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 XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Michigan.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Michigan
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 Michigan. Every Michigan 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 Michigan for your commercial shipping needs.
XPO Logistics Freight, Inc.
2211 Old Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (DOT: 241829) is a leading freight trucking company based in Michigan, with a solid reputation in logistics. They manage a diverse fleet to efficiently transport a wide range of cargo, including chemicals, general freight, and liquids/gases. XPO Logistics offers specialized services such as less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), and reefer trucks, catering to various shipping needs.
Additionally, XPO Logistics provides a host of commercial supports, including team driving, expedited shipping, and cross-docking, ensuring timely deliveries and operational efficiency. They prioritize driver safety and welfare, offering comprehensive benefits like health insurance, paid CDL training, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs. With a satisfactory safety rating and a strong presence in interstate operations, XPO Logistics stands as a dependable partner for businesses seeking reliable trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 733
- Unsafe driving: 0.51
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.53
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 218
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12806
- Revenue: $1,179,000
- Miles driven: 687,000,000
XPO Logistics Freight Canada, Inc.
2211 Old Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
XPO Logistics Freight Canada, Inc. (DOT: 838885) is an active carrier with a significant presence in the logistics and supply chain industry. Operating with a fleet of 162 trucks and 324 trailers, they provide a comprehensive range of freight services, including full and partial truckload, less than truckload, and specialized usage of flatbed and tanker trucks, which are ideal for transporting chemicals and liquids/gases.
XPO Logistics is noted for its team driving opportunities and regional drivers, emphasizing customized service with dedicated routes. They also offer special support for hazardous materials transport, complementing their cross-border shipment capabilities. Additionally, the company provides incentives like sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and safety bonuses, highlighting their commitment to driver satisfaction and safety. With a MCS-150 mileage of over 6.9 million and a highly competent service offering, XPO Logistics is a robust partner for businesses looking for reliable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.13
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 177
- Revenue: $1,179,000
- Miles driven: 6,937,242
DAY & Ross Usa, Inc.
69096 Powell Rd, Armada, MI, 48005- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
DAY & Ross Usa, Inc. (DOT: 163299) is a prominent trucking company recognized for its diverse range of services in the transportation industry. Specializing in both refrigerated and hazardous materials, they offer a comprehensive shipping solution with options like power-only transport, cross-docking, and intermodal services. The company efficiently manages a variety of cargo, including fresh produce, chemicals, and construction materials.
DAY & Ross Usa, Inc. ensures customer satisfaction through features like dedicated routes and guaranteed home time for their operators. Safety and compliance are prioritized, bolstered by their satisfactory safety rating. The company supports its team with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plan options. With a total fleet size of 468 and support for oversized loads, DAY & Ross is well-equipped to meet diverse shipping needs, cementing their position as a reliable choice for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 0.72
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.82
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 269
- Miles driven: 7,912,241
VAN Eerden Trucking Company, Inc.
10299 South Kent Dr Sw, Byron Center, MI, 49315- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
VAN Eerden Trucking Company, Inc. (DOT: 179734) was established in 1980 and operates a fleet of over 150 trucks. Specializing in a variety of cargo, they transport general freight, refrigerated foods, beverages, meat, fresh produce, and dry bulk commodities. Known for reliable and comprehensive trucking solutions, they also offer specialized services like hazardous materials shipping, drayage, and cross-docking.
The company emphasizes commercial support with benefits such as power-only services and consolidated shipping. They provide financial incentives including sign-on and driver referral bonuses, as well as ongoing training and development programs. VAN Eerden Trucking values driver welfare with health, dental, and vision insurance, and offers additional perks such as paid CDL training and flexible scheduling. Safety is reflected in their “Satisfactory” safety rating, despite reported crash incidents. VAN Eerden is dedicated to maintaining high standards and supporting their drivers and clients alike.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 2.04
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 193
- Revenue: $645,000
- Miles driven: 20,900,000
B & B Trucking, Inc.
6147 Technology Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: –
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
B & B Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 112044) is a reputable freight company established in 1969, with a fleet of 195 trucks and a team of 231 drivers. Based in Michigan, this company specializes in interstate operations, offering comprehensive trucking services such as power-only operations, drive/tow away, and tanker services. Their cargo expertise includes handling beverages, building materials, paper products, motor vehicles, and US mail.
B & B Trucking provides a range of specialized support for commercial shipments, including cross-border and managed transportation capabilities. The company is committed to quality service, offering dedicated routes and team driving opportunities. They ensure driver satisfaction with benefits like health, dental, vision insurance, and retirement plans. With additional perks such as safety and sign-on bonuses, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating while prioritizing driver welfare and efficient logistics solutions for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 27
- Unsafe driving: 1.22
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 231
- Revenue: $61,662
- Miles driven: 18,700,000
Haddad International Transport, Inc.
