After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked North Atlantic Trucking, Inc. as the best Massachusetts trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider North Atlantic Trucking, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts. Every Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts for your commercial shipping needs.
North Atlantic Trucking, Inc.
100 Progress Ave, Springfield, MA, 1104- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
North Atlantic Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2327204) is a Massachusetts-based freight trucking company recognized for its comprehensive range of services. Despite being relatively young in the industry, they have rapidly built a solid reputation with high ratings on various platforms. Specializing in general freight, North Atlantic Trucking efficiently manages the transportation of agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, metal coils, and paper products. Their fleet is well-equipped with dry vans, tankers, and flatbeds to cater to diverse shipping needs.
North Atlantic Trucking offers invaluable support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and regional drivers. They also provide crucial services like full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipping, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for various cargo sizes. With a strong emphasis on driver welfare, they offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time, making them a reliable partner for business owners seeking top-notch trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.11
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.08
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $943,000
- Miles driven: 730,622
Sterling Corporation
263 Industrial Ave, Lowell, MA, 1852- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Sterling Corporation (DOT: 2137906) is a reputable trucking company that has been operational since 1994, headquartered in Massachusetts. They specialize in general freight and household goods transportation with a well-maintained fleet of 12 trucks and 24 total vehicles. Their extensive range of services includes full truckload and less than truckload (LTL) shipments, flatbed and dry van transportation. A notable highlight of Sterling Corporation is their ability to handle both reefer and tanker cargo, making them versatile in managing different types of freight.
For business owners, Sterling Corporation provides enhanced support for commercial shipments, including lift gate services and last-mile delivery solutions. They are committed to driver and customer satisfaction reflected in their high Google rating of 4.5 and positive reviews on employment platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor. Additionally, they offer comprehensive benefits for their employees, such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, ensuring a dedicated and well-supported team.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.16
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.77
- Controlled substances: 0.52
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 13
- Revenue: $1,759,000
- Miles driven: 20,000
Brown Bear Transportation, LLC
237 Albany St, Springfield, MA, 1105- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Brown Bear Transportation, LLC (DOT: 2917532) has been in operation since 2017 in Massachusetts, specializing in transporting liquids and gases. They offer comprehensive services such as dry van transport, full truckload (FTL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, ensuring flexibility for varying shipment sizes and needs.
Brown Bear Transportation stands out with a workforce of 86 interstate drivers and a fleet of 77 trucks dedicated to efficient and reliable service. Business owners can rely on their additional support services, including health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401k retirement plan. Despite some safety concerns, their commitment to maintaining an active authority status and competitive offerings makes them a notable choice in the transportation industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 4.61
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.09
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 86
- Revenue: $2,062,000
- Miles driven: 3,925,500
Transgas, Inc.
95 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, 1853- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
Transgas, Inc. (DOT: 68283) is a reputable trucking company with substantial experience in the transportation industry. The company employs 66 interstate drivers and operates a fleet of 34 trucks and 10 trailers, ensuring reliable and efficient service. They specialize in full truckload (FTL) shipments and handle various types of cargo, including liquids and gases, and large machinery objects, catering to a wide array of business needs.
Transgas, Inc. is committed to offering essential services to support commercial shipments, such as direct deposit for drivers, health insurance, and paid time off. Their safety protocols are robust, reflected in a satisfactory safety rating and minimal vehicle maintenance issues. Furthermore, they prioritize driver welfare with benefits like health insurance. This makes Transgas, Inc. a compelling choice for business owners seeking dependable and safe transportation solutions in Massachusetts.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.13
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 66
- Revenue: $19,267,000
- Miles driven: 853,522
Valtran, Inc.
2415 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA, 2746- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Valtran, Inc. (DOT: 1003291) is a reputable trucking company established in 2001, located in Massachusetts. Specializing in Dry Van, Flatbed, and Less Than Truckload (LTL) services, Valtran offers a robust solution for businesses looking to transport Household Goods and Intermodal Containers. They operate a modest but efficient fleet of 8 trucks and 16 trailers, ensuring reliable and consistent service to their clients.
Valtran, Inc. emphasizes driver welfare, providing benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. For businesses requiring dependable interstate transport, Valtran maintains an active authority status and showcases a strong safety record with zero crash fatalities and minimal violations. Their comprehensive service portfolio and commitment to driver satisfaction make them a prime choice for commercial shipments in the region.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.1
- 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: 7
- Revenue: $155,000
- Miles driven: 200,000
W.C. Gurrisi & Sons, Inc.
