Knight-Swift Transportation vs US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
Knight-Swift now owns US Xpress (acquired 2023), but both brands still operate. The main question is which brand offers the better driving experience within the same parent company.
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
- Pay
- $52,000 - $82,000
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.4/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K across all divisions.
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
US Xpress pays $52K-$82K with team bonuses.
Home Time
Knight-Swift Transportation
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated improving.
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated is better.
Benefits
Knight-Swift Transportation
Health, 401(k), stock purchase, CDL training.
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
Health, 401(k), CDL training, rider/pet.
Training/Support
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy is the larger CDL program.
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
Training programs available for new CDL holders.
Equipment/Technology
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight trucks newer than Swift. Varies.
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
Cascadias including fuel-efficient Variant fleet.
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 US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
US Xpress (Knight-Swift)
- Founded
- 1985
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 7,500+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (training programs available)
- Strongest states
- Tennessee, Georgia and Texas
US Xpress was one of the largest privately held truckload carriers before being acquired by Knight-Swift in 2023. The company continues operating under the US Xpress brand with a strong presence in OTR, dedicated, and team driving. Known for their Variant fleet of fuel-efficient Freightliner Cascadias and team driving programs.
Only US Xpress (Knight-Swift) is strong in: Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by US Xpress (Knight-Swift) and not by Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid CDL training
- • Team driving bonuses
- • Rider and pet policy
Our Verdict
Under the same parent company now, the differences are narrowing. Knight-Swift (Swift brand) has larger CDL training. US Xpress has the fuel-efficient Variant fleet. Both are essentially the same employer with different branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Knight-Swift buy US Xpress?
Yes, in 2023. Both brands continue operating under the Knight-Swift umbrella.
Should I apply to Knight-Swift or US Xpress?
Apply to both and take whichever offers the best position for your location and preferences.
Will US Xpress be absorbed into Knight-Swift?
Unclear. For now, both brands operate separately.