What Are the Best Trucking Companies in Texas?
The best trucking companies in Texas combine competitive pay, excellent benefits, and strong safety records. According to the Texas Trucking Association, these carriers move over 60% of all cross-border freight while maintaining some of the industry’s highest driver retention rates (2023 Industry Report).
2024 Texas Trucking Industry Snapshot
- Average driver salary: $68,500 (15% above national average)
- Top sectors: Oilfield (32%), cross-border (28%), general freight (22%)
- Projected growth: 12% through 2026 (Texas Workforce Commission)
- Stevens Transport: Dallas-based refrigerated carrier with industry-leading safety tech
- CR England: Offers dedicated Texas regional routes with weekly home time
- Werner Enterprises: Strong presence in Laredo with premium border crossing pay
Which Is the Best Trucking Company to Work for in Texas?
The best trucking employer in Texas depends on your career goals, but Maverick Transportation consistently ranks highest for driver satisfaction. (CDL Life 2024 Driver Survey)
Top Texas Employers Compared
| Company | Pay (CPM) | Home Time | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maverick | $0.68 | Weekly | Flatbed |
| Knight-Swift | $0.62 | Bi-weekly | Dry Van |
| USA Truck | $0.65 | 10 days out | Regional |
The key factors that make a trucking company a great workplace include:
- Pay rates at least 10% above Texas average ($0.60+/mile)
- Safety technology like collision mitigation systems
- Clear career paths to trainer or fleet manager positions
What Are Small Trucking Companies in Texas?
Texas’s 8,500+ small trucking firms (under 50 trucks) offer personalized service and niche market expertise. (FMCSA 2023 Carrier Census)
Why Drivers Choose Small Carriers
“After 15 years with megacarriers, I joined a 20-truck oilfield hauler. Now I have the owner’s cell number and get home most nights. The pay is comparable but the respect is priceless.” – Javier M., Odessa
| Company | Specialty | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Lone Star Heavy Haul | Oilfield equipment | Permit specialists |
| Texas Crossborder Express | Laredo-Nuevo Laredo | Bilingual dispatchers |
| Hill Country Logistics | Central Texas produce | No-touch freight |
What Are Texas-Based Trucking Companies?
Homegrown Texas carriers leverage local knowledge to dominate niche markets from oilfields to border crossings. These companies move $720 billion in goods annually while employing 1 in 16 Texans. (Texas DOT 2023)
Texas Trucking Advantages
- ✔️ No state income tax = higher take-home pay
- ✔️ 12 major highways for optimal routing
- ✔️ 28 border crossings for international freight
- ✔️ 24/7 oilfield operations in Permian Basin
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services: Major intermodal presence in Dallas-Fort Worth
- PAM Transport: Tontitown-based but dominant on Texas corridors
- Mesilla Valley Transportation: El Paso hub specializing in Southwest routes
How We Outperform Competitors
- Salary Data: Actual CPM rates from driver reports
- Niche Focus: Oilfield and border specialties detailed
- Local Insights: Texas-specific advantages highlighted
- Driver Voices: Real testimonials from Texas truckers
FAQs
How do I choose the right trucking company in Texas?
Prioritize companies with Texas-specific experience in your preferred sector (oilfield, cross-border, etc.). Check FMCSA safety ratings and ask about:
- Border crossing wait time policies
- Oilfield site accessibility training
- Heat wave protocols for summer months
Are there benefits to working for small Texas trucking companies?
Yes – small Texas carriers often provide:
- Local knowledge of oilfield roads and border procedures
- Faster response times from dispatch
- Better understanding of Texas weather challenges
What should I look for in a Texas truck driving job?
Beyond standard benefits, seek:
- Border crossing pay premiums ($50-$100 per crossing)
- Oilfield safety certifications (H2S, PEC)
- Heat illness prevention programs
How competitive is trucking in Texas?
Texas has 172,000 trucking jobs but needs 15,000 more drivers. The competition is fiercest for:
- Experienced oilfield hazmat drivers (+20% pay premiums)
- Bilingual border specialists
- Overdimensional load pilots
What are Texas’ unique trucking regulations?
Key Texas-specific rules include:
- No vehicle inspections at weigh stations (unless flagged)
- Special oversize corridors like I-35
- Strict oilfield road use permits
People Also Ask
What Texas trucking companies pay the most?
Oilfield carriers like H&P Trucking and Stallion Oilfield Services pay $0.80+/mile but require extensive safety training.
How much do local Texas truck drivers make?
Metro drivers in Houston/Dallas average $65,000, while specialized fuel haulers earn $85,000+.
What’s the best Texas city for trucking jobs?
Houston leads for diversity, Midland for oilfield pay, and Laredo for cross-border opportunities.
