After evaluating 10 drayage companies in Kentucky, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Kentucky
Why Trust FreightWaves Ratings?
There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Kentucky. Every Kentucky trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in Kentucky for your commercial shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc.
4435 N Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (DOT: 712634) is a versatile trucking company offering comprehensive transportation services across interstate operations. Established with a total fleet size of 46 and 23 trucks, they specialize in diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, construction materials, dry bulk commodities, machinery, and metals. Their fleet capabilities are enhanced with flatbeds, tankers, dump trailers, and specialized equipment for oversized loads, making them adaptable to various shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction also emphasizes safety and employee benefits, offering programs such as ongoing training, health screenings, and insurance packages, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and services like cross-docking and intermodal transport. With a focus on driver welfare, they provide sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling options, appealing to drivers and businesses seeking reliable logistics partners. Despite having a single reported crash injury, their safety parameters indicate a strong emphasis on safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 57
- Miles driven: 126,000
Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC
335 E Yusen Drive, Georgetown, KY, 40324- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC (DOT: 554279) is a diverse trucking company operating primarily in Kentucky with a total fleet size of 208. As a carrier and broker, they provide a range of specialized services, including hazardous materials transportation, dry van, reefer, and flatbed services. Cargo carried includes agricultural supplies, chemicals, fresh produce, and building materials, showcasing their capacity to handle diverse freight requirements.
Phoenix Transportation offers cross-border and intermodal transportation solutions, ensuring smooth logistics for international and domestic clients. Comprehensive support for commercial shipments is evident with drop trailer service, expedited options, and a focus on general freight. The company promotes a positive work environment with benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Known for a satisfactory safety rating, Phoenix Transportation strives for operational excellence and flexible solutions tailored to business needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 3.01
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 104
- Revenue: $1,101,000
- Miles driven: 7,240,246
Kentucky Container Service, Inc.
6301 Geil Lane, Louisville, KY, 40219- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Container
- Drayage
Kentucky Container Service, Inc. (DOT: 215501) is a reputable logistics and transportation carrier established in 1970, operating primarily within the interstate realm. Their services include carrying a diverse range of cargo like beverages, building materials, chemicals, and paper products. With a fleet of 94 trucks and 188 total power units, Kentucky Container Service, Inc. is well-equipped to handle various shipping needs.
The company offers support for dry bulk commodities and drayage services, making them suitable for specialized commercial shipments. Despite not offering some employee benefits like a 401k or tuition reimbursement, they provide perks such as health insurance and paid time off. With a satisfactory safety rating and zero crash fatalities, they maintain a focus on safe operations. Their commitment to handling intermodal containers and general freight further enhances their capability in managing efficient and reliable freight transportation for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.67
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.93
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 85
- Revenue: $932,000
- Miles driven: 3,316,939
Pecco, Inc.
250 Etter Drive, Nicholasville, KY, 40356- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Step deck
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Pecco, Inc. (DOT: 489151) is a reputable trucking company based in Kentucky, established in 1991. With a fleet size of 46 trucks, they specialize in carrying a wide range of cargo, covering chemicals, general freight, machinery, and garbage/refuse, making them highly adaptable to various transportation needs. Known for their commitment to safety with a satisfactory safety rating, Pecco, Inc. ensures secure and efficient shipping services, including the use of reefer trailers and dry vans.
Pecco, Inc. provides logistics solutions with specialized support for hazardous materials and interstate operations. Their dedicated and regional drivers, along with flexible scheduling, enable superior service. Furthermore, they offer attractive employee benefits such as health and life insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Pecco, Inc.’s commitment to seamless operations is further evidenced by their ongoing training programs and driver-centered incentives, ensuring clients receive reliable and professional transportation services for their commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.97
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 55
- Miles driven: 2,124,850
Product Distribution Company
3925 Produce Road, Louisville, KY, 40218- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
Product Distribution Company (DOT: 230522) is an active trucking carrier based in Kentucky, known for its flexibility and dedication to customer satisfaction with an active presence in interstate operations. Featuring a fleet of 95 trucks predominantly consisting of flatbeds and dry vans, they specialize in general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. The company prides itself on a satisfactory safety rating and emphasizes efficiency and reliability in their logistics services.
Business owners can benefit from their specialized support, including managed transportation and cross-border capabilities. With a robust team of 90 drivers, they offer regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) services. The company’s dedication routes, expedited hauling with flatbed drivers, and specialized hazardous materials handling position them as a trusted partner for businesses across diverse industries. Additionally, they offer a range of employee benefits such as health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training programs, which contribute to their stability and dependable service.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.55
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.1
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 90
- Revenue: $3,027
- Miles driven: 7,115,663
Tram Construction, Inc.
9279 E Ky 8, Garrison, KY, 41141- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Tram Construction, Inc. (DOT: 354116) has been an active player in the trucking industry since 1982, operating from Kentucky. Specializing in handling building materials and large machinery, the company offers flatbed and lowboy transport services, making it ideal for businesses with oversized cargo needs. They also provide specialized drivers and support for transporting hazardous materials safely. With a fleet size of 32, including tankers and dump trailers, they are well-equipped to handle a variety of industrial and construction materials.
