Estes Express Lines
Richmond, VA · Founded 1931 · 9,500+ trucks · 48 states, Canada, Caribbean
Company Overview
Estes Express Lines is the largest privately held LTL carrier in the United States, operating over 280 terminals nationwide. Founded during the Great Depression by W.W. Estes with a single truck, the company remains family-owned through four generations. Estes offers LTL, truckload, final-mile delivery, and dedicated services. Their commitment to being employee-owned and family-run gives Estes a distinct company culture compared to publicly traded competitors.
Pay & Compensation
Solo Driver Pay
$22-$32/hr (LTL P&D and linehaul)
Team Driver Pay
N/A
Owner-Operator Pay
Contract available
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive hourly pay
- Full medical, dental, vision
- 401(k) with match
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Safety bonuses
- Family-owned company culture
Hiring Requirements
- Minimum Age
- 21 years old
- Experience Required
- 1 year
- CDL Class
- Class A
- Endorsements
- Doubles/Triples for some routes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned culture with strong driver loyalty
- Largest private LTL carrier in the US
- Multiple service lines beyond LTL
- Over 280 terminal locations for convenient routes
Cons
- Pay slightly below Old Dominion and FedEx Freight in some markets
- Some terminals report older equipment
- Growth can mean operational growing pains
Equipment & Operations
Equipment Types
LTLTruckloadFinal MileDedicated
Operating Region
48 states, Canada, Caribbean
Home Time
Daily for P&D; 1-3 nights out for linehaul
Annual Revenue
$4.3 billion
Best For
Drivers who value family-owned company culture with LTL career stability
Frequently Asked Questions About Estes Express Lines
Estes is consistently rated well by drivers for its family-owned culture and employee treatment. While pay may not always top the LTL market, the overall work environment and benefits make it a strong choice.
Yes. Estes does contract with owner-operators in select regions and service lines. Requirements and pay structures vary by terminal location and freight type.
Estes operates over 280 terminals, 9,500+ trucks, and employs more than 22,000 people. It is the largest privately held LTL carrier in the United States with over $4 billion in annual revenue.