Top 12 Highest-Paying Trucking Employers in Jacksonville

Introduction

Punch: Jacksonville is having a moment. Freight is flowing, ports are buzzing, and drivers are cashing bigger checks than ever. If you’re hunting for Jacksonville trucking jobs that actually pay what your grind is worth, this is the short list you want in your back pocket.

Classic: With direct access to I-95, I-10, and an expanding port complex, the River City is one of the Southeast’s strongest freight magnets. That means more high-paying truck driving opportunities across local, regional, and OTR lanes—and a dynamic mix of private fleets, LTL leaders, and national carriers competing for your CDL. Below, we break down the 12 trucking employers Jacksonville drivers consistently rate as top earners, then go deep on cross-border logistics intel that matters when your routes stretch into the Midwest and Canada. Expect straightforward details on truck driver salary Jacksonville ranges, bonuses, equipment, and schedules—plus practical trucker resources you can use on day one.

The 12 Highest-Paying Trucking Employers in Jacksonville

HMD Trucking

HMD pairs modern equipment with driver-first policies and a Southeast footprint that includes steady Jacksonville freight. If you’re chasing a balance of strong CPM, predictable home time, and consistent miles, HMD’s Jacksonville lanes are worth a look—especially for experienced CDL-A pros who value clean operations and transparent pay.

• Best fit: OTR and regional drivers seeking steady miles and competitive CPM with bonuses.
• Pay insights: Strong CPM plus performance and safety bonuses; top earners often exceed regional averages for truck driver salary Jacksonville.
• Equipment: Late-model tractors, safety tech, proactive maintenance schedules that keep downtime low.
• Home time: Options vary by lane; regional drivers often see weekly resets.
• How to apply: HMD Trucking Jacksonville highest-paying employers

Walmart Private Fleet

Walmart’s private fleet is a gold-standard driver job for a reason—top-tier total compensation, predictable routing, and premium equipment. Jacksonville sits inside a super-active Walmart distribution network, which translates into stable freight and high earning potential for seasoned drivers.

• Best fit: Highly experienced CDL-A drivers with clean records and a safety-first mindset.
• Pay insights: Industry-leading annual comp with additional pay for safety and mileage; high-paying truck driving benchmark for the region.
• Equipment: Newer tractors, rigorous safety regulations adherence, and driver comfort features.
• Home time: Predictable schedules with regional patterns serving Florida and the Southeast.
• How to apply: Walmart Private Fleet

UPS (Freight and Package Operations)

UPS offers some of the most reliable driver earnings in the country, particularly in union-covered roles. Jacksonville is a pivotal node for parcel and freight movement, so routes are steady and well-managed with strong benefits.

• Best fit: CDL drivers seeking premium benefits, strong base pay, and steady schedules.
• Pay insights: Strong hourly and overtime structure; reliable raises and pension in covered roles.
• Equipment: Well-maintained fleet with strict safety standards and trucking compliance.
• Home time: Mix of local, regional, and sleeper-team options depending on bid and seniority.
• How to apply: UPS Careers

FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight is an LTL powerhouse with a reputation for excellent terminal operations and safety. Jacksonville’s freight volume means consistent linehaul and city P&D opportunities with competitive pay structures.

• Best fit: Drivers who prefer LTL rhythm with predictable routes and regular home time.
• Pay insights: Competitive hourly/linehaul rates with premium add-ons for night shifts and safety.
• Equipment: Well-serviced tractors, strict pre-trip/post-trip, and dependable dock support.
• Home time: Most P&D drivers are home daily; linehaul often includes set bid schedules.
• How to apply: FedEx Freight Careers

Old Dominion Freight Line

ODFL consistently ranks among the best trucking companies Jacksonville drivers recommend for LTL pay and culture. The company’s focus on safety, equipment, and terminal efficiency drives high driver satisfaction and strong earnings.

• Best fit: LTL pros who want top-tier terminal ops and fair, transparent compensation.
• Pay insights: Premium LTL pay with substantial overtime potential and annual raises.
• Equipment: Pristine fleet, meticulous bridge inspections-equivalent maintenance standards for tractors/trailers.
• Home time: P&D is home daily; linehaul bids provide consistency for night owls.
• How to apply: Old Dominion Careers

XPO (LTL)

XPO’s Jacksonville terminal supports both regional and long-haul LTL routes, with competitive pay and a safety-forward culture. Drivers benefit from clear dispatch and operational discipline that reduces traffic congestion delays and keeps schedules tight.

