XPO vs Estes Express Lines
Two large non-union national LTL carriers. XPO offers a pension plan. Estes offers ESOP. Both provide home-daily city positions and competitive pay.
XPO
- Pay
- $60,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 13,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 3.7/5
Estes Express Lines
- Pay
- $58,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 8,000+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.2/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
XPO
XPO pays $60K-$95K.
Estes Express Lines
Estes pays $58K-$90K with ESOP.
Home Time
XPO
City daily; road scheduled.
Estes Express Lines
City daily; linehaul predictable.
Benefits
XPO
Pension, 401(k), health, PTO.
Estes Express Lines
ESOP, 401(k), health, dock-to-driver.
Training/Support
XPO
1 year required. Dock-to-driver.
Estes Express Lines
Strong dock-to-driver, promotes from within.
Equipment/Technology
XPO
Modernized fleet.
Estes Express Lines
Large, well-maintained 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.
XPO
- Founded
- 1989
- Fleet
- 13,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 12,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Connecticut, Ohio and California
XPO is one of the largest LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers in North America following its separation from GXO Logistics. The company has a vast terminal network and offers drivers local and regional routes with consistent home time.
Only XPO is strong in: Connecticut and California — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by XPO and not by Estes Express Lines
- • Competitive LTL pay with hourly and mileage options
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • Pension plan and 401(k)
- • Paid time off
- • Home daily for most positions
Estes Express Lines
- Founded
- 1931
- Fleet
- 8,000+ tractors
- Drivers
- 9,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A (dock-to-driver programs available)
- Strongest states
- Virginia, Ohio and Georgia
Estes Express is the largest privately held LTL carrier in the U.S. Family-owned since 1931, the company is known for its strong corporate culture, driver-friendly policies, and extensive service center network covering all 50 states.
Only Estes Express Lines is strong in: Virginia and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Estes Express Lines and not by XPO
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- • Paid time off and holidays
- • Dock-to-driver career path
Our Verdict
XPO for pension (guaranteed retirement income). Estes for ESOP (company ownership shares) and the stronger dock-to-driver program. Both are strong non-union LTL careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pension vs ESOP?
XPO pension is guaranteed income in retirement. Estes ESOP gives company shares that grow in value. Different wealth-building approaches.
Which is family-owned?
Estes is family-owned since 1931. XPO is publicly traded.
Which has more terminals?
XPO has a larger network. Estes is also national but slightly smaller.