After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Valor, LLC as the best Kentucky trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport in Kentucky
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 Kentucky. Every Kentucky 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 Kentucky for your commercial shipping needs.
Valor, LLC
1200 Alsop Ln, Owensboro, KY, 42303- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Valor, LLC (DOT: 912967) is a dynamic trucking company situated in Kentucky, offering seasoned interstate shipping solutions with an active USDOT status. They manage a modern fleet of 18 trucks and 10 trailers, focusing primarily on delivering general freight, chemicals, and liquids/gases. Founded with a commitment to safety and efficiency, Valor maintains an impressive array of services, including full truckload and less-than-truckload options, refrigerated services (reefer), and dry van transport.
Valor is dedicated to supporting shippers with competitive edges like guaranteed home time for drivers and a robust health, dental, and life insurance package. The company also extends bonuses for safety, incentivizing a high-standard driving environment. With optional direct deposit and a 401(k) retirement plan, Valor supports its employees and reflects its customer-centric operational ethos, ensuring reliable shipment aids such as flatbed transport and team driver services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.85
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.89
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $13,462,000
- Miles driven: 460,832
Euro Truck Lane, Inc.
11613 Vista Club Dr, Louisville, KY, 40291- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Euro Truck Lane, Inc. (DOT: 1448384) is an active freight company in Kentucky, focusing on providing efficient trucking services. They operate with a modest fleet of 5 trucks, primarily offering full truckload, less-than-truckload, and general freight services. Specializing in the transportation of beverages, household goods, liquids/gases, and paper products, Euro Truck Lane, Inc. adapts to varying business needs with a strong emphasis on service reliability.
Committed to supporting commercial shipments, the company offers reefer and flatbed options with services extending to OTR (over-the-road) driving. They prioritize employee well-being by offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with safety bonuses. Their focus on utility and flexibility, coupled with a google rating of 4.5, positions Euro Truck Lane, Inc. as a viable logistic partner for businesses seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.85
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 10.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Miles driven: 79,000
Bluegrass Solutions, LLC
2803 Georgetown Rd, Lexington, KY, 40511- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Bluegrass Solutions, LLC (DOT: 2132476) is a dynamic trucking company focused on providing exceptional freight services in Kentucky. They offer a range of trucking solutions with an emphasis on general freight transportation. Their services include full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipping, ensuring they can accommodate various shipping needs for the business sector.
Bluegrass Solutions specializes in transporting a diverse array of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, and paper products. They are equipped to handle large machinery, logs, poles, beams, and even U.S. mail, showcasing their versatility. The company prioritizes safety with moderate unsafe driving scores and offers benefits packages that include health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan for their employees.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.88
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.72
- Controlled substances: 0.15
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Miles driven: 1,197,071
Fister Distribution, Inc.
2335 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY, 40509- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Fister Distribution, Inc. (DOT: 527307) is a trucking company based in Kentucky, specializing in full truckload and less than truckload transport. With a fleet of 27 trucks, they efficiently handle general freight transport, serving interstate routes. Fister Distribution is particularly known for its capacity to manage freight using dry van and flatbed methods, making them versatile in their cargo capabilities.
While operating with a satisfactory safety rating, the company is committed to providing reliable transport solutions tailored to their clients’ needs. They focus on over-the-road services supported by their experienced team of 20 drivers. Although Fister Distribution does not offer specialized services like hazardous materials transportation, their dedication is evident in offering health insurance and paid time off to their employees, enhancing job satisfaction and stability within the workforce.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.47
- Driver fitness: 0.37
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $546,000
- Miles driven: 2,826,100
Central Expedite, LLC
1211 Woodhurst Street, Bowling Green, KY, 42104- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
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Central Expedite, LLC (DOT: 2256997) is an active logistics and transportation company based in Kentucky. With a fleet consisting of 35 trucks, they provide robust trucking services since their inception. Specializing in transporting beverages, household goods, metals, and paper products, Central Expedite offers a variety of cargo options. They support full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments, ensuring flexibility for diverse business needs.
Central Expedite is committed to driver well-being and safety, offering benefits such as health, dental, life, and vision insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan. They also emphasize ongoing training and development programs for their drivers. Despite having recorded crash incidents, their moderate vehicle maintenance and unsafe driving scores indicate a priority on safety management. Their extensive experience and array of services make them a considerable choice for business owners seeking reliable freight solutions.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 5.33
- Driver fitness: 0.21
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.65
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Miles driven: 2,200,000
THE Peregrine Transportation Company, LLC
11405 Park Road Suite 100, Louisville, KY, 40223- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
THE Peregrine Transportation Company, LLC (DOT: 2151709) is a reputable trucking and brokerage company based in Kentucky, operating since 1994. With a fleet primarily consisting of dry vans and flatbeds, they specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Notably, their cargo capabilities include building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal products such as sheets, coils, and rolls.
