After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Rochester City Delivery, Inc. as the best Minnesota trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider Rochester City Delivery, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Minnesota
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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
Rochester City Delivery, Inc.
3101 40th Ave Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,250,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Rochester City Delivery, Inc. (DOT: 116397) is an established trucking company with a focus on interstate operations. With a fleet of 22 trucks and 44 trailers, they specialize in handling general freight, paper products, and parcel deliveries. Their fleet primarily consists of box trucks and dry vans. Known for their commitment to reliable service, Rochester City Delivery stands out for their less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipping options.
Supporting a medium-sized team of local drivers, the company ensures efficient and timely delivery for both commercial and private clients. They offer direct deposit, paid time off, health insurance, and dental insurance as part of their employee benefits. Despite a moderate safety score, their satisfactory safety rating and accurate vehicle maintenance indicate a firm dedication to maintaining high safety standards. The company’s impressive Google rating of 4.5 further highlights their reputation for excellent service in the transportation industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.2
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $4,257,000
- Miles driven: 1,020,000
Eagle Transport Services, Inc.
2430 Marion Rd Se, Rochester, MN, 55904- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
Eagle Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 587147) is an experienced trucking company in Minnesota, carrying general freight, household goods, and refrigerated foods. With 38 total trucks and a satisfactory safety rating, Eagle Transport operates on an interstate level, ensuring a reliable service for business transportation needs.
The company offers full truckload and less-than-truckload options, making it versatile for various shipping requirements. They are known for their robust dry van service and have competitive offerings such as paid time off and health insurance for their employees. Their consistent safety practices and extensive coverage make Eagle Transport a dependable choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 3.07
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 38
- Revenue: $831,000
- Miles driven: 2,829,288
Emerald Blue
1300 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, 55411- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Emerald Blue (DOT: 1096915) has been serving the transportation industry since 1980, operating out of Minnesota. With a fleet size of between 1 and 10 trucks, they offer a range of services, including full truckload and partial truckload deliveries. Specializing in cargo such as general freight, they also handle other diverse transportation needs in their interstate operations.
Emerald Blue places a strong emphasis on employee benefits, offering health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with paid time off and a retirement plan. They prioritize safety with ongoing training and development programs. Despite a relatively small operation, the company maintains high standards, reflected in positive ratings from Google, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Emerald Blue is a reliable choice for business owners seeking comprehensive trucking services and a strong support network for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.58
- Driver fitness: 0.14
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 56
- Revenue: $95,256,000
- Miles driven: 369,964
J.D. Logistics
2219 Oakland Ave S #108, Minneapolis, MN, 55404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
J.D. Logistics (DOT: 2143125) is a versatile and customer-focused trucking company in Minnesota with a fleet size of 34 vehicles. They specialize in offering both full and partial truckload services as well as less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, catering to various types of cargo including dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
J.D. Logistics provides significant support for commercial shipments, such as direct deposit payments, regional and local drivers, and expedited drivers. Their employees benefit from safety bonuses, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan (401k). With competitive truckload rates and a dedication to maintaining high safety standards, they are an excellent choice for businesses looking to ship their products efficiently and reliably.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.6
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.32
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $757,000
- Miles driven: 1,361,342
Logistics Services, Inc.
900 Apollo Road, Eagan, MN, 55121- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
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Logistics Services, Inc. (DOT: 675241) is a reputable trucking company specializing in logistics and transportation. With a focus on interstate operations, the company boasts a fleet size of 48 trucks and 96 total power units. Known for handling general freight, Logistics Services, Inc. ensures that business owners’ shipping needs are met with efficiency.
The company offers full truckload and less than truckload services, making it versatile for various shipment sizes. They are equipped with dry van trailers and flatbeds, suitable for a range of cargo. Furthermore, Logistics Services, Inc. provides health insurance and paid time off for their staff, emphasizing workforce welfare. Their satisfactory safety rating and an average fleet age of just three years underscore their commitment to reliability and modernity in transportation solutions.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.62
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 52
- Revenue: $2,802,000
- Miles driven: 4,831,485
Premier Transportation, Inc.Orporated
999 American BLVD East, Minneapolis, MN, 55420- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,500,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Premier Transportation Incorporated (DOT: 529822) has been providing trucking services since 1988 in Minnesota. They have built a reputation for reliability with a commendable Google rating of 4.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4. Specializing in various types of cargo, Premier Transportation offers both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, and is equipped with reefer and dry van capabilities.
