The right LTL — or “less-than-truckload” — carrier can help save on freight costs and provide flexible shipping solutions. After evaluating key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, service offerings, and safety ratings, we found ALL Service Handling to be the best LTL trucking company in California.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in California
Shipping needs vary by company and product, so check out our other top picks for LTL for-hire carriers to see which one works best for your business.
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 California. Every California 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 California for your commercial shipping needs.
ALL Service Handling
9749 Bellegrave Ave, Riverside, CA, 92509- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
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
ALL Service Handling (DOT: 2525963) is a versatile trucking company located in California, known for delivering specialized services and handling diverse cargo types. They offer a wide range of services such as reefer, flatbed, and tanker operations. The company’s expertise includes the transportation of building materials, making them a reliable partner for businesses in construction and related industries.
ALL Service Handling provides commercial shipment support with features like team driving opportunities, vehicle maintenance programs, direct deposit, and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to safety is demonstrated by providing ongoing training and development programs. They offer various employee benefits, including health insurance and gym memberships, ensuring that their team remains robust and motivated. The company also maintains a strong focus on efficient logistics, including cross-border and intermodal transportation, proving them to be an ideal choice for business owners seeking comprehensive cargo solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $260,000
- Miles driven: 200,000
Speed Intermodal
3732 Farmington Rd, Stockton, CA, 95215- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
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
Speed Intermodal (DOT: 2418540) is a prominent trucking company based in California, known for its active and diverse operations. The company excels in offering a wide range of trucking services, including full and partial truckloads, specialized transport like reefer, lowboy, and flatbed services, as well as container and intermodal options. They cater to a variety of cargo types, primarily focusing on general freight and parcel deliveries. Speed Intermodal also provides specialized support for hazardous materials, ensuring safe and efficient transport for sensitive shipments.
In terms of commercial service, Speed Intermodal supports businesses with team driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and managed transportation services. To further support their drivers and clients, the company highlights benefits like paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and flexible scheduling. With a commitment to safety and driver welfare, Speed Intermodal offers ongoing training programs, health screenings, and favorable compensation packages including guaranteed home time, making them a top choice for business owners seeking reliable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 26
- Unsafe driving: 3.36
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.84
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 370
- Miles driven: 4,160,717
Nationwide Freight Solutions, Inc.
620 W Route 66 Suite 206, Glendora, CA, 91740- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Produce
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Nationwide Freight Solutions, Inc. (DOT: 2470872) is a reputable trucking company active in the interstate transportation industry. They specialize in carrying fresh produce and refrigerated goods, utilizing both reefer and dry van equipment to meet diverse shipping needs. Established a few years ago, they have gained a solid footing with a fleet that includes dependable flatbed and full truckload services.
Focused on providing comprehensive support, Nationwide Freight Solutions offers team and regional driving opportunities, ensuring flexible and efficient service for businesses. They prioritize safety and maintain competitive ratings, with driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and various insurance benefits available to their team. The company also supports commercial shipments with less-than-truckload options, enhancing their capacity to manage a broad range of cargo types effectively.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 10.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 1
Sea-Logix, LLC
1360 W Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA, 90810- Fleet age: New
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- B-train semi
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Sea-Logix, LLC (DOT: 515474) is a dynamic trucking company based in California, lauded for its versatile services in the transportation sector. With a total fleet size of 280 units, including 140 trucks and various trailers, Sea-Logix focuses on interstate operations. They proficiently handle a broad spectrum of cargo, such as fresh produce, beverages, construction materials, and hazardous materials. The company’s offerings include specialized services with reefer units, flatbeds, and dry vans, enhancing their capability to deliver diverse materials safely.
The company prides itself on exceptional service through dedicated routes and regional drivers, ensuring timely deliveries. Sea-Logix commits to supporting commercial shipments with features like drop trailers, lift gates, and consolidation for efficient freight management. Additional benefits for drivers include flexible scheduling, sign-on bonuses, and comprehensive insurance options, promoting a supportive work environment while maintaining high safety and training standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.17
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 202
- Miles driven: 6,149,355
CDL Carriers
406 Kerwin Ct, Roseville, CA, 95747- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Paper products
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
CDL Carriers (DOT: 1319599) is a dynamic and versatile trucking company proficient in handling a broad array of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, and paper products. Specializing in both full and partial truckload services, they utilize a variety of trailers such as flatbed, dry van, and reefer to accommodate diverse shipping needs. Additionally, CDL Carriers offers niche services such as drayage, hazmat transport, and cross-border shipments, enhancing their capability to meet complex shipping requirements.
CDL Carriers provides exceptional support for commercial shipments, including managed transportation, consolidation, and lift gate services. With a keen focus on driver satisfaction, they offer paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and a robust benefits package, including health insurance and 401(k) plans. The company is committed to safety and development, boasting zero recorded injuries or fatalities and offering ongoing training and flexible scheduling for their drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- 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: 49,940
T C I Transportation Services, Inc.
4950 Triggs St, Commerce, CA, 90022- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Meat
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
T C I Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 480301) is a prominent and versatile carrier based in California. The company provides a broad range of trucking services, including full truckload and dedicated routes, ensuring reliability and efficiency. They handle an impressive variety of cargo such as beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, lumber, meat, motor vehicles, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
T C I Transportation Services offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transport and intermodal container services. Their fleet, comprising dry vans, flatbeds, dump trailers, and lowboy trailers, underscores their capacity for handling diverse logistical demands. With a focus on safety and employee welfare, they provide direct deposit, health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and guaranteed home time. Their emphasis on adaptive and flexible scheduling further enhances their suitability for businesses seeking reliable logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.06
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 230
- Revenue: $1,012,000
- Miles driven: 7,765,000
Bettendorf Trucking
4545 W End Rd, Arcata, CA, 95521- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Bettendorf Trucking (DOT: 161866) is a reputable trucking company established in 1961, primarily operating in California. The company handles a diverse array of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, garbage, grain, lumber, machinery, and other freight categories. Notably, Bettendorf Trucking specializes in oversized loads, highlighted by their capabilities with flatbed, step-deck, dump trailer, and lowboy trailer options.
