If you’re in the business of manufacturing construction materials, machinery, or other heavy load items, flatbed carriers are the most efficient way to get your products where they need to go. We looked at areas like pricing, safety, fleet size, and customer feedback for leading Alabama flatbed trucking companies and found Double Bar Trucking to be the top pick.
Flatbed 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.
Double Bar Trucking
3870 Hodgesville Rd, Dothan, AL, 36301- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Double Bar Trucking (DOT: 912486) is a specialized freight carrier known for its operation in Alabama. While the exact year of establishment is unclear, the company offers full and partial truckload services, with a focus on shipping general freight, fresh produce, and building materials. They utilize dry vans and flatbed trucks to manage agricultural supplies, grain, feed, hay, machinery, and metal sheets.
Double Bar Trucking caters to business clients by providing a comprehensive service offering that includes dry van and flatbed capabilities. They maintain a commitment to safety with exemplary driving records. Their benefits package features health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off. Although small in fleet size, Double Bar Trucking ensures flexibility in handling various commercial shipments efficiently, attracting businesses seeking reliable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 67,168
Stephens Enterprises, LLC
6348 Eastwood Glen Place, Montgomery, AL, 36117- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Stephens Enterprises, LLC (DOT: 1705045) operates as an interstate carrier with an active USDOT status. Specializing in refrigerated transport, they handle a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, and paper products. With a combination of full truckload and less-than-truckload services, they cater to both small and large shipments, enhancing flexibility for business clients. The company maintains a modest fleet of 9 trucks, emphasizing quality and reliable service.
Stephens Enterprises supports commercial shipment needs with a focus on safety, evidenced by zero crash incidents. They provide amenities such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. While not offering team driving opportunities, they excel in on-time delivery with guaranteed home time for drivers. Their ongoing training and development programs ensure that drivers are well-prepared and professional. This attention to service detail makes Stephens Enterprises a suitable choice for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.9
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $613,000
- Miles driven: 600,105
Moving It
6704 Steeplechase Dr Nw, Huntsville, AL, 35806- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Moving It (DOT: 1220017) is an active interstate carrier focusing on logistics and transportation. They specialize in box truck services and dry van shipments, with a significant emphasis on full and partial truckloads. The company excels in moving household goods and offers a flatbed transportation option.
Moving It places a high value on driver benefits, providing health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. They offer paid CDL training, sign-on, and safety bonuses, making them attractive for drivers seeking supportive employment. The carrier also guarantees home time, ensuring a balanced work-life setup for its drivers. With their commitment to safety and ongoing driver development, Moving It stands out as a promising choice for businesses aiming for reliability and efficiency in their shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 20,000
M & M Trucking Company, Inc.
980 Lee Rd 10, Auburn, AL, 36830- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
M & M Trucking Company, Inc. (DOT: 275148) is an active trucking company based in Alabama, boasting a fleet of 74 vehicles and using 37 trucks to provide efficient transportation services. While they’ve been in operation for several decades, they lack a specific start year. Known for handling dry bulk commodities and construction materials, M & M Trucking offers a range of services including flatbed and box truck shipments.
Emphasizing reliability, M & M Trucking provides regional and full truckload services, with operations extending interstate. They have commendable safety scores, reflected by a satisfactory safety rating. Commercial clients can look forward to additional logistical support, including less-than-truckload options. Although offering health, dental, and vision insurance, the company’s Google and Glassdoor ratings highlight a solid reputation in the industry, with accommodations for regional driving and paid time off for employees.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.16
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $12,237,000
- Miles driven: 2,340,645
Loftin Bros Transportation Co, Inc.
100 Owen Court, Montgomery, AL, 36108- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Loftin Bros Transportation Co, Inc. (DOT: 566618) operates as a reputable freight carrier in Alabama with an active interstate authority. Specializing in the transportation of general freight, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery, they provide flexible full and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, utilizing their fleet of dry vans and flatbed trucks. Their operations prioritize efficiency in handling a wide array of cargo types.
Though Loftin Bros Transportation maintains a smaller fleet size, ranging from 20 to 49, they focus on offering local and over-the-road (OTR) driving services. They provide essential employee benefits such as health, dental insurance, and paid time off, which support their commitment to employee well-being. While the company has experienced some safety incidents, they strive to deliver dependable freight services, backed by moderate vehicle maintenance attention.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 4.89
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.76
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $4,085,000
- Miles driven: 917,866
Guaranteed Recovery, LLC
3091 Westernhills Dr E, Mobile, AL, 36618- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Guaranteed Recovery, LLC (DOT: 2425355) is a reputable trucking company operating in Alabama, known for its robust services in the transportation of general freight and motor vehicles across interstate routes. With a fleet of 15 trucks primarily configured as dry vans and flatbeds, Guaranteed Recovery provides comprehensive coverage for both partial and full truckloads. Their emphasis on reliability is showcased through their specialized team driving opportunities, ensuring expedited and efficient delivery of shipments.
The company supports a wide range of cargo types, including driveaway and towaway services, backed by a selection of driver benefits such as guaranteed home time, paid time off, and health insurance options, including dental and vision coverage. Guaranteed Recovery, LLC stands out by offering zero crash-related injuries or fatalities, indicating their commitment to safety and professional service. Their noteworthy DOT-compliance and fleet management underscore a dependable option for business owners seeking seamless logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $266,000
- Miles driven: 600,000
Southern Coaches, Inc.
1751 Reeves St, Dothan, AL, 36303- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Southern Coaches, Inc. (DOT: 430145) is a reputable transportation company based in Alabama, established in 1989. With a fleet size of 40 and specializing in interstate operations, Southern Coaches excels in offering comprehensive full truckload and less-than-truckload services, utilizing flatbeds and dry vans for various types of cargo, particularly passenger transportation. Their dedication to quality is reflected in their “Satisfactory” safety rating and commendable industry reputation.
