Knight-Swift Transportation vs Werner Enterprises
The largest TL carrier vs a respected mega carrier. Knight-Swift has more openings and CDL training. Werner has more consistent driver satisfaction and equipment.
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Werner Enterprises
- Pay
- $52,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 8,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.8/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift $50K-$85K across divisions.
Werner Enterprises
Werner $52K-$80K with dedicated highest.
Home Time
Knight-Swift Transportation
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated improving.
Werner Enterprises
Dedicated and regional weekly; OTR 2-3 weeks.
Benefits
Knight-Swift Transportation
Health, 401(k), stock purchase, CDL training.
Werner Enterprises
Health, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, rider/pet.
Training/Support
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy -- largest CDL program.
Werner Enterprises
Mentoring program for CDL graduates.
Equipment/Technology
Knight-Swift Transportation
Varies; Knight newer than Swift.
Werner Enterprises
Consistent 2-3 year average 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.
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 Werner Enterprises
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
Werner Enterprises
- Founded
- 1956
- Fleet
- 8,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 10,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (with CDL training)
- Strongest states
- Nebraska, Texas and Ohio
One of the largest truckload carriers in North America with a strong driver training program. Werner operates dedicated, OTR, and regional fleets across all 48 contiguous states, Canada, and Mexico. Known for their professional development programs and modern fleet.
Only Werner Enterprises is strong in: Nebraska and Ohio — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Werner Enterprises and not by Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid time off
- • Rider and pet policy
- • Tuition reimbursement
Our Verdict
Knight-Swift for CDL training and job availability. Werner for more consistent experience and better driver satisfaction scores. Both are mainstream mega carriers with similar overall packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which treats drivers better?
Werner generally has higher driver satisfaction scores.
Which has more jobs?
Knight-Swift by a wide margin.
Is there a big difference?
Honestly, they're similar. Choose based on which has the best dedicated accounts near your home.