About Us
A Unified Vision
Knight Transportation was founded in 1990 by four cousins: brothers, Kevin and Keith Knight and brothers Randy and Gary Knight. With their previous work experience at Swift Transportation and more than 80 years of combined experience in the trucking industry, the Knights envisioned a better way to do trucking.
Soon they found their company ranked as the nation’s fastest growing trucking company and ranked as one of Forbes “200 Best Small Companies” for several straight years.
What has grown from one terminal to 24 terminals, three trucks to over 3100 trucks, and a handful of driving associates to over 3200 driving associates, Knight has become an industry leader in growth, profitability, culture, and innovation. In 2017, Knight Transportation (NYSE:KNX) merged with Swift Transportation (NYSE:SWFT) in an all-stock transaction resulting in Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. and becoming North America’s largest full truckload company.
With one terminal in Phoenix, AZ, a handful of trucks, and a desire to grow, the Knight cousins quickly fulfilled their dreams.
Who Are We?
Core Tenets
Knight Transportation is powered by people. We are committed to a culture of high expectations and exceptional performance.
We hire good teammates who share values, unselfishly take personal accountability for results, bring innovative ideas to the table and show honesty & mutual respect above all.
Value Proposition
Knight Transportation is part of North America’s largest truckload fleet, providing multiple truckload services with industry leading safety, service, and financial returns.
Learn more about Knight Culture
Leadership
With Knight’s Terminals, Shops and Academies, our Driving Associates and Customers are supported locally across the United States.
Adam Miller joined Knight Transportation in September 2002. He was appointed as CFO in May 2012 and also served as the Secretary and Treasurer since February 2011. Prior to becoming CFO of Knight Transportation, Mr. Miller served as the Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance from February 2011 to May 2012 and as Controller of Knight Refrigerated, LLC from January 2006 to February 2011. Mr. Miller served in several other accounting and finance positions at Knight since 2002. Following the merger with Swift Transportation in September 2017, Mr. Miller was appointed as the CFO of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. In February 2024, Mr. Miller assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer for Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Arizona.
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Father to three active kids who keep him and his amazing wife on the move. When he has a break from work, nothing beats a date night with his wife or a movie night with his kids. Enjoys exercising and watching football, but not at the same time.
Mr. Hess served as the Company's Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development since January 2021, and as Senior Vice President of Finance for Swift Transportation since May 2023. Mr. Hess served as Senior Vice President of Finance from Knight Transportation beginning in April 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hess served in various roles at Honeywell International, Inc., most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aerospace Services & Connectivity from December 2016 to April 2019. In February 2024, Mr. Hess became Chief Financial Officer for Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
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Andrew, his wife Harmony, and their four children call Arizona home, having lived in both Phoenix and Tucson. Andrew is a sports enthusiast having grown up mountain biking and snow skiing in Northern Utah. Andrew loves finding new outdoor activities, attending sporting events or concerts, or a day at the beach with a good book.
Mike joined Knight in 2000. Mike has served as the Executive Vice President of Operations of Knight since 2017. Prior to his current position, he served as the Regional Vice President of Operations for West Dry Van and West Refrigerated at Knight from 2016 to 2017 and Regional Vice President of Operations for West Dry Van from 2010 to 2016. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
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When not working or spending time with his family, he can usually be found on one of our local lakes trying to figure out how to catch largemouth bass. Enjoys listening to traditional or “real” country music and classic rock. Loves most things outdoor related including camping and fishing.
Jeff Vaughan joined Knight in 2005 and has been serving as the Sr. Vice President of Accounting & Finance since January 2023. Jeff started with Knight Refrigerated in 2005 in driver recruiting. He held many roles in operations including 2 terminal leader positions until 2013. In 2013, Jeff joined the accounting and finance group as the Knight Refrigerated Controller. He also spent a couple of years at Swift as a Director of Finance before returning to Knight in 2020 as the Vice President of Accounting. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in Finance from Texas A&M University.
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Jeff is a proud dog dad to his goldendoodle, Toby which requires tons of patience and chaos management. When he's not crunching numbers or chasing a renegade puppy down the street, he's usually relaxing and enjoying a pool day.
