Central Transport vs Dayton Freight Lines
Both Michigan/Ohio-based LTL carriers with strong Midwest presence. Central Transport has national coverage while Dayton Freight is regional across 24 states. Dayton Freight consistently earns higher driver satisfaction.
Central Transport
- Pay
- $55,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 3,500+ tractors
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Dayton Freight Lines
- Pay
- $60,000 - $90,000
- Fleet
- 2,500+ tractors
- Rating
- 4.3/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Central Transport
Central Transport pays $55K-$85K with hourly pay for city and dock.
Dayton Freight Lines
Dayton Freight pays $60K-$90K with above-average hourly rates.
Home Time
Central Transport
City drivers home daily; linehaul on scheduled national routes.
Dayton Freight Lines
City drivers home daily; regional linehaul keeps drivers close.
Benefits
Central Transport
Central offers health, 401(k), PTO, and dock-to-driver programs.
Dayton Freight Lines
Dayton provides health, 401(k) match, PTO, and late-model equipment.
Training/Support
Central Transport
Central requires 1 year experience with dock-to-driver options.
Dayton Freight Lines
Dayton requires 1 year experience within a family culture.
Equipment/Technology
Central Transport
Central's fleet is serviceable but not industry-leading.
Dayton Freight Lines
Dayton is known for late-model trucks in excellent condition.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Central Transport
- Founded
- 1932
- Fleet
- 3,500+ tractors
- Drivers
- 4,000+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania
Central Transport is a major LTL carrier operating throughout the U.S. and into Canada. The company provides next-day and second-day service across its national terminal network. Based in Warren, MI, Central Transport is known for competitive pay and an extensive Midwest and Northeast presence.
Only Central Transport is strong in: Pennsylvania — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Central Transport and not by Dayton Freight Lines
- • 401(k) plan
- • Paid time off
- • Home daily for city drivers
- • Dock-to-driver opportunities
Dayton Freight Lines
- Founded
- 1981
- Fleet
- 2,500+ tractors
- Drivers
- 3,500+
- Divisions
- Local, Regional, LTL
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A
- Strongest states
- Ohio, Michigan and Indiana
Dayton Freight Lines is a privately owned LTL carrier providing next-day and two-day service across a 24-state region in the Midwest, Central, and Southeast U.S. Known for above-average driver pay, excellent equipment, and a strong family culture, Dayton Freight consistently ranks among the best regional LTL employers.
Only Dayton Freight Lines is strong in: Indiana — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Dayton Freight Lines and not by Central Transport
- • Competitive hourly pay with overtime
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid vacation and holidays
- • Late-model equipment
Our Verdict
Dayton Freight is the better employer in its coverage area -- better pay, equipment, and satisfaction. Central Transport is the option if you need national LTL or if Dayton doesn't serve your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dayton Freight only in the Midwest?
Covers 24 states -- Midwest, Central, and Southeast. Not West Coast or far Northeast.
Is Central Transport national?
Yes, provides LTL service across the U.S. and into Canada.
Which has better driver reviews?
Dayton Freight consistently earns higher satisfaction ratings.