The U.S. trucking industry remains essential to the nation’s economy, responsible for moving the bulk of goods across supply chains. Domestic and global economic shifts continue to influence demand, capacity, and operations within the sector. With labor costs rising, regulatory pressures mounting, and demand for freight delivery evolving, trucking firms are responding with scaled-up networks, strategic partnerships, and modernization efforts.
Key Facts on the U.S. Trucking Industry
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustryNet, directly tracks thousands of trucking companies in the U.S., directly collecting key data points on this essential industry.
• MNI currently tracks 3,072 trucking companies in the U.S.
• These companies employ 119,355 workers.
• The largest share of these trucking companies are situated in the greater Midwest, at 46%, followed by the U.S. South with 29%. The remainder are located in the Pacific Mountain region with 16% and the East Coast with 9%.
The Latest Trends in the U.S. Trucking Industry
The U.S. trucking industry, long seen as the backbone of domestic commerce, is entering a new period of strain and transformation. Rising costs, shifting regulations, and rapid technology adoption are reshaping how freight moves across the country—forcing carriers to adapt faster than ever before.
Economic Pressure and Capacity Constraints
Trucking companies continue to wrestle with a volatile economic climate. Elevated fuel prices and persistent driver shortages have pushed operating costs higher, while turnover remains a thorn in the side of fleet managers. Capacity is tightening in certain lanes as freight demand normalizes after the pandemic surge, leading to congestion in some regions and reduced service in others. For shippers, that means higher rates and fewer guarantees of timely delivery.
Regulatory Pressures and Sustainability
On top of cost concerns, regulatory momentum is pushing fleets toward cleaner operations. Federal emissions rules and regional clean-fleet initiatives are accelerating the transition toward low-emission and electric trucks. Some of the nation’s largest carriers have already begun pilot programs for alternative-fuel vehicles, signaling a long-term shift in fleet strategies. The changes may bring efficiency gains down the line, but for smaller operators, compliance costs remain a pressing concern.
Supply Chain Shifts and Demand Surges
Trucking’s central role in the supply chain has been tested by rapid demand swings. E-commerce continues to push warehouses and retailers to require faster dock-to-door solutions, while seasonal surges reveal vulnerabilities in capacity planning. With companies holding leaner inventories, carriers are adjusting pickup and delivery cycles more frequently, further straining already tight networks. Flexibility has become essential for carriers competing in an increasingly dynamic shipping environment.
Technology Transformations
Even as costs rise and regulations tighten, technology is emerging as the industry’s clearest path forward. Carriers are leaning on digital tools to improve efficiency and predictability:
• Telematics & Fleet Management: Real-time GPS, remote diagnostics, and driver monitoring are giving dispatchers unprecedented visibility, improving fleet performance and safety.
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Smarter routing and freight optimization tools are helping carriers cut fuel costs and balance fluctuating demand.
• Automated Yard Management: From gate automation to dock cameras, fleets are shortening turnaround times and reducing bottlenecks at hubs.
• Edge Data Collection: Sensors, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and predictive maintenance are enabling proactive repairs—preventing breakdowns before they happen.
IndustryNet’s Standout Trucking Companies
The U.S. trucking industry is the backbone of the nation’s supply chain, responsible for moving more than 70% of all freight tonnage across the country. From cross-country hauls to regional deliveries, trucking companies play a vital role in ensuring products—from raw materials to finished goods—arrive where they’re needed, when they’re needed.
IndustryNet lists thousands of U.S. trucking companies offering specialized services to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Here are some of IndustryNet’s standout trucking companies.
Affordable Same Day Service LLC (DBA Goforth Express) — Lebanon, MO
Affordable Same Day Service LLC, operating as Goforth Express, is a family- and veteran-owned trucking company based in Lebanon, Missouri, with over 45 years of industry experience,
Premier Logistics, LLC (Tulsa, OK)
Premier Logistics is a multi-modal, asset-based third-party logistics provider headquartered in Tulsa. The company operates over 400,000 square feet of indoor warehousing and 20+ acres of outdoor storage, complemented by secure Foreign Trade Zone and transloading capabilities. They offer services across truckload, LTL, warehousing, rail handling, freight auditing, hazmat, international shipping, and supply chain consulting.
Farmers Elevator Co. (Kensington, MN)
With roots in agriculture, Farmers Elevator Co. provides high-reliability trucking solutions tailored to the rural Midwest. Known for handling grain, feed, and agricultural inputs, this regional carrier delivers quality service grounded in decades of local experience.
Hunter Auto & Wrecker Service, Inc. (Charlotte, NC)
Hunter Auto specializes in emergency roadside assistance and towing within the Charlotte region. Offering rapid response and dependable service, this provider supports both individual drivers and fleets requiring recovery services.
Bastian Trucking, Inc. (Aurora, UT)
Established in 1970, Bastian Trucking is a family-owned fleet focused on flatbed hauling. With experience exceeding 50 years, they handle oversized, bulky, and dry-bulk materials using specialized maxi-flatbed equipment.
Budreck Truck Lines, Inc. (University Park, IL)
Budreck Truck Lines is a refrigerated LTL carrier serving the Midwest. The company is applauded for its cold storage trucking, seamless handling of frozen goods, and strong on-time delivery record.
Direct Connect Transport, Inc. (St. Paul, MN)
Direct Connect Transport offers a full range of freight services, including local and long-distance LTL, full-load, partial-load, van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal options.
