After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Interstate Delaware & South as the best Indiana trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider Interstate Delaware & South or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Indiana
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.
Interstate Delaware & South
2460 N Graham, Indianapolis, IN, 46218- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Interstate Delaware & South (DOT: 2305691) is a long-standing trucking company based in Indiana, established in 1946. It operates a fleet of modern trucks, averaging three years old, and offers a variety of specialized services, including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), refrigerated (reefer) transportation, and dry van services. The company handles diverse cargo types such as agricultural/farm supplies, building materials, construction equipment, large machinery, motor vehicles, and intermodal containers, making it a versatile choice for your freight needs.
Interstate Delaware & South supports commercial shipments with dedicated routes, regional and local drivers, and offers cross-border transportation. Additional benefits include guaranteed home time for drivers, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and safety bonuses. Notably, they also carry hazardous materials safely, underlining their commitment to comprehensive and reliable freight services. Business owners can expect a dependable partnership with this reputable company, which is highly rated on Google, Indeed, and the Better Business Bureau.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 1.38
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $2,257,000
- Miles driven: 1,339,008
Jr’s Expedited Freight, LLC
4501 Hitch Peters Road, Evansville, IN, 47711- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Jr’s Expedited Freight, LLC (DOT: 1995440) is an established freight trucking company that has been operating in Indiana since 2014. With a fleet of 33 trucks and 66 trailers, they provide robust full truckload (FTL) services and specialize in refrigerated transport (reefer), dry van, intermodal containers, and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. Their extensive experience in hauling diverse cargo like farm supplies, building materials, machinery, and fresh produce ensures reliable service for a wide range of shipping needs.
Jr’s Expedited Freight, LLC offers specific support for commercial shipments, including expedited services which can be crucial for time-sensitive deliveries. Despite a couple of recorded crash injuries, their low unsafe driving score of 1.71 suggests a commendable focus on safety. Business owners can benefit from additional amenities such as direct deposit payments and health insurance for drivers, highlighting their commitment to both operational efficiency and employee welfare.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.95
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 36
- Revenue: $4,577,000
- Miles driven: 1,750,000
Jack Gray Transport, Inc.
4600 East 15th Ave, Gary, IN, 46403- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Coal coke
- Trash
- General
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Cross-border
Jack Gray Transport, Inc. (DOT: 125448) has been a reliable name in the transportation industry since 1951, based in Indiana. This company excels in handling a variety of cargos, including but not limited to coal, coke, garbage, refuse, and general freight items like metal sheets, coils, and rolls. With a fleet size ranging from 20 to 49 trucks and a robust operational base, they provide full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services across interstate routes.
Jack Gray Transport boasts a variety of driver-focused benefits and commercial shipment supports such as team driving opportunities, health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, and a retirement plan. They also support specialized driving needs for flatbeds and dry vans. The company has a satisfactory safety rating with significant emphasis on safety and fitness, making them a reliable partner for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.37
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.42
- Controlled substances: 0.1
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $17,851,000
- Miles driven: 2,199,220
KEY Carrier
3709 Broadway Ste 29, Gary, IN, 46409- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
KEY Carrier (DOT: 2941667) is renowned in Indiana’s transportation industry for delivering superior trucking solutions. With a solid reputation and a fleet of 65 trucks and 130 trailers, the company handles a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated food. They offer substantial services such as reefer, full truckload (FTL), and less-than-truckload (LTL), ensuring they can meet a wide variety of shipping needs.
KEY Carrier provides significant support for commercial shipments, offering features like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and pay advances. Additionally, they emphasize driver welfare with excellent benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid CDL training, and approximately $50,000-$70,000 in annual driver salaries. This company stands out in the market for its dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and commitment to maintaining a professional and efficient logistics operation.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.47
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.53
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 65
- Miles driven: 4,730,000
Dexter Axle Trucking Company
2900 Industrial Pkwy, Elkhart, IN, 46516- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Dexter Axle Trucking Company (DOT: 809975) is a seasoned transportation provider established in 1960 with a robust presence in Indiana. They specialize in full truckload services, supported by a notable fleet of 67 trucks and various flatbeds. Dexter Axle handles a variety of general freight, with a particular emphasis on metal sheets, coils, and rolls. The company has built a commendable reputation with high ratings across major review platforms and a significant annual sales volume.
