After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Local Muscle, LLC as the best Maine trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport in Maine
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 Maine. Every Maine 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 Maine for your commercial shipping needs.
Local Muscle, LLC
511 Riverside Industrial Parkway, Portland, ME, 4103- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Truck Types
- Dry van
Local Muscle, LLC (DOT: 2162841) is a trucking company based in Maine, established in 2010. They specialize in the transportation of household goods and primarily offer full truckload services, utilizing their fleet of dry vans for safe and efficient deliveries. Their workforce is comprised of 25 drivers, including those who operate regionally and locally. This company stands out with a commendable Google rating of 4.5, reflecting a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
Local Muscle, LLC is active in interstate operations. They provide benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, displaying their commitment to employee welfare. Despite having a relatively small fleet of 8 trucks, they maintain an active USDOT status with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, indicating a solid emphasis on safety. Business owners seeking reliable transportation for household commodities will find an adept partner in Local Muscle, LLC.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $896,000
- Miles driven: 70,000
PEP Transportation
32 Prescott St, Gardiner, ME, 4345- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
PEP Transportation (DOT: 25286) is a reputable trucking company established in 1955, based in Maine. They boast a diverse fleet of up to 170 vehicles, including tankers, flatbeds, and box trucks, catering to a variety of logistical needs. PEP specializes in transporting heavy and large cargo such as building materials, machinery, and logs, among other items. With a “Satisfactory” safety rating, they demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining high safety standards in operations.
In addition to offering regional and local driver services, PEP Transportation provides power-only and dry van services. The company enhances commercial shipments with features like flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and comprehensive support for hazmat and oversized loads. Benefits for employees include health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan, underscoring their focus on attracting and retaining skilled drivers for reliable service delivery.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.41
- Driver fitness: 0.18
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.55
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 102
- Revenue: $4,060,000
- Miles driven: 3,243,845
Dysarts Transportation, Inc.
530 Coldbrook Road, Hermon, ME, 4401- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Dysarts Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 185312) is an interstate carrier with a total fleet size of 62, including 31 trucks, based in Maine. The company carries a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and refrigerated foods. Their logistical capabilities include dry van, flatbed, oversized load transport, and drayage, making them versatile in handling different shipping needs.
Special support services provided by Dysarts include dedicated routes, deadhead detention, layover compensation, and consolidation services. The company extends additional benefits such as direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, and ongoing training and development programs. Despite two reported crash injuries and some violations, Dysarts maintains a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting a commitment to operational safety and reliability for their clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.33
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $218,000
- Miles driven: 598,904
Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc.
262 Bomarc Rd, Bangor, ME, 4401- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc. (DOT: 184192) is an established transportation provider since 1948, offering a range of freight services across North America. Based in Maine, Hartt specializes in general freight, refrigerated foods, building materials, and dry bulk commodities. The company operates a robust fleet of over 391 trucks and offers a variety of services, including regional, local, and dedicated routes.
Hartt Transportation stands out with its commitment to driver incentives, offering sign-on and referral bonuses, and competitive salaries. They support logistics with managed transportation and cross-border shipping solutions. While maintaining a satisfactory safety rating, Hartt is noteworthy for its emphasis on technology-driven logistics solutions, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery services for business owners. Despite having reported crashes, their safety practices are proactive, with ongoing training and development programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 370
- Revenue: $35,795,000
- Miles driven: 34,000,000
Northeast Transport, Inc.
3200 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME, 4572- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Northeast Transport, Inc. (DOT: 288676) is a reputable trucking company established in 1986, featuring a fleet of 72 vehicles based in Maine. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, meat, and general freight. The company offers a variety of services, such as reefer and dry van, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of perishable and general goods.
Northeast Transport provides strong support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and managed transportation services. They prioritize safety and professional development, as evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including health and vision insurance, paid CDL training, and a retirement plan. With additional amenities like flexible scheduling, gym memberships, and guaranteed home time, Northeast Transport emphasizes driver satisfaction alongside reliable commercial freight transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.96
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.55
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $4,723,000
- Miles driven: 3,746,795
H O Bouchard, Inc.
349 Coldbrook Rd, Hampden, ME, 4444- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
H O Bouchard, Inc. (DOT: 150251) is a reputable trucking company based in Maine, established in 1958. H O Bouchard specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction items, and large machinery. The company maintains a fleet of 97 trucks, focusing on reliable service with additional modern equipment like lift gates and tanker trucks, ensuring seamless operations for commercial shipments.
