After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Ray’s Transport, Inc. as the best Michigan trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport in Michigan
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 Michigan. Every Michigan 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 Michigan for your commercial shipping needs.
Ray’s Transport, Inc.
22077 Mound, Warren, MI, 48091- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Ray’s Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1638845) operates in Michigan as a prominent logistics provider known for its broad array of services since its inception. They specialize in full and partial truckload shipments, leveraging a modern fleet of dry vans and flatbeds to ensure versatile transport solutions. Their expertise extends to handling a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, beverages, meat, paper products, refrigerated foods, general freight, and US mail, showcasing their capability to meet varied shipping needs.
With a reputation bolstered by a satisfactory safety rating and team driving services, Ray’s Transport, Inc. delivers reliable shipping solutions across interstate routes. They support commercial shipments with essential features such as guaranteed home time, ongoing training programs, and a new driver program. Furthermore, the company offers favorable employment benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement 401(k) plan, making them a trusted partner for companies seeking a comprehensive and customer-centric trucking service.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 50
- Revenue: $884,000
- Miles driven: 2,740,381
XPO Logistics Freight Canada, Inc.
2211 Old Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
XPO Logistics Freight Canada, Inc. (DOT: 838885) is an active carrier with a significant presence in the logistics and supply chain industry. Operating with a fleet of 162 trucks and 324 trailers, they provide a comprehensive range of freight services, including full and partial truckload, less than truckload, and specialized usage of flatbed and tanker trucks, which are ideal for transporting chemicals and liquids/gases.
XPO Logistics is noted for its team driving opportunities and regional drivers, emphasizing customized service with dedicated routes. They also offer special support for hazardous materials transport, complementing their cross-border shipment capabilities. Additionally, the company provides incentives like sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and safety bonuses, highlighting their commitment to driver satisfaction and safety. With a MCS-150 mileage of over 6.9 million and a highly competent service offering, XPO Logistics is a robust partner for businesses looking for reliable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.13
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 177
- Revenue: $1,179,000
- Miles driven: 6,937,242
Gemini Transport
9680 Eagle St, Dearborn, MI, 48120- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Gemini Transport (DOT: 1035057) is a Michigan-based trucking company with a fleet of 90 trucks and 180 vehicles. They offer a range of freight services, including full and partial truckload services, flatbed, and dry van transport. Specializing in general freight, they cater to a variety of shipping needs while ensuring efficient and reliable delivery. The company is dedicated to maintaining a satisfactory safety record, with low unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores.
Gemini Transport places strong emphasis on employee benefits, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans. They provide guaranteed home time and paid time off, making them an attractive option for drivers. Their operations are predominantly interstate, focusing on providing exceptional service and flexibility to clients looking for dependable transport solutions for their products.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 1.18
- Driver fitness: 0.36
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.45
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 85
- Revenue: $1,176,000
- Miles driven: 5,150,000
O & I Transport, Inc.
4343 Wyoming Ave, Dearborn, MI, 48126- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
O & I Transport, Inc. (DOT: 321844) is a reputable freight trucking company operating from Michigan. With a fleet size of over 200 power units and a satisfactory safety rating, they offer comprehensive trucking services, including team driving and partial and full truckload capabilities. Specializing in transporting logs, poles, beams, lumber, and machinery, they provide efficient solutions for heavy and large object logistics needs.
O & I Transport’s commitment to quality service is underscored by their team driver programs, which ensure timely and reliable delivery. They offer safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, and several employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Their substantial annual mileage and active authority highlight their extensive reach and operational capability, making them a strong partner for businesses seeking dependable transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 1.03
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.45
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.39
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 195
- Revenue: $5,880,000
- Miles driven: 11,900,000
LEE Transportation, Inc.
563 N Cass Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48342- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
LEE Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 2398863) is an active freight trucking company based in Michigan. They have a fleet of 23 trucks and specialize in full truckload and less than truckload (LTL) services. Offering versatile cargo options, they handle building materials, construction equipment, intermodal containers, motor vehicles, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, showcasing their capability to manage heavy and large objects with proficiency.
While LEE Transportation does not focus on specialized or expedited services, they are a trustworthy option for businesses requiring reliable transport of general freight and industrial goods. The company provides comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. This strong employee support further underscores their commitment to maintaining a reliable and consistent service, making them an appealing choice for business owners seeking quality and consistency in freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.04
- Driver fitness: 0.31
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $576,000
- Miles driven: 1,110,500
Kina Trucking, Inc.
