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Best trucking companies in Kentucky

If you’re looking to start a rewarding career in the trucking industry, Kentucky is a great place to start or further your career. There are 32 trucking companies in Kentucky thanks to its central location and ideal infrastructure for servicing all parts of the country.

Or, if you’re a shipping company, you’re in the right place to partner with some of the best trucking companies to get your goods from one place to another. Learn the top 10 Kentucky trucking companies to see why the commonwealth is ideal for trucking.

10 Best Kentucky Trucking Companies

You have ample options when it comes to Kentucky trucking companies. Here’s a look at the top 10 best options to get you started in finding the one that is right for you.

Carnes Trucking Co

Carnes Trucking Co.

Carnes Trucking, a success story that began with a single cargo van, presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking employment. Witnessing remarkable growth over the last few decades, Carnes Trucking has evolved into a prominent trucking company serving all 48 states. Headquartered in Louisville, the company offers a diverse range of carrier services, catering to the unique needs of its customers. Choosing to work at Carnes Trucking guarantees a rewarding career where growth, professionalism, and the satisfaction of providing exceptional service converge, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to thrive in the trucking industry.

Established: 1978

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Employees: 71

Carrier Type: 

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Expedited
  • Refrigerated
  • Specialized
  • Oversized
  • Regional
  • OTR shipments
  • Dedicated

Services Provided: 

  • Local shipments
  • Shipments to 48 states
  • Expedited freight
  • Refrigerated freight
  • Dry van trucking

Revenue: $14 million

Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars on 23 reviews

Schneider National Inc

Schneider National Inc.

Schneider National Inc., a titan in the trucking industry, offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking employment. With a strong presence and a location in London, KY, Schneider National Inc. stands out as one of the largest and most reputable trucking companies. Boasting decades of experience, it is an excellent choice for transporting a wide variety of freight. What sets Schneider National Inc. apart is its national scope, providing ample room for career advancement and growth opportunities for its dedicated employees and drivers. Joining the team at Schneider National Inc. guarantees a rewarding career journey where professionalism, excellence, and the potential for advancement converge, establishing it as an ideal choice for individuals seeking a fulfilling and prosperous career in the trucking industry.

Established: 1976

Location: London, Kentucky

Employees: 15,225

Carrier Type: 

  • Dry van
  • Intermodal
  • Bulk
  • Less-than-truckload (LTL)
  • Refrigerated
  • Flatbed

Services Provided: 

  • Brokerage
  • Logistics
  • Long-haul
  • Regional
  • Expedited
  • International
  • Warehousing
  • Port & drayage

Revenue: $4.9 billion

Google Rating: 3.8/5 stars on 11 reviews

Walbert Trucking Inc

Walbert Trucking Inc.

Walbert Trucking Inc., a venerable presence in the trucking industry, offers an enticing opportunity for individuals seeking employment. As one of the oldest trucking companies in Kentucky, Walbert Trucking Inc. traces its roots back to the humble beginnings of William Earl Walbert, who started hauling logs to the sawmill for his father. With gradual growth and determination, Walbert expanded his business beyond logs, establishing a remarkable reputation for its expertise in livestock transportation services. Choosing to work at Walbert Trucking Inc. guarantees a rewarding career where heritage, experience, and a commitment to excellence converge, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a fulfilling journey in the trucking industry.

Established: 1931

Location: Glasgow, Kentucky

Employees: 51

Carrier Type: 

  • Third-party logistics
  • Cross-docking
  • Storage
  • Warehousing
  • Expedited delivery
  • Courier
  • Transloading
  • Livestock

Services Provided: 

  • 3PL
  • Warehousing
  • Order fulfillment
  • Storage
  • Fleet maintenance

Revenue: $10 million

Google Rating: 3.1/5 stars on 12 reviews

Paschall Truck Lines Inc

Paschall Truck Lines Inc.