5000 Wyoming Ave Suite 111, Dearborn, MI, 48126- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Haddad International Transport, Inc. (DOT: 171438) is an active trucking carrier known for its expertise in handling a wide variety of cargo, including building materials, machinery, large objects, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. With 34 trucks and a total of 68 fleet units, they offer specialized driver services, particularly for hazardous materials, ensuring safety is a top priority. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating, bolstered by incentives like sign-on bonuses and ongoing training and development programs.
Haddad International provides significant support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, freight management, and cross-border operations. They enhance customer experience through flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time for their drivers, while offering comprehensive health, per diem payments, and retirement benefits. Designed to accommodate various service needs, Haddad International makes a strong choice for businesses requiring efficient and reliable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.52
- Controlled substances: 0.2
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $1,176
- Miles driven: 1,762,005
MSA Delivery Service
4290 Hannan Rd, Canton, MI, 48188- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
MSA Delivery Service (DOT: 292208) operates as a versatile and reliable trucking company based in Michigan. Founded over 37 years ago, they specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, as well as logs, poles, beams, and lumber. Their operations feature a modern fleet, primarily consisting of dry van and tanker trucks, along with specialized drivers to handle hazardous materials safely.
MSA Delivery Service distinguishes itself through dedicated routes and team driving opportunities, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. They offer significant commercial shipment support by providing guaranteed home time for drivers, safety and sign-on bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance. The company maintains a strong focus on safety, evidenced by their “Satisfactory” safety rating and ongoing training programs. Business owners can also benefit from flexible payment options like direct deposit and pay advances.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.88
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 50
- Revenue: $11,759
- Miles driven: 2,506,203
GTL Truck Lines, Inc.
850 76th St Sw, Grand Rapids, MI, 49518- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
GTL Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 238700) is a reputable trucking company operating as both a broker and carrier. They cater to a wide range of industries with a specific focus on transporting beverages, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company supports full and partial truckload shipments and is well-equipped with modern refrigerated trailers for efficient transport of perishable goods. The fleet consists of 336 vehicles, driven by a skilled team of 212 drivers.
GTL Truck Lines emphasizes safety and compliance, maintaining an active USDOT status with no records of recent crash injuries or fatalities. The company supports expedited and regional deliveries, providing specialized services such as dedicated routes and team drivers for enhanced shipping efficiency. For business owners, GTL offers financial benefits like sign-on bonuses and flexible scheduling, complemented by health and safety incentives, ensuring reliable and professional service for all commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 0.93
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.95
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 212
- Miles driven: 14,500,000
Dtx, Inc.
500 Hogsback Rd, Mason, MI, 48854- Fleet age: 1.9 Years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Dtx, Inc. (DOT: 217295) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating since 1955, providing reliable transportation solutions across the nation. With a fleet of 312 trucks, they specialize in managing a diverse range of cargo including dry bulk commodities, intermodal containers, garbage/refuse, and paper products. Known for their commitment to safety and efficiency, Dtx, Inc. offers team driving opportunities and dedicated routes to ensure timely deliveries.
Dtx, Inc. stands out with its comprehensive service offerings, including cross-border capabilities, hazmat transport, and a focus on refrigerated and tanker services. The company supports commercial shipments with competitive features such as guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and direct deposit. Moreover, they enhance their offering with benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and ongoing training programs. Business owners can also appreciate their advanced managed transportation solutions, helping streamline and optimize freight movements.
Safety
- Crashes: 14
- Unsafe driving: 0.62
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.27
- Controlled substances: 0.09
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 263
- Revenue: $167,136,000
- Miles driven: 14,600,000
Team Elmer’s
3600 Rennie School Road, Traverse City, MI, 49685- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Machinery & large objects
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Team Elmer’s (DOT: 399189) is a prominent trucking company recognized for its versatility and expertise in Michigan. Specializing in the transportation of dry bulk commodities, construction materials, and large machinery, they efficiently handle oilfield equipment and oversized loads. Their fleet is equipped with dry vans, flatbeds, and dump trailers.
Team Elmer’s offers comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, regional driving opportunities, and an interstate carrier operation. Beyond offering services like driver referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement, they provide a range of health insurance options and pension plans to ensure employee satisfaction. Despite a history of crash incidents, their unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores display a strong focus on safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 334
- Revenue: $2,790
- Miles driven: 6,976,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Michigan
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Michigan?
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 Michigan, 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan 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
