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 D M Bowman, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Maryland.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Maryland
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 Maryland. Every Maryland 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 Maryland for your commercial shipping needs.
D M Bowman, Inc.
10228 Governor Lane BLVD Ste 3006, Williamsport, MD, 21795- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Drayage
D M Bowman, Inc. (DOT: 135530) is a versatile trucking company based in Maryland, known for its reliable transportation services across various industries since its inception. With a fleet size consisting of 305 trucks and a total of 610 power units, they effectively manage the transportation of a broad range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and general freight. Specialized cargo like intermodal containers and machinery large objects demonstrate their capacity for handling complex shipping needs.
D M Bowman, Inc. distinguishes itself with dedicated services such as regional and local driving operations, flatbed and reefer transportation, and dry bulk commodities carriage. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and managed transportation services. Moreover, they offer benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and a safety bonus to drivers, ensuring quality support for commercial shipments and fostering employee satisfaction. Despite some crash history, their dedication to ongoing training and flexible scheduling underscores a proactive approach to safety and service excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 0.78
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.59
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 330
- Revenue: $1,155,000
- Miles driven: 22,100,000
Terminal Transportation Services
1657a South Highland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Terminal Transportation Services (DOT: 65089) operates as a prominent logistics provider offering specialized freight services. With a fleet size ranging from 11 to 25, they equip trucks with capabilities to handle a diverse array of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils rolls, and paper products. Based in Maryland, their operations extend beyond state lines, ensuring that both general freight and intermodal containers reach their destinations promptly and safely.
Renowned for their commitment to customer satisfaction, Terminal Transportation Services provides essential commercial shipment support through dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and drayage services. Clients benefit from their power-only and reefer services, supplemented by amenities like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs. Safety is a priority with standard insurance and satisfactory ratings, backed by multiple types of driver bonuses, including sign-on, referral, and safety incentives. They are a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.7
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $2,544,000
- Miles driven: 1,046,950
Lightning Transportation, Inc.
16820 Unit C Blake Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Lightning Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 326966) is a versatile trucking company based in Maryland. They stand out for their capability to handle a variety of cargo, including intermodal containers, logs, and paper products. The company offers specialized services such as flatbed and dry van transportation, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery solutions. Furthermore, Lightning Transportation is equipped with reefer and conestoga trailers, accommodating a diverse range of shipping needs.
The company provides several supportive services for commercial shipments, such as cross-docking, power-only services, and specialized drivers for oversized loads. Lightning Transportation emphasizes employee benefits, offering health insurance, a retirement plan, and ongoing training programs. With a satisfactory safety rating and a focus on flexible scheduling, they prioritize both safety and employee welfare, making them a top choice for business owners seeking dependable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 17
- Unsafe driving: 1.51
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.53
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 300
- Revenue: $3,850,000
- Miles driven: 20,400,000
Eagle Van Lines, Inc.
5041 Beech Place, Temple Hills, MD, 20748- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Eagle Van Lines, Inc. (DOT: 388638) is a reputable trucking company with a fleet of 64 trucks and a “Satisfactory” safety rating. Specializing in general freight, intermodal containers, and household goods, they provide reliable interstate carrier operations. Emphasizing safety, Eagle Van Lines ensures no reported crash injuries or fatalities, demonstrating its commitment to secure transportation.
This carrier offers dedicated and local driving routes, and they are particularly adept with dry vans and flatbeds. Business owners benefit from flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time for drivers. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan. With driver referral bonuses, paid time off, and safety bonuses, Eagle Van Lines upholds a supportive work environment for its team.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.54
- Driver fitness: 0.22
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.64
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 59
- Revenue: $3,774
- Miles driven: 7,850,000
Sysco Eastern Maryland, LLC
33300 Peach Orchard Rd, Pocomoke, MD, 21851- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Sysco Eastern Maryland, LLC (DOT: 226969) is a long-standing trucking company established in 1964, specializing in serving the foodservice and hospitality industries. They boast a substantial fleet, offering services with 345 total fleet size and a focus on refrigerated transportation, evidenced by their reefer trucks. This enables them to adeptly handle an array of cargo, including refrigerated food, fresh produce, beverages, chemicals, and paper products.
Sysco Eastern Maryland offers significant commercial support with dedicated routes, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to safety, as demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating. They provide full benefits to employees, including health and dental insurance, paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company stands out with special programs like lift gate services and guaranteed home time for drivers, emphasizing their dedication to both customer service and employee satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 2.59
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 105
- Revenue: $623,650,000
- Miles driven: 4,041,095
Fleet Transit, Inc.
