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 Grand Island Express to be the best LTL trucking company in Nebraska.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Nebraska
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 Nebraska. Every Nebraska 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 Nebraska for your commercial shipping needs.
Grand Island Express
432 South Stuhr Road, Grand Island, NE, 68801- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Grand Island Express (DOT: 54988) is a renowned 3rd Party Logistics provider in Nebraska with a robust and versatile fleet. They excel in transporting a wide range of cargo including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. Their services are supported by specialized equipment such as reefer trailers and tankers, as well as flatbeds and step decks to handle various types of freight.
Grand Island Express offers exceptional solutions for commercial shipments, including intermodal and cross-border operations. They provide dedicated routes and expedited delivery options, supported by a team of experienced and specialized drivers. Their commitment to professional development through paid CDL training and tuition reimbursement enhances their service quality. With a strong focus on safety and customer satisfaction, Grand Island Express is an ideal choice for business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 18
- Unsafe driving: 2.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.23
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 164
- Revenue: $1,986,000
- Miles driven: 17,600,000
Transportation Specialists Ltd
10001 South 152nd Street, Omaha, NE, 68138- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Transportation Specialists Ltd (DOT: 193227) is an active, diversified trucking company operating in Nebraska with a fleet of 375 trucks and 750 power units. They offer a range of specialized services, including flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated transport. Their cargo expertise spans a variety of industries, with notable capabilities in handling fresh produce, beverages, chemicals, construction materials, and large machinery.
Transportation Specialists Ltd also provides special support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transport and cross-border services. They prioritize driver well-being, offering benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Furthermore, they have dedicated and OTR driving opportunities, with a strong reputation for maintaining safety standards and continuous development programs for their drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 18
- Unsafe driving: 1.65
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.31
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 309
- Revenue: $38,783,000
- Miles driven: 22,000,000
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
14507 Frontier Road, Omaha, NE, 68138- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 53467) is a Nebraska-based logistics powerhouse that has been operating since 1956. The company boasts a substantial fleet of over 9,800 trucks and offers an extensive range of services, including hazmat, refrigerated, dry van, and tanker shipments. They specialize in handling diverse cargo types such as beverages, construction materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and machinery, catering to a wide array of industries.
Werner stands out for its commitment to driver support, offering team driving opportunities, expedited services, and dedicated routes. They support their drivers with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, ongoing training, and generous bonuses. With an active brokerage division and managed transportation solutions, Werner Enterprises efficiently oversees commercial shipments, ensuring reliable delivery across borders and states while maintaining a satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 845
- Unsafe driving: 1.55
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 16
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9107
- Revenue: $233,791,000
- Miles driven: 796,000,000
Bosselman Carriers, LLC
3123 W Stolley Park Rd Ste B, Grand Island, NE, 68801- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3-5 years
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Bosselman Carriers, LLC (DOT: 87305) is a versatile trucking company that operates with a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks. They provide specialized freight services including transportation of building materials, machinery large objects, motor vehicles, and liquids/gases. Their commitment to safety is exemplified by their satisfactory safety ratings and dedication to ongoing training and development for drivers.
The company distinguishes itself through its robust support for commercial shipments, offering team driving services and flexible scheduling. Notable services include cross-docking, managed transportation, and consolidation. Drivers benefit from generous driver referral bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and guaranteed home time, making Bosselman Carriers a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and supported logistical solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $2,559
- Miles driven: 1,766,093
Trucking For Hire
1001 South Saunders Ave, Sutton, NE, 68979- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Trucking For Hire (DOT: 54976) is a reputable trucking company based in Nebraska, renowned for hauling a wide array of cargo such as agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, lumber, and large machinery parts. Operating a fleet with a total of 52 vehicles, including pneumatic and box trucks, they offer superior service with their sprinter vans and container consolidation solutions.
This carrier provides comprehensive commercial support, including power-only services and drayage, and extensively utilizes advanced technologies for safety and operational efficiency. Trucking For Hire is committed to maintaining high safety standards with a ‘Satisfactory’ safety rating and offers a range of employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Their managed transportation services ensure smooth interstate operations, making them an ideal partner for businesses seeking reliable and efficient logistics support.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.56
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.52
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $67,113
- Miles driven: 811,000
Nelsen Transportation Co
53727 822 Rd, Newman Grove, NE, 68758- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Nelsen Transportation Co (DOT: 64102) is a dynamic trucking company based in Nebraska, operational since 2015. The company handles a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, and logs. With a small but effective fleet of 12 trucks, they specialize in hauling oversized loads using specialized equipment like Conestoga and hopper bottom trailers. Nelsen Transportation Co places a premium on safety and reliability, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries.