Tram Construction is committed to safety, boasting a “Satisfactory” safety rating, and invests in ongoing training and development programs for its drivers. Business owners can benefit from team driving services and flexible scheduling for more efficient logistics solutions. The company offers competitive amenities for its employees, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Tram Construction, Inc. is a reliable choice for businesses requiring specialized freight transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.8
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $3,921
- Miles driven: 277,684
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc.
3909 N Hwy 11, Sharpsburg, KY, 40374- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 336898) is a reputable trucking company located in Kentucky, with a satisfactory safety rating and fleet maintained at an average age of 3 years. They manage a diverse array of shipments and are equipped to handle motor vehicles, metal sheets, coils, rolls, logs, poles, beams, lumber, farm supplies, grain, feed, hay, livestock, machinery, and paper products. Their range of services includes dry van, dump trailer, and intermodal transportation, providing versatile options to suit varied shipping needs.
Thompson Transportation emphasizes robust support for commercial shipments, offering specialized drivers, flexible scheduling, and the convenience of lift gate services. They also provide numerous driver benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, fostering a supportive work environment. With a strong focus on client satisfaction and extensive experience in managed transportation, they are a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.9
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $2,784
- Miles driven: 856,000
Elite Trucking Services, LLC
9719 Sr 303, Mayfield, KY, 42066- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Elite Trucking Services, LLC (DOT: 583668) is a Kentucky-based trucking company known for its versatile freight transportation services. With a fleet of 24 trucks and a specialization in general freight, livestock, lumber, and refrigerated foods, they offer reliable transport solutions tailored to various cargo needs. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and focus on ongoing training and development programs for drivers.
Elite Trucking Services provides several specialized support services, including hazardous materials transport and container drayage. They cater to different driver needs with regional and dedicated routes, while also supporting owner-operators. The company offers enticing benefits such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Their dedication to client satisfaction and employee support makes them a compelling choice for businesses seeking dependable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.66
- Driver fitness: 0.37
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.98
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $355
- Miles driven: 205,368
L R Daniels Transportation, Inc.
12030 Paul Coffey BLVD, Ashland, KY, 41102- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Trash
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
L R Daniels Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 208452) is a versatile trucking company that has been active for over four decades, specializing in general freight transportation across an interstate network. Known for handling a variety of cargo such as machinery, metals, and garbage/refuse, they provide critical services like hazardous materials transportation and refrigerated (“reefer”) units, allowing them to cater to a diverse range of shipping needs.
L R Daniels supports commercial shipments through dedicated routes and cross-docking services, ensuring efficient logistics management. With a mid-sized fleet and an emphasis on safety and direct deposit for payments, they offer appealing employee benefits including health, dental, and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) plan. Their reliable reputation is reinforced by satisfactory safety ratings and a proactive approach to driver fitness, making them a favorable choice for businesses seeking consistent and secure freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.8
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $47,402
- Miles driven: 1,000,700
RWI Transportation, LLC
1538 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas, KY, 41075- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Cross-border
- Drayage
RWI Transportation, LLC (DOT: 105263) provides specialized interstate freight transportation services primarily focusing on refrigerated cargo. Established in Kentucky, the company operates with a fleet of 17 trucks, offering tailored solutions for shipping fresh produce, meat, paper products, and intermodal containers. The company emphasizes personalized service with features like regional drivers, dedicated routes, and flexible scheduling to meet diverse client needs.
RWI Transportation is noted for its attention to driver welfare, offering benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, along with per diem payments and safety bonuses. They accommodate owner-operators and provide opportunities for over-the-road and dedicated drivers, ensuring efficient cargo delivery nationwide. Despite having a satisfactory safety rating and no reported crash injuries, they maintain competitive service levels. This makes RWI Transportation a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable refrigerated transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.81
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Miles driven: 1,372,816
How Safety Ratings Work in Kentucky
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)
Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:
- Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
- Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
- Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
- Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
- Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
- Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
- Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.
Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.
Choosing the Right Drayage Transport Company for Your Shipments in Kentucky
Here’s how to find dependable Drayage services for short-haul moves:
- Proximity to ports and rail yards: Select a Drayage provider close to key terminals in Kentucky to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Kentucky carriers that specialize in Drayage understand how to navigate port processes and reduce potential delays.
- Fleet capacity and availability: A carrier with a sufficient fleet of well-maintained trucks will be better-eqipped to handle fluctuating shipment volumes.
- Real-time tracking: Opt for Kentucky Drayage companies with GPS and tracking tools for better visibility into shipment locations and statuses.
- Compliance and safety standards: Ensure the company meets all FMCSA safety and regulatory requirements for port-related trucking.
- Efficient communication: Reliable customer service is key, particularly for urgent deliveries or high-volume Drayage needs.
FAQs
What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for Kentucky businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Kentucky businesses, it acts as a vital link between large-scale transportation and local warehousing or distribution.
How does Drayage help streamline intermodal shipping?
Drayage is essential in intermodal shipping because it facilitates the transfer of goods between various transportation modes, such as rail to truck. It minimizes handling times, which in turn improves delivery efficiency and reduces overall shipping costs.
What types of goods are typically handled in Drayage shipping?
Drayage shipping typically handles containerized goods, including consumer products, machinery, electronics, and imported materials. These goods are transported from ports or rail hubs to warehouses or distribution points for further processing or delivery.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
