After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Ramsey Express Trucking, Inc. 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 Ramsey Express Trucking, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in California
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 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.
Ramsey Express Trucking, Inc.
618 Mccloy Ave, Stockton, CA, 95203- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Ramsey Express Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 786097) is a reputable trucking company based in California. Known for offering a range of services, their fleet includes 10 trucks that specialize in carrying various types of cargo such as agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, and general freight. Established operations include dry bulk commodities and full truckload (FTL) services. They maintain active authority and a commendable safety record, showing no reported crash injuries or fatalities, which underscores their commitment to safe transportation.
Additionally, Ramsey Express provides insurance for cargo and supports commercial shipments with features like direct deposit, paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. The company also offers specialized delivery options with reefer and dry van services and supports local driving jobs with guaranteed home time, making them a versatile partner for various shipping needs. Their fleet demonstrates a modern touch with an average age of five years, ensuring reliable and up-to-date vehicles for cargo transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- 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: 10
- Revenue: $638,000
- Miles driven: 434,460
Sheedy Drayage Co
1215 Michigan St, San Francisco, CA, 94107- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Sheedy Drayage Co (DOT: 60740) is a well-established trucking company that has been operating since 1925 in California. With a strong focus on general freight and intermodal containers, the company provides drayage services, specializing in the transportation of construction materials, machinery, and large objects, including oilfield equipment and logs, poles, beams, and lumber.
Sheedy Drayage Co supports a variety of commercial shipments with services such as full truckload and less-than-truckload shipping. They also offer cross-border capabilities, direct deposit, health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans (401k). Despite a total of 1 reported crash, their safety rating is satisfactory, reflecting their commitment to safe and reliable transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.32
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.48
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $20,976,000
- Miles driven: 125,254
Viper Transportation, Inc.
5375 Clayton Road, Concord, CA, 94521- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Viper Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 1509528) is a versatile trucking company based in California. Their fleet size ranges from 11 to 25 vehicles, focusing on the efficient delivery of various cargo like agricultural supplies, beverages, construction materials, fresh produce, and general freight. The company supports full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility for clients. With safety ratings showcasing minimal issues and an operation count of zero crash injuries, Viper Transportation emphasizes safety and reliability.
Viper Transportation offers several benefits to clients including regional driving services, dedicated routes, and team driving opportunities. They handle specialized cargo such as refrigerated food, metal materials, and intermodal containers. Shippers can also take advantage of services like direct deposit, life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company’s commitment to quality service is backed by its professional drivers and modern fleet with an average age of three years.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.68
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.89
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $1,824,000
- Miles driven: 500,000
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 reliable freight trucking company operating in California. Despite its small fleet size of 4 trucks and 8 trailers, the company manages to offer a range of services including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and partial truckload options. They specialize in handling diverse cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction items, fresh produce, machinery, oilfield equipment, and general freight.
Green Valley Transport provides several commercial shipping benefits, including a sign-on bonus, direct deposit, and health, dental, and vision insurance for drivers. With a commendable fleet average age of 3 years and a focus on general driver safety, they ensure minimal risks in operations. The company also offers dedicated routes and guaranteed home time which can be particularly appealing for long-haul drivers aiming for a balanced work-life dynamic.
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
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 proficient trucking company offering an array of services in California. With a focus on interstate operations, their fleet includes dry vans and refrigeration units specializing in the transportation of diverse cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, machinery, and refrigerated foods, including fresh produce and meats. Their reputation is underscored by favorable reviews and commendable online ratings.
Emphasizing efficiency, J&M Mendoza Express supports both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, ensuring flexibility for various shipping demands. They boast a strong safety record and provide amenities like direct deposit for their employees. With health, dental, vision insurance, and disability insurance available, they offer comprehensive support for their team, enhancing their commitment to reliable and secure commercial shipments.
