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2024 Best Fleets to Drive For Winners Announced

CarriersEdge names K&J Trucking and Challenger Motor Freight as top carriers, while Garner Trucking earns Hall of Fame honor amid industry praise for driver‑focused programs

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Sioux Falls, SD — CarriersEdge has announced the recipients of its 2024 Best Fleets to Drive For awards, highlighting carriers that deliver superior compensation, benefits, professional growth, support systems, and safety performance for company drivers and independent contractors. The announcement came during the Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina, the event’s 16th year.

CarriersEdge’s evaluation process relies on nominations from drivers and contractors, followed by a rigorous assessment of each fleet’s pay structure, health coverage, career advancement opportunities, on‑road support, and safety record. The organization’s goal is to spotlight carriers that set industry standards for driver satisfaction and operational excellence, a crucial factor as trucking companies hiring surge across the country.

In the small carrier division, K&J Trucking of Sioux Falls earned the Best Overall Fleet title for the first time in the category, marking its third straight appearance in the Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For list. The large carrier category was dominated by Challenger Motor Freight of Cambridge, Ontario, which secured its second overall win and continues its streak of Top 20 placements for five consecutive years. Garner Trucking of Findlay, Ohio, captured the new Stratosphere Award, the highest overall score in the Best Fleets Hall of Fame, after meeting the qualification of ten consecutive Best Fleet nominations or seven years with at least one overall win. CarriersEdge CEO Jane Jazrawy praised both winners for their “progressive development of innovative awards” and their tangible impact on driver relationships, noting that their overall winner awards are well deserved.

What This Means for Drivers

Drivers who are CDL‑A holders, owner‑operators, or OTR truck drivers will find that fleets recognized by CarriersEdge typically offer higher pay, comprehensive benefits, and clear career paths. The awards signal that these carriers prioritize driver safety and support, reducing downtime and improving job satisfaction. For example, K&J Trucking’s recognition suggests robust training programs and competitive compensation packages, while Challenger Motor Freight’s repeat success points to consistent safety protocols and a supportive culture that aligns with FMCSA regulations. The Stratosphere Award given to Garner Trucking underscores a commitment to driver programs that elevate overall fleet performance.

Industry Reaction

The trucking community has greeted the 2024 awards with enthusiasm, viewing them as a benchmark for best practices. Many carriers see the recognition as a catalyst to improve their own driver programs, especially as trucking companies hiring intensify in response to freight demand. Industry analysts note that awards like these help attract top talent, reducing turnover and fostering a more stable workforce for truck driver jobs across the country.

Key Points

  • K&J Trucking’s first Best Overall Fleet win in the small carrier category, marking its third consecutive Top 20 appearance.
  • Challenger Motor Freight’s second overall win and fifth straight year in the Top 20 best fleets list.
  • Garner Trucking’s Stratosphere Award for the highest overall score in the Hall of Fame.
  • The ceremony took place at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, underscoring the event’s prestige and industry reach.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR truck drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies hiring now.

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Ray Kowalski
Veteran OTR driver turned industry writer. Ray logged over 1.5 million miles across 48 states before trading the cab for the keyboard. He covers FMCSA regulations, hours of service, and anything that affects a driver's logbook.