2026 Essential Management and Operating Information for the 100 Largest Private Carriers in North America
Up Front
Some private fleets expanded via acquisition in 2026 while others shed tractors in a shifting landscape for freight.
Private fleets are targeting efficiency gains as operating expenses and cost pressures continue to mount.
Find out where the Top 100 Private Carriers are headquartered by state; hover over a state to view all companies located there.
Rankings
Top 100 Private | Food Service | Grocery | Beverage | Petroleum/Chemical | Industrial Gases | Agriculture/Food Processing | Wholesale/Retail | Manufacturing
Equipment Rental | Building Materials | Waste Management | Paper/Office Products | Construction | Healthcare | Uniform Rental | Media & Entertainment
Top Grocery Carriers
| Current Rank | Company | Tractors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Natural Foods Inc. |
2,347 |
| 2 | McLane Retail |
1,831 |
| 3 | The Kroger Co. |
1,383 |
| 4 | C&S Wholesale Grocers |
1,291 |
| 5 | Ahold Delhaize USA |
1,257 |
| 6 | Albertsons Cos. |
1,105 |
| 7 | Publix Super Markets |
929 |
| 8 | H-E-B Grocery |
796 |
| 9 | Hy-Vee Inc. |
359 |
| 10 | Meijer Inc. |
265 |
| 11 | Bozzuto's Inc. |
264 |
| 12 | Wegmans Food Markets |
200 |
| 13 | Northeast Grocery |
109 |
| 14 | GSC Enterprises |
99 |
| 15 | URM Stores |
80 |
| 16 | Save Mart Supermarkets |
79 |
| 17 | Schnuck Markets |
78 |
| 18 | Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. |
72 |
| 19 | Brookshire Brothers |
45 |
| 20 | Eastland Food |
22 |
The Top 100 Private Carriers on this list operate their own trucks to carry freight and are ranked on the basis of the total number of highway tractors in the fleet. To be included in the Top 100 list, please send contact information to tteditor@ttnews.com. We will contact you via phone or e-mail to get information about your company prior to publication of the next Top 100 list.
Extras
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Equipment acquisition for private fleets has been mixed this year, with industries like agriculture expanding while others stagnate.
Learn more about how carriers are selected for Transport Topics' Top 100 list of the largest private fleets in North America.
Private Carrier News
Cummins debuts X15N engine in Europe
Cummins, which has offered the X15N in North America for the past two years, showcased the natural gas-powered version of its largest truck engine at IAA Transportation.
September 15, 2026China passes halfway point of U.S. soybean purchase promise
China has fulfilled more than half of its annual U.S. soybean purchase pledge, offering a bright spot for trade between the world’s two largest economies.
September 14, 2026Costco nearly doubles price for Kirkland motor oil
Costco's Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil 5-quart two-pack now costs around $58, well above the approximately $30 it had been selling for just last year.
September 14, 2026Amazon suspends use of cargo carrier after fatal crash
The jet’s ownership history, weather conditions at the airport, maintenance records and operations by 21 Air were expected to be reviewed by investigators with the NTSB.
September 14, 2026Trucking companies and industry groups gear up for NTDAW
The trucking industry is rolling out giveaways, discounts and recognition events for professional drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs Sept. 13-19.
September 11, 2026Food industry warns prices will go up for rest of year
Conagra, Campbell’s and Clorox announced or signaled price increases as inflation, tariffs and higher input costs pressure margins.
September 11, 2026Amazon Air crash puts outsourcing model in focus again
Amazon’s use of contract cargo carriers may limit its liability after a fatal Miami crash involving an Amazon-branded jet.
September 9, 2026Amazon cargo jet increased thrust before runway overrun
The Amazon cargo plane that crashed in Miami on Sept. 7 increased thrust just seconds before it overran the runway and careered into two vehicles, NTSB said.
September 9, 2026General Mills, Mars, McKee allege sugar price collusion
General Mills, Mars and McKee Foods joined other food manufacturers and grocers in litigation that alleges top U.S. sugar producers colluded to inflate prices.
September 8, 2026Tariff refund checks offer companies only short-term relief
American retailers and manufacturers are getting relief from President Trump’s tariffs. But for some of the hardest hit companies, the benefits pale in comparison with the losses.
September 8, 2026
