Skip to main content
USA Trucker Choice

Trucking Companies in California

Directory of 326,995+ registered carriers in California (CA). Browse top companies by fleet size, specialties, and DOT number.

Trucking in California

California is the largest freight market in the United States, driven by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle roughly 40% of all US containerized imports. The Inland Empire (Ontario, San Bernardino, Riverside) has become the nation's largest warehouse and distribution cluster. The Central Valley generates massive reefer volumes from agriculture. However, strict CARB emissions rules and AB5 regulations create significant compliance costs for carriers and owner-operators.

Top Trucking Companies in California

1

Knight-Swift Transportation

City
Los Angeles, CA
Fleet Size
23,000+
Specialties
Dry VanReeferIntermodal
2

Schneider National

City
Ontario, CA
Fleet Size
10,500+
Specialties
Dry VanIntermodalTanker
3

XPO Logistics

City
Los Angeles, CA
Fleet Size
13,000+
Specialties
LTLDry VanBrokerage
4

Werner Enterprises

City
Fontana, CA
Fleet Size
8,000+
Specialties
Dry VanReeferFlatbed
5

NFI Industries

City
Ontario, CA
Fleet Size
4,000+
Specialties
DedicatedDry VanReefer
6

Cal Cartage

City
Long Beach, CA
Fleet Size
800+
Specialties
DrayageContainerWarehousing
7

Pacific 9 Transportation

City
Carson, CA
Fleet Size
200+
Specialties
DrayageIntermodal
8

Golden State Overnight

City
Sacramento, CA
Fleet Size
500+
Specialties
LTLExpedited
9

Central Valley AG Transport

City
Fresno, CA
Fleet Size
350+
Specialties
ReeferFlatbed
10

Bay & Bay Transportation

City
Oakland, CA
Fleet Size
600+
Specialties
DrayageIntermodal
11

Kenan Advantage Group

City
Los Angeles, CA
Fleet Size
5,500+
Specialties
TankerHazmat
12

Ryder System

City
Los Angeles, CA
Fleet Size
9,000+
Specialties
DedicatedDry VanReefer

California Trucking Industry Stats

Average Pay Per Mile

$2.85

Top Equipment Types

Dry VanReeferDrayageIntermodal

Major Freight Hubs

  • Los Angeles
  • Long Beach
  • Oakland
  • Fresno
  • Ontario
  • San Bernardino

Key Industries

  • Port operations
  • Agriculture
  • E-commerce fulfillment
  • Technology manufacturing

California Trucking Regulations

California has the strictest trucking regulations in the nation. CARB requires all trucks entering the state to meet 2010 or newer engine standards, and the Advanced Clean Fleets rule mandates zero-emission truck purchases starting in 2024 for large fleets. AB5 (gig worker law) has significantly impacted owner-operators, and Proposition 22 exemptions do not apply to trucking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Companies in California

California has approximately 326,995 registered motor carriers. This includes everything from large national fleets to single-truck owner-operators. The state's top carriers include Knight-Swift Transportation, Schneider National, XPO Logistics.
The largest carriers operating in California include Knight-Swift Transportation, Schneider National, XPO Logistics. These companies cover specialties including Dry Van, Reefer, Drayage, Intermodal. Fleet sizes range from local operations with under 100 trucks to national carriers with thousands of units.
The most common equipment types in California are Dry Van, Reefer, Drayage, Intermodal. Key industries driving freight demand include Port operations, Agriculture, E-commerce fulfillment, Technology manufacturing. The average pay per mile in the state is approximately $2.85.
The major freight hubs in California are Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Fresno, Ontario, San Bernardino. These cities serve as primary distribution and logistics centers, connecting carriers to key shipping lanes and customer bases across the state.
California has the strictest trucking regulations in the nation. CARB requires all trucks entering the state to meet 2010 or newer engine standards, and the Advanced Clean Fleets rule mandates zero-emission truck purchases starting in 2024 for large fleets. AB5 (gig worker law) has significantly impacted owner-operators, and Proposition 22 exemptions do not apply to trucking.