Ashley Baes joined Knight in 2003. Ashley is currently the Vice President of Driver Development & Training. She started as a Driver Manager/Account Manager in Arizona. She moved to Olive Branch, MS in 2004, to Phoenix, AZ in 2006, to Nashville, TN in 2008, and back to Phoenix, AZ in 2015. Ashley has held several positions at Knight including National Account Manager, Director of Marketing, Assistant General Manager-SE & NE, On-site Consultant, Dedicated Financial Analyst, Dedicated General Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and Senior Director, Top Gun. Ashley earned her bachelor's degree in Logistics & Transportation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Ashley and her husband, Eric are the proud parents of two kids.
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"The Best view comes after the hardest climb." The outdoors are where she is at peace. She can be found running, hiking, paddle-boarding & camping with her family, friends, and dogs.
Adam Miller joined Knight Transportation in September 2002. He was appointed as CFO in May 2012 and also served as the Secretary and Treasurer since February 2011. Prior to becoming CFO of Knight Transportation, Mr. Miller served as the Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance from February 2011 to May 2012 and as Controller of Knight Refrigerated, LLC from January 2006 to February 2011. Mr. Miller served in several other accounting and finance positions at Knight since 2002. Following the merger with Swift Transportation in September 2017, Mr. Miller was appointed as the CFO of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. In February 2024, Mr. Miller assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer for Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Arizona.
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Father to three active kids who keep him and his amazing wife on the move. When he has a break from work, nothing beats a date night with his wife or a movie night with his kids. Enjoys exercising and watching football, but not at the same time.
Adam MillerCEO
Mr. Hess served as the Company's Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development since January 2021, and as Senior Vice President of Finance for Swift Transportation since May 2023. Mr. Hess served as Senior Vice President of Finance from Knight Transportation beginning in April 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hess served in various roles at Honeywell International, Inc., most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aerospace Services & Connectivity from December 2016 to April 2019. In February 2024, Mr. Hess became Chief Financial Officer for Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
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Andrew, his wife Harmony, and their four children call Arizona home, having lived in both Phoenix and Tucson. Andrew is a sports enthusiast having grown up mountain biking and snow skiing in Northern Utah. Andrew loves finding new outdoor activities, attending sporting events or concerts, or a day at the beach with a good book.
Andrew HessCFO
Mike joined Knight in 2000. Mike has served as the Executive Vice President of Operations of Knight since 2017. Prior to his current position, he served as the Regional Vice President of Operations for West Dry Van and West Refrigerated at Knight from 2016 to 2017 and Regional Vice President of Operations for West Dry Van from 2010 to 2016. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
_______________
When not working or spending time with his family, he can usually be found on one of our local lakes trying to figure out how to catch largemouth bass. Enjoys listening to traditional or “real” country music and classic rock. Loves most things outdoor related including camping and fishing.
Mike LiuExecutive VP, Operations
Joe ShererExecutive VP, Sales & Account Mgt.
Jeff Vaughan joined Knight in 2005 and has been serving as the Sr. Vice President of Accounting & Finance since January 2023. Jeff started with Knight Refrigerated in 2005 in driver recruiting. He held many roles in operations including 2 terminal leader positions until 2013. In 2013, Jeff joined the accounting and finance group as the Knight Refrigerated Controller. He also spent a couple of years at Swift as a Director of Finance before returning to Knight in 2020 as the Vice President of Accounting. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in Finance from Texas A&M University.
_______________
Jeff is a proud dog dad to his goldendoodle, Toby which requires tons of patience and chaos management. When he's not crunching numbers or chasing a renegade puppy down the street, he's usually relaxing and enjoying a pool day.
