After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked J&M Mendoza Express as the best California trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider J&M Mendoza Express or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in California
Why Trust FreightWaves?
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 California. Every California 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 California for your commercial shipping needs.
J&M Mendoza Express
24020 Myers Ave, Moreno Valley, CA, 92553- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
J&M Mendoza Express (DOT: 1079289) is a diverse trucking company operating in California. They specialize in carrying a range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, fresh produce, beverages, building materials, machinery, and oilfield equipment. Offering dedicated full truckload and less-than-truckload services, they ensure efficient transportation of goods for various business needs. Established several years ago, the company has built a reputable standing with a solid fleet of modern trucks and trailers, maintaining active interstate operations.
J&M Mendoza Express provides supportive commercial shipment services like last-mile delivery and the transportation of refrigerated foods. They ensure the safety and well-being of their employees with benefits such as dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Potential customers can expect a commendable overall experience, bolstered by their 4.0 Glassdoor rating and 4.5 Google rating, reflecting satisfied employees and clients alike. With a focus on timely and safe deliveries, J&M Mendoza Express offers reliable shipping solutions for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.5
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 107,445
Dreisbach Freight Services
2530 E 11 Th St, Oakland, CA, 94601- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
Dreisbach Freight Services (DOT: 148186) is a reputable freight trucking company with an active status, operating in California. They specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, commodities dry bulk, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, machinery large objects, motor vehicles, paper products, refrigerated food, and utility items. Dreisbach Freight Services offers a comprehensive array of services, including full truckload and less-than-truckload options, dry van, flatbed, parcel delivery, and driveaway/towaway services.
Commercial shippers will appreciate the company’s strong focus on providing support for various types of goods, with reefer drivers for refrigerated items and specific services for liquids/gases and logs poles beams lumber. Dreisbach Freight Services also stands out with beneficial employee offerings like dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and a robust retirement plan (401k). With their safety rating described as satisfactory and competitive driver salaries ranging from $45,000 to $60,000, Dreisbach Freight Services is well-suited to meet diverse shipping needs efficiently and reliably.
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: 2
- Revenue: $33,663,000
- Miles driven: 31,472
Green Valley Transport
4160 Suisun Valley Road #107, Fairfield, CA, 94534- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Green Valley Transport (DOT: 2315220) is a reputable trucking company based in California, offering extensive services since their establishment. They maintain a small but versatile fleet, equipped with dry vans, flatbeds, and reefers. The company specializes in handling a variety of cargo, such as agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, fresh produce, machinery, and oilfield equipment, ensuring a broad spectrum of transportation solutions for various industries.
Green Valley Transport provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including full truckload and less-than-truckload services, alongside partial truckload options. Their commitment to drivers is evident through benefits like direct deposit, paid time off, and a retirement plan. With a strong emphasis on safety and an active DOT status, they continue to serve businesses with reliable and efficient logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.4
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.48
- Vehicle maintenance: 10.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $348,000
- Miles driven: 205,000
THE Cms Companies
5704 Copley Drive, San Diego, CA, 92111- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
THE Cms Companies (DOT: 56181) is a reputable trucking and logistics enterprise established in 1911, anchored in California. Known for its significant fleet of 50+ vehicles, including 17 trucks and various trailers, they primarily manage household goods, general freight, construction materials, and large machinery. Their services are comprehensive, featuring dedicated routes, last-mile delivery, cross-border operations, and support for both partial and full truckloads. The company’s fleet is maintained at an impressive average age of 3 years.
Specializing in commercial shipments, THE Cms Companies offer a host of benefits tailored for businesses, such as dedicated and team drivers, guaranteed home time, and less-than-truckload (LTL) options. They also extend valuable employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and 401k retirement plans. Their commitment to safety is reflected in satisfactory safety ratings and low violation scores, making them a reliable partner for commercial shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.85
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $19,604,000
- Miles driven: 275,000
JJT Logistics, Inc.
1260 E Phillips BLVD, Pomona, CA, 91766- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
JJT Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 2918976) is an active broker and carrier based in California. Their operations encompass interstate transport with a medium-sized fleet of 36 power units and drivers. They provide a diverse range of trucking services including full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) options. The company is equipped to handle a variety of cargo such as agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and machinery. Their services are further strengthened by a comprehensive insurance package and a commitment to safety, illustrated by their vehicle maintenance and driver fitness scores.
JJT Logistics, Inc. supports commercial shipments with specialized services like reefer for temperature-sensitive goods and dry van transportation. They also offer flexible logistics solutions such as last-mile delivery and intermodal container shipping. Business owners can benefit from their focus on employee welfare, offering benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and a retirement plan. Their commitment to safety, backed by a favorable Google rating of 4.5, makes them a reliable choice for commercial transportation needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.44
- Driver fitness: 0.31
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 36
- Miles driven: 1,311,119
Zion Transport, Inc.
8710 Sherwood Terrace, San Diego, CA, 92154- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Zion Transport, Inc. (DOT: 2481820) is an established freight trucking company in California with a diverse cargo portfolio. They specialize in shipping Beverages, Building Materials, Commodities Dry Bulk, Fresh Produce, General Freight, Grain Feed Hay, Machinery Large Objects, Paper Products, and Utilities. Their services include both full and partial truckloads, and they operate flatbeds and dry vans to accommodate various cargo needs.
