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.