If you're comparing full truckload (FTL) carriers based on earning potential, Crete Carrier/Shaffer Trucking, Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), Barr-Nunn Transportation, K&B Transportation, and E.W. Wylie stand out heading into 2027.

The 2026 trucking industry outlook shows a reasonably stable economy, rapidly tightening truck capacity, rising freight rates, and new opportunities for professional drivers who manage their businesses wisely.

Quick Summary The best trucking companies for new drivers offer more than a paycheck. They provide training, mentorship, support, and opportunities to build experience. Recent CDL graduates can research carriers such as Maverick Transportation, Melton Truck Lines, Swift Transportation, Prime Inc., Roehl Transport, Schneider, and Werner Enterprises. The right first carrier depends on your experience, preferred freight, home-time needs, and long-term goals. Key Takeaways The best starter trucking companies offer training, mentorship, and opportunities to gain experience. Some carriers hire recent CDL graduates; others require experience or completion of a specific program. Starting pay matters, but freight type, home time, equipment, and support matter too. Dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, and dedicated operations offer different career paths. Your first trucking job can prepare you for more specialized opportunities later. How Should a New CDL Driver Choose a Trucking Company? Choosing your first trucking company is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a new CDL driver. Look for a carrier that will help you build confidence, develop safe driving habits, and gain the experience you need to grow. Which trucking companies hire new CDL graduates? Which offer useful training and mentorship? And how do you balance pay, freight type, and time at home? Start by comparing the full opportunity rather than choosing solely on advertised earnings. What Makes a Great Trucking Company for New Drivers? The best trucking companies for recent CDL graduates help new drivers transition from school to real-world professional driving through structured onboarding, driver mentorship, safety training, reliable equipment, and clear advancement opportunities. A strong first employer should help you build confidence, learn the industry, and create a foundation for long-term growth. Training and onboarding: A clear transition from CDL school to professional driving. Mentorship: Access to experienced trainers and practical guidance. Driver support: Responsive dispatch, maintenance, operations, and safety teams. Equipment and safety: Well-maintained trucks and a safety-focused culture. Home time: Realistic expectations for your particular route or division. Career growth: Opportunities to develop new skills or explore other freight types. Hiring requirements can differ by position, location, division, and insurance qualifications. Always verify current eligibility with the carrier. New CDL drivers should compare training, support, and long-term opportunities before choosing a carrier. What Are the Best Starter Trucking Companies for New CDL Drivers? The best starter trucking companies help inexperienced drivers build skills, confidence, and a safe driving record. Swift Transportation, Prime Inc., Roehl Transport, Schneider, Werner Enterprises, and C.R. England are among the carriers worth researching for training and entry-level opportunities. Drivers interested in flatbed freight may also want to explore Maverick Transportation and Melton Truck Lines. Not every division hires drivers without experience. Before applying, ask whether the specific opening accepts recent Class A CDL graduates, what training is provided, and what routes or freight types are available after training. Three Questions to Ask Before Applying Do you hire drivers with a new Class A CDL and no professional driving experience? What training or mentorship will I receive before driving independently? What freight, routes, and home-time options are available after training? What Should New CDL Drivers Prioritize in 2027? Starting pay matters, but it shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. New drivers should also consider freight type, training quality, home time, company culture, equipment, support systems, and future career paths. Whew. For example, drivers who know they want flatbed experience may want to consider carriers such as Roehl, Prime, Melton, or Maverick. Drivers who are still exploring the industry may benefit from starting with dry van freight to gain confidence before moving into specialized freight. What Factors Should You Compare? Training and onboarding Driver mentorship and support Freight type Home-time expectations Company culture Equipment Long-term career opportunities Starting pay and how compensation is calculated Best Trucking Companies for New Drivers in 2027 These 10 carriers offer different options for new CDL drivers. Some focus on flatbed or specialized freight; others offer broad operating networks and multiple divisions. Compare the details, then confirm current openings and qualifications with each recruiting team. How We Selected These Trucking Companies We considered factors important to new drivers, including training opportunities, driver support, freight choices, and potential career development. This is not a statistical ranking, and of course, no single carrier is right for everyone. ATS publishes this guide to help drivers evaluate their options, including employers other than ATS. Inclusion does not guarantee an open position for inexperienced applicants. Programs, pay, and eligibility can change. Trucking Company Highlighted Strength Relevant Opportunities Maverick Transportation Flatbed training and safety focus Flatbed and specialized freight Melton Truck Lines Comprehensive flatbed training Open-deck freight J.B. Hunt Transport Large network and operating variety Dedicated and regional opportunities Swift Transportation Broad hiring network and structured onboarding Multiple freight opportunities Prime Inc. Driver training and