J.B. Hunt Transport Services vs Knight-Swift Transportation
J.B. Hunt and Knight-Swift are the two largest trucking companies in North America by revenue. J.B. Hunt pioneered intermodal and is known for its DCS division, while Knight-Swift is the largest truckload carrier with the widest range of opportunities.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- Pay
- $55,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 12,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 4.1/5
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt pays $55K-$95K with some of the highest dedicated and intermodal rates in the industry.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K with steady mileage pay and quarterly bonuses.
Home Time
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt intermodal and dedicated divisions offer daily or weekly home time.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift OTR drivers may be out 2-3 weeks; dedicated routes are improving.
Benefits
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt offers comprehensive benefits from day one, 401(k) match, and strong PTO.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift provides health insurance, 401(k), stock purchase plan, and weekly direct deposit.
Training/Support
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt prefers 6 months experience but accepts some recent graduates.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy is one of the largest CDL training programs in the country.
Equipment/Technology
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt runs late-model equipment and the industry-leading 360 platform.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight trucks tend to be newer than Swift trucks; equipment quality varies across the fleet.
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.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- Founded
- 1961
- Fleet
- 12,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Drivers
- 15,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal, Local
- Experience wanted
- 6 months CDL-A (some divisions accept recent graduates)
- Strongest states
- Arkansas, Texas and California
J.B. Hunt is one of the largest and most diversified transportation companies in North America. They pioneered intermodal freight and operate dedicated, final-mile, and truckload divisions. Based in Lowell, AR, J.B. Hunt is known for innovation and strong compensation.
Only J.B. Hunt Transport Services is strong in: Arkansas and California — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by J.B. Hunt Transport Services and not by Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Comprehensive health benefits from day one
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid time off
- • Driver development programs
- • Late-model equipment
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Founded
- 1966
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 25,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (Swift Academy)
- Strongest states
- Arizona, Texas and Tennessee
Knight-Swift is the largest full truckload carrier in North America, formed by the 2017 merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation. The company operates an enormous fleet with opportunities across every division and geography.
Only Knight-Swift Transportation is strong in: Arizona and Tennessee — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Knight-Swift Transportation and not by J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
Our Verdict
J.B. Hunt is the stronger choice for experienced drivers seeking higher pay and home time, especially in intermodal or dedicated. Knight-Swift is better for new drivers who need CDL training through Swift Academy. If you can get hired at J.B. Hunt, the compensation is generally superior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does J.B. Hunt or Knight-Swift pay more?
J.B. Hunt generally pays more, especially in intermodal and DCS divisions.
Which is easier to get hired at?
Knight-Swift, particularly Swift, is easier for new CDL holders. J.B. Hunt prefers 6+ months experience.
Is J.B. Hunt intermodal really that good?
For many drivers, yes. Home daily, competitive pay, and predictable schedules make it one of the most sought-after positions in trucking.
Learn More About These Companies
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Lowell, AR · 12,000+ trucks (company + independent)