After evaluating seven drayage companies in Alabama, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Robbie D Wood, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Alabama
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 Alabama. Every Alabama 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 Alabama for your commercial shipping needs.
Robbie D Wood, Inc.
1051 Old Warrior River Road, Dolomite, AL, 35061- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Robbie D Wood, Inc. (DOT: 130504) is a dynamic trucking company expertly handling hazardous waste and chemical product transportation. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 vehicles, their well-rounded service portfolio includes tanker, dump trailer, and flatbed operations, supporting regional and dedicated routes. The company is known for carrying diverse cargos such as building materials, chemicals, coal, garbage, and large machinery, providing specialized support for commercial shipments.
Offering a range of employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, Robbie D Wood, Inc. provides attractive incentives like sign-on bonuses and pay advances. Safety remains a priority, evident from their satisfactory safety rating. The company caters to a variety of transportation needs with intermodal, reefer, and dry van services. Business clients requiring reliable and professional logistics support can trust Robbie D Wood, Inc. for their shipping requirements.
Safety
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 26
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 272
- Miles driven: 23,300,000
Quick Delivery Service
3161 Crichton Street, Mobile, AL, 36607- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Quick Delivery Service (DOT: 97819), legally known as Coastal Service Express Inc, has been a reputable trucking company since 1958. Based in Alabama, the company operates a modern fleet with 44 vehicles and specializes in transporting beverages, building materials, paper products, and intermodal containers. They emphasize efficiency and reliability by offering specialized drivers, flatbed, step deck, and B-train services.
Quick Delivery Service stands out by providing an array of support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transport and drayage services. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is demonstrated through flexible options like managed transportation, direct deposit, and guaranteed home time for drivers. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs, they ensure high service quality, making them a dependable choice for businesses seeking trucking and logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.19
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $8,130,000
- Miles driven: 694,000
Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc.
925 34th Street North, Birmingham, AL, 35222- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 843883) is a reputable trucking company with a significant presence in Alabama. Operating a fleet of 517 trucks, they specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. With their commitment to safety, evidenced by a satisfactory safety rating, they offer robust services including power-only transport, dry van, and flatbed shipping.
In addition to general freight, Buddy Moore Trucking provides dedicated routes and manages logistics operations, ensuring reliable delivery solutions. They support commercial shipments with hazardous materials endorsements and cross-border logistics. The company demonstrates a strong commitment to employee well-being, offering benefits such as health and vision coverage, paid time off, and flexible scheduling, enhancing their attractiveness as a business partner. With ongoing training programs and a fleet age averaging two years, they remain at the forefront of service and innovation in the trucking industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 22
- Unsafe driving: 1.43
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 438
- Revenue: $2,142
- Miles driven: 42,500,000
Thompson Carriers, Inc.
1700 Old Columbus Road, Opelika, AL, 36804- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Thompson Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 523910) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Alabama. They maintain an active status with a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet of over 330 vehicles. Specializing in the transportation of building materials, dry bulk commodities, and large machinery, this company has a rich assortment of specialized equipment, including flatbeds and lowboys. Their expertise extends to handling hazardous materials and livestock, providing versatile shipping solutions to cater to diverse client needs.
Thompson Carriers offers significant support for commercial shipments, including regional and dedicated routes, with opportunities for owner-operators. The company emphasizes employee benefits with offerings such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and health insurance, along with flexible compensation like per diem payments. With 165 drivers adept in over-the-road and long-haul duties, they promise reliable shipping services throughout interstate regions.
Safety
- Crashes: 21
- Unsafe driving: 3.24
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.06
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 165
- Revenue: $24,473
- Miles driven: 15,200,000
Commercial Hauling Co, Inc.
1700 22nd Ave North, Birmingham, AL, 35204- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Commercial Hauling Co, Inc. (DOT: 226614) is an active trucking carrier based in Alabama, specializing in various freight services and maintaining a satisfactory safety rating. Despite being a relatively small operation with a fleet of 46 vehicles, the company excels in offering dry van, dump trailer, and step deck services. They handle a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, coal/coke, general freight, and garbage/refuse, leveraging their expertise in dry bulk commodities and grain feed hay transportation.
The company provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes and flexible scheduling. They value driver satisfaction and safety, offering benefits such as health and vision insurance, paid time off, and driver referral bonuses, along with ongoing training and development programs. Commercial Hauling Co, Inc. also supports owner-operators, cross-border operations, drayage, and offers services like expedited and regional driving, contributing to the efficient shipment of goods across state lines.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.38
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Revenue: $2,760
- Miles driven: 1,442,416
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass, Inc.
1820 Hand Ave, Whistler, AL, 36612- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Trash
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Tanker
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass, Inc. (DOT: 273357) is a diversified trucking company founded in 1984, with a fleet of 153 trucks operating across interstate routes. They provide specialized hauling services, particularly in hazardous materials and tanker transportation, accommodating shipments of building materials, machinery, and logs. The company is known for utilizing various trailers, including hoppers and lowboys, to handle oversized cargo efficiently.
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass offers comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside retirement plans and paid time off. They are dedicated to safety and maintain a Satisfactory safety rating. Furthermore, the company supports team drivers with regional routes and offers bonuses, direct deposit, and flexible scheduling options. Their commitment to professional development is evident through ongoing training programs, ensuring high service standards for business clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.54
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 91
- Revenue: $2,753
- Miles driven: 5,826,499
Dolphin Line, Inc.
4521 Higgins Road, Mobile, AL, 36619- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Drayage
Dolphin Line, Inc. (DOT: 427439) began operations in 1986 and stands out as a reputable private freight carrier in Alabama. With a fleet size of over 50 vehicles and 30 total power units, the company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods, making it a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
Dolphin Line offers dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities, emphasizing its commitment to reliable service. They also provide specialized support for commercial shipments, with services tailored for transporting general freight and grain feed hay. Employee benefits such as health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as a retirement plan and paid time off, underscore their dedication to operational excellence and employee well-being. The company’s safety record is strong, with a satisfactory rating and a low incidence of unsafe driving.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.74
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $24,341,000
- Miles driven: 4,329,565
How Safety Ratings Work in Alabama
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 Alabama
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 Alabama to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Alabama businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Alabama 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