mentoring Refrigerated, tanker, and flatbed CRST Entry-level support and national network Team-driving opportunities C.R. England Established training programs Multiple freight divisions Roehl Transport Structured, safety-focused onboarding Flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated Schneider National Extensive training and career variety Dedicated, regional, and over-the-road Werner Enterprises New-driver support and career advancement Dedicated, regional, and diverse freight Maverick Transportation Maverick Transportation is worth considering if you're a new CDL driver interested in flatbed trucking. The company is known for its focus on safety, flatbed training, and specialized freight opportunities. Why consider Maverick? Opportunities to develop load-securement skills, receive flatbed-focused training, and gain experience hauling open-deck freight. Best fit: Drivers interested in beginning a career in flatbed or specialized transportation. What to ask: Which positions accept recent CDL graduates, and what training is required before hauling loads independently? Melton Truck Lines Melton Truck Lines is another option for drivers interested in starting their careers in flatbed trucking. Its focus on open-deck freight can appeal to drivers who enjoy hands-on work and want experience securing different types of cargo. Why consider Melton? Flatbed-focused training, load-securement experience, and opportunities to develop skills in open-deck transportation. Best fit: Drivers interested in the physical and technical demands of flatbed trucking. What to ask: What does training include, and what are the expectations for home time and freight handling? J.B. Hunt Transport J.B. Hunt operates a large transportation network with a variety of driving opportunities. Its dedicated and regional operations may appeal to drivers interested in building experience while exploring different schedules and freight arrangements. Why consider J.B. Hunt? A large operating network, dedicated and regional opportunities, and multiple potential career paths. Best fit: Drivers interested in exploring different operating models as their careers develop. What to ask: Which positions are available to recent CDL graduates, and what experience is required for dedicated or regional routes? Swift Transportation Swift Transportation is one of the larger trucking carriers that new CDL drivers may encounter when researching their first job. Its broad operating network and training opportunities can make it a starting point for drivers looking to gain professional experience. Why consider Swift? Established driver training and onboarding, a large freight network, and multiple driving opportunities. Best fit: Drivers seeking an entry point into professional trucking with opportunities to build experience. What to ask: How long does training last, how is training compensated, and what happens after a driver is assigned their own truck? Prime Inc. Prime Inc. is known for its driver training and mentoring programs, along with opportunities in several freight divisions. Drivers interested in refrigerated, tanker, or flatbed trucking may want to explore the company's available positions. Why consider Prime? Driver training, mentorship, and multiple freight divisions. Best fit: Drivers interested in training and exploring a longer-term career in OTR trucking. What to ask: What are the current training requirements, compensation arrangements, and any employment commitments associated with the program? CRST CRST offers driving opportunities through a national transportation network, including team-driving operations. Team driving may appeal to some new drivers who want experience working alongside another professional driver, although the lifestyle isn't for everyone. Why consider CRST? Entry-level driving opportunities, team-driving options, and experience operating within a national freight network. Best fit: Drivers comfortable exploring team operations while gaining professional driving experience. What to ask: Are new drivers required to team after training, and what solo-driving opportunities may become available later? C.R. England C.R. England has established driver training programs and operates across multiple freight divisions. For new drivers researching trucking companies that provide training, it's another carrier worth comparing. Why consider C.R. England? Established training programs, multiple freight opportunities, and experience in a large transportation operation. Best fit: Drivers seeking a structured entry into the trucking industry. What to ask: What are the current training costs, employment obligations, pay arrangements, and available driving positions? Roehl Transport Roehl Transport offers opportunities across flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated freight. Its training programs and safety-focused approach may appeal to new drivers who want to build experience while keeping several career paths open. Why consider Roehl? Structured onboarding, training, and multiple freight divisions. Best fit: Drivers who value training and want flexibility to explore different freight types. What to ask: Which divisions are available to new CDL graduates, and how do training and home-time expectations differ? Schneider National Schneider offers a variety of driving opportunities, including dedicated, regional, and over-the-road positions. Its training resources and operating variety can appeal to drivers looking for an established carrier with different career paths. Why consider Schneider? Driver training resources, multiple operating divisions, and dedicated, regional, and OTR opportunities. Best fit: Drivers who want to compare different types of trucking jobs as they gain experience. What to ask: Which positions accept recent graduates, and what additional qualifications are needed for specific routes or divisions? Werner Enterprises Werner Enterprises operates a large transportation network with dedicated, regional, and other freight opportunities. Its training and driver support programs make it another carrier worth