After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked North Atlantic Trucking, Inc. as the best Massachusetts trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport 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 versatile trucking company based in Massachusetts with a strong focus on delivering a wide array of cargo types. They specialize in transporting agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, and general freight, using their fleet of 34 vehicles equipped with dry van and reefer options.
The company offers notable services such as full and partial truckload, along with dedicated routes for seamless logistics. They provide team driving opportunities and offer competitive benefits like sign-on and safety bonuses, paid CDL training, and comprehensive insurance plans. North Atlantic Trucking ensures efficient commercial shipments with services like tanker transport and reliable interstate operations, demonstrating a commitment to catering to diverse freight needs.
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
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) operates within the Massachusetts region as a reputable freight service provider. With a significant presence since it was established, the company offers a diverse range of shipping solutions, including full and partial truckload services, dry van, flatbed, and reefer transport. Specializing in the interstate distribution of beverages, metals (sheets, coils, rolls), and paper products, Lancer Transportation ensures they meet various shipping needs across industries.
Renowned for their commitment to safety and support, Lancer Transportation & Logistics places a strong emphasis on driver welfare and training. They provide benefits like health, dental, life, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans, paid time off, and safety bonuses. With a fleet of 39 trucks and 78 total units, they guarantee not only reliable transportation but also dedicated route services, regional drivers, and team driving opportunities for enhanced delivery efficiency. Their driver referral bonuses and guaranteed home time further reflect their commitment to employee satisfaction.
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
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) is a Massachusetts-based trucking company established in 2017. It primarily handles liquids and gases and operates with a focus on flatbed and dry van transportation. With a fleet of 77 trucks, they ensure efficient interstate transportation services.
They provide a range of shipping options, including full truckloads and less-than-truckload shipments, catering to various business needs. Brown Bear Transportation prioritizes the well-being of its drivers, offering benefits like health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401k retirement plan. With a strong safety record and a commitment to customer satisfaction, the company presents itself as a reliable partner for businesses seeking dependable transportation services.
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
Courier Express, Inc.
111 Carando Drive, Springfield, MA, 1104- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $300,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Courier Express, Inc. (DOT: 551399) is a Massachusetts-based trucking company operating since 1993. Known for their reliable services, they specialize in Full Truckload (FTL), Less Than Truckload (LTL), and Partial Truckload transportation, catering to a diverse set of cargo types including general freight, building materials, machinery, metal sheets, and paper products. With a compact but efficient fleet size of 9 trucks, Courier Express adeptly handles shipments across the interstate, indicating their robust logistical capabilities.
This company commits to providing essential support tailored for commercial shipments, such as parcel services and US mail transportation. Although they maintain a smaller fleet and employ around 21 drivers, Courier Express emphasizes employee benefits including health insurance and paid time off, illustrating their dedication to attracting experienced drivers. Their reputation is underscored by a strong Google rating of 4.5, and their safety and maintenance practices are notable with no crash fatalities reported.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.59
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Revenue: $1,716,000
- Miles driven: 263,958
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 Massachusetts-based freight trucking company specializing in a variety of logistics services. Established as an active interstate carrier, they offer services such as full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and partial truckload. The company primarily transports general freight and other mixed cargos, utilizing a small but efficient fleet of box and dry van trucks. Their Google rating stands at 4.5, indicating a positive reception from customers.
FJN Transportation provides several benefits to support their drivers, like health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan. Despite their compact size, they ensure quality service with no crash-related injuries or fatalities reported. They offer team driver services, regional driving opportunities, and prioritize driver satisfaction with perks like direct deposit and rider or pet allowances, making them an ideal partner for business owners searching for reliable shipping solutions.
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
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 operating in Massachusetts, maintaining an active status and satisfactory safety rating. The company specializes in dry van and full truckload services, efficiently transporting property and liquids/gases. With a fleet size of 34 trucks and 10 trailers, Transgas, Inc. demonstrates a commitment to modern operations with an average fleet age of 5 years.
Transgas, Inc. prioritizes employee welfare with benefits like health insurance and paid time off. Although they have recorded a crash injury, their safety metrics indicate a strong focus on vehicle maintenance and safe driving standards. Business owners can rely on Transgas for efficient transportation of bulky or large machinery, making them a valuable partner for businesses seeking reliable logistics solutions.
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
Silva’s Express, Inc.
81 Phoenix Avenue, Lowell, MA, 1852- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Silva’s Express, Inc. (DOT: 371007) is an active transportation carrier with a satisfactory safety rating, operating primarily in interstate commerce. Known for its specialization in general freight, Silva’s Express provides reliable shipment services using a dedicated fleet of dry vans and flatbeds. The company excels in offering both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for a wide range of shipping needs.
Silva’s Express stands out with company-supported initiatives like ongoing training and development programs and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental insurance, and 401(k) retirement plans. Additionally, the company prioritizes employee welfare, providing paid time off and direct deposit for seamless financial management. With an impressive Google rating of 4.5 stars and a fleet of well-maintained trucks averaging only three years of age, Silva’s Express is a dependable choice for businesses in need of expert freight transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 5.6
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.69
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.59
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Miles driven: 484,100
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 Massachusetts-based carrier with a strong presence in the transportation industry, offering a fleet of 15 trucks and 30 trailers. Specializing in full truckload and dry van services, they efficiently transport general freight, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, and intermodal containers. Known for their service reliability, they cater to both regional and interstate shipments.
Santamaria Trucking focuses on the well-being of its 18 drivers by providing health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside retirement plans. While maintaining a ‘Conditional’ safety rating, they prioritize professional development with guaranteed paid time off. With positive online ratings and a proactive approach to driver fitness, Santamaria Trucking stands out as a trusted partner for business owners seeking comprehensive transportation solutions.
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
A & V Carriers, Inc.
58 Gardner Street, Worcester, MA, 1610- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
A & V Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 784891) is a reputable trucking company established in 1924, operating primarily in Massachusetts. They offer full and partial truckload services using a fleet that includes reefer and flatbed trailers. Specialized in interstate transportation, A & V Carriers focuses on refrigerated foods and parcel deliveries, ensuring products arrive in optimal condition. With a “Conditional” safety rating, they operate with a total of 14 trucks and 14 drivers, emphasizing timely and reliable service for various cargo needs.
Business owners looking for a dependable transportation partner will appreciate A & V Carriers’ commitment to ongoing training and development programs for their drivers, enhancing service quality. The company provides attractive driver benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, and a retirement plan (401k). Additionally, they extend perks like paid time off and direct deposit, underscoring their supportive work environment. With a high Indeed rating of 5.0, A & V Carriers stands out as a trustworthy choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $4,284,000
- Miles driven: 600,000
Foley Transport, Inc.
235 Taylor Street, Springfield, MA, 1105- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Foley Transport, Inc. (DOT: 672626) operates out of Massachusetts and specializes in agricultural/farm supplies, fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated foods. The company features a fleet of 5 trucks and supports full and partial truckload services. Their capability to transport fresh produce is particularly notable, showcasing their ability to handle time-sensitive and delicate cargo.
Foley Transport emphasizes safety, with minimal crash incidents reported and no crash injuries or fatalities. They have maintained an active status as an interstate carrier, ensuring reliable service across state lines. Although the company does not offer a broad array of bonuses or benefits, it provides necessary services like direct deposit and health insurance, supporting its small fleet and team of dedicated drivers effectively. Business owners seeking dependable transportation for perishable goods or general freight might find Foley Transport to be an excellent choice.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.51
- Driver fitness: 1.39
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.52
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $2,263,000
- Miles driven: 373,262
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
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.
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
