota: Summary
South Dakota has 56 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 South Dakota