Jeff VaughanExecutive VP, Accounting & Finance
Ashley Baes joined Knight in 2003. Ashley is currently the Vice President of Driver Development & Training. She started as a Driver Manager/Account Manager in Arizona. She moved to Olive Branch, MS in 2004, to Phoenix, AZ in 2006, to Nashville, TN in 2008, and back to Phoenix, AZ in 2015. Ashley has held several positions at Knight including National Account Manager, Director of Marketing, Assistant General Manager-SE & NE, On-site Consultant, Dedicated Financial Analyst, Dedicated General Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and Senior Director, Top Gun. Ashley earned her bachelor's degree in Logistics & Transportation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Ashley and her husband, Eric are the proud parents of two kids.
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"The Best view comes after the hardest climb." The outdoors are where she is at peace. She can be found running, hiking, paddle-boarding & camping with her family, friends, and dogs.
Ashley BaesVP, Driver Development & Training
Through the Years
Our History
1990
- Mercedes Benz Credit agrees to loan the Knights $10 Million to start Knight Transportation.
- On July 19, Knight hauls its first 3 loads from Phoenix to L.A. and back.
- During the first week of business, Knight hauls 15 loads with 100% on time delivery.
1991
- Generated $13 million in revenue for the year.
1992
- Generated $19.6 million in revenue for the year.
1993
- Knight has 200 trucks in operation.
1994
- In October, Knight goes public with an opening stock price of $8 a share.
- Knight introduces an Owner Operator program, ending the year with 30 owner operators.
1995
- Knight has grown to 492 employees (391 drivers, 28 shop employees, 5 in sales, and 68 in operations/administration).
- Forbes recognizes Knight as one of the "200 Best Small Companies in America". Knight receives this recognition for 12 consecutive years.
1996
- Katy Terminal opens in February.
- Indianapolis Terminal opens in April.
- By summer, Knight reaches 500 tractors company wide.
1998
- Knight reaches over 1,000 employees.
- Knight makes Forbes 200 Best Small Companies List for the 4th consecutive year and was on the Honor Roll for the 2nd year.
1999
- Knight acquires Action Express of Corsicana, TX.
- Charlotte Terminal opens in June.
- Salt Lake City Terminal opens in September.
- Knight reaches over 1200 trucks.
2000
- Knight acquires John Fayard/Fastway Systems of Gulfport, MS on April 20th.
- Knight reaches over 1600 trucks.
2001
- Kansas City Terminal opens in May.
- Knight’s stock rises 120% during the year.
- Knight makes Forbes 200 Best Small Companies List for the 7th year in a row.
- Knight wins the Grand Trophy for the Arizona Fleet Safety Contest.
2002
- Portland, OR Terminal opens in March.
- Memphis, TN Terminal opens in July and reaches 50 trucks in 4 months.
- Atlanta, GA Terminal opens in July.
- Investors Business Daily ranks Knight Transportation as one of The Stable 70 Top Profit Producers.
2003
- Denver, CO Terminal opens.
2004
- Knight launches Knight Refrigerated.
- Forbes 200 Best Small Companies List for the 10th year in a row.
- Las Vegas, NV Terminal opens in February.
- Lakeland, FL Terminal opens in August.
2005
- Tulare, CA Terminal opens.
- El Paso, TX Terminal opens.
- Chicago, IL Terminal opens.
- Seattle, WA Terminal opens.
- Dallas, TX Terminal opens.
- Reno, NV Terminal opens.
- Knight acquires Edward Brothers, Inc. which includes the Green Bay and Idaho Falls Terminals.
- Knight launches Knight Brokerage.
2006
- Boise, ID Terminal opens.
- Tulsa, OK Terminal opens.
- Minneapolis, MN Terminal opens.
- Knight acquires Roads West.
2007
- Carlisle, PA holds grand opening.
- Columbus, OH Terminal opens in April.
- Knight introduces Smith System Training for all drivers.
2008
- Knight launches Knight Port Services.
- Nashville, TN Terminal opens.
2009
- Forbes 200 Best Small Companies List for the 15th year in a row.
2010
- Knight launches Knight Intermodal.
- Electronic Logging is introduced into the fleet.
- Long Beach, CA Terminal opens.
- Oakland, CA Terminal opens.
2011
- Knight Refrigerated is recognized with ATA’s highest award for safety, the Chairman’s Award.
