CHARLOTTE, N.C. — K&J Trucking and Decker Truck Line, Inc. have claimed the top honors as the 2025 Best Overall Fleets to Drive For, marking a significant milestone in a program that evaluates carrier performance through the lens of the professional driver. CarriersEdge, the organization behind the annual survey and competition, announced these winners during the Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This recognition follows a rigorous selection process that highlights for-hire carriers excelling in workplace culture, safety, and operational support during a challenging period for the freight market.
The program, now in its 17th year, serves as a benchmark for driver retention and satisfaction across the U.S. trucking industry. For Sioux Falls-based K&J Trucking, the win represents a historic back-to-back victory in the small carrier category, a feat never before achieved by a contractor-heavy fleet in the 11 years since the current scoring structure was implemented. Meanwhile, Fort Dodge-based Decker Truck Line secured its first-ever Best Overall title in the large carrier category, capping off a four-year trajectory of consistent improvement in its driver programs and safety protocols.
Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge, noted that both organizations managed to thrive despite persistent economic headwinds. K&J Trucking continues to challenge the industry narrative that fleets relying on independent contractors struggle to provide a premium environment for their drivers. Decker Truck Line has demonstrated a similar commitment to excellence, showing measurable gains in safety and driver satisfaction since first entering the Top 20 list in 2022. These awards, sponsored by TruckRight and Netradyne, emphasize that even in a down market, fleets that prioritize the professional driver remain competitive.
What This Means for Drivers
For a CDL-A driver or an owner-operator looking for stability, these rankings provide a verified shortlist of companies that have proven they can maintain high standards even when freight conditions are tight. Drivers should look for carriers that invest in consistent communication and safety technology, as these are the primary metrics used to grade the winning fleets. Those seeking long-term employment should prioritize companies that demonstrate a multi-year commitment to workplace culture rather than fleeting perks. If you are currently searching for trucking companies hiring, these winners demonstrate that internal support systems are just as critical as pay packages.
Industry Reaction
The success of these carriers reinforces the growing importance of driver experience in a sector often plagued by high turnover. By focusing on the specific needs of both company drivers and owner-operators, K&J and Decker have set a standard that forces other carriers to re-evaluate their own retention strategies. As fleets navigate shifting FMCSA regulations and fluctuating demand, the ability to maintain a stable, satisfied driver base remains the most reliable indicator of a company’s long-term health and operational success.
Key Points
- K&J Trucking achieved back-to-back wins in the small carrier category, a first in the program's history.
- Decker Truck Line earned its first Best Overall Fleet award after four years of consistent improvement.
- The Best Fleets to Drive For program uses a comprehensive survey process to evaluate for-hire carriers.
- K&J Trucking maintains a fleet composition primarily consisting of independent contractors.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR 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 are hiring now.
Photo by Amar Preciado on Pexels