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 Rick Franklin Corporation to be the best LTL trucking company in Oregon.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Oregon
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 Oregon. Every Oregon 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 Oregon for your commercial shipping needs.
Rick Franklin Corporation
101 Industrial Way, Lebanon, OR, 97355- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Rick Franklin Corporation (DOT: 273293) is a reputable trucking company established in 1974, based in Oregon with a fleet size of 82 vehicles. The company specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo, including construction materials, garbage/refuse, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They provide various services such as power-only, regional driving, cross-docking, and expedited trucking, ensuring ample options to meet diverse business needs.
Rick Franklin Corporation emphasizes safety and customer satisfaction, boasting a satisfactory safety rating and zero unsafe driving violations. They offer specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transport, heavy haul capabilities, and cross-border services. Benefits for drivers include paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Additionally, programs for new drivers and owner-operators reflect their commitment to nurturing talent and expanding their service offerings, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and safe transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.83
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.57
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $7,391
- Miles driven: 475,000
Zwald Transport, Inc.
9980 South Prairie, Tillamook, OR, 97141- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Hazardous materials
Zwald Transport, Inc. (DOT: 594938) is a reputable trucking company based in Oregon, established in 2019. Despite their relatively new entry into the industry, they provide a variety of services with a fleet size of 11 to 25 trucks. Zwald Transport specializes in handling general freight, refrigerated foods, and building materials, among other cargos. They are known for their dedicated routes and the capacity to accommodate full truckload shipments, catering to extensive freight needs.
Zwald Transport offers special support for commercial shipments with a focus on safe transportation of hazardous materials and grain feed hay. The company prides itself on safety with a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs for drivers. To add value, they provide flexible scheduling, paid CDL training, and multiple driver benefits such as sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, health insurance, and rider or pet allowances. Their commitment to service excellence makes them a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and secure transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.58
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 52
- Revenue: $6,400
- Miles driven: 2,133,818
Tree Line Transportation, Inc.
6801 3rd St Se, Turner, OR, 97392- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Oversized
- Power only
- Cross-border
Tree Line Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 179485) is a dynamic trucking company with a total fleet size of 42, including 21 trucks and a focus on providing specialized services. They handle a variety of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, garbage/refuse, grain feed hay, household goods, logs/poles/beams/lumber, machinery, metal sheets, and paper products. In addition to general freight, they have expertise with refrigerated and flatbed transport, offering regional and dedicated routes that enhance their service reliability.
This Oregon-based company operates actively in interstate commerce, prioritizing safety and reliability with a satisfactory safety rating. They support commercial shipments with offerings like power-only services, rider or pet allowances, and deadhead/detention compensation. Health and wellness benefits for employees include health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and a comprehensive retirement plan. With guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, Tree Line Transportation stands out as a preferred choice for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $11,444,000
- Miles driven: 1,686,522
DON G Averill Trucking, Inc.
1500 N Main Avenue, Tillamook, OR, 97141- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
DON G Averill Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 163162) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1971, based in Oregon. Operating a fleet of over 68 vehicles, the company specializes in hauling a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, grain, lumber, machinery, and garbage. They excel in providing dedicated routes and offer specialized support for oversized transport, employing flatbed, step-deck, and lowboy trailers to accommodate large and unconventional loads.
With services like reefer transportation, power-only, and a robust capacity for dump trailer loads, DON G Averill Trucking, Inc. caters to diverse client needs. They support intermodal transport and cross-border shipments, emphasizing safety and efficient operations. The company provides comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside performance incentives such as safety and sign-on bonuses. Their commitment to employee well-being and customer satisfaction makes them a dependable choice for businesses seeking reliable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.36
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $6,698
- Miles driven: 1,713,619
Central Oregon Truck Company, LLC
394 Ne Hemlock Ave, Redmond, OR, 97756- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Central Oregon Truck Company, LLC (DOT: 285565) is a reputable freight trucking company with an active operational status in Oregon. With a robust fleet size of 1,000 vehicles, they are well-equipped to handle a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, machinery, metals, and paper products. Central Oregon Truck Company specializes in services like team driving and offers flatbed, conestoga, and step deck trailers for efficient transport of oversized and construction-related materials.
