Heartland Express vs USA Truck (DB Schenker)
Heartland focuses on short-to-medium haul with newer equipment. USA Truck offers OTR and regional with DB Schenker backing. Heartland is the stronger choice for most drivers.
Heartland Express
- Pay
- $55,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.6/5
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
- Pay
- $50,000 - $75,000
- Fleet
- 2,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.3/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Heartland Express
Heartland pays $55K-$80K with consistent miles on shorter haul lanes.
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
USA Truck pays $50K-$75K. DB Schenker backing hasn't significantly changed pay.
Home Time
Heartland Express
Heartland's shorter hauls mean more frequent home time.
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
USA Truck regional offers weekly; OTR is standard 2-3 weeks.
Benefits
Heartland Express
Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid orientation, late-model trucks.
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
Health, 401(k), PTO, rider policy, performance bonuses.
Training/Support
Heartland Express
Heartland prefers 1 year experience.
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
USA Truck accepts 3 months experience, making it more accessible.
Equipment/Technology
Heartland Express
Heartland runs late-model Freightliners with a reputation for clean trucks.
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
USA Truck fleet is average. DB Schenker may improve equipment over time.
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.
Heartland Express
- Founded
- 1978
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 5,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A preferred (some recent graduate programs)
- Strongest states
- Iowa, Texas and Georgia
Heartland Express is a major irregular-route truckload carrier focused on short-to-medium haul lanes. Known for getting drivers home more frequently than typical OTR carriers, Heartland operates primarily in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
Only Heartland Express is strong in: Iowa and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Heartland Express and not by USA Truck (DB Schenker)
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid orientation
- • Late-model Freightliner equipment
- • Weekly home time options
USA Truck (DB Schenker)
- Founded
- 1983
- Fleet
- 2,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 2,500+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated
- Experience wanted
- 3 months CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee
USA Truck was acquired by DB Schenker in 2023. The carrier continues to provide truckload and dedicated services across the U.S. with a focus on the southern and central regions. Now backed by one of the world's largest logistics companies.
Only USA Truck (DB Schenker) is strong in: Arkansas and Tennessee — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by USA Truck (DB Schenker) and not by Heartland Express
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) plan
- • Paid time off
- • Rider policy
- • Performance bonuses
Our Verdict
Heartland is the better carrier. Better equipment, better home time, higher pay. USA Truck is worth considering if you have less than 1 year experience (they accept 3 months) or if DB Schenker's global network interests you long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heartland or USA Truck better for new drivers?
USA Truck accepts 3 months experience vs Heartland's 1 year preference. If you're brand new, USA Truck is more accessible.
What happened to USA Truck?
Acquired by DB Schenker in 2023. Operations continue under the USA Truck brand.
Which has better trucks?
Heartland, known for late-model Freightliners averaging under 3 years old.