Imagine millions of packages and goods crisscrossing the United States every day, serving as the lifeblood of the economy and keeping supply chains functioning. The backbone of this massive logistics network consists of large-scale freight companies that not only serve as pillars of the U.S. economy but have become indispensable to modern commerce. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of America's largest freight carriers, with particular focus on the leaders in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) transportation, examining market size, revenue performance, and service specialties to paint a clear picture of the industry landscape.

Recent studies show that approximately 80% of businesses rely heavily on freight companies. The U.S. trucking industry represents a critical component of the transportation sector, playing a vital role in the national supply chain. About 1.2 million companies operate in the freight business across the country. Below we examine the largest American freight companies and provide detailed analysis of the top LTL carriers projected for 2025, including their revenues, services, and other key factors.

America's Top Freight Companies

Here are the top 10 largest freight companies in the United States, ranked by market capitalization and net income.

United Parcel Service (UPS)

Undoubtedly, United Parcel Service (UPS) stands as America's largest freight company, delivering 22 million packages daily with a workforce exceeding 500,000 employees. UPS's operations extend beyond standard freight, utilizing freight trains and aircraft to transport goods and parcels nationwide.

• Market Cap: $124.2 billion
• Net Income: $5.9 billion

FedEx Corporation

FedEx Corporation ranks among America's largest freight companies, renowned for its shipping and logistics services. With over 500,000 employees and more than 400 freight service centers (primarily located in the U.S.), FedEx maintains a significant presence in the industry.

• Market Cap: $74.8 billion
• Net Income: $4.3 billion

Old Dominion Freight Line

Founded in 1934, Old Dominion Freight Line stands as one of the oldest and largest LTL carriers, employing more than 21,000 workers. The company specializes in LTL services including household moving, warehousing, and other shared freight solutions.

• Market Cap: $44.68 billion
• Net Income: $1.246 billion

J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Established in 1961 and headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. represents one of America's earliest major freight companies. With a fleet exceeding 100,000 trailers and 12,000 trucks, the company meets the transportation needs of nearly 500 U.S. corporations.

• Market Cap: $17.388 billion
• Net Income: $155.5 million

XPO Logistics (XPO)

XPO Logistics ranks among America's largest LTL carriers, offering both LTL and truck brokerage services. While headquartered in Connecticut, the company operates across 18 countries.

• Market Cap: $11.98 billion
• Net Income: $242 million

Knight-Swift Inc. (KNX)

Ranking sixth among America's top freight companies, Knight Swift Transport operates from Phoenix, Arizona. The company maintains a fleet of 4,000+ trucks, nearly 9,000 trailers, and employs 28,000 workers, offering various freight services including temperature-controlled transportation.

• Market Cap: $8.77 billion
• Net Income: $117.63 million

YRC Worldwide

Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, YRC Worldwide specializes in LTL freight services. Utilizing 300+ terminals, the company processes over 11 million shipments annually.

Note: As a privately held company, YRC Worldwide's market cap and net income figures are not publicly disclosed.

Landstar Systems

A major player in freight logistics and third-party logistics services, Landstar Systems was established in 1968. The company operates with 69,000+ trucks, 1,320 employees, and 10,000 independent contractors specializing in specialized freight transportation.

• Market Cap: $5.69 billion
• Net Income: $195.95 million

Schneider National

Founded in 1976 and based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Schneider National ranks ninth among America's largest freight companies. With 40,000 carriers and 6,000 employees, the company maintains 180+ assets worldwide.

• Market Cap: $5.02 billion
• Net Income: $117 million

Werner Enterprises

Established in 1956 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Werner Enterprises Inc. provides truck brokerage and freight management services across North America with a workforce exceeding 12,000 employees.

• Market Cap: $2.15 billion
• Net Income: $34.23 million

Top 10 LTL Carriers in the United States

Having examined the largest general freight companies, we now turn to America's top 10 LTL carriers specializing in Less-Than-Truckload transportation, where multiple shippers share space on a single truck.

Unlike Full Truckload (FTL) services where one client occupies an entire trailer, LTL carriers optimize space and reduce costs by consolidating shipments from various customers.

Below are the projected top 10 LTL carriers for 2025:

1. FedEx Freight
2. XPO
3. Old Dominion
4. J.B. Hunt Transport Services
5. Estes
6. YRC Worldwide
7. R+L Carriers
8. SAIA
9. Southeastern Freight Lines
10. Averitt Express

Thus FedEx Freight emerges as America's largest LTL carrier. While some companies on this list offer mixed services, others focus primarily on LTL transportation. Most major LTL carriers provide comprehensive freight, logistics, and supply chain management solutions including Full Truckload (FTL) options.

Top 10 LTL Carriers by Revenue (2024)

For additional perspective on LTL carrier rankings, we present a detailed breakdown of industry leaders categorized by revenue and net income to better understand their market positions and financial performance.

Global Top 5 LTL Carriers

Expanding our view beyond domestic operators reveals these LTL carriers as global market leaders:

1. DHL Freight - Operating in 50+ countries worldwide
2. FedEx Freight - Providing domestic and international shipping services
3. XPO Logistics - Maintaining operations across Europe, North America, and Asia
4. Kuehne + Nagel - Present in 100+ countries globally
5. DB Schenker - Operating in 130+ countries worldwide