After evaluating 10 drayage companies in Tennessee, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, MTR Nashville is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Tennessee
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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee for your commercial shipping needs.
MTR Nashville
3006 Seaboard Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
MTR Nashville (DOT: 1030979) is an active trucking carrier founded in 2002, headquartered in Tennessee. The company operates a modestly sized fleet of up to 10 trucks, providing interstate transportation services. They specialize in general freight and building materials, with additional capabilities for hauling paper products. MTR Nashville offers both full and partial truckloads, as well as flatbed and tanker services, accommodating a variety of shipping needs for business owners.
MTR Nashville emphasizes team driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and services such as cross-border transport. Despite being a smaller carrier, they uphold a strong reputation with customer ratings on platforms like Google and Glassdoor. MTR Nashville provides comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and offers attractive perks such as sign-on bonuses and a 401(k) retirement plan. This focus on employee welfare complements their commitment to delivering reliable transportation solutions for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- 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: 6
- Revenue: $1,360,000
- Miles driven: 231,907
Covenant Logistics
400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, TN, 37419- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Covenant Logistics (DOT: 273818) is a recognized trucking company established in 1986, known for its comprehensive freight solutions based in Tennessee. With a fleet of over 1,364 trucks, they specialize in handling a wide range of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, chemicals, and building materials. Covenant Logistics offers dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities, emphasizing customized service and reliability for business owners.
Offering a spectrum of commercial support services like team driving, power-only services, and intermodal options, Covenant Logistics meets diverse shipping needs. They provide employee benefits such as health insurance, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling, ensuring a committed workforce prioritizing safety and efficiency. Despite some recorded crash incidents, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, underscoring their focus on maintaining high safety standards while delivering excellent logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 167
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.92
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 30
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1917
- Revenue: $76,030,000
- Miles driven: 191,000,000
Titan Transfer, Inc.
1200 Stanley BLVD, Shelbyville, TN, 37160- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Titan Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 845505) is a prominent interstate freight trucking company founded in 2000 based in Tennessee. The company operates a sizable fleet of 1,166 vehicles, including refrigerated and flatbed trucks, specializing in transporting general freight and various commodities such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, and paper products. Titan Transfer is versatile in its offerings with services such as drayage and cross-border shipments, making it an ideal choice for business owners seeking comprehensive shipping solutions.
Titan Transfer prioritizes driver benefits by providing health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan and tuition reimbursement. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes and offer guaranteed home time for their drivers. With active safety programs, a satisfactory safety rating, and a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $75,000, the company emphasizes safe and efficient logistic solutions, ensuring dependable shipping services for various products and logistics needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 52
- Unsafe driving: 2.46
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.34
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 562
- Revenue: $18,248
- Miles driven: 52,000,000
NEW Waverly Transportation
1610 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
NEW Waverly Transportation (DOT: 146001) is a reputable trucking company that has been providing transportation services since 1972. With a total fleet size of 250 and operating under the legal name Louisiana Pacific Corporation, they cater to a wide range of cargo including building materials, general freight, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment. NEW Waverly supports various transportation needs, including cross-border and drayage services.
Specialized offerings include power-only, hot shot, and dedicated routes, supported by hazmat-certified drivers. Additionally, NEW Waverly ensures employee satisfaction through extensive benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans, supplemented by development programs and flexible scheduling. Business owners seeking reliable transport with effective logistical solutions will find NEW Waverly’s commitment to service ideal for commercial shipping needs. They operate nationally with a strong safety record, maintaining active authority and a focus on safety with ongoing training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.96
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.49
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 125
- Revenue: $14,015,000
- Miles driven: 8,255,285
Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co
2163 Airways BLVD, Memphis, TN, 38114- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $3,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Dump trailer
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co (DOT: 536) has operated since 1969, specializing in various freight services from its Tennessee base. The company handles an array of cargo types, including construction materials, machinery, motor vehicles, general freight, and oilfield equipment. Barnhart Crane And Rigging is known for employing a fleet of advanced flatbed and step-deck trailers ideally suited for heavy and oversized hauls. With dedicated and team drivers, the company offers flexible scheduling and direct services tailored to commercial needs.