- Knight Refrigerated receives 1st Place Award for Fleet Safety by ATA.
2012
- Knight reaches over 4000 trucks.
- Knight Refrigerated is recognized with ATA’s highest award for safety, the Chairman’s Award.
- Knight Refrigerated receives 1st Place Award for Fleet Safety by ATA.
2013
- Grand Opening of new Knight Terminal Support Center in Phoenix, AZ.
- Knight Transportation is awarded 1st place for Industrial Safety by ATA.
- Knight Refrigerated receives 1st Place Award for Fleet Safety by ATA.
2014
- In March, Forbes lists Knight in America’s 100 Most Trustworthy Companies.
- Knight launches Kold Trans LLC.
- Knight Transportation earns profit of $25.7 Million or .31 cents per share.
- Dave Jackson is named President of Knight Transportation.
- On October 1, Knight adds Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. to the Knight family of companies.
- In October, Knight Brokerage hits $100,000,000.
2015
- 25th Anniversary
- Knight receives 1st Place Recognition from Arizona for Fleet Safety.
- Knight receives 2nd Place Recognition Nationally from ATA for Fleet Safety.
- Knight Refrigerated receives 1st Place Recognition in its Peer Group Nationally for Fleet Safety from ATA for the 4th consecutive year.
2016
- Knight Refrigerated is recognized with the Chairman’s Award from Arizona Trucking Association for Arizona’s Safest Fleet. This is the Grand Champion Award for dedication to Highway Safety above the call of duty.
- Knight Refrigerated receives 1st Place Safe Fleet Award from ATA.
- Knight Transportation receives 2nd Place Safe Fleet Award from ATA.
2017
- On April 10, 2017 Knight Transportation merges with Swift Transportation in an all-stock transaction. Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. creates the industry’s largest full-load trucking company.
- Knight is the recipient of the 2020 Women on Boards Winning Company Award.
2018
- Knight acquires Abilene Motor Express.
- Knight is the recipient of the 2020 Women on Boards Winning Company Award.
- Knight-Swift ASU Lab is established.
- Knight launches new Route to a Million Mile Program.
2019
- Knight receives the 2020 Women on Boards Winning Company Award for the third consecutive year.
- Knight is awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Award for the 8th time.
- Grand Opening of the Knight-Swift Logistics Building in Tempe, AZ.
- Knight introduces their first Fleet of Heroes Truck.
- Knight launches national charity partnership with Children’s Miracle Network.
2020
- 30th Anniversary
2021
- Knight-Swift acquires AAA Cooper
- Knight-Swift acquires Midwest Motor Express LTL
- Knight-Swift Acquires majority stake in Eleos Software
2023
- Knight-Swift Transportation listed as a Fortune 500 company
- Knight-Swift acquires U.S. Xpress
- Knight was awarded 2023 Uber Carrier of the Year Award.
- Awarded Procter & Gamble Carrier of the Year and Driver of the Year.
2024
- Adam Miller named CEO of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
- Chosen as one of 15 HDT (Heavy Duty Trucking) Top Green Fleets for 2024
Awards & Recognition
We are honored to work with customers and partners who value our industry and recognize our commitment to providing excellence.
Whether it be for our service, safety, growth, sustainability or social responsibility, we thank you for acknowledging our strengths and supporting us along the way.
National Network
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Corporate Giving
Knight Transportation is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our employees & the communities we serve. The Knight-Swift Charitable Foundation, our 501(c)(3) charitable arm, plays a crucial role in this mission.
Our foundation focuses on improving the well-being of our employees, enhancing local communities and creating a brighter future for our children: one person, one shipment and one community at a time.
Corporate Responsibility
At Knight-Swift, we are committed to our corporate responsibilities as an industry leader and global citizen.
To achieve this, we are engaging in continuous improvement efforts across key areas that impact our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and environment. Our key areas of focused improvement revolve around emissions reductions, safety, driver working conditions, workforce culture, and community support.
Knight Life
Drive For Knight
If you’re a professional truck driver looking for opportunities that work for YOU, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out available truck driving job listings, or call us to learn more about your options.