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 Jones Bros Trucking to be the best LTL trucking company in Montana.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Montana
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 Montana. Every Montana 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 Montana for your commercial shipping needs.
Jones Bros Trucking
6681 Commercial Lane, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2.5 Years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Jones Bros Trucking (DOT: 205056) has been a staple in Montana’s trucking industry since 1977. The company provides comprehensive freight services with a fleet that includes modern flatbeds, tankers, and dry vans, specializing in flatbed shipping. They handle a wide range of cargo, from agricultural and farm supplies to oilfield equipment and oversized items, showcasing their versatility in commercial shipping.
Jones Bros offers notable support for commercial shipments, such as intermodal and drayage services, with cross-border capabilities and consolidation options. They maintain a focus on safety with programs like ongoing training and safety bonuses for drivers. Benefits for employees include health insurance, paid CDL training, and direct deposit, emphasizing their commitment to employee satisfaction. Businesses can rely on their dedicated and regional drivers for reliable and efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.63
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 66
- Revenue: $2,869,000
- Miles driven: 6,185,564
DSV Road Transport, Inc.
7211 Two Smokes Way, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- 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
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
DSV Road Transport, Inc. (DOT: 30161) is an established global transport and logistics carrier and broker operation based in Montana, founded in 1962. With a fleet of over 336 trucks and 672 total fleet units, DSV provides services across a wide range of cargo types, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and general freight. The company emphasizes safety with a satisfactory rating and low violation scores, and they notably handle hazardous materials and offer power-only trucking services for commercial shipments.
DSV offers specialized support through various dedicated services, including regional driving and hot shot deliveries. They support refrigerated transportation (reefer) and cross-docking, which can significantly enhance supply chain efficiency. The company offers a range of employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a retirement plan. With managed transportation solutions, DSV is well-regarded for its logistical efficiency, making it a reliable partner for businesses needing robust shipping support.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 1.6
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.49
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.35
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 238
- Revenue: $9,562,000
- Miles driven: 23,800,000
Warren Transport, Inc.
2348 North Frontage Road, Billings, MT, 59101- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Warren Transport, Inc. (DOT: 596934) is a versatile Montana-based trucking company specializing in a wide range of cargo, offering services that cater to the diverse needs of business owners. They handle a variety of loads including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, intermodal containers, and machinery. With a substantial fleet size of 76 trucks and 152 vehicles, they focus on providing efficient transport solutions, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries.
The company provides specialized services in handling hazardous materials, large objects, and oversized loads, supported by a strong infrastructure that includes flatbed and tanker trucks. Warren Transport is committed to maintaining high safety standards and offers attractive benefits to its drivers, such as guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, health insurance, and ongoing training programs. Their reputation for managing comprehensive transportation services makes them a robust choice for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.35
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $7,301,000
- Miles driven: 4,625,214
Dick Irvin, Inc.
475 Wilson Avenue, Shelby, MT, 59474- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Dick Irvin, Inc. (DOT: 30115) is a versatile trucking company operating in Montana. They cater to a wide range of cargo needs, including building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, and large machinery. The company excels in providing specialized services, such as offering reefer drivers and handling oversized loads, ensuring flexibility in meeting transport needs.
Dick Irvin, Inc. is notable for its commitment to supporting commercial shipments with advanced features like cross-docking, dry van transportation, and a robust container service. The company prioritizes driver benefits, offering health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and favorable scheduling practices. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs, they maintain a strong emphasis on safety and development, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and secure transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.13
- Driver fitness: 0.24
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 60
- Revenue: $279,000
- Miles driven: 4,631,271
Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc.
1640 Monad Rd, Billings, MT, 59101- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (DOT: 357293) is a prominent trucking company based in Montana, established in 1988. With a satisfactory safety rating, the company specializes in refrigerated and frozen trucking transportation. Offering comprehensive services, Diversified Transport & Storage caters to a variety of cargo, including fresh produce, beverages, chemicals, meat, and intermodal containers, leveraging a fleet size of 160 total power units.
Diversified Transfer & Storage provides extensive support for commercial shipments, including hazmat transport services, direct deposit, and flexible scheduling. Their emphasis on safety and training is evident, boasting specialized drivers, guaranteed home time, ongoing training programs, and team driving opportunities. The company’s commitment to driver satisfaction is highlighted by benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and pay advances. This ensures reliability and high-quality service for business owners seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.75
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.28
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 84
- Revenue: $905,000
- Miles driven: 9,252,691
Westervelt Transport & Set-Up, Inc.
