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 JAS Trucking, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Illinois.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Illinois
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 Illinois. Every Illinois 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 Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.
JAS Trucking, Inc.
12843 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL, 60803- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- 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
JAS Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 582316) is a recognized carrier in Illinois with a fleet size of 164 and a satisfactory safety rating. They offer a comprehensive range of services, exceeding in specialized freight transportation, handling a wide variety of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases. Their diverse equipment includes tankers, flatbeds, and lowboys, supporting their capacity to manage specialized and cross-border shipments efficiently.
JAS Trucking provides dedicated routes and guarantees home time for drivers, showcasing strong driver support programs. They offer extensive employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid CDL training. Known for their reliability in commercial shipments, they include services like power-only, cross-docking, and drayage. With an emphasis on safety and driver fulfillment, JAS Trucking is a solid choice for businesses seeking a versatile and dependable shipping partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.42
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 82
- Revenue: $3,067
- Miles driven: 5,655,078
DOT Transportation, Inc.
1 Dot Way, Mt Sterling, IL, 62353- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
DOT Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 424023) has been a reliable presence in the transportation industry since 1964. With a fleet of 1,757 trucks and 3,514 power units, they specialize in transporting refrigerated foods, chemicals, beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and intermodal containers. Their services cater to both regional and local markets with a focus on dedicated routes and specialized drivers.
DOT Transportation provides comprehensive commercial shipment support, including hazardous materials handling and managed transportation. They offer flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and various driver incentives, including sign-on and referral bonuses. Safety is a priority, reflected in their satisfactory safety rating. Additionally, they provide a range of employee benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, and ongoing training programs, ensuring top-notch service for their clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 117
- Unsafe driving: 1.13
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 6
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2279
- Revenue: $695,000
- Miles driven: 181,000,000
J A Frate, Inc.
7900 Pyott Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
J A Frate, Inc. (DOT: 146355) has been a reliable presence in the Illinois trucking industry since its establishment in 1971. With a total fleet size of 186, J A Frate offers specialized transport services, including dry bulk commodities, hazardous materials, and building materials. The company also provides regional driving opportunities and is well-equipped with refrigerated (“reefer”) and tanker capabilities.
J A Frate is dedicated to serving commercial shipping needs with services like drayage, cross-border transportation, and dedicated routes. Customers can rely on their experienced hazmat and specialized drivers for safe passage of materials. The company emphasizes worker benefits, offering health and life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible scheduling. Safety and professional development are prioritized, ensuring a satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.48
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 78
- Revenue: $16,564
- Miles driven: 2,698,900
Double D Express, Inc.
2930 May Rd, Peru, IL, 61354- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Double D Express, Inc. (DOT: 277205) is a reputable Illinois-based trucking company established in 1985. Operating a fleet of over 50 vehicles, they focus primarily on regional and local driving services. Their specialization in dry bulk commodities and general freight allows them to handle a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, paper products, and metals in sheets, coils, or rolls. Double D Express provides dedicated routes and dry van services, and their safety practices are reflected in a satisfactory safety rating.
The company offers comprehensive employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off. They emphasize driver support with ongoing training development programs, direct deposit, and pay advances. Their commitment to customer service is further reinforced by efficient last-mile delivery capabilities. Businesses seeking reliable transportation services, including cross-border shipments, will find Double D Express a dependable partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 74
- Revenue: $38,440
- Miles driven: 4,018,552
HUB Group
2001 Hub Group Way, Oak Brook, IL, 60523- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
HUB Group (DOT: 801828) is a leading trucking operation based in Illinois, demonstrating substantial service capacity and experience. They specialize in intermodal container transportation and boast a comprehensive fleet comprising 2,645 trucks. HUB Group offers refrigerated transportation services and carries a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, refrigerated foods, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their reputation is further enhanced by services such as drayage, cross-border transport, and cross-docking for efficient freight management.