• Best fit: Drivers who like the structure and pay cadence of LTL with modern tech in-cab.
• Pay insights: Solid linehaul rates, strong benefits; bonuses for safety and performance.
• Equipment: Late-model tractors with telematics; thorough road surface condition checks.
• Home time: P&D is home nightly; linehaul offers consistent overnights.
• How to apply: XPO Careers

Schneider

Schneider’s scale means options: dedicated, intermodal, regional, or OTR. Jacksonville’s proximity to port and rail hubs gives Schneider drivers a wide range of lanes and steady freight, with strong safety coaching and tech.

• Best fit: Drivers who want flexibility in picking lanes and schedules.
• Pay insights: Competitive CPM and accessorial pay with frequent toll rates reimbursement and bonuses.
• Equipment: Modern rigs with safety tech; clear enforcement advisories and compliance processes.
• Home time: Wide range—ask about dedicated Jacksonville accounts for weekly home time.
• How to apply: Schneider Jobs

J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt blends dedicated and intermodal strength with a big Jacksonville presence. Drivers benefit from reliable freight scheduling, clear dispatch communication, and strong benefits.

• Best fit: Dedicated or intermodal drivers who want predictability and home time.
• Pay insights: Competitive pay bands; bonuses and incentives for safety and productivity.
• Equipment: Newer tractors; detailed lane closures alerts and traffic management guidance via dispatch.
• Home time: Dedicated Jacksonville lanes often offer multiple home nights per week.
• How to apply: J.B. Hunt Driving Jobs

Knight-Swift

Knight-Swift combines a massive national network with regional agility. Jacksonville-based drivers can align to Southeast lanes, take advantage of strong mentorship, and scale pay with tenure and performance.

• Best fit: Drivers seeking big-network advantages with lane variety and steady miles.
• Pay insights: Solid CPM with quarterly bonuses; clear path to top-tier rates for safe, consistent drivers.
• Equipment: Fleet renewal program and data-backed maintenance schedules.
• Home time: Regional routes across Florida, Georgia, and beyond; weekly home time common.
• How to apply: Knight-Swift

Averitt Express

Averitt’s Southeast roots run deep, and its Jacksonville operations reflect a careful balance between reliable pay, benefits, and culture. Drivers appreciate transparent communication and a safety-first approach.

• Best fit: Regional drivers who value team culture and work-life balance.
• Pay insights: Competitive regional pay; extra pay for hazmat transport rules proficiency and endorsements.
• Equipment: Strong PM programs; weather impact protocols to protect schedules and trucker safety.
• Home time: Predictable weekly resets; some dedicated accounts offer more frequent home time.
• How to apply: Averitt Careers

Saia LTL Freight

Saia is a top LTL payer with a serious footprint across the Southeast. Jacksonville drivers benefit from proven terminal operations and respected frontline management that treats drivers like pros.

• Best fit: LTL drivers who want excellent pay and daily home time.
• Pay insights: Premium LTL pay with strong overtime; yearly increases are common.
• Equipment: Top-tier tractors and trailers; robust trucking compliance and safety regulations training.
• Home time: P&D daily; linehaul night runs with set schedules.
• How to apply: Saia Careers

Southeastern Freight Lines

SEFL is known for clean terminals, courteous culture, and strong pay. In Jacksonville, the mix of city P&D and linehaul provides flexible options for how you want to earn.

• Best fit: LTL pros who want steady raises and respect on the dock and road.
• Pay insights: Competitive hourly and mileage pay; bonuses for performance and safety.
• Equipment: Regular bridge maintenance-like rigor on equipment checks; reliable shop support.
• Home time: P&D is home nightly; linehaul offers consistent nights.
• How to apply: Southeastern Freight Lines Careers

Introduction to Detroit’s Major Trucking Crossings

Why does Detroit matter to Jacksonville drivers? Because a surprising number of Southeast lanes connect to the Midwest and Canada, and that means border crossings. If your Jacksonville carrier runs cross-border shipments, understanding the Ambassador Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project can protect your clock, your compliance, and your paycheck. Think of this section as trucker resources you’ll use when dispatch drops a load with customs procedures or preclearance procedures attached.