In addition to their logistics capabilities, Zion Transport provides additional support for commercial shipments such as guaranteed home time, dedicated routes, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Despite a smaller fleet size of 15 trucks and 9 drivers, they maintain an active interstate operation, focusing on safety and efficiency with reported zero crashes. Their reputation is further reinforced by positive ratings on Yelp and Google.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.2
- Driver fitness: 0.46
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.97
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $1,176,000
- Miles driven: 674,784
ING Logistics
1036 W Vernon Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90037- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
ING Logistics (DOT: 1778992) is an active and reputable logistics carrier operating in California. With a fleet of 50 trucks and 21 drivers, the company specializes in general freight, refrigerated foods, fresh produce, beverages, and paper products. Established to meet diverse shipping needs, their cargo services span drive/tow away and intermodal containers, ensuring a wide range of commodities are effectively transported.
ING Logistics offers essential support for commercial shipment, including health insurance and paid time off for their drivers, which underscores their commitment to high-quality service and employee welfare. The company has a solid safety record with zero reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities, and an impressive vehicle maintenance score of 4.66. Their active status and a good reputation make them a strong contender for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 4.66
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Revenue: $369,000
- Miles driven: 1,915,980
Ardwin Freight
2940 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA, 91505- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Ardwin Freight (DOT: 1175706) is a reputable trucking company based in California, established in 1988. With a fleet of 38 trucks and 76 trailers, they specialize in carrying general freight, beverages, paper products, and offer both full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Notable for their focus on interstate transportation, Ardwin Freight also excels in providing efficient last-mile delivery services.
Ardwin Freight supports commercial shipments with team driving opportunities and guaranteed home time for drivers, ensuring reliable and timely deliveries. The company offers various benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and paid time off, enhancing driver satisfaction and performance. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and emphasis on ongoing training and development programs. Business owners can trust Ardwin Freight for dependable and professional cargo transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.17
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 38
- Revenue: $578,000
- Miles driven: 4,000,000
Kilam, Inc.
47685 Lakeview BLVD, Fremont, CA, 94539- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Kilam, Inc. (DOT: 3251388) is a reputable freight trucking company that began operations in 2016 in California. With a solid footing in the transportation industry, they specialize in carrying various cargo types such as beverages, general freight, liquids/gases, and paper products. Their fleet comprises 20 trucks and 40 trailers, serviced by 80 drivers, including both local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers. Kilam, Inc. is recognized for its dry van, flatbed, reefer trucks, and partial truckload services, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs.
In addition to their core transportation services, Kilam, Inc. supports commercial shipments with features like last-mile delivery, team driver services, and dry van shipping. Business clients benefit from the company’s comprehensive health, dental, vision insurances, and safety bonuses. Kilam, Inc. also offers valuable perks like direct deposit, paid time off, and a retirement 401(k) plan, ensuring a committed and motivated workforce ready to meet business owners’ shipping demands effectively.
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: 80
- Revenue: $237,000
- Miles driven: 1
Bridgeport Transportation & Warehousing, Inc.
1195 B Middle Harbor Road, Oakland, CA, 94607- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Bridgeport Transportation & Warehousing, Inc. (DOT: 1110324) is a reliable trucking company based in California, boasting a fleet size of 48 trucks and having been in the business for over two decades. They specialize in transporting diverse cargo types, including building materials, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, paper products, refrigerated food, and commodities dry bulk.
Bridgeport offers specialized services such as partial truckload, full truckload, dry van, flatbed, and reefer transportation. They extend support for commercial shipments with less-than-truckload and last-mile delivery services. Additionally, the company values its employees with benefits like health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and retirement plan options.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $1,039,000
- Miles driven: 3,000,000
How Safety Ratings Work in California
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) 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 California Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in California, there are a few key factors to consider when looking for the best trucking company:
- Shipment volume and frequency: The total dimensional weight of your shipment can impact the company you choose, since some companies have minimum project size requirements. If your shipping order is on the smaller size, look for a company without any size restrictions that also offers a variety of options, including LTL and partial truckload shipping. Similarly, you’ll want to look for companies that will fit your anticipated ongoing volume. You may also want to consider companies that provide some surge capacity to accommodate unexpected growth.
- Shipping destinations: If possible, try to determine how often you’ll need shipping for what distances. Knowing where in the U.S. you ship to most frequently — or if you need nationwide shipping — will help you select a carrier that provides the regions and haul distances you need.
- Services: Consider looking for a trucking company in California with specialized support for businesses — like logistics and supply chain management and warehousing and distribution — as well as online shipment tracking or other helpful technological tools and resources.
- Safety: While we verify that each trucking company we recommend has a DOT number and follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards, you may want to further consider the average fleet age and years of driver experience, ongoing training programs, and other steps a company takes to ensure your shipment will be delivered efficiently and without incident.
FAQs: California Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in California?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in California. In fact, nationwide, trucks transport more goods domestically than all other modes of commercial transportation combined. One reason for the popularity is affordability — road transport is typically the most cost-efficient shipping method. And a variety of vehicle options — like flatbeds, dry vans, and refrigerated trucks — makes it easier to move a variety of products.
What products are best transported by truck in California?
The products that are best transported by truck in the U.S. include commodities like:
- Building materials
- Food and beverages
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Electronics
What is the disadvantage of transporting goods by truck in California?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in California and nationally, there are some minor disadvantages to consider, including weight and size restrictions and delays caused by inclement weather or traffic. Using a truck for your commercial shipments can also be expensive for longer-distance deliveries. And trucks require loading, unloading, and reloading of goods, which can add more time to and logistical management of your shipment.