6029 E 14 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI, 48312- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Kina Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2505926) is a reputable trucking company established in 2019. Based in Michigan, they specialize in transporting a range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and US mail. With a fleet of 38 trucks, they provide efficient full truckload (FTL) services and maintain a high standard of service quality as evidenced by their Google rating of 4.5 and Indeed rating of 4.2.
While small in size, Kina Trucking prioritizes the wellness of its drivers, offering health insurance and paid time off. They excel in transporting general freight with dry van and flatbed options. Their active interstate operation underscores a commitment to reliability, despite their relatively short history. Business owners can trust Kina Trucking for professional handling of various goods, supported by their experienced team of 28 interstate drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.39
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $1,232,000
- Miles driven: 440,584
ALL Seasons Express, LLC
5398 Market St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49048- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
ALL Seasons Express, LLC (DOT: 305136) is a reputable trucking company operating in Michigan. With a fleet of 47 trucks and 94 total power units, this company specializes in transporting dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, meat, and refrigerated foods, ensuring diversity in cargo handling. Their coverage includes both full truckload and less-than-truckload services, accommodating a range of logistical needs for businesses seeking reliable transportation solutions.
Committed to safety and efficiency, ALL Seasons Express maintains a satisfactory safety rating and provides guaranteed home time for drivers. The company supports its workforce with health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. Their emphasis on driver well-being and competitive compensation enhances service quality, making them an ideal choice for commercial shipments. The dedication to flexible operations positions ALL Seasons Express as a trusted partner for business owners looking to ship products across interstate routes.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 3.02
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.76
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.97
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 50
- Revenue: $3,084,000
- Miles driven: 3,505,755
L And D Transport, Inc.
12844 Greenfield Rd, Detroit, MI, 48227- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
L And D Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1764578) is a distinguished trucking company active in Michigan, catering primarily to businesses seeking reliable freight solutions. Although established fairly recently, they boast a satisfactory safety rating and operate a diverse fleet of dry vans, flatbeds, and intermodal containers. Their services are designed to handle general freight and intermodal containers efficiently, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
Renowned for team-driving opportunities and dedicated routes, L And D Transport also offers full and partial truckload services, ensuring flexible shipping solutions for business owners. In addition, the company’s commitment to employee welfare is reflected in their provision of health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan. With a focus on enhancing customer experience and maintaining a strong presence in interstate operations, this company stands out as a reliable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.94
- Driver fitness: 0.24
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 42
- Revenue: $706,000
- Miles driven: 1,208,399
Pinnacle Express, Inc.
35 W Morgan Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Pinnacle Express, Inc. (DOT: 610538) is a reputable trucking company based in Michigan, offering a variety of transportation services with a fleet size of 66 and 33 trucks. Known for its commitment to quality, Pinnacle Express specializes in transporting liquids and gases, and offers services such as full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipping. Their operation extends inter-state, emphasizing reliable and efficient logistics solutions.
Pinnacle Express provides additional support for commercial shipments, enhancing client convenience through team driving opportunities and regional route services. Additionally, they prioritize employee benefits, offering health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Despite a few crash injuries, Pinnacle Express maintains a satisfactory safety rating, showcasing their dedication to safety and excellence in service.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.46
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $2,457,000
- Miles driven: 1,701,563
Midwest Freight Systems Corp
21900 Hoover Rd, Warren, MI, 48089- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Midwest Freight Systems Corp (DOT: 2074894) is a prominent trucking company operating with a fleet of 359 trucks and 260 drivers. While the exact establishment year is not provided, the company has been actively engaged in freight transportation, carrying general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Their services include full truckload, partial truckload, less-than-truckload, and reefer transportation, indicating a versatile capacity to handle varying shipment needs efficiently.
Midwest Freight Systems Corp offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including regional and local driving services, which ensure timely deliveries across extensive routes. The company values safety with notable statistics like “controlled substance” scores at a low 0.06 and emphasizes driver well-being through health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Despite having some incidents, they maintain a fleet with an average age of 3 years, demonstrating ongoing fleet renewal and commitment to operational reliability.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 1.54
- Driver fitness: 0.22
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.06
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 260
- Revenue: $1,395,000
- Miles driven: 14,200,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Michigan
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 Michigan Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Michigan. 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Michigan 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
