Knight-Swift Transportation vs Heartland Express
Knight-Swift is the largest TL carrier with coast-to-coast operations, while Heartland focuses on short-to-medium haul in the eastern U.S. with more frequent home time. Both accept newer drivers but the driving experience differs significantly.
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Heartland Express
- Pay
- $55,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K depending on division and experience.
Heartland Express
Heartland pays $55K-$80K with consistent miles on shorter haul lanes.
Home Time
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift OTR can mean extended time away; dedicated is better.
Heartland Express
Heartland's short-haul model gets many drivers home weekly or more often.
Benefits
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift offers health insurance, 401(k), and stock purchase plan.
Heartland Express
Heartland provides medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, and paid orientation.
Training/Support
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy is one of the most accessible CDL training programs.
Heartland Express
Heartland prefers 1 year experience; limited programs for brand-new drivers.
Equipment/Technology
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight trucks tend to be newer than Swift; fleet quality varies.
Heartland Express
Heartland runs late-model Freightliners with a reputation for clean trucks.
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.
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 Heartland Express
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
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 Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid orientation
- • Late-model Freightliner equipment
- • Weekly home time options
Our Verdict
Heartland is the clear winner for home time priority. Knight-Swift is better for new drivers needing CDL training or wanting the widest range of division options. Experienced drivers who value home time should seriously consider Heartland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Heartland really get you home more?
Yes. Their short-to-medium haul focus means shorter routes and more frequent home cycles.
Which is better for brand-new CDL holders?
Knight-Swift, through Swift Academy. Heartland prefers at least 1 year experience.
Is Heartland financially stable?
Yes. Publicly traded, profitable, and has made several acquisitions.