Business owners will appreciate their dedicated support for commercial shipments. Offering critical services like cross-border transport and expedited driving, they ensure timely deliveries. Additionally, they support their drivers with benefits such as health insurance, paid CDL training, and per diem payments, further enhancing their reliable service. This combination of expertise and employee satisfaction makes Nelsen Transportation Co a compelling choice for businesses seeking efficient logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.19
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $305
- Miles driven: 1,087,328
Creston Transportation, Inc.
West Main Street, Creston, NE, 68631- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Creston Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 351276) is a dynamic trucking company renowned for its diverse logistics solutions, based in Nebraska. With a fleet that ranges from reefers to flatbeds, they are experts in transporting a variety of goods, including fresh produce, agricultural supplies, and general freight. Their operation extends across borders with a focus on hazardous materials handling and expedited shipments.
Creston Transportation stands out for its specialized support in commercial shipments, featuring dedicated routes and a robust intermodal transportation capability. The company offers excellent employee benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, along with a comprehensive retirement plan and paid time off. For businesses seeking reliable and versatile freight services, Creston’s commitment to safety, combined with incentives like sign-on bonuses and driver referral programs, positions them as a trusted partner in the logistics industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.38
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Miles driven: 799,000
Farmers Pride
83755 S Highway 121, Battle Creek, NE, 68715- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Farmers Pride (DOT: 569210) is a reputable Nebraska-based trucking company that traces its origins back to 1929. With a fleet size over 100 trucks, Farmers Pride specializes in diverse cargo types, including chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, and large machinery. The company offers a variety of services such as reefer, power-only, and flatbed transportation, assuring customers of versatility and reliability to meet their shipping needs.
Renowned for their commercial shipping expertise, Farmers Pride provides specialized drivers for hazardous materials and tankers. They also guarantee dedicated routes and team drivers, offering efficient and timely deliveries. Safety and employee benefits are prioritized, with programs like health insurance, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time affirming their commitment to workforce welfare. Businesses seeking reliable transportation services can expect professional logistics support and flexible scheduling, making Farmers Pride a top choice for commercial shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.84
- Controlled substances: 0.2
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 71
- Miles driven: 852,000
Midwest Transport
202 Broadway, Imperial, NE, 69033- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- B-train semi
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
Midwest Transport (DOT: 171251) operates under the legal name Frenchman Valley Farmers Coop and boasts a robust fleet of 110 trucks and 220 total fleet size, providing reliable cargo transportation services across interstate routes. Specializing in transporting chemicals, liquids, gases, machinery, and grain feed hay, they offer a diverse range of hauling capabilities, including flatbed, dry van, and tanker services. The company ensures flexibility and reliability with partial and dedicated driver support, enhancing their service offerings.
With significant emphasis on safety and professional development, Midwest Transport provides ongoing training and development programs, paid CDL training, and guarantees both safety bonuses and flexible scheduling. Their commitment extends to driver welfare, offering benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance, ensuring a satisfactory work environment. Known for their specialized drivers, Midwest Transport’s reputation is built on delivering cargo securely and efficiently, making them a preferred choice for business owners looking for a dependable transport partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.1
- Driver fitness: 0.65
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.71
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 104
- Revenue: $148
- Miles driven: 1,907,620
Distribution, Inc.
6363 N 70th St, Lincoln, NE, 68507- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Hazardous materials
Distribution, Inc. (DOT: 53492) is an active trucking company based in Nebraska, with over 18,000 days of operation. They maintain a fleet of 21 trucks and up to 42 trailers, providing reliable service for shipping chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, and paper products. Their safety record is marked with a satisfactory rating and no reported crash injuries or fatalities.
Distribution, Inc. offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, hazardous materials transport, and flatbed services. They emphasize safety and provide a range of employee benefits such as sign-on bonuses, truck lease purchase programs, health and vision insurance, and ongoing training development. Moreover, the company supports owner-operators and ensures guaranteed home time, enhancing appeal to drivers and customers alike. Ideal for business owners seeking secure and specialized freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $2,109
- Miles driven: 953,579
How Safety Ratings Work in Nebraska
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
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 Nebraska businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Nebraska?
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 Nebraska, 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 Nebraska?
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 Nebraska 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