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
Quik Pick Express
23610 S Banning BLVD, Carson, CA, 90745- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Quik Pick Express (DOT: 1189566) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating since 1988 in California. They possess a fleet of over 98 trucks alongside a variety of trailers, including dry vans and box trucks, and specialize in full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and partial truckload shipping. Quik Pick Express handles diverse cargo types such as beverages, building materials, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and paper products.
With an active USDOT status and a satisfactory safety rating, Quik Pick Express emphasizes general freight transportation and parcel delivery. The company offers health insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit options for its employees. Additionally, Quik Pick Express supports last mile delivery services and ensures a wide coverage with both interstate and local drivers to cater to various commercial shipment needs efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.95
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 63
- Revenue: $7,225,000
- Miles driven: 858,004
World Oil Transportation
1850 Coffee Road, Bakersfield, CA, 93308- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
World Oil Transportation (DOT: 563987) is a versatile trucking company based in California that excels in the transportation of liquids and gases. Leveraging a strong fleet of 62 trucks and 62 power units, the company maintains robust full truckload and dry van services. Known for its high standards, they provide specialization in hauling hazardous materials, ensuring your cargo is in expert hands.
World Oil Transportation offers various support services including regional driving opportunities and team driving, facilitating efficient and timely deliveries. Their commitment to driver welfare is evident through benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. With a consistent reputation across multiple rating platforms, they demonstrate a balanced focus on both safety and customer satisfaction, standing out as a reliable choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.15
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 52
- Revenue: $41,878,000
- Miles driven: 2,019,344
Legacy Transportation Services, Inc.
935 Mclaughlin Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95122- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Legacy Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 2043462) is a reputable trucking company operating since 1990 in California. Boasting a fleet of 95 trucks and specializing in various types of cargo such as chemicals, intermodal containers, and machinery, they cater to a wide range of commercial needs. Known for their satisfactory safety rating and relatively modern fleet age of 3 years, Legacy Transportation Services prioritizes the safety and reliability of their operations.
Legacy Transportation Services offers a range of trucking services, including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and partial truckload shipments. They provide dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities. The company is equipped to handle specialized cargo types that include hazardous materials, dry van, and flatbed services. Supporting their drivers and customers alike, they offer benefits like health and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, making them a strong candidate for businesses looking for a reliable and comprehensive logistics partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.05
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 80
- Revenue: $27,563,000
- Miles driven: 2,715,297
CEC Transport, Inc.
5333 W San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA, 90039- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
CEC Transport, Inc. (DOT: 2195426) is an active transport carrier operating within California. With a fleet of 15 trucks and also 15 trailers, the company offers robust full-truckload (FTL) services and specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, coal, refrigerated foods, and more. Their reputation is solid, being well-regarded on Google with a 4.5 rating and having a safety-focused track record free from any crash injuries or fatalities.
CEC Transport provides significant support for commercial shipments, such as services for dry bulk commodities and intermodal containers. They also cater to niche markets by transporting oilfield equipment and large machinery. Additionally, the company offers essential employee benefits like health and dental insurance and supports their drivers with perks such as paid time off and direct deposit. With their strong emphasis on safety and a variety of logistical capabilities, CEC Transport, Inc. stands out as a reliable partner for business shipping needs.
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: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 15
- Miles driven: 300,000
Hercules Worldwide
2507 Medford St, Los Angeles, CA, 90033- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Hercules Worldwide (DOT: 1685249) is a California-based trucking company operating since 2008 with a reputable presence in the transportation industry. With a fleet size of over 50 vehicles that includes box trucks and dry vans, they specialize in transporting household goods and parcels. Hercules Worldwide offers a range of shipping services such as full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL), and they ensure guaranteed home time for their drivers.
Hercules Worldwide is dedicated to supporting commercial shipments with services tailored to businesses needing reliable transport solutions. The company provides health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as sign-on and safety bonuses for employees. Their commitment to professional driver support and well-maintained fleet, which averages 3 years in age, makes them a strong contender for businesses looking for dependable shipping partners to transport their products within and beyond California.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 17.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $7,225,000
- Miles driven: 550,000
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.
