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 Bellavance Trucking, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Vermont.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Vermont
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 Vermont. Every Vermont 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 Vermont for your commercial shipping needs.
Bellavance Trucking, Inc.
33 Smith Street, Barre, VT, 5641- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 1.5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Lowboy
Bellavance Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 86320) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1950 in Vermont, specializing in full-service flatbed, step deck, low bed, refrigerated, and dry van carrier services. Known for its commitment to safety and reliability, Bellavance Trucking efficiently manages a versatile fleet of over 113 trucks, with a total fleet size of 226. The company excels in transporting a wide array of cargo, including fresh produce, building materials, machinery, lumber, and refrigerated foods, providing tailored transportation solutions for diverse commercial needs.
Bellavance Trucking offers dedicated routes and specialized drivers to ensure efficient and timely deliveries. They support commercial shipments with features like guaranteed home time, paid CDL training, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance. Despite a few reported crashes, Bellavance maintains a satisfactory safety rating, underscoring their strong emphasis on safety and operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 2.24
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.95
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 96
- Revenue: $11,399,000
- Miles driven: 6,707,506
Mcrae Enterprises
28 Middle Road, Milton, VT, 5468- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
Mcrae Enterprises (DOT: 342494) offers comprehensive trucking services within Vermont, handling a range of cargo with a specialization in motor vehicles, general freight, and drive/tow-away operations. Operating a modern fleet of 14 trucks with an average age of 2 years, Mcrae Enterprises provides specialized and expedited services, including oversized loads and dangerous goods transportation, backed by its hazardous materials certification.
For businesses seeking reliable shipping solutions, Mcrae Enterprises extends dedicated route services and boasts a strong focus on safety, with no reported crash injuries or fatalities. They support commercial shipments with amenities like guaranteed home time, direct deposit, and generous driver referral bonuses, while offering benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and paid time off. With ongoing training programs and a new driver program, they prioritize both safety and professional development.
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: 4
- Revenue: $461
- Miles driven: 25,670
GMH Trans, LLC
7668 Us Route 5, Westminster, VT, 5158- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
GMH Trans, LLC (DOT: 859207) is a reputable trucking company established in Vermont in 1999. With a fleet size of 114 and 57 trucks, GMH Trans offers comprehensive services that include flatbed and dry van transport. The company excels in interstate operations and is equipped to handle a diverse array of cargo, such as building materials, metal sheets, logs, beams, and refrigerated foods.
GMH Trans provides specialized support for commercial shipments with offerings such as dedicated routes and hazardous materials transport. They emphasize employee satisfaction through benefits like health, dental, and disability insurance, a sign-on bonus, and paid time off. They ensure safe and reliable services, maintaining a “Satisfactory” safety rating with a focus on vehicle maintenance. GMH Trans is a solid choice for businesses seeking flexible scheduling, reliable deliveries, and various cargo handling expertise.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.17
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 53
- Revenue: $293,000
- Miles driven: 4,983,255
DFA Northeast Logistics, Inc.
138 Federal Street, St Albans, VT, 5478- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $10,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
DFA Northeast Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 40362) is a reputable carrier known for its effective logistics services. This Vermont-based company specializes in cross-border transportation, offering dedicated routes and team drivers for efficient shipment handling. They handle a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, liquids, gases, and other goods, with a robust fleet that includes dry van and flatbed trucks.
Committing to safety and quality, DFA Northeast Logistics, Inc. emphasizes ongoing training and development, supported by satisfactory safety ratings. Their specialized drivers and FTL (Full Truckload) services ensure reliable delivery solutions for business owners seeking dependable shipping partners. Besides managing transportation, they focus on commercial shipment support, offering benefits like guaranteed home time, health insurance, and flexible scheduling for their workforce.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 130
- Miles driven: 8,556,240
J P Sicard, Inc.
234 Glover Road, Barton, VT, 5822- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Mobile homes
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
J P Sicard, Inc. (DOT: 766508) is a versatile trucking company based in Vermont. With a fleet size between 20 to 49 trucks, they specialize in transporting a wide range of cargo, including building materials, lumber, and machinery. They also handle dry bulk commodities and mobile homes, showcasing their capability in managing diverse shipments efficiently.
The company provides interstate carrier operations with a focus on dedicated routes, ensuring reliability and consistency for their clients. They offer services like team driving and specialized drivers for handling specific cargo needs. J P Sicard is committed to employee well-being, offering benefits such as health and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and ongoing training programs. This company maintains high safety standards with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, establishing them as a trustworthy partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 16.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $9,468
- Miles driven: 139,512
Carpenters Motor Transport, Inc.
413 Commerce Street, Williston, VT, 5495- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: more than 30 Tractor Trailers and Straight Trucks
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Carpenters Motor Transport, Inc. (DOT: 86326) is a Vermont-based trucking company renowned for its commitment to transportation services since 1940. Operating a fleet size of 34, the company specializes in handling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction supplies, fresh produce, general freight, and paper products. Their use of dry vans and flatbeds allows them to provide versatile shipping options tailored to client needs.
Carpenters Motor Transport offers unique support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, intermodal drivers, and drop trailer services. They ensure timely deliveries with guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling. The company values safety with a satisfactory safety rating and zero crash incidents. Their workforce benefits from comprehensive packages, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with safety and sign-on bonuses, making them a preferred partner for businesses seeking reliable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.68
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $4,668,000
- Miles driven: 656,681
TRK Trucking, Inc.
91 Tunnel Brook Road, Hancock, VT, 5748- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
TRK Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 506532) is a reputable US-based trucking company specializing in interstate freight transport. The company, though not specifying its establishment year, operates a fleet of 7 trucks with a focus on specialized services such as hazardous materials and reefer cargo. They are equipped to handle diverse cargo types, including liquids/gases and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, ensuring flexibility and tailored logistics solutions for their clients.
TRK Trucking offers an array of service options to support commercial shipments, including power-only and cross-docking capabilities. They’re also equipped with tanker trucks to facilitate the movement of specific types of freight. The company prioritizes driver and customer support with benefits like direct deposit, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling, making them an attractive partner for businesses seeking efficient and safe transportation solutions.
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: 7
- Miles driven: 445,339
How Safety Ratings Work in Vermont
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 Vermont 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Vermont?
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 Vermont, 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont 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