The company provides special support for commercial shipments through dedicated routes and cross-border operations, ensuring reliable delivery across regions. Their focus on safety is reflected in a satisfactory safety rating with ongoing training and development programs to maintain high standards. Central Oregon Truck Company supports its drivers with incentives such as sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer a truck lease purchase program and per diem payments to enhance driver satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 46
- Unsafe driving: 0.92
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.13
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 420
- Revenue: $4,828,000
- Miles driven: 47,500,000
Thomas & Son Distributors
4660 Main St Building C Ste 500 2, Springfield, OR, 97478- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
Thomas & Son Distributors (DOT: 61163) is a dynamic trucking company providing freight services across interstate routes. Known for its dependable fleet of 120 trucks, the company offers an array of services catering to diverse shipping needs. They specialize in refrigerated transportation with reefer trailers and handle various cargo types, including beverages, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and paper products. Their commitment to delivering reliable service is evident through their ongoing training development programs and guaranteed home time for drivers.
In addition to their general freight services, Thomas & Son provides containerized shipping options, enabling efficient handling of logistics requirements. With 50+ fleet size and dedicated local and regional drivers, businesses can expect timely shipments and tailored logistics solutions. Offering various employee benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, safety bonuses, and ongoing training, the company ensures high service standards and driver satisfaction, helping solidify their satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.34
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.32
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 119
- Revenue: $40,017
- Miles driven: 13,400,000
Smith Frozen Foods, Inc.
101 Depot Street, Weston, OR, 97886- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
Smith Frozen Foods, Inc. (DOT: 223772) is a distinguished trucking company founded in 1919, operating from Oregon. With a fleet of 50+ trucks and 56 total vehicles, they specialize in transporting refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and general freight. Smith Frozen Foods stands out for its expertise in handling agricultural supplies, dry bulk commodities, and machinery, offering dedicated routes and reliable drop trailer services.
The company prioritizes safety with a satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries or fatalities. They provide supportive commercial shipment solutions, including roadside assistance programs and flexible scheduling, ensuring smooth logistics. Smith Frozen Foods values its drivers by offering competitive salaries, health, dental insurance, and retirement plans, fostering a motivated and adept team for efficient cargo management.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 26.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $41,056,000
- Miles driven: 350,000
Sysco Portland, Inc.
26250 Sw Parkway Center Drive, Wilsonville, OR, 97070- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Sysco Portland, Inc. (DOT: 9997) is a reputable freight carrier based in Oregon, established in 1951. With an active authority in interstate transportation, the company is equipped with a fleet of 376 vehicles, including 138 trailers, and specializes in refrigerated goods, fresh produce, meat, and beverages. Sysco Portland is renowned for flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, demonstrating a strong commitment to driver satisfaction while efficiently managing its operations.
Sysco Portland offers dedicated routes tailored to business needs, with comprehensive support, including reefer and dry van services, helping businesses ensure their cargo reaches customers safely and on time. The company’s additional features like drop trailer services and ongoing training development programs make it an ideal partner for businesses looking for reliable and specialized shipping solutions in the commercial freight industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.21
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.56
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 164
- Revenue: $920,510
- Miles driven: 4,434,284
Continental Truck Freight Brokers
8890 Sw Holly Lane Suite A, Wilsonville, OR, 97070- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4.5 years
Cargo Types
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Continental Truck Freight Brokers (DOT: 282200) operates out of Oregon and offers expert trucking services with a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 vehicles. The company is noted for its ability to handle a variety of cargo types, including fresh produce, grain, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They provide specialized services such as the use of reefer and dry van trailers, ensuring goods are transported with care and efficiency.
Continental Truck Freight Brokers specializes in cross-border shipments and offers dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities for consistent service. Their brokerage services ensure managed transportation solutions for clients, enhancing overall logistics efficiency. The company also prioritizes safety and driver welfare, offering comprehensive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan and paid time off. With active involvement in interstate operations, Continental Truck Freight Brokers guarantees reliable freight solutions tailored to business needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 225
- Revenue: $1,029
- Miles driven: 1
Imperial Trucking, Inc.
10533 North Lombard, Portland, OR, 97283- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Cross-border
Imperial Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 363340) stands out as a noteworthy carrier operating in Oregon. With a fleet of 14 trucks and a team of 15 drivers, this company excels in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They also have a special focus on flatbed and tanker services, ensuring the safe and reliable transport of oversized cargo.
Imperial Trucking provides specialized support for commercial shipments with options such as team drivers, expedited services, and dedicated routes. Business owners benefit from their employee stock ownership program, safety bonuses, and competitive compensation. Additional perks include health, dental, and disability insurance, retirement plans, and flexible scheduling options, underscoring their commitment to employee satisfaction. Their safety rating is satisfactory, and they maintain a robust vehicle maintenance program to ensure optimal service.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.5
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.57
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $6,965
- Miles driven: 892,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Oregon
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 Oregon 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 Oregon?
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 Oregon businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Oregon?
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 Oregon, 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 Oregon?
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 Oregon 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
