Werner Enterprises vs Heartland Express
Werner is a diversified mega carrier accepting new CDL graduates. Heartland focuses on short-haul with better home time but prefers experienced drivers.
Werner Enterprises
- Pay
- $52,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 8,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.8/5
Heartland Express
- Pay
- $55,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Werner Enterprises
Werner pays $52K-$80K with dedicated at the higher end.
Heartland Express
Heartland pays $55K-$80K on shorter haul lanes.
Home Time
Werner Enterprises
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated and regional weekly.
Heartland Express
Short-haul model gets many drivers home weekly or more.
Benefits
Werner Enterprises
Health, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, rider/pet.
Heartland Express
Health, 401(k) match, paid orientation, late-model trucks.
Training/Support
Werner Enterprises
Accepts CDL graduates with mentoring.
Heartland Express
Prefers 1 year experience.
Equipment/Technology
Werner Enterprises
Modern fleet averaging 2-3 years.
Heartland Express
Late-model Freightliners.
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.
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 Heartland Express
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • Paid time off
- • Rider and pet policy
- • Tuition reimbursement
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 Werner Enterprises
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • Paid orientation
- • Late-model Freightliner equipment
- • Weekly home time options
Our Verdict
New drivers should choose Werner. Experienced drivers wanting maximum home time should choose Heartland. Both are solid mid-tier carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for new drivers?
Werner. Heartland prefers 1 year experience.
Which gets you home more?
Heartland, with shorter haul routes.
Are both financially stable?
Yes. Werner is publicly traded. Heartland is also publicly traded and profitable.