After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Prime Transport, Inc. 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 Prime Transport, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Indiana
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 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.
Prime Transport, Inc.
4640 Green Court, Elkhart, IN, 46516- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Prime Transport, Inc. (DOT: 327540) is a reputable trucking company in Indiana, operating a modern fleet of 33 trucks since being founded. They handle a wide range of cargo, including general freight, household goods, and large machinery. Known for their commitment to safety and efficiency, they provide various trucking services such as dedicated routes, driveaway/towaway, and cross-border transportation.
Prime Transport offers special support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials, reefer, and dry van transportation. Their operational excellence is further enhanced by additional services such as less-than-truckload (LTL), partial truckload, and full truckload (FTL) options. With benefits like sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs, Prime Transport ensures a high level of service and satisfaction for both customers and employees.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.55
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.04
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $1,471,000
- Miles driven: 2,188,370
IST Logistics
7020 Cline Ave, Hammond, IN, 46323- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
IST Logistics (DOT: 257062) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1972 in Indiana. With a fleet of 125 trucks and a diverse range of trailers including reefer and dry van, they specialize in the transportation of coal/coke, commodities dry bulk, and liquids/gases. Their fleet primarily operates interstate, offering both full and partial truckload services. Despite having a few reported crash incidents, their safety and vehicle maintenance scores indicate a satisfactory commitment to safety and reliability.
IST Logistics provides significant support for commercial shipments with team drivers’ services and comprehensive health insurance benefits including dental, vision, and life insurance. Their specialized services extend to last-mile delivery, making them ideal for businesses seeking efficient cargo transport. Additionally, they offer strong employee benefits such as direct deposit, retirement plans, and ongoing training programs which contribute to their positive reputation and high ratings on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.15
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.45
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 97
- Revenue: $1,276,000
- Miles driven: 5,600,000
Pinnacle Fleet
2206 Toledo Rd, Elkhart, IN, 46516- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Pinnacle Fleet (DOT: 2110569) is a reputable trucking company based in Indiana, established in 2000. The company operates a diverse fleet of 114 trucks, specializing in transporting general freight, driveaway/towaway, motor vehicles, and reefer cargo. Pinnacle Fleet is known for their commitment to safety, with low unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores.
Pinnacle Fleet offers a range of valuable services to support commercial shipments, including dedicated regional and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, flatbed and dry van capabilities, and both full and less-than-truckload options. They provide comprehensive employee benefits such as health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with additional perks like paid time off, sign-on bonuses, and 401k retirement plans. Their focus on driver well-being and rigorous safety standards makes them an excellent choice for business owners seeking reliable and secure transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.15
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.63
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 114
- Revenue: $1,287,000
- Miles driven: 5,880,019
Pinnacle Transportation Systems, Inc.
2206 Toledo Road, Elkhart, IN, 46516- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Mobile homes
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Pinnacle Transportation Systems, Inc. (DOT: 856735) has been providing robust transportation solutions since 2000. Operating with a diversified fleet, including dry vans and flatbeds, they cater to a variety of cargos such as general freight and mobile homes. They also offer reefer services for temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring the safe delivery of refrigerated foods. With a fleet size of 178 power units and 84 drivers, they manage a significant volume of shipments efficiently.
For businesses requiring specialized services, Pinnacle offers guaranteed home time for drivers, full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) options. Their commitment to driver well-being is reflected in comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement 401k plan. With a solid safety rating and ongoing training programs, Pinnacle is dedicated to providing reliable and secure transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.86
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.04
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 84
- Revenue: $1,287,000
- Miles driven: 4,260,000
MLD Transportation, LLC
14938 Copper Tree Way, Carmel, IN, 46033- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
MLD Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1919599) is a recognized carrier based in Indiana, actively operating with an impressive safety record and a moderate fleet size of 40 vehicles and 31 drivers. Specializing in transporting a diverse range of products, MLD Transportation handles general freight, fresh produce, beverages, meat, paper products, refrigerated foods, and US Mail, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
Furthermore, MLD Transportation offers unique support such as flatbed and reefer services, ensuring they can accommodate specific transport requirements for temperature-sensitive and oversized items. Their commitment to employee welfare is demonstrated through benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as paid time off and retirement plans. Their industry presence is further solidified by their strong ratings, including a 4.5 Google rating and 4.2 Glassdoor rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.5
- Driver fitness: 0.35
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.03
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $369,000
- Miles driven: 2,126,349
Renewable Transport Services, Inc.
