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 Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in South Dakota.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in South Dakota
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 South Dakota. Every South Dakota 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 South Dakota for your commercial shipping needs.
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.
1809 N Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 65762) is a versatile trucking company based in South Dakota that has been operational since 1949. With a fleet size of 1,100 and 550 trucks, they specialize in refrigerated freight transport alongside a variety of other cargo types including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, and paper products. The company offers dedicated routes and cross-border trucking, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently across long distances.
Heyl Truck Lines stands out for its specialized services such as refrigerated transport, flatbed, power-only, and hazmat material handling. They support commercial shipments with a comprehensive range of services, including cross-docking and managed transportation solutions. The company provides a range of driver benefits and incentives such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and comprehensive insurance packages, making it a competitive choice for businesses seeking reliable and integrated shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 39
- Unsafe driving: 1.06
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 550
- Revenue: $2,076,000
- Miles driven: 56,300,000
X-Trux, Inc.
47219 Hobbs Circle, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3.5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Pneumatic
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
X-Trux, Inc. (DOT: 841776) is a dynamic trucking company established in 1999 in South Dakota. They leverage a versatile fleet to manage a variety of cargo, including building materials, paper products, agricultural supplies, and machinery. Offering specialized support, X-Trux, Inc. employs reefer, lowboy, and tanker drivers to ensure seamless transportation of diverse freight types, including hazardous materials and general commodities.
X-Trux, Inc. is committed to delivering reliable services with a focus on commercial shipment support, such as cross-border logistics and managed transportation solutions. They offer benefits like health and dental insurance, paid CDL training, and a robust truck lease purchase program. Safety is a priority, indicated by their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs. Their regional and dedicated drivers ensure efficient routing, backed by a team driving service for optimal delivery schedules.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 30
- Revenue: $1,342
- Miles driven: 3,020,429
Premium Best Transport
1501 Wek Road, Yankton, SD, 57078- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Premium Best Transport (DOT: 313347) excels as a versatile and reliable carrier, with a strong focus on handling a diverse range of cargo, such as agricultural products, building materials, machinery, livestock, and metal sheets. Their dedicated services make them a compelling choice for business owners seeking specialized freight solutions. The company prides itself on offering a satisfactory safety rating and maintaining a well-equipped fleet of dry vans, flatbeds, and lift-gate trucks to meet varied shipping needs.
Notably, Premium Best Transport provides essential support for commercial shipment, including hazardous materials handling and managed transportation services. Their commitment to operational excellence is evident through regional, over-the-road, and team drivers, supported by benefits like health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. With a focus on safety and efficiency, Premium Best Transport ensures seamless logistics, offering stability and reliability for business owners aiming to transport goods efficiently across state lines.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $2,378
- Miles driven: 318,239
B & E Trucking, Inc.
3401 S Fairhall Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Drayage
B & E Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 725760) is a carrier company based in South Dakota, boasting an active USDOT status. With a well-rounded fleet of 13 trucks and 26 trailers, they offer diverse services to cater to specific client needs. The company specializes in transporting fresh produce, refrigerated foods, agricultural supplies, beverages, and construction materials, ensuring reliability in handling both general and specialized commodities.
Known for offering a range of support for commercial shipments, B & E Trucking provides dedicated routes, drop trailer services, and flexible scheduling options to meet business needs efficiently. They emphasize driver support through benefits like sign-on and safety bonuses, health and dental insurance, ongoing training programs, and guaranteed home time. With zero reported crash fatalities and an emphasis on safety, they provide peace of mind for businesses looking for reliable freight transportation partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 3.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Miles driven: 795,470
Dakota Lines, Inc.
11 East Main Street, Vermillion, SD, 57069- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Dakota Lines, Inc. (DOT: 286930) has been an integral part of South Dakota’s trucking industry since its establishment in 1989. With a fleet size ranging from 11 to 25, they offer a range of services, including flatbed, dump trailer, lowboy, and tanker transport. They excel in handling general freight, intermodal containers, paper products, and oversized loads. Dedicated to maintaining a strong safety record with no crash injuries or fatalities, Dakota Lines combines efficiency and reliability.
