If you’re a truck driver looking to hit the open road across the Western United States, you’ve probably searched for trucking companies that run west. Whether you prefer coast-to-coast hauls or regional routes through California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, or Arizona — finding the right company can make all the difference in pay, miles, and work-life balance.
This article breaks down the top-rated western trucking companies, their pay scales, benefits, and what kind of freight they move — so you can choose the right fit for your driving career in 2025.
Read too: Top Trucking Companies That Still Have Manual Transmissions
What Does “Running West” Mean in Trucking?
In the trucking industry, the term “running west” refers to routes and freight lanes that operate primarily across the Western U.S. states. This includes:
- The West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
- The Southwest (Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico)
- Sometimes routes extending to Utah, Colorado, and Idaho
Drivers who “run west” typically enjoy:
- Scenic highways like I-5, I-10, and I-80
- Warmer climates (fewer snow delays)
- Higher freight demand around major ports (Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle)
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), western freight volume increased by 7.4% in 2024, driven by port activity and regional e-commerce growth.
Top Trucking Companies That Run West in 2025
Below are some of the best carriers for Western U.S. routes, covering regional, dedicated, and OTR (Over-the-Road) positions.
1. Knight Transportation
- Headquarters: Phoenix, AZ
- Type: OTR & regional
- Average Pay: $0.55–$0.70 per mile
- Highlights:
- Western regional routes with consistent home time.
- Newer fleet (mostly 2022–2025 Freightliners).
- Paid training for CDL holders.
Why Drivers Love It: Knight offers flexibility—drivers can choose to run 11 Western states only, avoiding long East Coast runs.
2. Werner Enterprises
- Headquarters: Omaha, NE
- Type: OTR, dedicated, and regional
- Average Pay: $70,000–$95,000 annually
- Highlights:
- Strong presence in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
- Consistent freight from major retailers.
- Excellent safety and technology record.
Insider Tip: Werner has dedicated routes for Walmart and Target on the West Coast, ensuring stable loads year-round.
3. Swift Transportation
- Headquarters: Phoenix, AZ
- Type: OTR, regional
- Average Pay: $0.50–$0.65 CPM
- Highlights:
- One of the largest fleets in the U.S.
- Great for new CDL graduates.
- Offers Western 11 dedicated lanes.
Pros: Swift’s Western regional division provides 2,000–2,800 miles weekly, plus steady home time every 5–7 days.
4. May Trucking Company
- Headquarters: Salem, OR
- Type: Regional, OTR
- Average Pay: $1,200–$1,600 per week
- Highlights:
- Focused on West Coast and Mountain West freight.
- Excellent driver retention and late-model trucks.
- Pet and rider programs available.
Why Choose May: Their “Western 11 Division” is known for balanced miles and good home time — ideal for solo drivers.
5. CRST The Transportation Solution
- Headquarters: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Type: Team OTR and long haul
- Average Pay: $90,000–$110,000 per team driver
- Highlights:
- Frequent westbound freight lanes.
- Great training for team drivers.
- Sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement.
Fun Fact: CRST’s western lanes often cover Los Angeles to Seattle or Denver to Portland, perfect for high-mileage team runs.
Comparison: Top 5 Western Trucking Companies
| Company | Average Pay (Annual) | Home Time | Main Western Routes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knight Transportation | $65K–$85K | Weekly | AZ, NV, CA, OR | Solo regional drivers |
| Werner Enterprises | $70K–$95K | Every 2 weeks | CA, NV, AZ | Company drivers |
| Swift Transportation | $60K–$80K | 5–7 days | CA, OR, UT | New drivers |
| May Trucking | $62K–$90K | Weekly | OR, WA, ID, CA | Regional drivers |
| CRST | $90K–$110K (team) | Every 2–3 weeks | CO, CA, WA | Team drivers |
What Kind of Freight Runs West?
Western routes include a mix of freight types:
- Dry van loads: consumer goods, packaged foods
- Refrigerated freight: produce from California’s Central Valley
- Flatbed loads: construction materials, machinery
- Port freight: containers from Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle ports
According to FreightWaves, California alone handles over 30% of all U.S. container imports, making it a goldmine for westbound loads.
Benefits of Driving Western Regional Routes
Pros:
- Mild weather — fewer snowstorms compared to Midwest or East Coast.
- Shorter routes with predictable schedules.
- Strong freight demand due to coastal imports.
- Scenic drives through national parks and mountain regions.
Cons:
- Higher fuel prices on the West Coast.
- Heavier traffic in California.
- Limited parking in metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
How to Choose the Right Western Trucking Company
Before signing on with any carrier, consider the following:
- Route Preferences – Do you want regional home time or OTR miles?
- Equipment Quality – Ask if they provide late-model trucks with APU and inverters.
- Pay Structure – Is it by the mile, per load, or guaranteed salary?
- Company Culture – Look for safety awards and driver reviews.
- Freight Consistency – Choose carriers with contracts from major clients (e.g., Walmart, Costco).
Tips to Succeed as a Western Route Truck Driver
- Know Your Terrain: Western routes often include mountains; learn safe downhill driving and gear control.
- Plan Fuel Stops: California diesel costs can be $1+ higher per gallon.
- Monitor Weather Apps: Even the desert can surprise you with dust storms.
- Stay Legal: Follow California’s strict emission and idling laws.
- Use Navigation Apps: Tools like Trucker Path help find parking and rest areas efficiently.
Industry Insight: The Growth of Western Freight
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that western U.S. freight traffic is projected to grow 8% annually through 2026, thanks to increased port activity and population growth in Arizona and Nevada.
This trend means more jobs, better pay, and greater stability for drivers who choose western routes.
FAQ: Trucking Companies That Run West
1. What are the best trucking companies that run west?
Top options include Knight Transportation, Werner Enterprises, Swift Transportation, May Trucking, and CRST — all offering strong western lanes and competitive pay.
2. What states are considered part of the Western region?
California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico are typically included in Western runs.
3. Do Western regional drivers get home weekly?
Yes, most western regional carriers provide weekly or bi-weekly home time, depending on route type.
4. What’s the average pay for western trucking routes?
Between $65,000 and $95,000 annually for solo drivers, and up to $110,000 for team drivers.
5. Are there local western routes available?
Yes. Many companies like Knight and May Trucking offer local deliveries in California, Oregon, and Nevada with daily home time.
6. How can I apply for a western trucking company?
Visit each carrier’s website or CDL job boards such as Indeed, CDLjobs.com, or TruckersReport for openings.
Conclusion
Choosing among the best trucking companies that run west depends on your driving style, experience, and home time preferences. Western regional routes offer beautiful scenery, strong pay, and steady freight — making them some of the most sought-after lanes in the trucking world.
Leave a Reply