<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII" standalone="no"?>
<!--Generated by ThunderDome XBRL - 03:42PM UTC 2026-08-07--><link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-document-and-entity-information" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-document-and-entity-information" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-document-and-entity-information" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:to="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesAndLoansReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesAndLoansReceivableCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForNotesAndLoansReceivableCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-comprehensive-income-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-comprehensive-income-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-comprehensive-income-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationTax" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationTax" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationTax" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationTax" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-1-significant-accounting-policies" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-1-significant-accounting-policies" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-1-significant-accounting-policies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DryVanTrailersMember" xlink:label="cvti_DryVanTrailersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RefrigeratedTrailersMember" xlink:label="cvti_RefrigeratedTrailersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_TractorsMember" xlink:label="cvti_TractorsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TractorsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RefrigeratedTrailersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_DryVanTrailersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-2-income-per-share" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncAndAssetAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncAndAssetAcquisitionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_MultistopDistributionCarriersMember" xlink:label="cvti_MultistopDistributionCarriersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SimsTransportServicesLlcMember" xlink:label="cvti_SimsTransportServicesLlcMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StockPurchaseAgreementEarnoutComponentMember" xlink:label="cvti_StockPurchaseAgreementEarnoutComponentMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeDuringPeriodFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeDuringPeriodFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StockPurchaseAgreementEarnoutComponentMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SimsTransportServicesLlcMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_MultistopDistributionCarriersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncAndAssetAcquisitionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeDuringPeriodFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-4-segment-information" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-5-income-taxes" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-5-income-taxes" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-5-income-taxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-6-debt" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ApplicableMarginMember" xlink:label="cvti_ApplicableMarginMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BaseRateLoansMember" xlink:label="cvti_BaseRateLoansMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:label="cvti_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LendersMember" xlink:label="cvti_LendersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:label="cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SwingLineSubFacilityMember" xlink:label="cvti_SwingLineSubFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_VariableRateNoteMember" xlink:label="cvti_VariableRateNoteMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LendersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SwingLineSubFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="cvti_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_BaseRateLoansMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ApplicableMarginMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_VariableRateNoteMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-lease-obligations-" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-7-lease-obligations-" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-lease-obligations-" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LeasedOfficeFacilityMember" xlink:label="cvti_LeasedOfficeFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LeasedOfficeFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_DirectorMember" xlink:label="srt_DirectorMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_DirectorMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-9-commitments-and-contingencies" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-9-commitments-and-contingencies" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-9-commitments-and-contingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsExpectedToBeReimbursedMember" xlink:label="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsExpectedToBeReimbursedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsMember" xlink:label="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PolicyRetentionMember" xlink:label="cvti_PolicyRetentionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ThirdPartyTruckingAccidentIn2025Member" xlink:label="cvti_ThirdPartyTruckingAccidentIn2025Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ThirdPartyTruckingAccidentIn2025Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_PolicyRetentionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsExpectedToBeReimbursedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-10-equity-method-investment" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_EquityMethodInvestmentTextBlock" xlink:label="cvti_EquityMethodInvestmentTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:label="cvti_RevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:label="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_EquityMethodInvestmentTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LandairHoldingsIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_LandairHoldingsIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SelfInsuranceReceivablesMember" xlink:label="cvti_SelfInsuranceReceivablesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LandairHoldingsIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SelfInsuranceReceivablesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-12-equity" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-12-equity" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-12-equity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q1DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q2DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q3DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q3DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q4DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q4DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2026Q1DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2026Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2026Q2DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2026Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedApril232025Member" xlink:label="cvti_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedApril232025Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedApril232025Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2026Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2026Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q3DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q4DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarLogisticsSolutionsMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarLogisticsSolutionsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarLogisticsSolutionsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#InsiderTradingArrangements" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_MPaulBunn1Member" xlink:label="cvti_MPaulBunn1Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_MPaulBunnMember" xlink:label="cvti_MPaulBunnMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:label="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:label="ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:label="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock" xlink:label="ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:label="ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:label="ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag" xlink:label="ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag" xlink:label="ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:label="ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate" xlink:label="ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate" xlink:label="ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrIndName" xlink:label="ecd_TrdArrIndName-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrIndTitle" xlink:label="ecd_TrdArrIndTitle-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt" xlink:label="ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate" xlink:label="ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:to="ecd_AllIndividualsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:to="ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:to="cvti_MPaulBunn1Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_IndividualAxis" xlink:to="cvti_MPaulBunnMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TradingArrByIndTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_MtrlTermsOfTrdArrTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TrdArrSecuritiesAggAvailAmt-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_NonRule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_NonRule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TrdArrTerminationDate-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TrdArrIndName-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TrdArrIndTitle-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_Rule10b51ArrTrmntdFlag-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TrdArrAdoptionDate-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_Rule10b51ArrAdoptedFlag-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="ecd_InsiderTradingArrLineItems" xlink:to="ecd_TrdArrExpirationDate-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PolicyTable" xlink:label="cvti_PolicyTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" xlink:to="cvti_PolicyTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_PolicyTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_PolicyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-2-income-per-share-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-2-income-per-share-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-2-income-per-share-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-2-income-per-share-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-4-segment-information-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-4-segment-information-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-4-segment-information-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-4-segment-information-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-6-debt-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-lease-obligations-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-7-lease-obligations-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-lease-obligations-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LesseeLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="cvti_LesseeLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-7-lease-obligations-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-7-lease-obligations-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-7-lease-obligations-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="cvti_LesseeLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-tables" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-tables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-tables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarLogisticsSolutionsMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarLogisticsSolutionsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-tables" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-tables" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-tables" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TableTextBlock-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarLogisticsSolutionsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TableTextBlock" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-1-significant-accounting-policies-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-1-significant-accounting-policies-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-1-significant-accounting-policies-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DryVanTrailersMember" xlink:label="cvti_DryVanTrailersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RefrigeratedTrailersMember" xlink:label="cvti_RefrigeratedTrailersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_TractorsMember" xlink:label="cvti_TractorsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentSalvageValuePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentSalvageValuePercentage-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TractorsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RefrigeratedTrailersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_DryVanTrailersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentSalvageValuePercentage-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-2-income-per-share-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_AssetsAcquisitionContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="cvti_AssetsAcquisitionContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_AssetsAcquisitionContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh" xlink:label="cvti_AssetsAcquisitionContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationEarnoutPeriod" xlink:label="cvti_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationEarnoutPeriod-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncAndAssetAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncAndAssetAcquisitionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_MultistopDistributionCarriersMember" xlink:label="cvti_MultistopDistributionCarriersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="cvti_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiability-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SimsTransportServicesLlcMember" xlink:label="cvti_SimsTransportServicesLlcMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StockPurchaseAgreementEarnoutComponentMember" xlink:label="cvti_StockPurchaseAgreementEarnoutComponentMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1-n2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInTheRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInTheRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeDuringPeriodFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeDuringPeriodFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityFinancingActivities-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StockPurchaseAgreementEarnoutComponentMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SimsTransportServicesLlcMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_MultistopDistributionCarriersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncAndAssetAcquisitionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeDuringPeriodFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInTheRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationEarnoutPeriod-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_AssetsAcquisitionContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiability-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityFinancingActivities-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityOperatingActivities-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1-n2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_AssetsAcquisitionContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-4-segment-information-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-5-income-taxes-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-5-income-taxes-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-5-income-taxes-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-6-debt-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ApplicableMarginMember" xlink:label="cvti_ApplicableMarginMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BaseRateLoansMember" xlink:label="cvti_BaseRateLoansMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:label="cvti_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FixedChargeCoverageRequirement" xlink:label="cvti_FixedChargeCoverageRequirement-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LendersMember" xlink:label="cvti_LendersMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityAvailabilityAsPercentageOfRevolverCommitment" xlink:label="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityAvailabilityAsPercentageOfRevolverCommitment-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityPercentageOfAggretaeCommitments" xlink:label="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityPercentageOfAggretaeCommitments-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumIncreaseInBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumIncreaseInBorrowingCapacity-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityRevolverCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityRevolverCommitmentAmount-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PercentOfAggregateCommitmentsUnderCreditFacility" xlink:label="cvti_PercentOfAggregateCommitmentsUnderCreditFacility-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PercentOfAppraisedNetOrderlyLiquidationValueOfEligibleRevenueEquipment" xlink:label="cvti_PercentOfAppraisedNetOrderlyLiquidationValueOfEligibleRevenueEquipment-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PercentOfEligibleAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="cvti_PercentOfEligibleAccountsReceivable-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PercentOfNetBookValueOfEligibleRevenueEquipment" xlink:label="cvti_PercentOfNetBookValueOfEligibleRevenueEquipment-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:label="cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SwingLineSubFacilityMember" xlink:label="cvti_SwingLineSubFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_VariableRateNoteMember" xlink:label="cvti_VariableRateNoteMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LendersMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SwingLineSubFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="cvti_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_BaseRateLoansMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ApplicableMarginMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRLoansMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_VariableRateNoteMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumIncreaseInBorrowingCapacity-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityPercentageOfAggretaeCommitments-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_PercentOfAggregateCommitmentsUnderCreditFacility-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_PercentOfEligibleAccountsReceivable-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_PercentOfAppraisedNetOrderlyLiquidationValueOfEligibleRevenueEquipment-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_PercentOfNetBookValueOfEligibleRevenueEquipment-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityAvailabilityAsPercentageOfRevolverCommitment-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_LineOfCreditFacilityRevolverCommitmentAmount-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_FixedChargeCoverageRequirement-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-lease-obligations-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-7-lease-obligations-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-lease-obligations-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LeasedOfficeFacilityMember" xlink:label="cvti_LeasedOfficeFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LeasedOfficeFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation-1-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation-1-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation-1-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FungibleShareReserveFeatureSharesSubjectForEachShareGranted" xlink:label="cvti_FungibleShareReserveFeatureSharesSubjectForEachShareGranted-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FungibleShareReserveFeatureSharesSubjectToAllOtherAwards" xlink:label="cvti_FungibleShareReserveFeatureSharesSubjectToAllOtherAwards-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_MaximumCashAwardedToAnyParticipantInTheIncentivePlanInAnyCalendarYear" xlink:label="cvti_MaximumCashAwardedToAnyParticipantInTheIncentivePlanInAnyCalendarYear-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_MaximumNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStockAwardedToAnyParticipantInTheIncentivePlanInAnyCalendarYear" xlink:label="cvti_MaximumNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStockAwardedToAnyParticipantInTheIncentivePlanInAnyCalendarYear-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerShareWeightedAveragePriceOfSharesPurchased" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerShareWeightedAveragePriceOfSharesPurchased-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_FungibleShareReserveFeatureSharesSubjectForEachShareGranted-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_FungibleShareReserveFeatureSharesSubjectToAllOtherAwards-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_MaximumNumberOfSharesOfClassACommonStockAwardedToAnyParticipantInTheIncentivePlanInAnyCalendarYear-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_MaximumCashAwardedToAnyParticipantInTheIncentivePlanInAnyCalendarYear-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerShareWeightedAveragePriceOfSharesPurchased-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation-2-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation-2-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-8-stockbased-compensation-2-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_DirectorMember" xlink:label="srt_DirectorMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_DirectorMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-9-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-9-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-9-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsExpectedToBeReimbursedMember" xlink:label="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsExpectedToBeReimbursedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsMember" xlink:label="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_PolicyRetentionMember" xlink:label="cvti_PolicyRetentionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ThirdPartyTruckingAccidentIn2025Member" xlink:label="cvti_ThirdPartyTruckingAccidentIn2025Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LegalFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_LegalFees-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ThirdPartyTruckingAccidentIn2025Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_PolicyRetentionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ClaimrelatedCostsExpectedToBeReimbursedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LegalFees-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NotePayableAssumedFromSaleOfEquipment" xlink:label="cvti_NotePayableAssumedFromSaleOfEquipment-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:label="cvti_RevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:label="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_NotePayableAssumedFromSaleOfEquipment-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-intangibles-and-other-assets-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LandairHoldingsIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_LandairHoldingsIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_SelfInsuranceReceivablesMember" xlink:label="cvti_SelfInsuranceReceivablesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetResidualValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetResidualValue-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivableAfterAllowanceForCreditLossNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherReceivableAfterAllowanceForCreditLossNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LandairHoldingsIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_SelfInsuranceReceivablesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetResidualValue-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherReceivableAfterAllowanceForCreditLossNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-12-equity-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-12-equity-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-12-equity-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q1DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q2DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q3DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q3DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2025Q4DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2025Q4DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2026Q1DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2026Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_O2026Q2DividendsMember" xlink:label="cvti_O2026Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedApril232025Member" xlink:label="cvti_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedApril232025Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ShareRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedApril232025Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2026Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2026Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q1DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q2DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q3DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DividendsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_O2025Q4DividendsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-details-textual" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-details-textual" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-details-textual" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:label="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationPriceOfAcquisitionExpected" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationPriceOfAcquisitionExpected-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_LewThompsonSonTruckingIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationPriceOfAcquisitionExpected-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited-parentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details-parentheticals" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details-parentheticals" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details-parentheticals" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RealEstateNoteMember" xlink:label="cvti_RealEstateNoteMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RevenueEquipmentInstallmentNotesMember" xlink:label="cvti_RevenueEquipmentInstallmentNotesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details-parentheticals" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details-parentheticals" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details-parentheticals" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RevenueEquipmentInstallmentNotesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RealEstateNoteMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-activity-for-contingent-consideration-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-activity-for-contingent-consideration-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-activity-for-contingent-consideration-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-activity-for-contingent-consideration-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-activity-for-contingent-consideration-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue-n11" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue-n12" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-activity-for-contingent-consideration-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodStartLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue-n11" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedPeriodEndLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue-n12" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-leases-future-minimum-lease-payments-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-7-leases-future-minimum-lease-payments-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-leases-future-minimum-lease-payments-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FinanceLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:label="cvti_FinanceLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:label="cvti_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingOperatingLeaseNotYetCommencedNoncurrent" xlink:label="cvti_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingOperatingLeaseNotYetCommencedNoncurrent-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-7-leases-future-minimum-lease-payments-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-7-leases-future-minimum-lease-payments-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-7-leases-future-minimum-lease-payments-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_FinanceLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_OperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingOperatingLeaseNotYetCommencedNoncurrent-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-expected-future-amortization-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-expected-future-amortization-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-expected-future-amortization-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour" xlink:label="cvti_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-expected-future-amortization-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-expected-future-amortization-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-expected-future-amortization-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-assets-acquired-and-liabilities-assumed-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-assets-acquired-and-liabilities-assumed-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-assets-acquired-and-liabilities-assumed-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredPrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredPrepaidExpenseCurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedAccruedExpensesCurrent" xlink:label="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedAccruedExpensesCurrent-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedInsuranceAndClaimsCurrent" xlink:label="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedInsuranceAndClaimsCurrent-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedLeaseObligationCurrent" xlink:label="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedLeaseObligationCurrent-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedLeaseObligationNoncurrent" xlink:label="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedLeaseObligationNoncurrent-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DriverAdvancesAndOtherMember" xlink:label="cvti_DriverAdvancesAndOtherMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-assets-acquired-and-liabilities-assumed-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-assets-acquired-and-liabilities-assumed-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities-n10" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TradeAccountsReceivableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeAccountsReceivableMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-assets-acquired-and-liabilities-assumed-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeAccountsReceivableMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="cvti_DriverAdvancesAndOtherMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedAssetAcquiredPrepaidExpenseCurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedAccruedExpensesCurrent-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedLeaseObligationCurrent-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedInsuranceAndClaimsCurrent-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_BusinessCombinationRecognizedLiabilityAssumedLeaseObligationNoncurrent-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities-n10" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-2-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-2-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-2-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:label="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-2-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-2-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-2-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_AccountsReceivableCreditLossExpenseReversalIncludingDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="cvti_AccountsReceivableCreditLossExpenseReversalIncludingDiscontinuedOperations-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_CapitalLeaseObligationIncurredOperating" xlink:label="cvti_CapitalLeaseObligationIncurredOperating" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="cvti_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ExcessTaxBenefitDeficitFromSharebasedCompensationOperatingActivities" xlink:label="cvti_ExcessTaxBenefitDeficitFromSharebasedCompensationOperatingActivities-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_InsuranceAndClaimsAccrualRateExpectedIncreaseDecreaseInValue" xlink:label="cvti_InsuranceAndClaimsAccrualRateExpectedIncreaseDecreaseInValue" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ReversalOfDeferredGainsOfSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="cvti_ReversalOfDeferredGainsOfSaleOfProperty" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations-4" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations-5" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReduction" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReduction-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityFinancingActivities-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfBankOverdrafts" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfBankOverdrafts" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_AccountsReceivableCreditLossExpenseReversalIncludingDiscontinuedOperations-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_ReversalOfDeferredGainsOfSaleOfProperty" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_ExcessTaxBenefitDeficitFromSharebasedCompensationOperatingActivities-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfBankOverdrafts" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromNotesPayable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentForContingentConsiderationLiabilityFinancingActivities-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations-4" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations-5" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_CapitalLeaseObligationIncurredOperating" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReduction-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_InsuranceAndClaimsAccrualRateExpectedIncreaseDecreaseInValue" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-financial-instruments-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-financial-instruments-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-financial-instruments-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-financial-instruments-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-financial-instruments-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-3-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-financial-instruments-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FinanceLeaseSecuredByRelatedRevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:label="cvti_FinanceLeaseSecuredByRelatedRevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RealEstateNoteMember" xlink:label="cvti_RealEstateNoteMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RevenueEquipmentInstallmentNotesMember" xlink:label="cvti_RevenueEquipmentInstallmentNotesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-6-debt-current-and-longterm-debt-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RevenueEquipmentInstallmentNotesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="cvti_RealEstateNoteMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:to="cvti_FinanceLeaseSecuredByRelatedRevenueEquipmentMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-schedule-of-goodwill-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-schedule-of-goodwill-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-schedule-of-goodwill-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:label="cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:label="cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:label="cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:label="cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-schedule-of-goodwill-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-schedule-of-goodwill-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill-4" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill-5" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-schedule-of-goodwill-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill-4" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill-5" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-consideration-transferred-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-consideration-transferred-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-consideration-transferred-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-consideration-transferred-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-consideration-transferred-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-consideration-transferred-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_AccruedPurchasedTransportation" xlink:label="cvti_AccruedPurchasedTransportation" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DriversAdvancesAndOtherReceivablesNetOfAllowance" xlink:label="cvti_DriversAdvancesAndOtherReceivablesNetOfAllowance" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_InventoryAndSupplies" xlink:label="cvti_InventoryAndSupplies" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivableAfterAllowanceForCreditLossNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherReceivableAfterAllowanceForCreditLossNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_DriversAdvancesAndOtherReceivablesNetOfAllowance" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_InventoryAndSupplies" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherReceivableAfterAllowanceForCreditLossNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_AccruedPurchasedTransportation" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-operations-unaudited" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-operations-unaudited" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-operations-unaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FuelSurchargeMember" xlink:label="cvti_FuelSurchargeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RevenueEquipmentRentalsAndPurchasedTransportation" xlink:label="cvti_RevenueEquipmentRentalsAndPurchasedTransportation" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostMaintenance" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostMaintenance" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DirectCommunicationsAndUtilitiesCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectCommunicationsAndUtilitiesCosts" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FuelCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_FuelCosts" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="cvti_FuelSurchargeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FuelCosts" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostMaintenance" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="cvti_RevenueEquipmentRentalsAndPurchasedTransportation" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectCommunicationsAndUtilitiesCosts" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share-calculation-of-net-income-per-share-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