Flagship Logistics Group (Ham Lake, MN)
With over 30 years in business, Flagship specializes in food-grade transport, including temperature-controlled truckload and LTL services. They also offer asset-based third-party logistics and refrigerated storage, complying with FDA and SQF standards.
Lewis Truck Lines (Conway, SC)
Lewis Truck Lines provides regional trucking solutions across the Carolinas. Known for consistent service delivery, they support local manufacturing and distribution needs with dependable freight transport.
MJD Trucking, Inc. (Vineland, NJ)
MJD Trucking delivers flexible freight services throughout New Jersey and beyond. Their fleet supports both commercial and industrial clients with reliable and timely transport solutions.
Warmka Transport, Inc. (Easton, MN)
Warmka Transport specializes in transporting over-dimensional and heavy equipment. Offering both local and long-distance logistics services, they cater to industries requiring specialized hauling and rigging solutions.
See all 3,000+ trucking companies on IndustryNet
The Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.
Beyond regional fleets and specialty carriers, the trucking industry is dominated by several national giants. Here’s a closer look at the largest U.S. trucking companies based on employee count and their role in keeping freight moving:
| Company | City | State | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. | Lexington | SC | 5,000 |
| R + L Carriers, Inc. | Wilmington | OH | 2,000 |
| FFE Transportation Services, Inc. | Lancaster | TX | 1,200 |
| R + L Carriers, Inc. | Dallas | TX | 1,000 |
| Xpress Global Systems, LLC | Chattanooga | TN | 1,000 |
| Tankstar USA, Inc. | Milwaukee | WI | 989 |
| FedEx Freight, Inc. | Harrison | AR | 700 |
| ABF Freight System, Inc. | Sauk Village | IL | 650 |
| Abilene Motor Express, Inc. | North Chesterfield | VA | 550 |
| AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc. | Dothan | AL | 500 |
1. UPS (United Parcel Service) – Atlanta, GA
UPS is the largest trucking operator in the country, running a vast fleet of tractors and delivery vehicles that handle everything from small parcels to heavy freight. With operations in more than 220 countries, UPS is both a global logistics leader and a major force in U.S. ground freight.
2. FedEx Freight – Memphis, TN
The trucking division of FedEx focuses on less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Known for speed and reliability, FedEx Freight plays a critical role in e-commerce and B2B logistics.
3. XPO Logistics – Greenwich, CT
A top provider of LTL and freight brokerage services, XPO operates a large U.S. trucking network. The company has earned recognition for its use of advanced technology and commitment to efficiency.
4. J.B. Hunt Transport Services – Lowell, AR
Specializing in intermodal, dedicated contract services, and truckload, J.B. Hunt is one of the most diversified carriers in the country. The company is well-known for partnering with railroads to expand intermodal freight capacity.
5. Knight-Swift Transportation – Phoenix, AZ
Formed through the merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation, this carrier is one of the largest full-truckload companies in the U.S. Its nationwide reach and fleet of tens of thousands of tractors make it a cornerstone of the industry.
6. Yellow Corporation (formerly YRC Worldwide) – Overland Park, KS
A longstanding player in the LTL segment, Yellow operates several regional brands under its umbrella, including Holland and New Penn. Despite challenges, the company remains a key freight carrier.
7. Schneider National – Green Bay, WI
In addition to being a featured supplier, Schneider is also one of the largest trucking firms overall, with strong positions in truckload, intermodal, and logistics services. Its fleet serves major industries coast to coast.
8. Landstar System – Jacksonville, FL
Landstar stands out for its unique business model of contracting independent owner-operators to provide freight services. This asset-light structure has made it a resilient and flexible player in the U.S. trucking market.
9. Estes Express Lines – Richmond, VA
Another featured supplier and one of the country’s largest privately held carriers, Estes offers full coverage across the U.S. and international connections, with a focus on LTL and supply chain solutions.
10. Old Dominion Freight Line – Thomasville, NC
Old Dominion combines national scale with outstanding service quality, consistently ranking among the most reliable LTL carriers. Its network spans thousands of routes across the U.S., serving a wide range of industries.
The Easiest Way to Quote Trucking Providers
From enterprise-scale 3PL providers to specialized regional carriers, the trucking sector continues to adapt to dynamic supply chain demands. Technology integration, cold-chain capabilities, and custom logistics solutions are driving efficiency and reliability. Whether you're distributing perishable goods, performing emergency equipment recovery, or shipping oversized cargo, there's a trucking supplier built for your needs.
IndustryNet can help you narrow down your search for trucking suppliers or any other type of supplier. Perform searches by company type, distribution, geography, specialty, and even ISO standards. Search, sort, and quote for free on America’s most-trusted industrial marketplace.
About This Data
MNI collects detailed information firsthand, making direct contact with each industrial company in the U.S to verify multiple data points about their business. While this data is used to power a variety of industrial solutions, it also yields key insights and statistics as a natural outcome of our hand-verified collection process.
This data forms the informational engine behind IndustrySelect, which offers real-time access to detailed company and executive profiles for sales, marketing, recruiting, and research. MNI data also powers IndustryNet, an industrial sourcing platform that connects buyers with industrial suppliers across thousands of product categories. Both platforms are designed to help professionals find accurate, up-to-date information for sales and business development, prospecting, and procurement.
