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 Reed Trucking Company to be the best LTL trucking company in Delaware.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Delaware
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 Delaware. Every Delaware 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 Delaware for your commercial shipping needs.
Reed Trucking Company
522 Chestnut Street, Milton, DE, 19968- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
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
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Reed Trucking Company (DOT: 45584) is a distinguished freight carrier that has been operating since 1937. Based in Delaware, this company offers a diverse range of services with a focus on refrigerated, frozen, and LTL services. Their robust fleet of over 50 vehicles includes flatbeds, reefers, and tankers, catering to various cargo types such as beverages, refrigerated foods, and meat.
Reed Trucking Company excels in specialized services, providing dedicated routes, cross-docking, and hazardous materials handling. They support commercial shipments with advanced options like power-only and intermodal transportation. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and offers enticing driver benefits such as sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling to ensure high-quality service and employee satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.92
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 32
- Revenue: $4,410,000
- Miles driven: 3,081,699
Hobbs Enterprises, Inc.
4398 Turkey Point Road, Viola, DE, 19979- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Hobbs Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 444295) is an active trucking company serving Delaware with a fleet of 17 trucks. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, machinery, and meat. Their container services and flatbed capabilities are complemented by refrigerated transports, making them a versatile partner for businesses with a variety of shipping needs.
Hobbs Enterprises enhances their offerings by providing dedicated routes, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently. They support commercial shipments with dry van, tanker, and intermodal services. The company provides comprehensive benefits, including direct deposit, health insurance, and tuition reimbursement, alongside bonuses for safety and driver referrals. With a safety rating of satisfactory, Hobbs Enterprises combines dependable transportation with a focus on driver satisfaction and professional growth opportunities.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.44
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.72
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $606,000
- Miles driven: 1,656,981
Diamond Materials, LLC
924 S Heald St, Wilmington, DE, 19801- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Diamond Materials, LLC (DOT: 45597) excels in heavy highway and site development since incorporation. The Delaware-based carrier specializes in handling diverse cargo including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, and machinery. With a fleet of 122 trucks, they are known for utilizing reefer, tanker, and flatbed trailers to meet customer needs.
Diamond Materials provides dedicated routes and cross-border services supported by owner operators and regional drivers, emphasizing flexibility and efficiency in logistics. They prioritize cargo safety with resources like deadhead, detention, layover compensation, and ongoing training programs. Despite a conditional safety rating and moderate vehicle maintenance score, Diamond Materials maintains an active authority status and offers valuable employee benefits including health insurance and tuition reimbursement, promoting staff retention and reliability.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.82
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 118
- Revenue: $12,211,000
- Miles driven: 654,268
M Madic, Inc.
3454 Wrangle Hill Road, Bear, DE, 19701- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
M Madic, Inc. (DOT: 250056) is a dynamic trucking company established in 2018, operating out of Delaware. Known for its specialization in general freight, M Madic, Inc. offers an array of services including flatbed and dry van transport. They handle diverse cargo, such as building materials, construction supplies, machinery, and metal sheets. Their dedication to safety is exemplified by their ‘Satisfactory’ safety rating and comprehensive support for hazardous materials transport.
The company is well-equipped for commercial and long-haul transportation needs, with services like team driving and regional driver options. They support their workforce with health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. With a fleet of 13 trucks and 26 trailers, M Madic, Inc. provides reliable and efficient shipping solutions. Business owners can trust them to handle demanding logistics through special services, including dedicated routes and expedited shipments, ensuring timely and safe delivery of products.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.84
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.92
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Miles driven: 689,268
Colonial Trucking, Inc.
10 A Del Drive, Newark, DE, 19702- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Colonial Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 945133) was established in 2022 with a solid commitment to providing specialized trucking services. Operating out of Delaware, they offer services crucial for complex hauls such as power-only operations, drayage, and flatbed transport. They are equipped to handle diverse cargo, including building materials, construction supplies, and large machinery, addressing both interstate and cross-border shipping needs effectively.
Colonial Trucking provides robust support for commercial shipments, with a fleet of 43 trucks dedicated to fulfilling various transportation demands. Their commitment to driver satisfaction is evident through benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, the company prioritizes safe transport, as emphasized by their satisfactory safety rating and zero hazardous materials violations, making it an attractive choice for business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.96
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $908
- Miles driven: 1,199,013
Triglia Transportation Co, Inc.
36963 Bi State BLVD, Delmar, DE, 19940- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Dump trailer
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Triglia Transportation Co, Inc. (DOT: 763991) is a reputable trucking company established in 2004. With a fleet of 11 trucks, they specialize in handling a wide range of cargo, including building materials, construction equipment, general freight, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They offer services across interstate routes, providing dedicated routes, regional, local, and expedited options, catering to diverse shipping needs.
Triglia Transportation Co, Inc. offers specialized support for commercial shipments, such as hazardous materials, dry van, and dump trailer services. The company emphasizes employee benefits, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. They have a solid safety record with zero crash fatalities, and provide deadhead, detention, and layover compensation, as well as convenience through cross-docking, lift-gate options, and flexible scheduling. Their team of 7 drivers ensures reliable and efficient transport solutions to meet business needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.43
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Revenue: $2,193
- Miles driven: 117,300
How Safety Ratings Work in Delaware
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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
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 Delaware businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Delaware?
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 Delaware, 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 Delaware?
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 Delaware 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
