After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Polar Corp 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 Polar Corp or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Massachusetts
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 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.
Polar Corp
1001 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA, 1615- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Polar Corp (DOT: 42938) is a Massachusetts-based trucking company established to provide comprehensive transportation services. The company operates with a significant fleet size of 180 trucks and 301 trailers, specializing in dry van and flatbed transportation. Polar Corp is committed to safety, as indicated by its satisfactory safety rating, moderate unsafe driving score, and extensive vehicle maintenance protocols.
Polar Corp offers a variety of services, including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, ensuring flexibility for different shipping needs. They handle a range of cargo types, notably property and beverages. Unique to their service is a dedication to driver welfare, including dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan. Despite the lack of specialized services for hazardous materials and oversized cargo, Polar Corp’s broad service range and commitment to employee benefits make it a reliable choice for businesses looking for quality shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 0.61
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.7
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 201
- Revenue: $1,310,000
- Miles driven: 5,643,060
Numark Transportation, Inc.
10 Lea Lane, Fall River, MA, 02721- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Meat
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Numark Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 1606451) is a versatile trucking company known for its robust service portfolio. Specializing in a wide range of cargo types, Numark handles everything from general freight, agricultural supplies, and fresh produce to building materials and refrigerated foods. With active operations since 1988, they ensure seamless shipping experiences across Massachusetts and beyond, supported by a fleet age averaging three years.
Numark Transportation stands out with dedicated local and interstate drivers, offering last-mile delivery and mail transportation. Their commitment to commercial clients is evident with unique support features, including dental and life insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off. Despite their small fleet size, their high standards are reflected in elevated safety and maintenance scores, making them a dependable choice for business owners seeking efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 6.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 3.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 26,100
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 interstate carrier based in Massachusetts. Operating with a fleet of 34 trucks and 78 trailers, Transgas, Inc. specializes in full truckload and partial truckload services, with an emphasis on dry van transport. The company boasts robust experience in handling machinery and large objects, ensuring the efficient and safe delivery of such cargo.
Additionally, Transgas, Inc. offers strong support for commercial shipments, including health insurance and paid time off for its employees, reflecting a commitment to worker welfare. With a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet age averaging five years, business owners can rely on Transgas, Inc. for dependable and well-maintained transportation services.
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
East Coast Express, Inc.
72 Liberty St, Plymouth, MA, 02360- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
“`html
East Coast Express, Inc. (DOT: 1211927) is a specialized trucking company based in Massachusetts, boasting an active USDOT status. They offer a variety of services including transportation of beverages, intermodal containers, general freight, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their capabilities are further enhanced by the provision of flatbed and reefer driver services, ensuring flexibility and adherence to various shipment requirements.
East Coast Express supports commercial shipments with less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) options, catering to diverse cargo needs. Their focus on safety is highlighted by their clean record of crash injuries and fatalities. Additional benefits for clients include guaranteed home time, paid time off, and vision coverage. The company’s commitment to quality service makes them an excellent choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transportation solutions.
“`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: 2
- Miles driven: 50,000
Rich’s Transportation Services, Inc.
305 Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton, MA, 2780- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Rich’s Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 618927) operates a mid-sized fleet of 36 vehicles from Massachusetts, specializing in the transportation of various cargo such as beverages, paper products, meat, and refrigerated food. Serving both full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments, they offer services including regional and over-the-road drivers, with endorsements in flatbed and dry van transportation, ensuring versatility in handling diverse freight requirements.
This company provides essential commercial shipment support with extensive offerings like health, dental, and vision insurance, and a retirement 401(k) plan. While they do not provide specialized services such as hazmat or heavy haul, their fleet boasts an average age of just 3 years, highlighting their modern and reliable equipment. Rich’s Transportation Services excels in providing reliable and comprehensive shipping solutions tailored to businesses’ needs with a robust customer service framework.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.37
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Revenue: $4,737,000
- Miles driven: 582,272
Lancer Transportation & Logistics, Inc.