2916 S Bluff Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46225- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Renewable Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 312572) is an experienced trucking company known for transporting a variety of cargo, operating across state lines with an active and satisfactory safety rating. The fleet consists of 66 trucks and 132 trailers, operated by 75 drivers. The company specializes in handling fresh produce, general freight, paper products, US mail, and refrigerated foods, ensuring reliable service for a wide range of shipping needs.
In addition to their versatile cargo capabilities, Renewable Transport Services offers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, providing flexibility for different shipment sizes. They provide essential benefits like health insurance and paid time off to their drivers, emphasizing employee welfare. Despite some reported crashes, the company’s overall maintenance and driver fitness scores reflect a reasonable level of safety commitment, making them a dependable choice for business owners seeking reliable and diverse transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.78
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.78
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 75
- Revenue: $1,651,000
- Miles driven: 6,300,000
Lambert Hauling
1420 Washington Ave, Terre Haute, IN, 47802- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Lambert Hauling (DOT: 986097) is an Indiana-based trucking company offering a comprehensive range of transport services. They handle cargo including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction items, general freight, machinery, and grain, feed, and hay. Their fleet consists of dry vans and flatbeds, ensuring the capability to transport large objects, metal sheets, coils, and rolls securely across interstate routes.
Special support for commercial shipments includes less-than-truckload (LTL), full-truckload (FTL), and partial truckload services. Lambert Hauling prioritizes safety, boasting no crash-related injuries or fatalities. With benefits such as dental, life, vision insurance, and paid time off for employees, they maintain a dedicated workforce. Additionally, they offer guaranteed home time and a satisfactory safety rating, making them a reliable partner for business logistics 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: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $862,000
- Miles driven: 30,558
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 longstanding freight trucking company that has been operating since 1960 in Indiana. With a moderate fleet of 67 trucks and 116 trailers, the company specializes in carrying general freight and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Dexter Axle prides itself on providing reliable dry van and flatbed services, making them a trusted partner for various cargo needs.
In addition to their primary services, Dexter Axle offers strong support for commercial shipments with dedicated full-truckload options and team driving opportunities. The company emphasizes employee well-being with benefits like dental, life, vision, and health insurance, alongside paid time off and guaranteed home time. Dexter Axle Trucking Company’s commitment to safety is reflected in their relatively low crash statistics and their dedication to maintaining up-to-date equipment with an average fleet age of five years.
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
AIR Logic, Inc.
1644 Fortner Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46231- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
AIR Logic, Inc. (DOT: 1805411) is a reputable trucking company based in Indiana, operating a fleet of 11 trucks since its establishment. Specializing in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, AIR Logic, Inc. carries a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, general freight, machinery, and paper products. They emphasize providing reliable interstate transportation with an “Active” USDOT status and a commendable BBB rating of 4.0.
AIR Logic, Inc. supports commercial shipments with benefits that include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan. They focus on driver safety, showcasing zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, and maintain an average fleet age of 2 years. Prospective drivers can expect a general salary range of $50,000 to $60,000. This company also offers direct deposit and paid time off, highlighting their commitment to employee satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $2,103,000
- Miles driven: 85,337
Ktl, Inc.
1526 E Greyhound Pass, Carmel, IN, 46032- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Ktl, Inc. (DOT: 2352168) is a prominent Indiana-based trucking company, operating actively within the transportation sector. With a fleet of 114 trucks and 110 drivers, Ktl, Inc. manages a range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, machinery large objects, metal sheet coils rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Their services stand out for full truckload and less-than-truckload shipping, ensuring that they can handle both large and partial shipments effectively.
Commercial clients will appreciate Ktl, Inc.’s commitment to quality, evidenced by their “Satisfactory” safety rating and a “4.0” BBB rating. Additionally, the company provides crucial employee benefits such as dental and life insurance, vision coverage, paid time off, and direct deposit, making it an attractive choice for skilled drivers. Their extensive range of services and support highlights their capability to meet various shipping needs efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 13
- Unsafe driving: 4.3
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 110
- Revenue: $1,012,000
- Miles driven: 6,833,085
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.