Bettendorf Trucking provides tailored support for commercial shipments, including guaranteed home time and dedicated routes, and offers managed transportation services. For business owners seeking reliable service, they ensure comprehensive employee benefits, such as health insurance, safety bonuses, and retirement plans. Their fleet consists of over 50 trucks, backed by a “Satisfactory” safety rating, indicating a strong commitment to safe operations, despite recorded incidents. With competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, Bettendorf Trucking positions itself as a strategic partner for businesses seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 0.17
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 185
- Revenue: $49,467,000
- Miles driven: 11,000,000
Dart International
1990 Pomona Rd, Corona, CA, 92880- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Dart International (DOT: 164701) is an active carrier in California, renowned for handling a diverse range of cargo, including but not limited to, agricultural supplies, beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods. Their specialized services encompass dry van, tanker, and reefer, robustly supported by a fleet of 60 vehicles, ensuring efficient and reliable shipment across various industries.
Dart International offers dedicated routes and expedited services along with significant commercial shipment support like cross-border shipping, making them a preferred choice for businesses looking for comprehensive transportation solutions. With a commitment to safety and driver satisfaction, they provide sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and ongoing training and development programs to maintain exemplary service and safety standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.17
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 50
- Revenue: $862
- Miles driven: 932,470
Aggressive Transport Ltd Usa
13535 Highway 36 East, Red Bluff, CA, 96080- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
Aggressive Transport Ltd Usa (DOT: 269111) is a prominent trucking company in California, renowned for its reliable freight services. Operating a fleet of over 120 vehicles, they offer transportation solutions for a diverse array of cargo, including fresh produce, intermodal containers, and building materials. Specializing in reefer and dry van transportation, Aggressive Transport is committed to meeting the unique needs of businesses across various industries.
The company supports commercial shipments with a range of services, including dedicated routes and regional drivers, ensuring timely deliveries. With an emphasis on safety, Aggressive Transport maintains a satisfactory safety rating. Business owners benefit from competitive perks such as tuition reimbursement, health insurance, and paid time off. Their dedication to quality service and employee satisfaction makes them a strong contender for businesses seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 3.18
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 60
- Revenue: $6,808
- Miles driven: 4,650,343
Sidhu Truck Line, Inc.
4711 Commercial St, Bakersfield, CA, 93308- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Meat
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (DOT: 836260) is an experienced trucking company with a total fleet size of 120 and a focus on diverse cargo such as fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and building materials. Known for reliable service, they offer specialized transportation solutions including hazmat transport and container handling, which make them suitable for commercial shipments of various kinds.
Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. provides a range of supportive services for businesses, like cross-docking and managed transportation, ensuring smooth logistics operations. They prioritize driver welfare with benefits like paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and flexible scheduling, all contributing to their satisfactory safety rating. The company operates interstate and caters to the specific needs of their customers with an adept team of 70 drivers ready to handle dedicated routes efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 13
- Unsafe driving: 1.78
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.9
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.82
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $1,089
- Miles driven: 13,800,000
How Safety Ratings Work in California
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) 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 LTL Trucking Company in California for Your Shipments
Whether you’re a small business or a larger operation, finding the best LTL trucking company ultimately comes down to a few key factors:
- Freight volume and shipment size: LTL carriers typically handle shipments of more than 150 pounds and less than 15,000 pounds. Choose a carrier that accommodates smaller loads and offers options for varying freight volumes.
- Frequency of shipments: Find a carrier with the capacity to handle your regular and peak season demands but that also has a variety of truck types to allow for flexibility in case your volume increases or needs change.
- Service areas: Ensure the carrier’s network covers your most common shipping destinations effectively, whether for local, regional, or national deliveries.
- Delivery speed: Look for carriers that offer multiple transit times, such as standard and expedited LTL services, so you can balance delivery speed with cost according to each shipment’s urgency.
- Technology and tracking tools: Companies with real-time shipment tracking, digital document handling, and other logistics tools provide a layer of transparency that should provide you with some peace of mind during the shipping process.
- Customer support: Choose a company with a responsive customer service team experienced in handling LTL freight issues, including tracking updates, claims, and scheduling changes.
- Safety and reliability: Consider carriers with strong safety records and modern fleets. Check for certifications and safety programs that reflect the company’s commitment to secure and efficient freight handling.
- Pricing and transparency: Review pricing structures to avoid hidden fees. Choose carriers that provide upfront quotes and a transparent cost breakdown to help manage your shipping budget effectively.
FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in California?
LTL — or less-than-truckload — shipping allows businesses to share truck space with other shipments, paying only for the portion they use. That increased efficiency means reduced shipping costs for California businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for California?
LTL involves combining multiple shipments from different businesses to fill a truck, while FTL (full truckload) shipping dedicates an entire truck to a single shipment. For small businesses in California, LTL is likely more affordable and it allows you to send smaller shipments on a more frequent basis. If you have large shipments or need quicker transit times, FTL is the more efficient shipping method.
What types of products are ideal for LTL shipping in California?
LTL is best suited for smaller products that are durable, non-perishable, and not overly time-sensitive in terms of transit times. LTL is a popular freight shipping method for e-commerce businesses, manufacturers, and retailers in California that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
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
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
