Heartland Express vs Knight-Swift Transportation
Heartland's short-haul model vs Knight-Swift's massive nationwide operation. Heartland for home time; Knight-Swift for training and job variety.
Heartland Express
- Pay
- $55,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Heartland Express
Heartland pays $55K-$80K on shorter routes.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K across divisions.
Home Time
Heartland Express
Short-haul model, home weekly or more.
Knight-Swift Transportation
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated improving.
Benefits
Heartland Express
Health, 401(k), paid orientation.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Health, 401(k), stock purchase, CDL training.
Training/Support
Heartland Express
Prefers 1 year experience.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy trains from scratch.
Equipment/Technology
Heartland Express
Late-model Freightliners.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Varies; Knight newer than Swift.
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.
Heartland Express
- Founded
- 1978
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 5,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A preferred (some recent graduate programs)
- Strongest states
- Iowa, Texas and Georgia
Heartland Express is a major irregular-route truckload carrier focused on short-to-medium haul lanes. Known for getting drivers home more frequently than typical OTR carriers, Heartland operates primarily in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
Only Heartland Express is strong in: Iowa and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Heartland Express and not by Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid orientation
- • Late-model Freightliner equipment
- • Weekly home time options
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Founded
- 1966
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 25,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (Swift Academy)
- Strongest states
- Arizona, Texas and Tennessee
Knight-Swift is the largest full truckload carrier in North America, formed by the 2017 merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation. The company operates an enormous fleet with opportunities across every division and geography.
Only Knight-Swift Transportation is strong in: Arizona and Tennessee — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Knight-Swift Transportation and not by Heartland Express
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
Our Verdict
Knight-Swift for new drivers (CDL training, more options). Heartland for experienced drivers wanting home time. Clear choice based on your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new CDL holder go to Heartland?
Heartland prefers 1 year. Knight-Swift through Swift Academy is the better new-driver option.
Is Heartland's home time real?
Yes, their short-haul business model genuinely gets drivers home more.
Which is larger?
Knight-Swift, by far -- 18,000+ trucks vs Heartland's 5,000+.