researching when looking for a first CDL driving job. Why consider Werner? New-driver training and support, multiple freight and route options, and opportunities to develop a long-term trucking career. Best fit: Drivers interested in gaining experience while exploring different driving opportunities. What to ask: What are the current experience requirements, training expectations, and opportunities to move between divisions? Why Isn't ATS on This List? You may have noticed that Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) isn't included among the trucking companies above. That's intentional. Unlike many large carriers that hire recent CDL graduates, ATS typically requires at least six months of recent over-the-road (OTR) driving experience before hiring company van or flatbed drivers. Heavy haul and other specialized divisions generally require more experience. These standards help ensure drivers are prepared for the demands of the freight they'll be hauling. But that doesn't mean ATS can't be part of your long-term career plans. Many professional drivers begin at an entry-level carrier, gain experience, and later pursue opportunities in flatbed, specialized, or heavy haul transportation. Can New CDL Drivers Work Toward a Career With ATS? Absolutely. If your long-term goal is to haul specialized freight, your first trucking job can help you build the experience you'll need. Focus on developing safe driving habits, maintaining a strong driving record, learning how to work with dispatch and operations teams, and gaining experience handling different road and weather conditions. When you meet the applicable qualifications, you can explore opportunities with ATS in company van, flatbed, or other driving divisions. Your first trucking company doesn't have to be your last. What matters is choosing an employer that helps you take the next step toward your goals. What Should New Drivers Look for in a CDL Training Program? Some trucking companies offer CDL training or work with driving schools to help people enter the industry. These programs can provide a path to earning a CDL and starting a trucking career, but the details matter. Company-Sponsored CDL Training Company-sponsored CDL training may offer: Lower upfront training costs A direct path toward employment Structured instruction and onboarding However, some programs include employment commitments, repayment requirements, or other contractual obligations. Ask about the total cost, compensation during training, and what happens if you leave before completing the required commitment. Independent CDL Schools Independent CDL schools may offer: More flexibility when choosing an employer The ability to compare multiple carriers Training without committing to a specific trucking company However, independent training can involve higher upfront costs. Before enrolling, verify that the school meets applicable requirements and that its training will qualify you for the CDL you're pursuing. Is It Better to Start With Dry Van or Flatbed Trucking? Both dry van and flatbed trucking can provide valuable experience for new CDL drivers. Dry van trucking often involves hauling freight in enclosed trailers. It can help new drivers build experience with trip planning, backing, deliveries, and general over-the-road operations. Flatbed trucking involves hauling freight on open trailers, requiring additional knowledge of load securement, tarping, and cargo handling. Neither is automatically better. If you enjoy hands-on work and want to pursue specialized freight, flatbed may be a strong starting point. If you're still learning what type of trucking career you want, dry van can provide useful experience while you explore your options. What Mistakes Do New Drivers Make When Choosing a Carrier? One of the biggest mistakes new drivers make is choosing a trucking company based only on advertised pay or recruiting promises. A higher advertised rate doesn't always mean higher take-home earnings, especially when miles, downtime, deductions, and other factors vary. Other common mistakes include: Not asking enough questions about training Assuming home-time promises are the same across all positions Overlooking employment or training contracts Choosing a freight type without understanding the work involved Failing to research driver support and company culture Before accepting a position, make sure you understand what the job will actually look like. How Can You Evaluate Company Culture Before Accepting a Job? Read independent reviews, research the company's history, and look at what current and former drivers say about their experiences. Reviews can provide helpful insight, but remember that individual experiences vary. Look for recurring themes rather than relying on one opinion. It's also important to ask recruiters thoughtful questions about training, mentorship, driver support, and driver turnover. Questions to Ask a Trucking Recruiter What does training and onboarding include? Do you hire recent CDL graduates with no experience? What type of freight will I haul? How is driver pay calculated? What are the typical home-time expectations? What happens if I have a breakdown or need help on the road? What equipment will I use? Are there opportunities to move into other freight divisions? What support is available during my first six months? A good recruiter should be willing to explain the opportunity clearly and help you understand whether it's a good fit. How Should New Drivers Balance Earnings and Quality of Life? Pay is important, especially when you're beginning a new career. But the highest advertised pay doesn't always lead to the best overall opportunity. When comparing trucking companies, consider how compensation is calculated, how many miles or loads you can realistically expect, and whether there are additional payments for activities such as detention, stops, or freight handling. Home time matters, too. Some OTR positions involve extended periods away from home, while certain regional or dedicated opportunities may offer more predictable schedules. The right balance depends on your