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 Antler Trucking Company to be the best LTL trucking company in Missouri.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Missouri
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 Missouri. Every Missouri 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 Missouri for your commercial shipping needs.
Antler Trucking Company
3001 North Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63147- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
Antler Trucking Company (DOT: 295226) is a well-regarded trucking operation based in Missouri, carrying a range of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company specializes in providing reliable transportation with a fleet of 43 trucks and 86 power units, offering services such as full truckload, flatbed, lowboy, and tanker operations. They are active in cross-border transportation and managed transportation, ensuring products are delivered seamlessly.
Antler Trucking Company supports its commercial shipments with services like specialized drivers, team driver opportunities, and lift gates for convenience in loading and unloading goods. Their emphasis on safety is backed by a satisfactory rating and health screenings. With amenities such as health insurance, a comprehensive retirement plan, and paid time off, Antler Trucking not only cares for its cargo but also values its drivers, contributing to its strong industry reputation.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.04
- Driver fitness: 0.25
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 38
- Revenue: $5,265
- Miles driven: 2,397,914
Contract Freighters, Inc.
4701 E 32nd Street, Joplin, MO, 64804- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
Contract Freighters, Inc. (DOT: 70289) is a well-regarded trucking company established in 1951, based in Missouri. Operating a fleet of over 2,000 trucks, they offer diverse services including refrigerated transport, dry van, and flatbed shipments. Specializing in carrying beverages, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and general freight, they provide tailored solutions to meet customer needs.
With a strong focus on commercial shipping, Contract Freighters, Inc. offers specialized support such as team driving opportunities, expedited and hazmat services, and a truck lease purchase program. Their commitment to safety is underscored by ongoing training and a satisfactory safety rating. The company also values its workforce, offering benefits like health and life insurance, paid CDL training, and a retirement plan. Their robust operation ensures reliable freight management from start to finish, making them an excellent choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 139
- Unsafe driving: 1.13
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.46
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2063
- Revenue: $35,308,000
- Miles driven: 181,000,000
Transport Distribution Company
5357 East 7th Street, Joplin, MO, 64801- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Transport Distribution Company (DOT: 264594) has been operating since 1984, with a satisfactory safety rating. Based in Missouri, they manage an extensive fleet to handle a wide range of cargo, including beverages, paper products, building materials, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their services include flatbed and refrigerated transport, making them capable of managing both specialized and general freight.
Transport Distribution Company focuses on supporting commercial shipments by offering power-only, cross-border, and hazmat transportation. With flexible scheduling, direct deposit, and a commitment to ongoing training and development programs, they provide competitive driver benefits, including safety bonuses and health insurance. Their exemplary cross-docking abilities and a commitment to managed transportation make them an excellent choice for businesses seeking efficiency and safety in their logistics operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.11
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 137
- Revenue: $24,716
- Miles driven: 11,000,000
IWX Motor Freight
2813 North Neergard Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
IWX Motor Freight (DOT: 397707) is a prominent trucking company based in Missouri. With a robust fleet of 275 trucks specializing in a wide range of cargo including chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated foods, IWX offers comprehensive shipping solutions. Their dedicated routes and regional driver services are supported by experienced intermodal and flatbed drivers, ensuring effective and timely shipments.
Focused on providing excellent commercial shipping support, IWX Motor Freight offers power-only services, cross-docking, and heavy haul capabilities for oversized loads. The company is known for its commitment to driver welfare, with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off. Additionally, IWX offers onboarding bonuses, referral bonuses, and a truck lease-purchase program to attract top talent, underlining their position as a reliable choice for business owners seeking efficient and high-standard freight options.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 0.71
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 338
- Revenue: $43,836
- Miles driven: 32,600,000
Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc.
4645 Green Park Road, St Louis, MO, 63123- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. (DOT: 261174) is an active carrier operating in Missouri with a satisfactory safety rating. Their fleet of 24 trucks is supplemented by 48 total power units, specializing in the transportation of Building Materials, Chemicals, Machinery, Dry Bulk Commodities, and more. They are adept at handling a wide range of cargo types, including general freight, paper products, and beverages.
The company offers a variety of trucking services, encompassing flatbed, reefer, and dry van options, along with power-only and tanker services. Notably, Flanagan-White provides dedicated routes and supports managed transportation. The company demonstrates a commitment to driver wellbeing, offering benefits such as health insurance, safety bonuses, flexible scheduling, and retirement plans. Additionally, they support owner-operators, ensuring a comprehensive approach to commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $4,531
- Miles driven: 700,000
Trailiner Corp
2169 E Blaine, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Trailiner Corp (DOT: 203311) is an active trucking company providing reliable freight services across interstate routes. With a fleet of over 378 vehicles, including 71 trucks and 236 trailers, Trailiner specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, such as beverages, fresh produce, meat, refrigerated food, and general freight. Established with a satisfactory safety rating and an emphasis on timely and secure delivery, this company boasts a fleet age of approximately 3 years.
Trailiner Corp supports commercial shipments with ample services, including team drivers, drop trailer, and cross-docking facilities. They offer flexible scheduling and additional perks such as safety bonuses, paid time off, and health insurance options. While they prioritize safety, they have encountered some crash-related incidents. Their managed transportation services and reefer drivers ensure a comprehensive and efficient freight transport solution for business owners looking for quality shipping services.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 91
- Revenue: $9,963
- Miles driven: 10,900,000
Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc.
101 Thompson Rd Suite A, Sedalia, MO, 65301- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 191761) is a Missouri-based trucking company specializing in interstate shipping. Their services include dry van transport, container shipping, and drayage, with a focus on transporting general freight and dry bulk commodities. Notably, they handle agricultural products like grain, feed, and hay, as well as metal sheets, coils, and rolls, ensuring a versatile cargo capability.
Ditzfeld Transfer supports commercial shipments with dedicated routes and offers guaranteed home time for drivers. They boast a satisfactory safety rating with a relatively low unsafe driving score. The company’s drivers benefit from various perks such as health insurance and paid time off, underscoring their commitment to employee welfare. With a total fleet size of 54 and 27 trucks actively operating, Ditzfeld Transfer assures reliable and efficient logistics solutions for business owners seeking excellence in freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $1,017
- Miles driven: 2,151,700
How Safety Ratings Work in Missouri
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 Missouri 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Missouri?
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 Missouri, 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri 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
