Knight-Swift Transportation vs Covenant Transport
The largest TL carrier vs a mid-size specialist in team driving and expedited. Knight-Swift has more openings; Covenant has a stronger niche in team driving.
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Covenant Transport
- Pay
- $50,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 3,500+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K across divisions.
Covenant Transport
Covenant pays $50K-$80K with team bonuses.
Home Time
Knight-Swift Transportation
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated improving.
Covenant Transport
OTR and teams 2+ weeks; dedicated better.
Benefits
Knight-Swift Transportation
Health, 401(k), stock purchase, CDL training.
Covenant Transport
Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), team incentives.
Training/Support
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy -- one of the largest CDL programs.
Covenant Transport
Accepts graduates with training and mentoring.
Equipment/Technology
Knight-Swift Transportation
Large fleet with varying quality.
Covenant Transport
Modern fleet for OTR and expedited.
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.
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 — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Knight-Swift Transportation and not by Covenant Transport
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
Covenant Transport
- Founded
- 1986
- Fleet
- 3,500+ trucks
- Drivers
- 4,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Expedited
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (training programs available)
- Strongest states
- Tennessee, Texas and Florida
Covenant Transport, part of Covenant Logistics Group, is a major truckload carrier based in Chattanooga, TN. The company operates OTR, dedicated, and expedited divisions with a strong presence in the Southeast and Midwest.
Only Covenant Transport is strong in: Florida — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Covenant Transport and not by Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- • 401(k) plan
- • Paid orientation and training
- • Weekly pay
- • Team driving incentives
Our Verdict
Knight-Swift for CDL training and the widest range of opportunities. Covenant for team driving and expedited freight. Both accept new drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for team driving?
Covenant has a more focused team program with expedited incentives.
Which has more jobs?
Knight-Swift, by a wide margin.
Can I do expedited at Knight-Swift?
Some options exist, but Covenant is the expedited specialist.