Paschall Truck Lines Inc., a formidable force in the trucking industry, presents a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking employment. Beginning with humble origins, as the owner drove a single truck to make a living, Paschall Truck Lines Inc. has evolved into one of the largest trucking companies headquartered in Kentucky. With an expansive reach encompassing the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the company offers vast career prospects and opportunities for growth. With locations in nine major cities and terminals in Canada and Mexico, joining the team at Paschall Truck Lines Inc. guarantees a fulfilling career where professionalism, extensive reach, and the potential for advancement converge, establishing it as an ideal choice for individuals seeking a prosperous journey in the trucking industry.

Established: 1937

Location: Murray, Kentucky

Employees: 1,150

Carrier Type: 

  • Truckload
  • Dry van
  • Expedited
  • Regional

Services Provided: 

  • Truckload
  • Expedited
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Transportation to and from Mexico
  • Freight brokerage
  • Trailer leasing

Revenue: $238 million

Google Rating: 3.3/5 stars on 405 reviews

CoreTrans LLC

CoreTrans LLC

CoreTrans LLC, an exemplary player in the transportation industry, offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking employment. With a steadfast dedication to ensuring timely deliveries for customers, CoreTrans LLC believes in being the core of supply chain management for local clients. The company sets itself apart by providing robust communication tools that allow for 24/7 shipment tracking, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. Boasting a strong workforce of over 200 skilled drivers and a fleet comprising 300 dry van trailers, CoreTrans LLC is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of its valued clientele. Joining the team at CoreTrans LLC guarantees a rewarding career where professionalism, efficiency, and the potential to contribute to a vital role in the supply chain converge, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a fulfilling and successful journey in the transportation industry.

Established: 2002

Location: Somerset, Kentucky

Employees: 165

Carrier Type: 

  • OTC
  • LTL
  • Flatbed
  • Dry van
  • Temperature-controlled

Services Provided: 

  • Dedicated
  • Warehousing
  • Logistics
  • Expedited

Revenue: $33 million

Google Rating: 3.4/5 stars on 86 reviews

Bluegrass Trucking Inc

Bluegrass Trucking Inc.

Bluegrass Trucking Inc., a remarkable family-owned and operated company, stands as a compelling choice for individuals seeking employment. While it may be smaller in size compared to some other companies in Kentucky, Bluegrass Trucking Inc. thrives on its unwavering commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction, garnering excellent reviews from its valued clientele. Joining the team at Bluegrass Trucking Inc. ensures a fulfilling career where family values, professionalism, and a reputation for excellence converge, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to thrive in a supportive and customer-focused work environment.

Established: 1991

Location: Harrodsburg, Kentucky

Employees: 50

Carrier Type: 

  • LTL
  • Flatbed
  • Short haul
  • Dry van
  • Refrigerated

Services Provided: 

  • Warehousing
  • OTR
  • Local delivery
  • Regional

Revenue: $6.8 million

Google Rating: 5/5 stars on 3 reviews

Ballard Incorporated

Ballard Incorporated

Ballard Incorporated, a standout in the trucking industry, presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking employment. Specializing in a unique trucking service for food grade liquid, Ballard Incorporated sets itself apart by offering transport for Kosher-certified products, catering to specific dietary requirements and preferences. With operations spanning across the U.S. and Canada, working at Ballard Incorporated guarantees a rewarding career where professionalism, innovation, and the satisfaction of providing specialized services converge. Joining the team at Ballard Incorporated ensures a fulfilling journey in the trucking industry, where dedication to quality, diverse transportation solutions, and a commitment to meeting unique customer needs create an ideal work environment for individuals seeking growth and success.