Supporting commercial shipments, Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co offers specialized drivers for hazardous materials, ensuring safe and compliant transport. They provide a range of employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and comprehensive training programs for both new and experienced drivers. The company’s reputation for dependable service is reflected in its “Satisfactory” safety rating and a commendable Glassdoor rating of 4.1, underlining its commitment to quality and safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.63
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 647
- Revenue: $22,509
- Miles driven: 6,881,387
International Paper
6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38197- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
International Paper (DOT: 297334) is a distinguished carrier established in 1898, with a significant fleet size of over 400 vehicles based in Tennessee. This company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo including chemicals, garbage, logs, and paper products, supporting efficient interstate operations.
The company offers a multitude of services such as power-only hauling, cross-border shipments, and drayage. They provide dedicated routes, team driver services, and have a strong focus on hazardous materials transportation with zero recorded violations in this category. International Paper prioritizes safety, as reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and a robust support for drivers, including health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.77
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 208
- Revenue: $1,520,991
- Miles driven: 8,141,555
JIT – Ex, LLC
3344 Cazassa Rd, Memphis, TN, 38116- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
JIT – Ex, LLC (DOT: 974027) is a versatile trucking company with a substantial fleet of 214 trucks. They excel in transporting a variety of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, grain, lumber, intermodal containers, and metal sheets. JIT – Ex is committed to offering power-only services and specializes in handling hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities, making them a reliable choice for diverse shipping needs.
JIT – Ex provides comprehensive commercial support, featuring cross-docking and drayage services as well as a strong focus on both general freight and building materials. Their drivers benefit from a range of employee incentives, including sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. The company places an emphasis on safety, as indicated by their satisfactory safety rating and moderate vehicle maintenance scores. With flexible scheduling and local driver opportunities, JIT – Ex stands out as a dedicated partner in the logistics industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 23
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.51
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 278
- Revenue: $3,163
- Miles driven: 17,700,000
Burkhart Enterprises
2435 Asbury Road, Knoxville, TN, 37914- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Drayage
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Burkhart Enterprises (DOT: 41115) is an established trucking company operating in Tennessee with a satisfactory safety rating. The company boasts a fleet of over 50 trucks and specializes in carrying a wide array of cargo types. Some of the freight they handle includes agricultural supplies, building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, and refrigerated foods.
Burkhart Enterprises provides a robust set of services for commercial shipments, including general freight, dry van, and intermodal container support. Additionally, they are equipped to manage oversized machinery and oilfield equipment. Their operations extend across state lines, reinforcing their capability as an active interstate carrier. Business owners will find value in their specialized handling of both general and specific freight categories, supporting diverse commercial transportation needs.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.53
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $14,159
- Miles driven: 602,325
OLD Time Express, Inc.
600 Industrial Park Drive, Hartsville, TN, 37074- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
OLD Time Express, Inc. (DOT: 567905) is a versatile trucking company with a fleet size between 20 to 49 vehicles, operating in Tennessee. Specializing in refrigerated transportation, the company handles a wide range of cargo including fresh produce, beverages, meat, building materials, and paper products. They offer services such as owner-operator opportunities, dedicated routes, and drop trailer options, making them a flexible choice for businesses with varied shipping needs.
OLD Time Express, Inc. provides specialized support for commercial shipments, such as power-only services and hazardous material transportation. With safety ratings and ongoing training programs in place, they emphasize secure and reliable deliveries. Additional benefits like paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and a 401k retirement plan highlight their commitment to supporting their drivers. The company is also known for offering guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, ensuring employee satisfaction and efficiency in operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.84
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $4,000
- Miles driven: 1,128,575
CMH Transport, Inc.
5000 Clayton Road, Maryville, TN, 37804- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Mobile homes
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
CMH Transport, Inc. (DOT: 594023) is an active carrier known for its expertise in managing and transporting an array of commercial cargo across interstate routes. With a fleet size of 758 and operating 379 trucks, CMH Transport specializes in the transport of construction materials, mobile homes, and general freight, emphasizing flexibility and reliable delivery. The company also supports heavy haul and flatbed operations, ensuring safe and efficient transport for oversized loads. CMH Transport is committed to providing services tailored to the needs of various industries, making them a valuable partner for businesses requiring specialized and general freight services.
CMH Transport offers a suite of employee benefits and driver programs, including guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, and paid time off, ensuring driver satisfaction and retention. The company prides itself on a satisfactory safety record and provides ongoing training and development programs. Moreover, CMH Transport supports team driving and offers dedicated routes, making them a dependable choice for businesses seeking consistent and specialized logistics support.
Safety
- Crashes: 29
- Unsafe driving: 0.45
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.96
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 397
- Miles driven: 18,900,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
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 Tennessee to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Tennessee 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