Southern Coaches provides exceptional support for commercial shipments by offering guaranteed home time and new driver programs, contributing to their reliable and professional services. Additionally, the company emphasizes employee welfare, offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurances, as well as 401(k) retirement plans. With a focus on team driver services and a competitive driver salary range of $50,000-$60,000, Southern Coaches is well-positioned to meet the shipping needs of business owners seeking dependable and efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.48
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $1,235,000
- Miles driven: 492,070
Boss Hog Trucking
636 Maddox St, Auburn, AL, 36830- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Boss Hog Trucking (DOT: 1827225) operates as an interstate carrier, noted for hauling general freight. They offer services like full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments, catering to a variety of shipping needs. Despite a small fleet size of four trucks, they focus on quality and efficiency.
Based in Alabama, Boss Hog Trucking stands out with their dry van and flatbed capabilities. They prioritize driver well-being, providing health insurance and paid time off. Known for their active status and modern fleet with an average age of three years, they ensure reliable service without safety incidents on record. Business owners seeking dependable freight solutions can count on Boss Hog Trucking for prompt deliveries and a track record of zero crash injuries or fatalities.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 122,430
SLT Transport, LLC
5704 Sweet Meadow Drive, Montgomery, AL, 36117- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
SLT Transport, LLC (DOT: 1459725) operates as a reliable freight carrier based in Alabama, primarily focusing on transporting general freight. Equipped with a formidable fleet of flatbed and dry van trucks, they efficiently handle cargo types including agricultural supplies, construction materials, household goods, paper products, utilities, and U.S. mail.
They excel in offering flexible transportation solutions, such as less-than-truckload and partial truckload shipping, which makes them adaptable for various business needs. SLT Transport prioritizes driver satisfaction by offering health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off. With an emphasis on safety demonstrated by their low record of crash incidents, SLT Transport is a dependable choice for commercial shipments requiring a balance of service and safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 5.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4
- Miles driven: 77,000
SBG Trucking
5430 Colony Way, Hoover, AL, 35226- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
SBG Trucking (DOT: 1540524) is a reputable carrier in Alabama, with a focus on integrity and service excellence in the transportation industry. They specialize in handling a variety of cargo, including construction materials, general freight, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. This company provides full and partial truckload services, supported by a fleet that includes flatbeds and dry vans, for efficient and flexible shipment solutions.
SBG Trucking excels in offering commercial shipment support with team drivers and guaranteed home time for employees. Additional benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a retirement 401k plan, and paid CDL training. SBG Trucking also offers safety and sign-on bonuses, underscoring their commitment to workforce welfare and safety. With zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, SBG Trucking ensures reliable delivery and peace of mind for business owners seeking dependable transportation partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.44
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.23
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 80,000
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 Flatbed Trucking Company for Your Alabama Shipments
If you run a construction company, manufacturing business, or industrial operation in Alabama, it’s important to consider the following before selecting a Flatbed trucking company:
- Specialized Flatbed options: Some companies offer specialized Flatbed vehicles like stretch or double-drop trailers that may be necessary for extra-long or heavy loads.
- Fleet Condition and maintenance: Choose a company that prioritizes fleet upkeep, as well-maintained trucks reduce the risk of delays and improve safety for your shipments.
- Weather-resistant protection: Flatbed carriers have an open deck, which make them ideal for loading and unloading bulky items. But open transport means exposure to the elements, so for more sensitive equipment or materials, look for carriers that provide tarping and other weather-protection services to safeguard cargo during transport.
- Experience with permits and regulations: Ensure the company is knowledgeable about handling oversize load permits, escort vehicles, and other regulatory requirements specific to Flatbed shipments.
- Load size and weight limits: Flatbed carriers have different weight and size capacities, so choose a company that can accommodate your cargo dimensions and meets Alabama regulations.
- Geographic coverage: You’ll want to confirm that a carrier provides routes in your required shipping areas to ensure timely delivery.
- Tracking and communication: Carriers with advanced tracking technology and responsive communication help provide real-time updates on your shipment’s status.
- Driver experience and training: Experienced drivers are essential for safe and efficient flatbed transport, especially for complex hauls or challenging routes. Find out what basic and ongoing training a carrier requires.
- Insurance coverage: Confirm that the company’s insurance policies cover the value of your cargo, especially for high-value or heavy-duty loads.
- Customer reviews and reputation: Look for a company with positive consumer feedback, specifically from Flatbed customers.
FAQs
What types of shipments are best-suited for Flatbed shipping?
Shipments that require specialized handling or unique configurations — such as oversized, heavy, or oddly-shaped items — are best-suited for Flatbed shipping. Industries like construction and manufacturing often use Flatbed shipping for transporting machinery, raw materials, or equipment. Flatbed trucks have an open deck, making them particularly useful for products that cannot fit within the confines of standard trailers.
How can Flatbed shipping benefit my business in Alabama?
Flatbed shipping can benefit your business by providing flexible transport options for loads that may not fit on more conventional trucks. They allow for easier loading and unloading, which in turn reduces handling time and potential damage for oversized or delicate items.
What are the biggest factors I should consider when choosing a Flatbed shipping provider?
Some of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a Flatbed shipping provider include experience with that transport type. Companies that have double-drop trailers and protective tarps are likely well-versed in Flatbed shipments. It’s also important to choose a company with skilled drivers and a well-kept fleet. You can review a company’s FMCSA score to check for safety violations and see maintenance records.
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
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van 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
