With rich natural resources and a shared border with Canada, New Hampshire is in close proximity to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and many other big cities. As such, both the trucking and transportation industries are very important in New Hampshire.
The state itself has a decent population for its size, with more people than Wyoming and Montana, though there aren’t any huge cities within the state. Instead, New Hampshire is made up of many quaint towns, making local deliveries an important part of the economy.
Additionally, the small-town, rural feel of the state makes it appealing to drive through and live in for truckers. However, unlike big cities where job opportunities are plentiful, New Hampshire has its slow months for open trucking positions, but if you’re willing to shop around and take your time finding work, you can find work in time. Here are the best trucking companies in New Hampshire!
Quicklook: Best Trucking Companies in New Hampshire
- Best For Fuel and Waste Truckers: JP Noonan Transportation, Inc. –Match Now
- Best For Truckers Who Want to Learn More: Ross Transportation –Match Now
- Best For Flatbed Owner-Operators: Mercer Transportation –Match Now
- Best For Drayage Truckers: Manchester Motor Freight –Match Now
- Best For Truckers Who Like Small Companies: McMillan Transport –Match Now
5 Best New Hampshire Trucking Companies
Here is a closer look at five of the best trucking companies in New Hampshire, and what makes them appealing.
J.P. Noonan Transportation, Inc.
J.P. Noonan prides itself on its unwavering commitment to safety and customer support, garnering positive feedback from both current and former employees. As the largest employer on this list, the company offers frequent job opportunities, although it’s important to note that a larger company may come with the downside of a more corporate structure.
For those seeking to avoid a corporate environment, there may be better options further down the list. However, J.P. Noonan has thrived as a beneficiary of the natural gas boom in the Northeast over the past 15 years. The company plays a vital role in providing fuel and hazardous material transportation to the region, contributing to the growth and development of the energy industry. Their expertise and dedication have positioned J.P. Noonan as a trusted and significant player in supporting the transportation needs of the natural gas sector in the Northeast.
Best For: Fuel and Waste Truckers
Established: 1959
Location: 240 Londonderry Turnpike Hooksett, NH 03106
Employees: 550
Carrier Type:
- Truckload
- HAZMAT
- Low Bed
- Flatbed
- Live Floor
- Cement
Services Provided:
- Fuel
- Liquid Asphalt
- Salt
- Mulch
- Waste Water
- Septic
Revenue: $33.5 million
Indeed Rating: 3/5 stars out of 32 reviews
Ross Express
Ross Express places a strong emphasis on personal growth and respect for all staff, alongside their commitment to customer satisfaction and delivering the highest standard of service. Since its inception as a single owner-operator business in 1947, Ross Express has enjoyed consistent growth. Online reviews highlight the company’s dedication to assisting their drivers in their professional development.
In recent years, Ross Express expanded its operations by introducing Ross Logistics, enabling them to fulfill orders across the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). While most of the drivers are local, Ross Logistics leverages other carriers for out-of-area deliveries. This strategic approach allows Ross Express to extend their reach and efficiently serve a broader customer base while maintaining their focus on exceptional service within their local operations.
Best For: Truckers who want to learn more
Established: 1947
Location: 195 N Main St, Boscawen, NH 03303
Employees: 53
Carrier Type:
- Truckload
- LTL
Services Provided:
- LTL
- Overnight
- Expanded next-day
- Canadian deliveries
Revenue: $27 million
Indeed Rating: 3.5/5 stars out of 22 reviews
Mercer Transportation
Mercer Transportation is a leading trucking company specializing in flatbed delivery, with partnerships including high-profile clients like the U.S. military. They offer both regular employment and owner-operator contracts, and reviews from employees are consistently positive, making Mercer comparable to other top trucking companies.
Alongside their primary focus, Mercer provides occasional long-haul deliveries throughout the U.S, Mexico, and Canada. With corporate headquarters in Kentucky and a hub in New Hampshire, they ensure effective operations across regions. Mercer Transportation also stands out by offering flexibility in living arrangements, understanding the diverse needs of their drivers.
Best For: Flatbed owner-operators
Established: 1977
Location: 17 Bartlett St, Kingston, NH 03848
Employees: 450
Carrier Type:
- Flatbed
- Truckload
- LTL
Services Provided:
- Long-haul
- Flatbed
- International
- Military freight
Revenue: $207 million
Google Rating: 3.7/5 stars out of 125 reviews
Manchester Motor Freight
Manchester Motor Freight (MMF) is a trusted provider of drayage and container shipping services across all six New England states. In addition to their East Coast location, MMF operates a hub in Utah, offering similar services to customers in that region. The company’s specialization in drayage trucking attracts a roster of experienced owner-operators who prefer to work predominantly within the New England area. This focus allows MMF to deliver efficient and reliable transportation solutions tailored to the specific needs of the region.
MMF’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships with its employees is evident through numerous reviews. Many drivers and staff members have dedicated more than a decade of service to the company, speaking to the positive work environment and job satisfaction at MMF. The reviews also indicate that a significant portion of employees express their desire to continue working with MMF until their retirement. Such loyalty and longevity within the workforce are a testament to the company’s dedication to providing a rewarding and fulfilling career for its employees.
Best For: Drayage owner-operators
Established: 1976
Location: 183 Hayward St, Manchester, NH 03103
Employees: 100
Carrier Type:
- Drayage
Services Provided:
- Drayage local
- Drayage international
Revenue: $20 million
Google Rating: 3.5/5 stars out of 8 reviews
McMillan Transport
McMillan, a reputable smaller trucking company based in New Hampshire, serves as a shining example of quality service in the industry. While job openings may be relatively limited due to the company’s size, consistent monitoring of job boards should yield promising opportunities. With a specialization in nationwide truckload shipping and a strong emphasis on meeting local shipping needs, McMillan delivers efficient and reliable transportation solutions within the region and beyond.
Best For: Truckers who like small companies
Established: 1979
Location: 2 Wellman Ave. Suite 250, Nashua, NH 03064
Employees: 53
Carrier Type:
- Truckload
Services Provided:
- Nationwide truckload
- Regional truckload
Revenue: $14 million
Google Rating: 3/5 stars out of 3 reviews
Is New Hampshire Right for Your New Job?
With a surprising number of driving opportunities, most of which will keep you local the majority of the time, New Hampshire is definitely a place worth checking out if you’re looking for work as a driver. It’s a great place to move to as an owner-operator.
International transport experience will definitely earn you even more opportunities, given the state’s proximity to Canada. If you have any experience with ship-to-destination services, New Hampshire should be at the top of your list because drayage shipping is also popular near the coastal areas.
FAQ
If you meet all of the federal requirements for a CDL, you simply head to the NH Department of Motor Vehicles and apply!
There are pretty equal opportunities for hired truckers and owner-operators, but both paths begin with obtaining a CDL. For those wanting to drive for a fleet, applying would be the next step (some good companies in this article), and for owner-operators, looking at purchasing options for your rig would be next.
Truckers in New Hampshire make about $75,000 per year, slightly higher than the national average.
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