311 Industry Ave, Springfield, MA, 1104- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Lancer Transportation & Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 2172975) is a dynamic trucking company based in Massachusetts, proficiently serving the transportation and logistics industry. With a manageable fleet size of 78 vehicles, including 39 trucks and 39 drivers, Lancer excels in handling a variety of cargo types such as beverages, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Their fleet capabilities include flatbed, reefer, and dry van services, ensuring versatile and reliable logistics solutions.
Lancer offers specialized commercial shipment support, including last-mile delivery and dedicated routes, enhancing their service offerings for business clients. They also prioritize driver welfare, providing benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and life insurance. Furthermore, they encourage team driving opportunities, offer sign-on bonuses, and maintain a new driver program, making Lancer a well-rounded choice for businesses seeking dependable trucking service partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.85
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 39
- Revenue: $1,886,000
- Miles driven: 2,593,225
Dirty Diesel Trucking, LLC
298 Carl Ave, Brockton, MA, 02302- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Dirty Diesel Trucking, LLC (DOT: 1349976) is a Massachusetts-based trucking company known for its diverse array of freight services since its inception. They specialize in transporting general freight, fresh produce, meat, paper products, beverages, and refrigerated foods. Operating with a modest fleet of two trucks and two drivers, Dirty Diesel Trucking ensures personalized service while handling a variety of cargo types efficiently.
Dirty Diesel Trucking also supports full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments, making them a flexible option for various transportation needs. Despite a recent crash incident, their focus on safety is indicated by their reasonable vehicle maintenance score. Commercial clients will appreciate the availability of direct deposit and health insurance benefits for employees, demonstrating a commitment to supporting their workforce. For business owners looking for reliable freight transportation, Dirty Diesel Trucking blends versatility with dedicated service.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 1
Louis Transport
624 Walnut St, Fall River, MA, 02720- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Louis Transport (DOT: 1720039) is a prominent trucking company in Massachusetts, actively serving the transportation industry. Specializing in shipping a variety of cargo, they handle beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company operates with a fleet size of one truck and two trailers, offering both full truckload and less-than-truckload services.
Louis Transport ensures a high standard of service with dedicated local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers. Despite their small scale, the company provides comprehensive employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance and disability coverage. Their commitment to quality is reflected in positive customer feedback, showcasing their reliability and focus on efficient, safe transportation solutions for commercial shipments. Business owners searching for dependable freight services can consider Louis Transport for their diverse and specialized cargo needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.6
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 100,000
T.W. Barrett Trucking And Logistics
S Meadow Rd, Plymouth, MA, 02360- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
T.W. Barrett Trucking And Logistics (DOT: 1599112) is a reputable trucking company in Massachusetts noted for their specialized services and commitment to meeting diverse freight needs. They primarily handle general freight and property shipments, backed by offerings such as team drivers service and full truckload capacities. The company ensures reliable service with a small yet effective fleet, marked by quality vehicle maintenance and zero recorded crash injuries or fatalities.
In addition to their transportation services, T.W. Barrett Trucking And Logistics provides valuable perks such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan. They offer flexible shipping solutions backed by guaranteed home time for drivers, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking efficient and secure freight transportation. With an excellent safety record and a strong reputation in the industry, this company stands out as a dependable partner for commercial shipments.
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: 1
- Miles driven: 1
Santamaria Trucking Service, Inc.
158 Avocado Street, Springfield, MA, 1104- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Santamaria Trucking Service, Inc. (DOT: 682298) is a reputable transportation carrier operating in Massachusetts. With over 10,000 days in business, this company excels in offering comprehensive freight services, focusing on reliability and efficiency. They specialize in hauling diverse cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, and intermodal containers, ensuring various transportation needs are met with expertise.
While Santamaria Trucking Service is known for its full truckload and less-than-truckload options, they also provide refrigerated transportation for perishable items. Their interstate operations are supported by 15 trucks and 18 drivers, emphasizing customer satisfaction with inclusions like direct deposit, life, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off. Business owners looking for a dependable trucking partner will find a committed ally in Santamaria Trucking Service.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.39
- Driver fitness: 0.6
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 13.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Miles driven: 1,480,807
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.