0 Corwin St, Peabody, MA, 1960- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
W.C. Gurrisi & Sons, Inc. (DOT: 957780) stands out as a notable carrier in Massachusetts with a professional reputation in the transportation industry. Established over two decades ago, this company offers full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and dry van services. They are renowned for carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, and other dry bulk commodities. This extensive range of cargo capabilities underscores their commitment to meeting varied shipping needs.
Moreover, W.C. Gurrisi & Sons, Inc. provides special support for commercial shipments, highlighted by their use of flatbeds crucial for transporting building materials and other sizable loads. Their adherence to safety is demonstrated through a moderate unsafe driving rating and a conditional safety rating description. The company fosters a supportive work environment with benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking dependable transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.69
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.29
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $440,000
- Miles driven: 311,650
H & L Bloom, Inc.
28 Grosvenor St, Taunton, MA, 2780- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
H & L Bloom, Inc. (DOT: 175579) is a well-established transportation company operating since 1946 in Massachusetts. With a fleet size exceeding 50 vehicles and a dedicated team of over 210 drivers, the company offers diverse services including dry van and flatbed transportation. Their service is further complemented with specialized support for regional and dedicated routes, ensuring reliability and efficiency for customers transporting cargo such as parcels and reefer shipments.
H & L Bloom, Inc. stands out by offering essential benefits to their employees, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, alongside a retirement 401(k) plan and paid time off. Despite having reported crash injuries, the company’s safety indicators for unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance are superb, reflecting their emphasis on safety and compliance. With ongoing training programs and a satisfactory safety rating, H & L Bloom remains a reliable choice for businesses seeking proficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- 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: 210
- Revenue: $3,137,000
- Miles driven: 4,348,000
Intransit Container, LLC
53 Wiser Ave, Worcester, MA, 1607- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
Intransit Container, LLC (DOT: 536660) was established in 1985 and operates within the Transportation and Logistics industry. Specializing in general freight and intermodal containers, they offer both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services. Their fleet includes dry vans, flatbeds, and they also provide reefer services. The company boasts a fleet size of 20 to 49 and employs 139 drivers, ensuring a wide reach and reliable service.
Intransit Container, LLC supports commercial shipments with features such as regional drivers, interstate operations, and dedicated routes. They have a satisfactory safety rating and relatively low unsafe driving scores. Health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits are available to their employees, reflecting their commitment to employee wellness. The company actively seeks to deliver on customer expectations, backed by a strong workforce and a strategic focus on general and intermodal freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 2.47
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.49
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.55
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 139
- Revenue: $9,389,000
- Miles driven: 10,100,000
Rapid Response Llp
20 Sycamore Ave, Medford, MA, 2155- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Rapid Response Llp (DOT: 2832444) is a distinguished trucking company based in Massachusetts. Although the company hasn’t disclosed its founding year, its presence in the trucking industry is significant, with a total fleet size of 38 vehicles, including 19 trucks. They offer services such as reefer, dry van, flatbed, full truckload, partial truckload, team drivers service, and driveaway/towaway, catering to various shipping needs. The company handles diverse cargo, including motor vehicles and large machinery objects.
Rapid Response Llp excels in supporting commercial shipments with unique offerings such as guaranteed home time for drivers and comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and retirement plans (401k). Local and regional drivers ensure efficient and timely deliveries, while the company’s active status indicates a strong operational focus. With a robust safety record and emphasis on driver fitness, they are a reliable choice for business owners seeking proficient transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.37
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $728,000
- Miles driven: 640,000
FJN Transportation, Inc.
53 Cliff St, Malden, MA, 02148- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
FJN Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 2460011) is a reputable trucking company in Massachusetts with an impressive Google rating of 4.5 stars. This versatile carrier offers a range of services including full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) operations, parcel delivery, and flatbed trucking. They handle a wide array of cargo, emphasizing general freight and other cargo types. The company’s committed approach to regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) routes makes them highly adaptable to varying customer requirements.
FJN Transportation, Inc. provides significant support for commercial shipments, including safety bonuses, healthcare benefits, and life insurance for their drivers. They also offer desirable perks such as sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, guaranteed home time, and dental insurance, reinforcing their commitment to driver satisfaction. With their reliable and flexible service offerings, FJN Transportation, Inc. proves to be a dependable choice for business owners looking to ship their products with confidence.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 22.81
- Driver fitness: 0.53
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 50,850
How Safety Ratings Work in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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: Massachusetts Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Massachusetts?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Massachusetts 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.