The company underscores its dedication to employee welfare with offerings like health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and a retirement plan (401k). While they have experienced recent crashes without injuries or fatalities, their safety practices, along with guaranteed home time for drivers, contribute to a supportive work environment. Professional drivers benefit from guaranteed home time and the possibility to participate in team driving services, emphasizing their commitment to reliable and efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.58
- Driver fitness: 0.24
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.46
- Controlled substances: 0.24
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $10,577,000
- Miles driven: 1,955,658
Vincent Fister, Inc.
2305 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY, 40509- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Trash
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Vincent Fister, Inc. (DOT: 63040) is a reputable trucking company established in 1953 and based in Kentucky. Specializing in dry van and flatbed transportation, the company effectively handles diverse cargo types, including household goods and garbage/refuse. Vincent Fister, Inc. operates a fleet of 9 trucks and 18 trailers to serve its clients’ intrastate non-hazardous hauling needs.
The company offers both full and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility and logistical efficiency for businesses of various sizes. Vincent Fister, Inc. emphasizes employee satisfaction with benefits such as health insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off. While their safety records show low unsafe driving scores, highlighting a strong focus on operational safety, they maintain an active status as a broker and carrier with sufficient insurance coverage to protect their operations. With excellent ratings on Google and Indeed, Vincent Fister, Inc. is a reliable choice for companies seeking comprehensive trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.8
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $3,413,000
- Miles driven: 68,752
Ball & Ball Trucking, Inc.
2305 Ralph Ave, Louisville, KY, 40143- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Ball & Ball Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 430486) is an active trucking carrier based in Kentucky with a fleet size of 10 trucks, providing reliable interstate transportation services since its establishment. The company carries general freight, supported by services in less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) capacities. Specialized in flatbed and dry van operations, Ball & Ball Trucking caters to various freight needs with skilled drivers and a satisfactory safety rating.
With a commitment to driver welfare, they offer competitive salaries ranging from $50,000-$60,000 a year, health and dental insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Emphasizing safety, the company maintains a moderate vehicle maintenance score of 1.46. Despite the small fleet size, Ball & Ball Trucking ensures dependable and efficient cargo transport, making it an essential partner for businesses requiring consistent freight movement.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.23
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.46
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Revenue: $233,000
- Miles driven: 210,000
Creation Gardens, Inc.
2055 Nelson Miller Parkway, Louisville, KY, 40223- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
Creation Gardens, Inc. (DOT: 371005) is a prominent Kentucky-based trucking company known for its reliable transportation services. Specializing in the shipment of fresh produce, meat, and refrigerated foods, the company ensures that goods are transported efficiently and safely. Operating a robust fleet of 473 trucks, Creation Gardens provides full truckload and dry van services to meet diverse business needs.
With an active authority status, Creation Gardens focuses on long-haul operations, providing dedicated services to businesses seeking reliable logistics solutions. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating, underscoring its commitment to secure transportation. Employees enjoy benefits like direct deposit, health insurance, and paid time off, which contribute to overall job satisfaction and efficiency in service delivery. Despite reporting some incidents, the company’s focus on professional driving standards and vehicle maintenance ensures a notable level of service quality and reliability.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 1.0
- Driver fitness: 0.34
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.61
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 443
- Revenue: $2,248,000
- Miles driven: 10,800,000
Behlo Transport, Inc.
107 Lenoak Dr, Louisville, KY, 40214- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Behlo Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1569612) is a versatile trucking company operating in Kentucky with a focus on efficient interstate transportation. They specialize in full truckload services and handle a diverse range of cargo, including motor vehicles, building materials, and metal sheets. Their fleet includes flatbeds and dry vans, enabling them to transport large machinery, logs, and paper products effectively.
The company is committed to providing reliable shipping solutions with a modest fleet of five trucks and five drivers. Behlo Transport values employee benefits, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Despite having a few reported crash incidents, they maintain an active DOT status and prioritize safety with moderate scores in vehicle maintenance and pressure to maintain hours of service compliance. Business owners looking for a dedicated, service-oriented carrier will find Behlo Transport to be a capable partner for their shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 4.68
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.28
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $699,000
- Miles driven: 515,894
How Safety Ratings Work in Kentucky
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 Kentucky Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Kentucky?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Kentucky 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.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
