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 Lakehead Trucking, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Minnesota.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Minnesota
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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
Lakehead Trucking, Inc.
6035 Lavaque Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1950 and based in Minnesota. With a fleet comprising over 50 trucks, they transport various types of cargo, such as building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, construction equipment, grain, and more. Their services include specialized equipment like dump trailers and flatbeds, catering to a range of logistical needs. The company excels in providing reliable transportation solutions enhanced by expedited, regional, and dedicated routes, ensuring products are shipped efficiently and on time.
Lakehead Trucking offers valuable support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transportation and intermodal driver services, ensuring seamless freight handling. With offerings such as cross-docking, managed transportation, and a strong focus on employee welfare, including health insurance and safety bonuses, the company secures a satisfactory safety rating and positive employee reviews. Their dedication to safety and service is reflected in their consistently high ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $36,490
- Miles driven: 1,034,120
T.A. Dedicated, Inc.
1715 Yankee Doodle Rd Ste 100, Eagan, MN, 55121- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (DOT: 183949) is a reputable trucking company based in Minnesota, established in 2022. Specializing in a range of cargo, they cater to transportation needs including beverages, building materials, chemicals, paper products, and US mail. T.A. Dedicated offers various services such as refrigerated trailers and power-only transportation, ensuring versatile and reliable shipping solutions for business owners.
The company provides specialized support for commercial shipments, including cross-border services and intermodal container handling. T.A. Dedicated fosters driver support with benefits like paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and safety bonuses. Their emphasis on safety is marked by a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs. With a fleet of 996 trucks and 1164 drivers, T.A. Dedicated is well-equipped to offer dedicated routes and guaranteed home time, making them a strong contender for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 79
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 26
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1164
- Miles driven: 90,800,000
T J Potter Trucking, Inc.
13000 Sherburne Ave, Becker, MN, 55308- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
T J Potter Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 303391) is a reputable trucking company established in 1984 in Minnesota. With a fleet of 90 trucks and an age of only 3 years, the company emphasizes modern equipment and reliability. They offer a range of services including power-only trucking, dry van, flatbed, step deck, lowboy, and driveaway/tow-away. T J Potter specializes in transporting various types of cargo such as agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, and oilfield equipment, catering to diverse shipping needs.
They provide exceptional support for commercial shipments with features such as cross-border service, guaranteed home time, and heavy-haul capabilities. The company also offers per diem payments and a competitive driver salary range between $65,000-$75,000. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and robust driver training programs. T J Potter stands out for its dedication to flexible scheduling, health insurance, and retirement benefits, making it a favorable choice for business owners seeking reliable and efficient freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.8
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.56
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.69
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 71
- Revenue: $13,172
- Miles driven: 5,039,569
Styer Transportation Co
7870 215th St W, Lakeville, MN, 55044- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
Styer Transportation Co (DOT: 164228) is a Minnesota-based trucking company known for its commitment to safety and service quality. They handle a wide range of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and refrigerated foods using a fleet of 36 trucks. Their specialized equipment includes reefer units, flatbeds, and lowboy trailers, allowing for diverse shipping options including general freight and oversized machinery.
Styer Transportation offers cross-border services and is recognized for their dedication to commercial needs with offerings like dedicated routes and guaranteed home time for drivers. They have a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting moderate levels of vehicle maintenance and driver safety. With a small, agile team, the company prioritizes ongoing training and development programs, ensuring that their operations remain efficient and reliable for businesses seeking dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.44
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 36
- Revenue: $1,724
- Miles driven: 3,526,415
Long Haul Trucking, Inc.
6600 Jansen Ave Ne, Albertville, MN, 55301- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
Long Haul Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 282451) is a reputable trucking company established in 1986 in Minnesota. With a fleet of over 50+ trucks, they are known for their commitment to safety, holding a ‘Satisfactory’ safety rating. Long Haul Trucking offers a variety of specialized services, including reefer and tanker options, accommodating various freight needs. Their cargo capabilities extend to beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal (sheets, coils, rolls), motor vehicles, paper products, and US Mail.
The company provides special support for commercial shipments with a focus on dedicated routes, ensuring reliable delivery times for business owners. They also offer regional drivers, flexible scheduling, and guaranteed home time. Business owners can benefit from Long Haul Trucking’s employee stock ownership and competitive driver compensation, including health insurance and retirement plans, underscoring their commitment to both employee and client satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 24
- Unsafe driving: 1.23
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.51
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 312
- Revenue: $13,810,000
- Miles driven: 33,600,000
J & R Schugel
2026 North Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN, 56073- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
J & R Schugel (DOT: 116455) is a reputable trucking company rooted in Minnesota. They boast a fleet of 738 trucks with an impressive average age of just 2 years, showcasing their commitment to modern, reliable transportation. Specializing in diverse cargo, they effectively handle beverages, building materials, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, machinery, and paper products, making them a versatile choice for shippers with varied needs.
J & R Schugel offers notable services such as team driving opportunities, hazmat transportation, reefer deliveries, and specialized drivers to meet specific demands. Business owners benefit from their dedicated routes, flexible scheduling, and employee incentives like sign-on bonuses and paid time off. Their comprehensive suite of support features underscores their commitment to efficient and reliable commercial trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 59
- Unsafe driving: 1.7
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.75
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 683
- Revenue: $76,935,000
- Miles driven: 68,000,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Minnesota?
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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota 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