109 Eileen Place, Belgrade, MT, 59714- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Mobile homes
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Westervelt Transport & Set-Up, Inc. (DOT: 661117) is a versatile freight trucking company based in Montana. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks and a total of 23 drivers, they offer specialized and dedicated service across various cargo types including agricultural/farm supplies, fresh produce, machinery, mobile homes, and more. Their emphasis is on extensive cargo handling capabilities, including dry bulk commodities and general freight.
Westervelt provides vital interstate freight operations and focuses on carrying a diverse range of items such as building materials, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Although their company size is modest, they maintain an active authority and have reported no crash fatalities or injuries, reflecting a commitment to safety. The company’s service diversity, from flatbed and heavy haul drivers to reefer operations, makes them a strong contender for businesses needing reliable shipping partners in the region.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.44
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $627,000
- Miles driven: 1,087,218
Meadowlark Transport, Inc.
2913 Millennium Circle, Billings, MT, 59102- Fleet age: 3 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Cross-border
Meadowlark Transport, Inc. (DOT: 467661) is a reputable trucking company based in Montana. Specializing in general freight, the company adeptly handles various cargo types, including fresh produce, machinery, building materials, and automotive vehicles. Their robust fleet of 337 trucks focuses on maintaining the highest standards of safety and vehicle maintenance.
The company is known for offering numerous services tailored for business needs. They provide dry van shipping and interstate operations, with capabilities for refrigerated foods and dry bulk commodities. Unique support includes guaranteed home time for drivers, a pay advance program, and extensive employee benefits such as health and dental insurance. Meadowlark supports cross-border logistics and enjoys a satisfactory safety rating, making them a reliable partner for transporting goods efficiently across regions.
Safety
- Crashes: 19
- Unsafe driving: 0.62
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.56
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 273
- Revenue: $1,753,000
- Miles driven: 36,600,000
Mcleod Mercantile
105 Sterling Rd, Norris, MT, 59745- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Mcleod Mercantile (DOT: 262522) operates as a full-service trucking company specializing in hazardous materials and general freight within Montana. Established under the legal name A M Welles Inc, they maintain a robust vehicle fleet, including 30 trucks and 60 total power units. Their services include power-only transport, cross-border operations, and specialist container handling, making them versatile for a range of commercial shipping needs.
Mcleod Mercantile is committed to safety and reliability, with no recorded crash fatalities and a dedication to high safety standards. They offer comprehensive driver benefits, such as sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and gym memberships, alongside flexible scheduling for their team drivers. Catering to diverse cargo needs, they handle building materials, large machinery, and liquids or gases, ensuring complete support for varied commercial requirements. Their focus on driver development and well-being underscores their reputation as a trusted partner for business owners seeking dependable transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.62
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 32
- Revenue: $345
- Miles driven: 1,427,560
THE Waggoners Trucking
5220 Midland Road, Billings, MT, 59101- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: newest fleets
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Cross-border
THE Waggoners Trucking (DOT: 30176) is a renowned transportation company that has been operating since 1951. The company boasts a fleet size of over 260 units, including box trucks and flatbeds, and specializes in the transportation of a wide range of cargo, such as agricultural and farm supplies, construction materials, machinery, large objects, motor vehicles, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment. The company emphasizes managed transportation, ensuring efficient logistics for its clients.
The Waggoners Trucking provides special support for commercial shipments, evidenced by their commitment to cross-border transport and the availability of team driver services. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating and prioritize ongoing training and development programs. Business owners looking for reliable trucking services may appreciate their competitive salary range for drivers, flexible benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, and a guaranteed home time policy, making them a solid choice for shipping products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 1.69
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 125
- Revenue: $14,601,000
- Miles driven: 1,218,100
Biggers Transport Corp
3873 Wynne Ave, Butte, MT, 59701- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
Biggers Transport Corp (DOT: 261164) is an active carrier based in Montana, handling a range of cargo such as building materials, general freight, and intermodal containers. With a fleet of 11 trucks and 22 units, they offer services including team driving opportunities and dedicated routes. Their fleet is relatively young and averages around 5 years in age, suggesting modern capabilities.
The company provides special support for commercial shipments with features like flexible scheduling, lift gate assistance, and guaranteed home time. They also offer benefits to their drivers, including health, dental, vision insurances, and a 401k retirement plan. While they focus on general freight, their dedication to maintaining safety is reflected in a satisfactory safety rating. Business owners seeking efficient and reliable transport can consider Biggers Transport Corp for their trucking needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.28
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $2,099
- Miles driven: 914,377
How Safety Ratings Work in Montana
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 Montana 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 Montana?
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 Montana businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Montana?
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 Montana, 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 Montana?
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 Montana 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