Established: 1964

Location: Bardstown, Kentucky

Employees: 62

Carrier Type: 

  • Dry van
  • Food grade liquid bulk tankers

Services Provided: Food grade bulk liquid transit is the company’s specialty and it transports these goods throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Revenue: $1.24 million

Google Rating: No one has reviewed Ballard Inc. on Google yet.

jb hunt

J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt, a titan in the trucking industry, presents an unparalleled opportunity for individuals seeking employment. As one of the largest trucking companies in the country, J.B. Hunt offers a vast array of nationwide freight solutions, backed by superior technology and a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability. With multiple locations throughout the country, including a prominent presence in Louisville, choosing to work at J.B. Hunt guarantees a rewarding career where professionalism, innovation, and the chance to contribute to a greener future converge. Joining the team at J.B. Hunt ensures a fulfilling journey in the trucking industry, where excellence, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainable practices create an ideal work environment for individuals seeking growth, success, and the opportunity to make a positive impact.

Established: 1961

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Employees: 29,056

Carrier Type: 

  • LTL
  • Truckload
  • Final mile
  • Refrigerated
  • Flatbed
  • Intermodal

Services Provided: 

  • Fulfillment
  • Dedicated contract
  • Small business

Revenue: $2.6 billion

Google Rating: 4.2/5 stars on 124 reviews

M&M Cartage

M&M Cartage

M&M Cartage, a highly acclaimed company, presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking employment. With services available from five strategically located terminals, including its esteemed headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, M&M Cartage showcases its commitment to delivering excellence. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering dedication to sustainability, actively working towards reducing the environmental impacts associated with the trucking industry. Engaging in the mission to become a zero-waste company, M&M Cartage provides a rewarding career where professionalism, innovation, and the chance to make a positive impact on the world converge. Choosing to work at M&M Cartage guarantees a fulfilling journey in the trucking industry, where exceptional service, sustainability efforts, and a commitment to creating a greener future intertwine, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a meaningful and environmentally conscious career path.

Established: 1972

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Employees: 389

Carrier Type: 

  • LTL
  • Flatbed
  • Truckload
  • Dedicated

Services Provided: 

  • Warehousing
  • Spotting and yard management
  • Logistics

Revenue: $77 million

Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars on 76 reviews

RAJ Transport Inc

RAJ Transport Inc.

RAJ Transport, a standout in the trucking industry, presents an enticing opportunity for individuals seeking employment. Renowned for its local, small business feel, RAJ Transport offers a refreshing work environment where personal connections and a sense of community thrive. The company’s unwavering commitment to safety and on-time deliveries ensures a professional and reliable service, while its dedication to helping customers find tailored solutions showcases their customer-centric approach. If you’re seeking a work atmosphere that embodies the essence of a small business, RAJ Transport based out of Lexington is the perfect choice. Joining the team at RAJ Transport guarantees a fulfilling career where camaraderie, exceptional service, and a personalized touch converge, making it an ideal option for individuals looking for a meaningful and rewarding journey in the trucking industry.

Established: 2014

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Employees: 25

Carrier Type: 

  • Freight
  • Building materials
  • Construction
  • Livestock

Services Provided: 

  • Truckload
  • Dedicated fleet
  • Warehousing

Revenue: $4 million

Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars on 41 reviews

Get Started with Kentucky Trucking Companies

Thanks to the strategic location of the commonwealth, truck transportation accounts for 20% of employment in Kentucky. If you’re looking for a way to transport your company’s goods or seeking out a rewarding career, Kentucky is a great place to start. If you’re flexible with your location, check out the best trucking companies in Tennessee and Ohio too.

FAQ

How much do CDL drivers make in Kentucky?

The average salary for a class A CDL driver in Kentucky is $55,049 or $24 an hour. Experience and endorsements could impact your salary.

How many trucking companies are in Kentucky?

Kentucky has 32 truck shipping companies, making it a great location for trucking careers.

What do I need to start a trucking company in Kentucky?

To start a trucking company in Kentucky, you’ll need to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), apply for a federal DOT and motor carrier authority number, complete a unified carrier registration (UCR), obtain an international registration plan tag (IRP), get your international fuel tax agreement decal (IFTA), file a BOC-3 form, and get a standard carrier alpha code (SCAC).

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