Forward Air vs FedEx Freight
Forward Air specializes in airport-to-airport deferred air freight and expedited LTL. FedEx Freight is a traditional full-service LTL carrier. Different market segments with different driver experiences.
Forward Air
- Pay
- $60,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 2,500+ tractors (company + owner-operator)
- Rating
- 3.7/5
FedEx Freight
- Pay
- $60,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 15,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.1/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Forward Air
Forward Air pays $60K-$90K with mileage-based pay and owner-operator options.
FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight pays $60K-$95K with structured hourly rates and FedEx pay scale.
Home Time
Forward Air
Forward Air linehaul can involve overnight and weekend work.
FedEx Freight
FedEx city drivers home daily; road drivers have predictable home time.
Benefits
Forward Air
Forward Air offers health, 401(k), PTO, and owner-operator programs.
FedEx Freight
FedEx provides pension, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and full corporate benefits.
Training/Support
Forward Air
Forward Air requires 1 year experience; company and owner-operator roles available.
FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight requires 1 year experience with ongoing training programs.
Equipment/Technology
Forward Air
Forward Air's fleet handles specialized freight maintained to expedited standards.
FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight operates one of the largest, most standardized LTL fleets.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Forward Air
- Founded
- 1981
- Fleet
- 2,500+ tractors (company + owner-operator)
- Drivers
- 3,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, LTL, Expedited, Owner-Operator
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Tennessee, Ohio and Georgia
Forward Air is an asset-light freight and logistics company specializing in airport-to-airport LTL service for the deferred air freight market. The company also provides truckload, intermodal, and final-mile delivery services. Forward Air drivers often handle time-sensitive freight and high-value shipments.
Only Forward Air is strong in: Ohio and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Forward Air and not by FedEx Freight
- • Competitive mileage pay
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid time off
- • Owner-operator opportunities
FedEx Freight
- Founded
- 2001
- Fleet
- 15,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 14,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Tennessee, Texas and California
FedEx Freight is the LTL division of FedEx Corporation and one of the largest LTL carriers in North America. The company offers local and regional driving positions with the backing of one of the world's most recognized brands.
Only FedEx Freight is strong in: Texas and California — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by FedEx Freight and not by Forward Air
- • FedEx corporate benefits package
- • Pension plan and 401(k)
- • Tuition reimbursement
- • Home daily for most routes
Our Verdict
FedEx Freight is the better choice for most drivers. Forward Air is worth considering if you're interested in expedited freight, airport operations, or owner-operator opportunities in a niche market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forward Air's deferred air freight?
Moves freight between airports that could fly but tolerates slightly longer transit. Time-sensitive but not urgent enough for air.
Does Forward Air have owner-operator opportunities?
Yes, their linehaul network is partially operated by independent contractors.
Is FedEx Freight worth waiting for?
The pension and benefits make it worth pursuing. But Forward Air is solid -- don't turn down a good position just to hold out.
Learn More About These Companies
Forward Air
Greeneville, TN · 2,500+ tractors (company + owner-operator)