-2-income-per-share-calculation-of-net-income-per-share-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-2-income-per-share-calculation-of-net-income-per-share-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-2-income-per-share-calculation-of-net-income-per-share-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-2-income-per-share-calculation-of-net-income-per-share-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-2-income-per-share-calculation-of-net-income-per-share-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasicAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-comprehensive-income-unaudited" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-comprehensive-income-unaudited" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-comprehensive-income-unaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAfterTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAfterTax" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationAfterTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationAfterTax-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAfterTax" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationAfterTax-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information-segment-information-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-4-segment-information-segment-information-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-4-segment-information-segment-information-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:label="cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:label="cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FuelSurchargeMember" xlink:label="cvti_FuelSurchargeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:label="cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_RevenueEquipmentRentalsAndPurchasedTransportation" xlink:label="cvti_RevenueEquipmentRentalsAndPurchasedTransportation-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:label="cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-4-segment-information-segment-information-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-4-segment-information-segment-information-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostMaintenance" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostMaintenance-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldOverhead" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldOverhead-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DirectCommunicationsAndUtilitiesCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectCommunicationsAndUtilitiesCosts-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FuelCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_FuelCosts-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-4-segment-information-segment-information-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="cvti_FuelSurchargeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FuelCosts-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostMaintenance-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_RevenueEquipmentRentalsAndPurchasedTransportation-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectTaxesAndLicensesCosts-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingInsuranceAndClaimsCostsProduction-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectCommunicationsAndUtilitiesCosts-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldOverhead-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-leases-lease-obligations-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-7-leases-lease-obligations-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-7-leases-lease-obligations-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_FinanceLeasePaymentsFinancingActivities" xlink:label="cvti_FinanceLeasePaymentsFinancingActivities" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_VariableLeaseCosts" xlink:label="cvti_VariableLeaseCosts" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-7-leases-lease-obligations-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-7-leases-lease-obligations-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCost-3" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-7-leases-lease-obligations-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_VariableLeaseCosts" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCost-3" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestPaymentOnLiability" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_FinanceLeasePaymentsFinancingActivities" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-intangible-assets-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-intangible-assets-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-intangible-assets-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_CredentialingMember" xlink:label="cvti_CredentialingMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:label="cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:label="cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:label="cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:label="cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-intangible-assets-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-intangible-assets-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization-n9" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-assets-intangible-assets-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_DedicatedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ManagedFreightMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_WarehousingMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="cvti_CredentialingMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="cvti_ExpeditedMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization-n9" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-results-since-acquisition-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-results-since-acquisition-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-results-since-acquisition-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:label="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-results-since-acquisition-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-results-since-acquisition-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual-2" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-13-acquisition-of-assets-of-brokerage-business-operating-as-star-logistics-solutions-results-since-acquisition-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="cvti_StarTransportationIncMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted-2" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-details" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:label="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-details" xlink:label="cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-details" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="cvti_statement-statement-note-10-equity-method-investment-tels-summarized-financial-information-details" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="cvti_TransportEnterpriseLeasingLLCMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited" xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://covenanttransport.com/20260630/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cvti-20260630.xsd#cvti_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised1" xlink:label="cvti_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised1-1" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCash" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCash-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity-4" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity-5" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod-n8" xlink:type="locator"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="0" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity-4" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCash-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cvti_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised1-1" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod-n8" xlink:type="arc"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity-5" xlink:type="arc"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
