J.B. Hunt Transport Services vs Saia Inc.
Truckload/intermodal (J.B. Hunt) vs LTL (Saia). Different types of driving with different lifestyles. J.B. Hunt for variety and higher pay ceiling. Saia for consistent LTL with daily home time.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- Pay
- $55,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 12,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 4.1/5
Saia Inc.
- Pay
- $60,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 5,500+ tractors
- Rating
- 4/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt $55K-$95K with intermodal/DCS highest.
Saia Inc.
Saia $60K-$90K with hourly rates.
Home Time
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Intermodal daily; DCS weekly; OTR less.
Saia Inc.
City daily; linehaul scheduled.
Benefits
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Day-one benefits, 401(k), PTO.
Saia Inc.
401(k), stock purchase, health.
Training/Support
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Prefers 6 months.
Saia Inc.
1 year required.
Equipment/Technology
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
360 platform, modern fleet.
Saia Inc.
New investment in fleet and terminals.
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 Saia Inc.
- • Comprehensive health benefits from day one
- • Paid time off
- • Driver development programs
- • Late-model equipment
Saia Inc.
- Founded
- 1924
- Fleet
- 5,500+ tractors
- Drivers
- 6,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Georgia, Texas and Louisiana
Saia is a leading LTL carrier with a growing terminal network across the U.S. The company has rapidly expanded from its Southeast roots to become a national carrier, investing heavily in new service centers and equipment.
Only Saia Inc. is strong in: Georgia and Louisiana — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Saia Inc. and not by J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- • Competitive hourly pay
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Home daily for city positions
Our Verdict
J.B. Hunt for division variety and the highest pay ceiling. Saia for consistent LTL with guaranteed daily home time for city drivers. Different career paths for different priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LTL or truckload better?
Different lifestyles. LTL (Saia) typically means home daily for city drivers. Truckload (J.B. Hunt) has more variety.
Which requires less experience?
J.B. Hunt at 6 months vs Saia at 1 year.
Can I switch from truckload to LTL?
Yes. Truckload experience counts toward LTL hiring requirements.
Learn More About These Companies
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Lowell, AR · 12,000+ trucks (company + independent)