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 Wilson Brothers Trucking to be the best LTL trucking company in North Carolina.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in North Carolina
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 North Carolina. Every North Carolina 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 North Carolina for your commercial shipping needs.
Wilson Brothers Trucking
20412 Hwy 902, Bear Creek, NC, 27207- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Wilson Brothers Trucking (DOT: 542718) operates as a reputable carrier in North Carolina, specializing in a diverse range of services to meet the complex shipping needs of business owners. They offer refrigerated (reefer) trucking, dry bulk commodities transportation, and flatbed services, ideal for transporting general freight, agricultural supplies, and large machinery. Their expansive service capabilities ensure timely and efficient delivery across interstate lines.
The company is committed to providing enhanced customer support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, drop trailer services, and team driver opportunities. Wilson Brothers Trucking upholds a strong focus on driver benefits, including paid CDL training, vision and dental insurance, rider and pet policies, and guaranteed home time. With a total fleet size of 88 and 44 power units, they prioritize safety with a relatively low unsafe driving score and have active insurance coverage to ensure reliable and secure shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Miles driven: 2,202,414
OLD Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
500 Old Dominion Way, Thomasville, NC, 27360- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
OLD Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (DOT: 90849) is a long-standing trucking company established in 1934, operating primarily as a broker and carrier across interstate routes. With a fleet of over 10,000 trucks and a commitment to delivering high-quality service, they handle a diverse range of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction products, general freight, intermodal containers, and large machinery.
OLD Dominion offers specialized services, with capabilities in managing hazardous materials and providing power-only transport. They emphasize regional and local support with dedicated routes and flexible scheduling, eventually catering to expedited and partial truckload needs. The company also supports its drivers with benefits such as paid CDL training, health insurance, retirement plans, and ongoing training programs, ensuring a strong and reliable workforce for commercial shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 660
- Unsafe driving: 0.5
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 159
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11620
- Revenue: $91,291,000
- Miles driven: 847,000,000
GXO Logistics
4043 Piedmont Parkway, High Point, NC, 27265- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $3,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
GXO Logistics (DOT: 153372) is a reputable trucking company with a solid presence in North Carolina. Known for handling a diverse range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, refrigerated foods, liquids, gases, and large machinery, they prioritize efficiency and reliability. Established with a substantial fleet of 515 trucks and 1,030 trailers, their services include flatbed transportation, dry van, and dump trailer capabilities.
GXO Logistics provides dedicated routes, ensuring timely and secure deliveries. They offer specialized driver programs and cross-docking services to optimize shipping processes. The company extends benefits such as flexible scheduling, health insurance, and retirement plans, demonstrating its commitment to employee well-being. With a focus on maintaining safety and providing comprehensive support, including roadside assistance and managed transportation, GXO Logistics stands out as a preferred choice for businesses seeking dependable commercial shipment solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.98
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 426
- Miles driven: 10,000,000
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc.
1365 Harlold Andrews Road, Siler City, NC, 27344- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 1.5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 146452) offers robust transportation solutions across the United States with an active federal authority since 1984. Known for shipping diverse products including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, paper products, and refrigerated foods, they ensure reliable service for clients seeking efficient logistics support.
Specializing in general freight transportation, Darrell Andrews Trucking provides team-driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and expedited services. They value their workforce, offering benefits such as health and dental insurance, a 401k retirement plan, and generous bonuses, including safety and driver referral incentives. With a fleet of advanced equipment, including dry vans and step decks, they cater to varied commercial shipment needs with flexibility and care.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.15
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $6,532
- Miles driven: 890,000
W & B Trucking, Inc.
2072 Shelby Road, Kings Mountain, NC, 28086- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
W & B Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 184539) is a reputable carrier in North Carolina with an impressive fleet size of over 50 vehicles. Established with a DOT registration of over 18,342 days, they specialize in handling diverse cargo, including beverages, general freight, hazardous materials, dry bulk commodities, logs, lumber, and more. Their fleet includes flatbeds, step decks, and lowboys capable of carrying metal sheets, coils, rolls, machinery, and large objects.
W & B Trucking stands out for its robust support for commercial shipments, featuring services like dedicated routes and expedited deliveries. The company offers specialized drivers, guaranteed home time, and accommodates owner-operators, ensuring flexibility and reliability for clients. Business owners can benefit from their advanced services, such as managed transportation, access to special rest stops, and the opportunity to leverage direct deposit and safety bonuses, boosting overall operational efficiency and satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.92
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $11,960
- Miles driven: 1,375,000
Adusa Transportation, LLC
2085 Harrison Road, Salisbury, NC, 28147- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $15,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Adusa Transportation, LLC (DOT: 57029) is a reputable trucking company specializing in interstate operations. Their extensive fleet of 862 trucks is predominantly engaged in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They offer dedicated routes, team driving services, and specialized drivers, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of goods. Business owners can rely on their modern fleet, with an average age of 3 years, to meet their shipping needs.
Adusa Transportation, LLC demonstrates a strong commitment to commercial shipments by providing comprehensive support, such as hazardous materials transport and cross-border operations. Businesses can also benefit from their driver-focused incentives, including sign-on and safety bonuses, paid CDL training, and a truck lease-purchase program. With a satisfactory safety rating and a variety of driver benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, Adusa ensures both safety and satisfaction for their clients and staff.
Safety
- Crashes: 82
- Unsafe driving: 0.68
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1335
- Revenue: $5,748
- Miles driven: 89,000,000
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress, Inc.
3255 20th Ave Se, Hickory, NC, 28602- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Box truck
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress, Inc. (DOT: 97173) is a reputable freight trucking company based in North Carolina, with operations commencing in 2016. They operate a modest fleet size of 272 trucks, focusing on carrying diverse cargo such as fresh produce, general freight, beverages, building materials, grain feed hay, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. This focus on varied cargo types makes them an excellent choice for businesses with versatile shipping needs.
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress places a strong emphasis on driver benefits, offering sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, paid time off, and retirement plans such as 401k. Their commitment to safety is reflected in a satisfactory safety rating. Catering to both local and out-of-state shipments, this carrier ensures reliable full truckload deliveries, with guaranteed home time for drivers. Their ongoing training and development programs further affirm their dedication to professional excellence and commercial shipment support.
Safety
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 1.03
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 266
- Revenue: $2,344,000
- Miles driven: 17,200,000
How Safety Ratings Work in North Carolina
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for North Carolina?
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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina 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