The company highlights its capability to manage hazardous materials and provides managed transportation support. Dakota Lines prioritizes driver welfare, offering benefits such as health insurance, paid CDL training, and generous bonuses, including sign-on and referral bonuses. They also ensure flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training for their dedicated drivers. With their Satisfactory safety rating and commitment to transparency and innovation, Dakota Lines stands out as a preferred choice for commercial shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.84
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 46
- Revenue: $1,867
- Miles driven: 2,135,959
PRO Haul, LLC
39476 234th Street, Woonsocket, SD, 57385- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
PRO Haul, LLC (DOT: 482751) operates as a reputable trucking company and broker based in South Dakota. Offering specialized services since its inception, PRO Haul handles a wide range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, and general freight. They are equipped with a fleet that includes flatbeds and box trucks, ensuring flexibility in moving large machinery and metal materials.
PRO Haul stands out in the commercial logistics sector by providing dedicated routes and guaranteed home time for drivers. The company offers several incentives such as sign-on and referral bonuses, alongside comprehensive benefits, including health and life insurance, gym memberships, and paid CDL training. With a commitment to safety and efficiency, PRO Haul maintains a commendable record in vehicle maintenance and driving standards, bolstering their reputation as a dependable choice for shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $764
- Miles driven: 1,600,000
TDS Trucking, LLC
3400 W Hovland Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
TDS Trucking, LLC (DOT: 279236) is a prominent freight carrier based in South Dakota, outfitted with a modern fleet primarily comprising dry vans, tankers, and flatbed trucks. Specializing in transporting diverse cargo such as building materials, grain, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment, TDS Trucking demonstrates a commitment to versatile and reliable service. The company prioritizes safety with a satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries or fatalities.
In addition to traditional trucking services, TDS Trucking, LLC offers specialized drivers for hazardous materials and provides team driving opportunities for efficient long-haul transportation. Business owners benefit from flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time for drivers, complementing their safety bonuses and health insurance offerings. With a focus on both regional and over-the-road routes, TDS Trucking ensures comprehensive coverage for various freight needs, making it a strong candidate for businesses seeking dependable transportation partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $17,370
- Miles driven: 717,500
Hedge And Herberg, Inc.
605 Dakota Ave, Big Stone City, SD, 57216- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
Hedge And Herberg, Inc. (DOT: 148915) has established itself as a reputable trucking company with an active operation status and a satisfactory safety rating. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, and general freight. They operate a fleet of 40 trucks with a total fleet size of 80, ensuring dependable service for businesses in need of efficient logistics solutions.
Hedge And Herberg provides specialized support for commercial shipments, offering services such as conestoga and cross-border transport, as well as cross-docking for enhanced logistics efficiency. The company places a strong emphasis on safety and driver fitness, minimizing controlled substance issues. They also offer benefits like health, dental, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan. While their Indeed rating is moderate, their Glassdoor rating suggests positive employee experiences. Overall, they are a solid choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.12
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $1,396,000
- Miles driven: 3,327,884
Besler, Inc.
5401 Circle St, Black Hawk, SD, 57718- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Besler, Inc. (DOT: 276991) is a well-rounded trucking company based in South Dakota, known for its diverse service offerings and attention to reliable transportation solutions. With a fleet size of 19 trucks and 38 total vehicles, Besler, Inc. specializes in handling a variety of cargo, including construction materials, logs, and large machinery. They are especially equipped for hazardous materials transport and offer refrigerated (reefer) services, supporting industries requiring temperature-controlled environments.
Besler, Inc. also provides tailored commercial shipping support, with services such as cross-docking and drayage, advantageous for businesses involved in import and export activities. The company supports team driving and offers dedicated routes, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. With additional employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, they uphold a professional workforce committed to safety and service excellence.
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: 12
- Revenue: $3,912
- Miles driven: 79,225
NTA Ltd
1001 4th Steet Nw, Huron, SD, 57350- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Auto carrier
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
NTA Ltd (DOT: 278055) is a premier refrigerated transportation company based in South Dakota. With 44 active drivers and a fleet of 51 trucks, NTA Ltd handles a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, and paper products. Specializing in refrigerated foods, they ensure safe and efficient delivery over interstate routes, aided by their commitment to offering dedicated routes and consolidation services.
Known for their extensive support for commercial shipments, NTA Ltd offers a comprehensive benefits package for its workforce, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a retirement plan. They also prioritize driver safety, reflected in their satisfactory safety rating. With owner-operators in their team and a focus on reefer, dry van, and auto carrier services, NTA Ltd is equipped to meet diverse shipping needs with professionalism and reliability.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 3.66
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $9,417,000
- Miles driven: 4,372,174
How Safety Ratings Work in South Dakota
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
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 South Dakota businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for South Dakota?
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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota?
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 South Dakota 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
