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 Area Transportation to be the best LTL trucking company in Indiana.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Indiana
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 Indiana. Every Indiana 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 Indiana for your commercial shipping needs.
Area Transportation
1801 Technology Drive, Chesterton, IN, 46304- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
Area Transportation (DOT: 213341) is a reputable carrier in Indiana that specializes in logistics and transportation services. The company features a fleet of 269 trucks and 538 trailers, effectively handling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, machinery, and intermodal containers. Their specialized drivers ensure safe transport of metal sheets, coils, rolls, and construction materials, meeting various business needs with competency.
Area Transportation is particularly notable for providing dedicated routes, dry van, and cross-border services. They offer regional and local driver opportunities, complete with competitive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, life and safety bonuses, and a retirement plan. The company’s commitment to driver welfare is further highlighted through guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs, making them a preferred choice for efficient and reliable commercial shipment solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 0.9
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 220
- Miles driven: 9,189,341
Styline Logistics
1008 Styline Drive, Huntingburg, IN, 47542- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
Styline Logistics (DOT: 98583) is an Indiana-based freight company specializing in diverse cargo transport. Though established years ago, they boast a modern fleet with an average age of just 3 years. Their operations span interstate routes, offering equipment like dry vans and flatbeds, and they are equipped with lift gates to enhance loading and unloading capabilities.
Styline Logistics carries a wide variety of cargo including building materials, agricultural supplies, beverages, general freight, and paper products. They emphasize driver welfare by providing health and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. The company is committed to safety, holding a satisfactory safety rating, and provides specialized drivers for different needs. Styline also supports flexible scheduling and guarantees home time, catering to owner-operators and local, regional, and OTR drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.34
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 142
- Miles driven: 13,000,000
Mapletree Transportation, Inc.
423 N Main Street Building 250, Middlebury, IN, 46540- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Mobile homes
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
Mapletree Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 686314) is a prominent trucking company providing reliable transportation services across state lines. With a substantial fleet of 528 trucks, they offer specialized services that include flatbed trucking and refrigerated (reefer) transport. The company is well-equipped to handle diverse cargo, such as general freight, intermodal containers, mobile homes, and oilfield equipment, demonstrating their versatility and capacity to meet varied shipping needs.
Mapletree Transportation supports businesses with dedicated routes and team driver services, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries. The company prioritizes driver welfare, offering benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as gym memberships and a retirement plan (401k). They emphasize safety with satisfactory ratings and training programs. Mapletree also facilitates cross-border transportation, making them a comprehensive solution for companies seeking a reliable partner for their commercial shipment needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 0.15
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.03
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 465
- Revenue: $336
- Miles driven: 21,000,000
Baylor Trucking, Inc.
9269 E State Rd 48, Milan, IN, 47031- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Baylor Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 125547) has been a prominent trucking company since its establishment in 1943. With a total fleet of 548 units and a focus on a wide array of cargo types, including Agricultural/Farm Supplies, Building Materials, Chemicals, Commodities, Dry Bulk, and General Freight, they provide diligent transportation services. Their offering includes specialty services like hazardous materials and refrigerated foods, appealing to business owners needing reliable and diverse delivery options.
Baylor Trucking, Inc. distinguishes itself through robust support systems for commercial shipping, such as rider and pet policies, guaranteed home time, and driver referral bonuses. The company places a strong emphasis on safety, evident from its satisfactory safety rating and comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Flexible scheduling and ongoing training programs further enhance their service quality, making them a reputable choice for business owners seeking dependable and versatile trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 22
- Unsafe driving: 2.91
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 242
- Revenue: $7,495,000
- Miles driven: 24,800,000
Premier Companies Or Premier Energy Or Premier Ag
811 W 2nd Street, Seymour, IN, 47274- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Premier Companies Or Premier Energy Or Premier Ag (DOT: 260330) offers a diverse range of freight trucking services designed to cater to various shipping needs. Known for their reliable and efficient operation, they provide specialized transport for agricultural/farm supplies, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, grain feed hay, and liquids/gases. Their fleet includes flatbeds and dry vans, while their service offerings include dedicated routes and cross-border capabilities, making them an ideal choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping partners.
Premier Ag Co Op Inc stands out for their comprehensive commercial service support, including power-only options, hazmat-certified drivers, and drop trailer services. They invest in driver support with paid CDL training, flexible scheduling, and a truck lease purchase program. Additionally, Premier emphasizes employee welfare with provisions like sign-on bonuses, per diem payments, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Their active safety and training programs underscore a commitment to maintaining high standards in transportation safety and driver development.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.21
- Driver fitness: 0.21
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.04
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 375
- Miles driven: 3,026,624
Circle Transportation, Inc.
1950 W Cook Road Suite 102, Fort Wayne, IN, 46818- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Circle Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 635676) is an established carrier in Indiana, boasting an active fleet of 75 trucks and expertise in interstate operations. They handle a diverse array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction goods, fresh produce, and metal products. Renowned for their specialization in general freight, Circle Transportation provides a solid foundation for reliable cargo transport and offers dedicated routes tailored to customer needs.
The company excels in providing hazardous materials transport and a range of driver benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Circle Transportation also encourages driver development through ongoing training programs and rewards performance with safety bonuses. With their commitment to delivering efficient and comprehensive trucking solutions, they stand out as a proficient choice for businesses requiring robust shipping services.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.49
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 75
- Revenue: $824
- Miles driven: 7,134,927
Sodrel Truck Lines, Inc.
1 Sodrel Drive, Jeffersonville, IN, 47129- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Sodrel Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 52294) is a prominent Indiana-based freight carrier established in 1929. Operating a notable fleet of 337 trucks and offering services such as reefer, dry van, flatbed, and tanker, the company is well-equipped to handle a range of cargo, including chemicals, garbage/refuse, general freight, liquids/gases, and US mail.
Sodrel Truck Lines provides specialized services for commercial shipments with a focus on team driver service, guaranteed home time, and managed transportation solutions. They offer valuable employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as roadside assistance programs. Known for maintaining a contemporary fleet with an average age of three years, Sodrel stands out for its commitment to safety and flexible scheduling, making it an appealing choice for businesses seeking reliable and efficient freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 0.41
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.29
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 296
- Revenue: $1,100
- Miles driven: 18,100,000
Brothers Express, Inc.
3227 West Coliseum BLVD, Fort Wayne, IN, 46808- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Brothers Express, Inc. (DOT: 248569) is an Indiana-based freight trucking company established in 2024. They excel in transporting a range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, metal products, paper products, and refrigerated foods. As an active interstate carrier, they focus on general freight services with a fleet of dry vans and box trucks.
Brothers Express supports commercial shipments with dedicated routes, regional and over-the-road drivers, and guaranteed home time. Additional benefits for employees include health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan, driver referral bonuses, and a safety bonus. Their satisfactory safety rating and emphasis on ongoing training and development programs underscore their commitment to reliability and professionalism in freight transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.9
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $388
- Miles driven: 2,313,077
How Safety Ratings Work in Indiana
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 Indiana 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 Indiana?
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 Indiana businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Indiana?
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 Indiana, 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 Indiana?
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 Indiana 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
