Trucking companies rule the world of land transportation with an iron fist. They play a pivotal role in ensuring goods reach their destinations efficiently. Such companies are the backbone of the supply chain, connecting producers to consumers across vast distances.
These companies go beyond just moving cargo. They navigate the complexities of logistics, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and contribute significantly to the global economy. Let us discover more about these 10 largest trucking companies of the modern era.
Table of Content
Ten Largest Trucking Companies
1. United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS holds the baton and leads this list of the biggest trucking brands in the world. This is the biggest American trucking company that holds the highest share of this market. Founded in the year 1907, it was named America Messenger Company. UPS affectionately terms its ground package tractor-trailers as “feeders,” a unique distinction from its UPS Freight fleet.
Established: 1907
Net worth: $133.18 Billion
Net Income: $11.55 Billion
Headquarters: Sandy Springs, Georgia, USA
Location: The International segment covers Europe, Asia Pacific, Canada, ISMEA and Latin America
Freight Type: Freight forwarding, courier express, and logistics services
2. FedEx
On this list of top 10 trucking companies worldwide, FedEx holds the second position. It is an American giant that delivers packages. They are famous for their overnight delivery service and for creating a system that can track packages and give real-time updates on where they are. Many other delivery companies now use this feature too. The company has a massive workforce of 425,000 people. It owns more than 113,000 trailers and 29,000 trucks. Apart from being a major delivery company, FedEx is also known as one of the biggest freight brokers worldwide.
Established: 1971
Net worth: $66.99 Billion
Net Income: $3.972 Billion
Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Location: More than 220 territories and countries
Freight Type: Post delivery, freight forwarding, 3rd-party logistics, and express mail services
3. XPO Logistics
3rd on this list, XPO Logistics is another American multinational trucking company and one of the biggest freight brokers handling over 50,000 customers. It owns more than 25,689 trailers and 14,438 trucks. It has got over 100,000 people working for them. In the last ten years, XPO Logistics, Inc. has been the 7th best-performing stock on the Fortune 500 list. It is the 3rd biggest trucking company on our list when it comes to earnings. So, they’re not just big in terms of trucks and trailers; they’re also doing well in the business world.
Established: 2000
Net worth: $8.66 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.66 Billion
Headquarters: Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
Location: Over 564 global locations in 18 countries
Freight Type: Freight brokerage, drayage, intermodal, global forwarding, less-than truckload (LTL) and last-mile services
4. J. B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt is a Fortune 500 logistics and transportation brand, operating in multiple countries. It is a company that deals with moving things and organizing deliveries. Right now, they run more than 33,510 trailers and 15,808 big trucks. It has a huge team of over 29,056 people working for them. J.B. Hunt mainly uses semi-trailer trucks to move stuff, and provides transportation services all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Established: 1961
Net worth: $6.4 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.51 Billion
Headquarters: Lowell, Arkansas, USA
Location: Mexico, Canada, and the USA
Freight Type: LTL freight, intermodal, asset-based temperature controlled freight, dry freight, etc.
5. Knight Swift
Swift Transportation is the subsidiary company of Knight Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. It is ranked 5th on this list and is one of the largest trucking companies in the world. It uses big trucks for carrying things in dry and temperature-controlled conditions, especially for shorter to medium distances. Besides that, it also helps arrange transportation via freight brokerage. Knight Swift has a huge team of over 25,400 people, and they operate a whopping 19,156 trucks and 69,544 trailers.
Established: 1990
Net worth: $8.22 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.744 Billion
Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Location: Mexico, Canada, and the USA
Freight Type: Truckload, dedicated, refrigerated, intermodal, flatbed, and cross-border services
6. YRC Worldwide
The sixth on this list, YRC Worldwide is considered one of the leading giants on land freight services. YRC Worldwide is a major player in the transportation and logistics industry. This company operates a comprehensive network for shipping and delivering freight across North America. With a focus on less-than-truckload (LTL) services, YRC Worldwide efficiently moves goods for businesses of all sizes.
Established: 1929
Net Worth: $5.24 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.197 Billion
Headquarters: Overland Park, Arkansas, USA
Location: Canada, and the USA
Freight Type: LTL Freight, industrial, commercial and retail goods
7. Schneider National
Schneider National holds the 7th rank on this list. It is renowned for its innovative transportation solutions. With a diverse range of services, Schneider provides efficient and reliable freight solutions. The company’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology sets it apart making it a trusted partner for businesses seeking seamless transportation and logistics services.
Established: 1935
Net Worth: $6.6 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.457 Billion
Headquarters: Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States
Location: North America
Freight Type: Expedited, regional, long-haul, bulk, intermodal, dedicated, freight brokerage, port logistics, supply chain management, pool point distribution, and cross-dock logistics
8. Landstar System
Landstar System is a leading transportation solutions provider with headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. As a non-asset-based company, it connects customers with a vast network of independent agents and capacity providers. Specializing in customized logistics services, it excels in complex freight solutions.
Established: 1968
Net Worth: $6.36 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.457 Billion
Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Location: North America
Freight Type: Specialized freight, heavy items, etc.
9. Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion Freight Line is a prominent trucking company. Specializing in (LTL) freight services, this company is recognized for its quality and reliability. It boasts a vast network of service centers across North America, providing efficient transportation solutions. Known for its advanced technology and emphasis on customer satisfaction, Old Dominion Freight Line has established itself as a trusted and efficient partner in the logistics with 35,729 trailers and 9254 trucks.
Established: 1934
Net Worth: $44.71 Billion
Net Income: $ 1.377 Billion
Headquarters: Thomasville, North Carolina, United States
Location: North America
Freight Type: LTL logistics, warehousing, household moving, trade show shipping, etc.
10. TFI International
TFI International, headquartered is a big trucking company in Canada and a major player in the transportation and logistics sector. As a diversified transportation services provider, it operates a broad network of businesses, including truckload and LTL services, logistics, and last-mile delivery. With a focus on customer satisfaction and efficiency, the company has established itself as a reliable partner in the movement of goods across North America.
Established: 1957
Net Worth: $11.02 Billion
Net Income: $ 0.823 Billion
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Location: North America
Freight Type: Transportation and Logistic Services, package and courier, freight forwarding, etc.
Wrapping up
Trucking companies are a crucial part of the logistics system for things running smoothly in different industries. They connect the manufacturing and consumption points on time. With their big networks of trucks, they make sure things arrive on time, helping businesses grow and keeping essential products moving. These ten trucking companies play a huge role in making sure everything works well in the world of moving and delivering goods.
FAQs – 10 Biggest Trucking Companies
1. Which is the biggest trucking company in the world?
UPS Inc is the biggest among the top trucking companies in the world. It operates in more than 200 territories and countries worldwide.
2. What do you mean by LTL in logistics?
Less than truckload (LTL) freight involves shipping smaller loads of goods that don’t fill a whole truck. Numerous individual shipments are consolidated onto a single truck for transport. This method is efficient for transporting smaller quantities of products.
3. Who are called freight brokers?
Freight brokers are intermediaries facilitating the transportation of goods between shippers and carriers. Acting as liaisons, they connect businesses with reliable carriers, negotiate shipping rates, and handle logistical details. Freight brokers play a crucial role in optimizing transportation efficiency and ensuring the smooth movement of cargo in the supply chain. The top names are XPO Logistics, Landstar System, Echo Global Logistics, etc.
4. What does freight forwarding mean?
Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers (exporters or importers) and transportation services such as carriers (shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies). They handle various logistics tasks, including arranging shipping, managing documentation, customs clearance, and ensuring the smooth movement of cargo across different modes of transportation.