Ambassador Bridge

Overview and History

The Ambassador Bridge is a historic private span over the Detroit River connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. Operated by the Detroit International Bridge Company, it’s been a cornerstone of cross-border trade and freight movement for decades. Its bridge history includes multiple infrastructure developments to handle heavier commercial trucking volumes, weight limits adjustments, and evolving bridge operations to keep cargo flowing.

Recent Changes and Hazmat Regulations

Hazardous materials and hazmat transport rules have specific restrictions across the Ambassador. Height restrictions and weight limits are strictly enforced; lane closures and seasonal closures can occur during bridge maintenance or construction. Pay attention to enforcement advisories, security screening rules, and any updates to customs clearance workflows. If your load includes hazardous materials, confirm whether the Ambassador is an approved route or whether an alternative route or the Blue Water Bridge is required.

Toll Information and Traffic Patterns

Bridge tolls and toll rates can fluctuate; monitor toll rate updates through official postings before you plan your run. Traffic patterns depend on time of day, lane configuration, and border security posture. Border wait times vary with traffic congestion and weather impact; carriers often use border wait estimates to optimize freight scheduling. Expect occasional lane closures during bridge inspections or road surface condition repairs, and follow toll plaza design signage closely to reach the correct truck entry points.

Blue Water Bridge

Overview and History

Connecting Port Huron, Michigan, to Sarnia, Ontario, the Blue Water Bridge is a key corridor for international trade. It’s popular with many carriers for its predictable traffic management and robust service plaza guides. The crossing supports significant cross-border logistics volume, integrating well with customs brokerage partners for smoother documents handling.

Toll Information and Traffic Patterns

As with the Ambassador, Blue Water’s toll rates shift periodically. Watch for toll rate updates and posted border crossing hours, which affect freight movement and port of entry info. Traffic patterns can be more forgiving here than in Detroit proper, but peak hours still create delays. Trucker tips: use pre-arrival customs procedures and cargo manifest tips to expedite processing and reduce border wait times.

Maintenance and Operational Updates

Bridge maintenance schedules are public when significant; check for planned lane closures ahead of time. The Blue Water Bridge often publishes maintenance advisories and weather impact notices to support logistics planning. Seasonal closures on ramps and nearby surface roads can affect truck entry points—watch for detours and alternative routes flagged by DOT feeds and trucking industry news bulletins.

Comparing the Two Bridges

Cost Analysis

When choosing between the Ambassador and Blue Water, cost isn’t just toll rates. You’re balancing fuel burn from traffic congestion, border wait estimates, and potential delays from customs clearance. For some lanes, Blue Water’s smoother flow offsets slightly longer distance; for others, the Ambassador’s directness wins.

Traffic Flow and Efficiency

Blue Water often delivers more predictable flow, but either bridge can snarl under heavy freight movement or tight border security. Monitor traffic management alerts, check road surface condition reports, and compare real-time border crossings data before committing your routing.

Safety Considerations

Both bridges apply strict safety regulations for commercial trucking. That includes height restrictions checks, hazmat transport rules, vehicle documentation verification, and security screening. Trucker safety improves when you keep copies of all vehicle documentation handy, verify customs brokerage contacts, and follow preclearance procedures to avoid last-minute holds.

Future Developments

Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge will add a modern, high-capacity crossing between Detroit and Windsor. While timelines have shifted, the project’s targeted opening is widely cited in the 2025–2026 window. Its design emphasizes efficient truck entry points, larger inspection plazas, and updated lane management for cross-border shipments.

Impact on Trucking Routes and Operations

Expect the new span to redistribute trucking routes, reduce pressure on the Ambassador, and streamline bridge operations. For Jacksonville carriers with Midwest/Canada lanes, this could lower border wait times, stabilize freight scheduling, and improve on-time performance. Watch for toll rates announcements, customs procedures adjustments, and any trucker community feedback as the bridge opens. This is the kind of cross-border trade infrastructure development that can materially improve a driver’s week.