H O Bouchard, Inc., supports cross-border operations and is recognized for handling hazardous materials with a ‘Satisfactory’ safety rating. Their experienced team of regional drivers is complemented by flatbed transport services, catering to diverse needs while ensuring safety and flexibility. Despite some recorded crash incidents, they maintain an impressive vehicle maintenance score and offer comprehensive health and vision insurance to their workforce. With an Indeed rating of 4.7, the company exemplifies a strong commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, making it an ideal partner for business owners seeking dependable freight transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.52
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.68
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 93
- Revenue: $26,847,000
- Miles driven: 5,056,196
SPC Transport Co
224 West Hardscrabble Rd, Auburn, ME, 4210- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
SPC Transport Co (DOT: 9163) is a trusted freight trucking company founded in 1987, operating out of Maine. With a fleet of 96 trucks and a specialization in general freight, the company excels in transporting a wide array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction supplies, grains, logs, machinery, metals, paper products, and utilities. This versatility underscores their capability in handling diverse freight needs, ensuring deliveries are conducted efficiently and reliably.
SPC Transport Co offers interstate carrier and broker services and maintains an active status with a satisfactory safety rating. Their reputation for transporting various cargo types is complemented by their common operating authority. They employ 103 drivers, focusing on major freight trucking without offering specific programs like team driving or flatbed services. Despite not advertising specialized benefits, SPC Transport Co’s consistent performance makes them a dependable choice for business owners seeking comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.27
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 103
- Revenue: $14,218,000
- Miles driven: 12,000,000
Richard Carrier Trucking, Inc.
46 Industrial Park Road, Skowhegan, ME, 4976- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Richard Carrier Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 74288) is a reputable trucking company operating in Maine, offering specialized transportation services for wood products, demolition, and equipment. The company boasts a fleet size of over 50 trucks, providing comprehensive solutions including flatbed, dry van, and tanker services. They are adept at handling diverse cargo such as building materials, construction elements, general freight, metal sheets, garbage/refuse, and large machinery.
Richard Carrier Trucking excels in delivering commercial shipment support with dedicated routes and team drivers. They offer cross-docking and intermodal services, enhancing their logistics handling capacity. Their commitment to quality and safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety ratings. Additionally, they provide a robust benefits package for drivers, including health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company is also an active employer, showing their dedication to hiring qualified individuals to support their operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $15,584,000
- Miles driven: 3,331,896
P A F Transportation
75 Postal Service Way, Scarborough, ME, 4074- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Power only
- Hot shot
- Cross-docking
P A F Transportation (DOT: 192141) is a reputable trucking company based in Maine. They offer a diverse range of trucking services including flatbed, dry van, and step deck transportation, tailored to meet the needs of various clients. Specializing in general freight, beverages, and paper products, the company manages to efficiently handle different types of cargo.
P A F Transportation ensures reliable service with a fleet of over 96 vehicles and a team of 73 drivers committed to interstate operations. Commercial shipments are supported through features like power-only services and cross-docking facilities. The company prioritizes safety, evident from their satisfactory safety rating and low unsafe driving score. Additionally, they offer hot shot services and maintain a focus on driver benefits, providing safety bonuses and health insurance. With an active operational status, P A F Transportation exemplifies reliability and commitment in the trucking industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.25
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.96
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 73
- Revenue: $6,653
- Miles driven: 4,749,000
Fieldings Oil Co, Inc.
420 Us Route 1, Scarborough, ME, 4074- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Hazardous materials
Fieldings Oil Co, Inc. (DOT: 745326) is a reputable trucking company based in Maine, with a specialization in transporting hazardous materials, building materials, construction equipment, and large machinery. They maintain a significant fleet size of 220 with a total of 110 trucks. The company provides interstate freight transportation, ensuring reliable service performances in various sectors, including general freight and utility transportation.
This company is well-equipped to handle complex logistics challenges, particularly in hazardous material transportation with trained hazmat drivers. They support commercial shipments involving liquids, gases, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Although they have experienced a few incidents, Fieldings Oil Co, Inc. prioritizes safety with a focus on vehicle maintenance. They offer health insurance to their employees, contributing to their standing as a viable choice for business owners seeking robust and efficient freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 81
- Revenue: $409,360
- Miles driven: 1,889,510
How Safety Ratings Work in Maine
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 Maine Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Maine, 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 Maine 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 Maine?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Maine. 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 Maine?
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 Maine?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Maine 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