3400 Fairfield Rd, Baltimore, MD, 21226- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
Fleet Transit, Inc. (DOT: 154471) operates as a reputable interstate carrier in Maryland, boasting a fleet size of 190 vehicles with 95 trucks. The company offers specialized transportation services, including flatbed and tanker operations, focusing on carrying chemicals and liquids/gases. Their emphasis on safety is reflected in a satisfactory safety rating and a relatively low record of unsafe driving incidents.
Fleet Transit is committed to providing robust support for its commercial shipping clients, featuring team driver services, dedicated routes, and managed transportation solutions. They prioritize driver well-being with benefits such as paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, health insurance, and flexible scheduling, attracting and retaining skilled professionals. For businesses seeking reliable logistics partnerships, Fleet Transit represents a dependable choice with an active involvement in interstate commerce and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.85
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 84
- Revenue: $34,687
- Miles driven: 1,889,897
NEW Direction Utilities
21616 Kelso Dr, Hagerstown, MD, 21742- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
NEW Direction Utilities (DOT: 866970) is an active trucking company established in 2000, based in Maryland. They operate a modest fleet size of 1 to 10 vehicles, specializing in carrying a diverse array of cargo, including building materials, construction goods, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. The company utilizes reefer and dry van units, catering to a wide range of commercial shipping needs.
NEW Direction Utilities prioritizes driver welfare with benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a safety bonus system. They also offer team driving opportunities and flexible scheduling, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. The company’s focus on safety is evident with low reports of unsafe driving incidents. Their operations are primarily interstate, making them a reliable choice for businesses in need of dependable freight transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.63
- Driver fitness: 1.21
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.54
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 48
- Revenue: $5,047
- Miles driven: 164,316
Overflo Trucking, Inc.
3010 Nieman Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21230- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Overflo Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 347105) is a well-established trucking company, having operated in Maryland since 1948. With a fleet of 20 trucks and comprehensive services, they specialize in transporting a wide range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and intermodal containers. They focus on offering dedicated routes and efficient general freight services.
Overflo Trucking, Inc. provides specialized support for hazardous materials, ensuring safety and compliance. They offer a range of employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as driver referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and the absence of crash-related fatalities or injuries. Flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time make them a reliable and supportive choice for businesses requiring consistent and secure shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 5.1
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $10,037
- Miles driven: 250,520
Evan Transportation, Inc.
4800 Belle Grove Road, Baltimore, MD, 21225- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Evan Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 547385) is an established trucking company that has been serving clients since 1992. Operated with a fleet of 35 trucks, Evan Transportation is known for its diverse capabilities in transporting various cargo types including general freight, intermodal containers, beverages, and paper products. They excel in dry van and flatbed operations, catering to businesses requiring efficient and reliable freight solutions.
Special services include drayage and dump trailer operations, which are critical for businesses involved in intermodal and bulk material transport. Evan Transportation provides support for dedicated and regional routes, ensuring predictability and commitment to their clients’ shipping needs. The company values safety and offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers, including health, life, disability insurance, and per diem payments, showcasing their commitment to employee welfare and operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 3.14
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.39
- Controlled substances: 0.09
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Revenue: $2,151
- Miles driven: 1,348,000
Cleary Transportation Company, Inc.
3224 Conowingo Rd, Street, MD, 21154- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Conestoga
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Cleary Transportation Company, Inc. (DOT: 435234) is a Maryland-based trucking company founded in 2023. With a fleet of 40 vehicles and operating primarily as an interstate carrier, they provide a variety of specialized freight services. The company is equipped to handle a range of cargo, including building materials, motor vehicles, and large machinery. Additionally, Cleary Transportation offers team driving, cross-docking, and drayage services, giving them versatility in managing complex logistical needs.
Specializing in hazardous materials transportation, Cleary also provides reefer and container services, ensuring safe delivery of sensitive cargo. The company supports its drivers with paid CDL training, health and vision insurance, and flexible scheduling. Prospective drivers and business partners will find Cleary’s emphasis on safety evident through their zero unsafe driving violations and ongoing training and development programs. With guaranteed home time and competitive driver salaries, Cleary Transportation is a reliable choice for business owners seeking robust freight options.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.53
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Miles driven: 120,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Maryland
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 Maryland 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Maryland?
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 Maryland, 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland 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