HUB Group supports commercial clients with a variety of logistics solutions, including managed transportation and consolidation services, ensuring seamless supply chain operations. They value driver welfare, providing employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and safety bonuses, alongside operational bonuses such as sign-on and driver referral rewards. The company also promotes a healthy work-life balance through dedicated routes, guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and planned professional development and training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 221
- Unsafe driving: 0.78
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3381
- Revenue: $4,112
- Miles driven: 203,000,000
Cardinal Transport, Inc.
7180 E Reed Road, Coal City, IL, 60416- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
Cardinal Transport, Inc. (DOT: 152518) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating in Illinois since 1975. With a fleet size of over 400 and 204 trucks, they specialize in transporting diverse cargo, including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their services include reefer and flatbed transportation, lowboy, and tanker capabilities, providing versatile options for commercial shipments.
Cardinal Transport offers specialized support with amenities such as rider and pet allowances, guaranteed home time for drivers, and comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, dental insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Their focus on safety is underscored by a satisfactory safety rating and an active commitment to driver training and development. With flexible scheduling, regional and local driving opportunities, and a solid track record of handling heavy-haul freight, Cardinal Transport stands out as a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.4
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 204
- Revenue: $17,246
- Miles driven: 10,400,000
Lssd, Inc.
1501 Kamar Drive, Pittsfield, IL, 62363- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Lssd, Inc. (DOT: 320418) is a diversified trucking company operating in Illinois, offering an array of transportation services. With a fleet of over 50 trucks, they are equipped to handle various types of freight, including dry bulk commodities, general freight, beverages, and livestock. Their services cater to specialized needs, including box truck operations and tanker transportation, ensuring they can manage liquids and gases with expertise.
For commercial shipments, Lssd, Inc. provides essential support services like health insurance, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating while offering lucrative benefits such as sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The company’s robust operations include local, regional, and over-the-road drivers, with coverage spanning interstate routes. Their commitment to employee welfare is underscored by offering comprehensive insurance and compensation packages, making them an attractive choice for product shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 37
- Revenue: $8,930
- Miles driven: 5,032,528
F.W. Trucking
4300 Church Road, Centerville, IL, 62207- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
F.W. Trucking (DOT: 432307) is a reputable Illinois-based trucking company specializing in a wide range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, and more. With a total fleet size of 130, they have 65 trucks and maintain a satisfactory safety rating. Their services cover both interstate operations and an array of cargo types, such as motor vehicles, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
F.W. Trucking offers comprehensive solutions for commercial shipments, including reefer and dry van transport. They excel in carrying specialized cargo like machinery, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases. Notably, the company handles US mail and driveaway/towaway operations. Though they do not provide certain employee benefits or bonuses, their operations are backed by a moderate safety score, ensuring reliable service for businesses requiring trustworthy transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.45
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 65
- Miles driven: 29,500,000
Experior Transport
12161 S Central Ave, Alsip, IL, 60803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Hazardous materials
Experior Transport (DOT: 758399), operating under the legal name Polmax Llc, is a versatile trucking company with a significant presence in Illinois. They manage a fleet of over 112 trucks and specialize in transporting a wide range of cargo, including fresh produce, building materials, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. With a strong focus on dedicated routes and regional drivers, Experior Transport offers services such as dry van shipping and expedited shipments for pressing needs.
Supporting commercial shipments, Experior Transport demonstrates a commitment to safety, with satisfactory safety ratings and zero crash fatalities reported recently. They provide comprehensive employee benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, and emphasize ongoing training and development. Business owners looking for reliable carriers can expect flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time for drivers, and effective roadside assistance programs, ensuring the smooth and secure transport of their goods.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 2.47
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.32
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 102
- Revenue: $45,613
- Miles driven: 9,995,515
How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois
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 Illinois 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 Illinois?
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 Illinois businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Illinois?
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 Illinois, 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 Illinois?
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 Illinois 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