Glossary

• Border crossings: The points where commercial trucking moves between the U.S. and Canada, requiring customs clearance.
• Customs procedures: Steps required by CBP/CBSA to process cross-border shipments, including documentation checks.
• Preclearance procedures: Programs allowing certain cargo to be screened before arriving at the port of entry.
• Customs brokerage: Licensed specialists who manage paperwork and compliance for international trade.
• Bridge tolls / Toll rates: Fees charged to cross a bridge; monitor toll rate updates for budgeting.
• Traffic patterns: Predictable flows and peak times that affect transit time and routing decisions.
• Maintenance schedules: Planned work on bridges/roads that can trigger lane closures or detours.
• Weight limits / Height restrictions: Legal limits set to protect infrastructure; violations risk fines and delays.
• Border wait times / Border wait estimates: Real-time or forecasted delays at ports of entry.
• Security screening: Inspections performed to enforce border security and verify cargo legitimacy.
• Cargo manifest tips: Best practices for accurate bills of lading and manifests to avoid holds.
• Truck entry points: Lanes and gates designated for commercial vehicles at a crossing.
• Port of entry info: Official details (hours, services, procedures) for specific border locations.
• Traffic management: Systems and tactics to keep vehicles flowing safely and efficiently.
• Service plaza guides: Resources detailing fuel, food, parking, and facilities along trucking routes.
• Bridge maintenance / Bridge inspections: Ongoing work and safety checks to ensure infrastructure integrity.
• Enforcement advisories: Notices about crackdowns or changes in rules impacting truckers.
• Alternative routes: Backup paths you can take during incidents, lane closures, or seasonal closures.
• Road surface condition: Pavement status that affects traction, braking distance, and safety.
• Weather impact: How storms, ice, or heat affect operations and scheduling.

FAQ

Q: What’s a realistic truck driver salary Jacksonville drivers can expect from these employers?

A: It varies by lane and experience. LTL carriers (ODFL, Saia, SEFL, FedEx Freight) and private fleets (Walmart) often pay at the top of the market. Many experienced drivers report annual earnings that meet or exceed national averages, with top performers crossing the $90,000–$100,000+ threshold, especially with overtime or bonus programs.

Q: Which employers offer the most predictable home time?

A: LTL P&D roles at Old Dominion, Saia, SEFL, and FedEx Freight are typically home daily. Dedicated accounts at J.B. Hunt, Averitt, and Schneider also offer consistent weekly home time.

Q: Do Jacksonville trucking jobs include cross-border shipments?

A: Some do—especially for larger carriers with Midwest lanes. If your route includes border crossings, your dispatcher will brief you on customs procedures, vehicle documentation, and whether preclearance procedures are available.

Q: How can I avoid delays on Detroit bridges?

A: Check border wait estimates, watch for lane closures, confirm border crossing hours, and follow cargo manifest tips. Work closely with your customs brokerage partner, and plan alternative routes if enforcement advisories or major maintenance schedules are posted.

Q: Where can I get trucking industry news and trucker tips for cross-border logistics?

A: Combine official DOT, CBP, and provincial/state feeds with your carrier’s ops alerts. Many carriers share trucker resources and traffic management updates via app or text.

Conclusion

Jacksonville is the rare freight market where opportunity meets variety. Whether you’re chasing LTL overtime, dedicated predictability, or OTR miles, the trucking employers Jacksonville drivers rate as highest paying all show up with a mix of strong compensation, well-kept equipment, and safety-forward culture. The best trucking companies Jacksonville has to offer—Walmart Private Fleet, UPS, FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, XPO, Schneider, J.B. Hunt, Knight-Swift, Averitt, Saia, SEFL, and HMD—give you real choices to build a sustainable, high-earning career.

CTA: Ready to move? Shortlist three companies that fit your goals, bookmark their application pages, and talk to current drivers in the trucker community for unfiltered insights. Then get in the seat—because high-paying truck driving in Jacksonville is wide open, and the next load could be the one that upgrades your year.

Note for cross-border pros: As the Gordie Howe International Bridge comes online, keep an eye on toll rates, bridge operations updates, and customs clearance workflows. The Detroit International Bridge Company continues to manage the Ambassador Bridge, where infrastructure developments and bridge maintenance can influence traffic patterns. Staying current on international trade changes, cross-border logistics best practices, and trucking compliance keeps your freight movement on schedule—and your paycheck intact.