Premier Transportation also offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including regional drivers for consistent deliveries and tanker drivers for liquid transport. With a relatively young fleet of vehicles and robust safety protocols, they are well-suited for various freight needs. The company provides significant employee benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan and paid time off, ensuring a motivated and well-supported workforce for efficient and safe shipment services.
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: 36
- Revenue: $5,713,000
- Miles driven: 160,000
Daily Transportation
3464 Washington Drive #125, Eagan, MN, 55122- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Meat
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Daily Transportation (DOT: 1209875) is an established freight trucking company that provides a diverse range of shipping services. They specialize in full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and partial truckload shipments, catering to various industries. Their fleet is equipped with refrigerated (“reefer”) units, making them an excellent choice for transporting fresh produce and refrigerated foods. They are known for handling agricultural supplies, beverages, construction materials, grain, hay, logs, lumber, meat, paper products, and U.S. mail. The company’s services highlight their ability to manage general freight efficiently.
Daily Transportation supports commercial shipments with several key features that enhance reliability and efficiency. They offer team driving opportunities, ensuring timely deliveries and safety. Health, dental, life, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k), underscore their commitment to employee welfare. With a satisfactory safety rating and new driver training programs, the company maintains high safety and performance standards. Additionally, Daily Transportation provides guaranteed home time and ongoing training development programs for their drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Miles driven: 600,000
Minnesota Logistic, LLC
2219 Oakland Ave S Suite #215, Minneapolis, MN, 55404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Minnesota Logistic, LLC (DOT: 1323771) is an active carrier in the logistics industry, known for its reliable service and established presence. They boast a respectable Google rating of 4.5 and operate a fleet size ranging between 1 to 10 trucks, with a total of 88 power units and 90 drivers primarily catering to interstate operations. Their fleet is relatively young, averaging about 3 years old. The company specializes in full truckload (FTL) services and general freight transport, proficiently handling cargo such as beverages and paper products.
Minnesota Logistic, LLC offers invaluable support for commercial shipments, making them a strong contender for businesses looking for dependable logistics solutions. The company’s services are further enhanced by the provision of health insurance and paid time off for their employees, ensuring a motivated workforce. Despite a few reported crash incidents, their vehicle maintenance score stands at 8.42, indicating a commitment to fleet upkeep and safety. This dedication makes Minnesota Logistic, LLC a reliable partner for your shipping and transportation needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 2.08
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.39
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 90
- Revenue: $757,000
- Miles driven: 9,801,974
Lawrence Transportation Company
1515 Industrial Dr Nw, Rochester, MN, 55901- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Lawrence Transportation Company (DOT: 124408) is an established freight carrier in Minnesota, operating since 1957. They manage a fleet of 101 trucks and specialize in handling general freight and refrigerated foods, with dedicated reefer and dry van drivers. The company emphasizes full truckload (FTL) services, catering to both interstate operations and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
Lawrence Transportation provides a range of benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, and a 401k retirement plan, making them a reliable partner for commercial shipments. Their commitment to safety and ongoing training programs ensures top-quality service. With substantial support for truck drivers, including sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and guaranteed home time, Lawrence Transportation Company stands out as a dependable choice for businesses needing efficient and safe transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.4
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 99
- Revenue: $24,922,000
- Miles driven: 9,028,786
O.N. Time Delivery Service, Inc.
1050 W 94th Street, Bloomington, MN, 55420- Fleet size: 50+
- 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
O.N. Time Delivery Service, Inc. (DOT: 912165) is a versatile and active trucking company based in Minnesota, known for maintaining a satisfactory safety rating since its establishment. With an impressive fleet of over 66 vehicles, including box trucks, flatbeds, and dry vans, they skillfully handle general freight and specialized services tailored to meet varying client needs.
The company offers both full and partial truckload services and excels with refrigerated (reefer) transportation. In addition to general freight, they ensure expedited shipping and cross-docking efficiency. O.N. Time Delivery also provides inclusive commercial shipment support, such as direct deposit, health and dental insurance, paid time off, and ongoing training development programs to ensure their drivers’ satisfaction and performance.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.15
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $3,574,000
- Miles driven: 1,535,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota 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: Minnesota Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Minnesota?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Minnesota 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.