financial goals, family responsibilities, and preferred lifestyle. Checklist for Choosing Your First Trucking Company Before accepting your first CDL driving job, compare each opportunity using the same criteria. Confirm the carrier hires drivers with your experience level. Review the training and onboarding process. Ask about mentorship and new-driver support. Understand the freight you'll haul. Compare pay structures and realistic earning expectations. Confirm home-time expectations. Research the company's culture and safety practices. Ask about equipment and maintenance support. Review any training contracts or employment commitments. Explore long-term career opportunities. What Is the Most Important Advice for a New CDL Graduate? Do your research. Many new drivers hear big promises about pay, miles, equipment, or home time. But every trucking company operates differently, and an opportunity that's great for one driver may not be right for another. Your first trucking job can shape your future opportunities. Choose a carrier that aligns with your goals, offers the support you need, and helps you become a safer, more confident professional driver. Good luck out there! Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Companies for New Drivers What makes a trucking company good for a new driver? A good trucking company for new drivers provides structured training, mentorship, reliable equipment, safety support, and opportunities to gain experience. The best fit also depends on pay, freight type, home time, and long-term career goals. Which trucking companies hire inexperienced CDL drivers? Carriers worth researching include Swift Transportation, Prime Inc., C.R. England, Roehl Transport, Schneider, Werner Enterprises, Maverick Transportation, Melton Truck Lines, CRST, and J.B. Hunt. Eligibility varies by position, location, and training program, so confirm current requirements directly with each company. What are the best starter trucking companies? The best starter trucking companies offer training, driver support, and opportunities to gain experience. Companies such as Swift, Roehl, Prime, Schneider, and Werner are among those new CDL drivers may want to compare. The right choice depends on your goals and the positions currently available. Can you get a trucking job with a CDL and no experience? Yes. Some trucking companies hire recent CDL graduates and provide additional training before drivers begin working independently. Other positions require several months or more of professional driving experience. Which trucking companies offer paid CDL training? Some carriers offer company-sponsored CDL training or programs that help drivers enter the industry. Availability, training compensation, repayment requirements, and employment commitments vary. Confirm the current terms directly with the carrier before enrolling. Should new CDL drivers choose a carrier based on starting pay? Starting pay matters, but it shouldn't be the only consideration. New drivers should also compare training, miles, freight type, home time, equipment, support, and long-term opportunities. Is flatbed trucking a good option for new drivers? Flatbed trucking can be a good option for drivers interested in hands-on work and specialized freight. Companies such as Maverick, Melton, Prime, and Roehl offer flatbed-related opportunities, although entry-level requirements vary. What is the difference between company-sponsored CDL training and an independent CDL school? Company-sponsored training may reduce upfront costs and offer a path to employment, but it can include contractual obligations. Independent CDL schools generally provide more flexibility when choosing a carrier, although students may face higher upfront costs. How can a new driver evaluate a trucking company's culture? Research the company's history, read independent reviews, and ask recruiters about training, driver support, turnover, safety practices, and home time. Look for patterns across multiple sources. How do earnings and home time affect a driver's carrier choice? Drivers who spend more time on the road may have access to different earning opportunities than drivers with more frequent home time. However, actual earnings depend on the position, freight, miles, pay structure, and other factors. Continue Preparing for Your First Job How to Crush Your First 90 Days with a New Trucking Carrier Take the Next Step Starting your trucking career is a big decision, but you don't have to figure everything out at once. Research your options, talk with recruiters, and choose a company that helps you build a strong foundation. If your long-term goals include flatbed, specialized, or heavy haul trucking, explore ATS driving opportunities to learn what experience and qualifications you'll need to take that next step. Explore ATS Driving Opportunities

Best Heavy Haul Trucking Companies in 2026 at a Glance

Top Department of Defense (DOD) trucking companies for secure freight in 2026 include specialized carriers that meet strict DOD freight requirements, security expectations, team-driving standards, and high-stakes logistics demands.

"You think I can't do it? Watch this."

With 70 years' experience in the trucking industry, Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) has seen it happen: good, dependable drivers switching carrier companies or hanging up their keys and leaving the trucking industry altogether. Sometimes it happens quietly, out of nowhere; other times, it's the result of pent-up, full-blown frustration. Regardless of how it happens, the fact is this: it happens way more often than people outside the trucking industry realize.

In this episode of Beyond the Road, Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) Recruiting Manager Jeron sits down with Omar, a specialized flatbed driver who's become known for his calm, prepared, "one-step-at-a-time" approach to trucking. A quick exchange about football soon turns into a genuine discussion about winter driving tips, life on the road, and why mental resets, patience, and planning matter so much for professional truck drivers.