Dexter Axle Trucking Company offers special support for commercial shipments with services such as deadhead and detention layover compensation, and guarantees home time for drivers. The company also provides consistent safety bonuses, ensuring driver well-being, alongside comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Dexter Axle’s commitment to ongoing training and development, combined with their prudent fleet management and operational expertise, make them a preferred choice for business owners seeking reliable trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.55
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 49
- Revenue: $9,979,000
- Miles driven: 3,007,180
RDC Transportation, LLC
9051 Technology Drive, Fishers, IN, 46038- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
RDC Transportation, LLC (DOT: 554237) is a versatile trucking company operating in Indiana, known for its broad service offerings and reliable transportation solutions. With a modest fleet size of 79 trucks and 158 total fleet, they manage a diverse array of cargo, including construction materials and general freight. They offer a wide range of specialized services, such as reefer and flatbed transportation, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload (LTL) options to cater to different shipping needs.
RDC Transportation provides superior commercial support with benefits like regional and local driving opportunities, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training and development programs. They prioritize the well-being of their drivers by offering comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, and a retirement plan. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their zero crash fatalities record and a low unsafe driving score, making them a trustworthy choice for business owners looking to ship their products safely and efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 66
- Revenue: $4,291,000
- Miles driven: 825
First Choice Transport
2334 Sterling Ave, Elkhart, IN, 46516- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
First Choice Transport (DOT: 681284) is a reputable trucking company based in Indiana, established in 1991. Specializing in general freight and motor vehicles, their comprehensive service portfolio includes full truckload and less than truckload options, making them ideal for a variety of shipping needs. Their fleet comprises 11 trucks and 22 trailers, bolstering their capability to handle diverse cargo efficiently.
First Choice Transport stands out for their regional drivers and health benefits, such as dental, vision, and life insurance. They also offer safety bonuses and a 401k retirement plan. Notably, the company ensures safe driving and vehicle maintenance with safety scores indicating moderate emphasis on safety. Business owners seeking dependable and well-rounded trucking services would find First Choice Transport an excellent partner for their commercial shipment needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.36
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.83
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $292,000
- Miles driven: 739,209
Mustang Express, LLC
404 Mabry Cove, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Mustang Express, LLC (DOT: 2374678) is a versatile trucking company based in Indiana, boasting a solid reputation with a 4.5-star rating on Google. They specialize in handling various types of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, machinery, and more. Their fleet of 20 trucks and 40 fleet size demonstrates their capability to manage substantial freight loads efficiently across interstate routes.
Mustang Express, LLC provides vital trucking services such as full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. They afford special support for commercial shipments with services including dry van and flatbed transportation. Additionally, the company offers essential benefits to drivers such as health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive shipping solutions will find Mustang Express a trustworthy partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.38
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Miles driven: 1,509,661
Honeymoon Hauling
2301 California Street, Columbus, IN, 47201- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Honeymoon Hauling (DOT: 709109) is a reputable trucking company in Indiana, known for carrying general freight and household goods. With a fleet of 20 vehicles, including flatbed and dry van trucks, they efficiently manage both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, ensuring flexibility to meet diverse client needs.
Honeymoon Hauling offers robust support for commercial shippers through valuable services such as direct deposit, safety bonuses, health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement 401k plan. Their focus on driver well-being and operational reliability makes them a strong contender for businesses seeking transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.18
- 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: 8
- Revenue: $1,871,000
- Miles driven: 400
Norton Transport, LLC
1403 South Kitley Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46203- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Norton Transport, LLC (DOT: 1861575) is a specialized freight carrier based in Indiana with a solid reputation in the transportation industry. Norton Transport handles a variety of cargo, including building materials, construction items, machinery, logs, metal sheets, and paper products. They operate across state lines and maintain a relatively young fleet, ensuring efficient and dependable service.
Notably, Norton Transport offers full truckload and less-than-truckload shipping options, supported by dry bulk and reefer (refrigerated) capabilities. They prioritize driver well-being, providing health, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance along with a 401(k) retirement plan. Their commitment to safety is underscored by zero crash injuries or fatalities reported, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking trustworthy trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Miles driven: 272,567
How Safety Ratings Work in Indiana
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 Indiana Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Indiana, 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 Indiana 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: Indiana Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Indiana?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Indiana. 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 Indiana?
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 Indiana?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Indiana 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.
