After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked K & K Trucking Montana, LLC as the best Montana trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider K & K Trucking Montana, LLC or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Montana
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 Montana. Every Montana 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 Montana for your commercial shipping needs.
K & K Trucking Montana, LLC
5100 49 Th St Sw, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
K & K Trucking Montana, LLC (DOT: 3762743) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1979 in Montana. With a fleet of 89 trucks and 26 drivers, they specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. Their fleet includes trucks equipped for reefer (refrigerated transport), flatbed, dry van, and partial truckload services, making them versatile for various shipping needs.
K & K Trucking Montana provides significant commercial shipment support, offering full truckload and less-than-truckload services to ensure flexibility for different shipment sizes. In addition to their transportation services, they offer various employee benefits such as dental and life insurance, direct deposit for salaries, and paid time off, ensuring their workforce remains motivated and committed to delivering high-quality service. Their safety record includes one reported injury but no fatalities, highlighting their focus on maintaining a safe operation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.84
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $1,468,000
- Miles driven: 2,511,000
Taylors Transportation, LLC
409 14 Th St Sw, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Taylors Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1456112) is an experienced trucking company established in 1980, operating from Montana. They maintain an active fleet of 25 trucks offering a range of notable services, including driveaway/towaway, flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated transport. Taylors Transportation specializes in handling various cargo types such as building materials, general freight, machinery, large objects, and motor vehicles, ensuring broad support for diverse shipping needs.
With a focus on both regional and over-the-road (OTR) trucking services, Taylors Transportation provides comprehensive commercial shipment solutions. They support their drivers with amenities such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off. Despite a small fleet, the company maintains solid safety scores and satisfactory safety ratings, making them a reliable choice for businesses looking to transport their products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.29
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.61
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $1,341,000
- Miles driven: 2,974,400
Montana Transfer
209 Commerce St, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Montana Transfer (DOT: 514197) has been a reliable freight trucking company operating since 1982. Based in Montana, they have a fleet consisting primarily of nine trucks and various trailers, including flatbeds and dry vans. They specialize in transporting general freight and household goods with a focus on less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) services. Their services are tailored to meet the needs of businesses requiring efficient shipping solutions for diverse cargo types.
Known for their comprehensive commercial shipment support, Montana Transfer offers beneficial features such as team driver services and a new driver program. They ensure competitive advantage with a satisfactory safety rating and active USDOT status. Additionally, they provide health and dental insurance, vision coverage, paid time off, and a 401k retirement plan, emphasizing their commitment to employee well-being. With an average fleet age of just 3 years, Montana Transfer remains a top choice for businesses needing dependable logistics support.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 13.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $1,604,000
- Miles driven: 80,000
Blue Sky Transportation
8560 Pheasant Dr, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Blue Sky Transportation (DOT: 1432706) is a reputable trucking company in Montana, known for its active interstate operations and a fleet of modern trucks. Founded less than two decades ago, they hold an average fleet age of three years. They transport a variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, fresh produce, general freight, grain, hay, meat, refrigerated food, and U.S. mail. With a total of five trucks and dedicated drivers, Blue Sky Transportation ensures reliable and efficient service.
Blue Sky Transportation stands out by offering flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated transport services. They provide essential benefits such as dental and health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement 401k plan, demonstrating a commitment to their employees’ well-being. Known for their moderate safety scores, they are a solid choice for enterprises seeking dependable commercial shipment support with an emphasis on fresh produce and perishable goods. Their high ratings on platforms like Indeed and Yelp further underscore their reliability and customer satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.94
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Miles driven: 411,798
Turbo Transportation Group, LLC
5001 49 Th St Sw, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
Turbo Transportation Group, LLC (DOT: 1482475) is a burgeoning trucking company based in Montana, catering to various transportation needs since its establishment. With a fleet of 8 trucks and 8 drivers, they specialize in shipping general freight and property using dry van trailers. Despite being a smaller company, they maintain an active USDOT status and offer robust services for full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
Turbo Transportation Group exhibits a keen focus on safety and driver welfare, boasting zero crash fatalities, injuries, or tow-away incidents. They offer employee benefits such as dental insurance, health insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off, which underscore their commitment to attracting and retaining quality drivers. Business owners can expect dependable and professional service, making Turbo Transportation Group a reliable choice for their shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.65
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $551,000
- Miles driven: 822,992
OFF The Beaten Path, LLC
7 East Beall Street, Bozeman, MT, 59715- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,500,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
OFF The Beaten Path, LLC (DOT: 1047009) is an established trucking company that has been operational since 1985 in Montana. This company possesses a modest fleet of 8 vehicles and prioritizes intrastate transport. They are equipped to handle specific types of cargo, including passengers, with a focus on safety and consistent vehicle maintenance.
OFF The Beaten Path, LLC offers various employee benefits such as health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, highlighting their commitment to employee well-being. They specialize in handling flatbed and dry van shipments, and provide full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services which cater to diverse shipping needs. Despite their compact fleet size, they maintain an active and favorable profile with satisfactory safety ratings, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking specialized yet dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Revenue: $1,747,000
- Miles driven: 10,000
BIG Sky Auto Transport, Inc.
4825 53 Rd Ave Sw, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Auto carrier
BIG Sky Auto Transport, Inc. (DOT: 598761) specializes in the transportation of motor vehicles and property across interstate routes. Despite being a smaller company with a total of 5 trucks and 5 drivers, they demonstrate a dedicated focus on auto transport, providing full truckload services with conditional safety ratings.
Primarily catering to the transportation industry, BIG Sky Auto Transport offers crucial services including health insurance and paid time off for its drivers. The company’s annual mileage stands at 500,000, highlighting its capacity to handle extensive shipments. With a reported sales volume of $2,136,000, BIG Sky Auto Transport remains a reliable choice for businesses looking to ship motor vehicles efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 5.84
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.73
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $2,136,000
- Miles driven: 500,000
Petersen, Inc.
1700 Hudson Street, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Petersen, Inc. (DOT: 212003) is a reputable trucking company established in 2005 in Montana. With a satisfactory safety rating and a strong focus on health and vision insurance for employees, Petersen, Inc. offers reliable trucking services. The company specializes in carrying machinery and large objects, utilizing dry vans and refrigerated trucks (reefers) for efficient transport.
Petersen, Inc. provides full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping options, catering to various commercial shipment needs. Despite having a relatively small fleet of 8 trucks and 3 drivers, they ensure safety and quality service backed by a $1 million insurance policy. The company also supports its employees with benefits such as life insurance, disability insurance, and paid time off, making it a dependable choice for businesses seeking trustworthy shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.8
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3
- Revenue: $1,116,000
- Miles driven: 20,000
D & J Livestock Trucking, Inc.
729 Vaughn Frontage Rd, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
Truck Types
- Reefer
D & J Livestock Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 53541) is a Montana-based trucking company with a primary focus on Livestock Transportation. With a modest fleet size of 8 vehicles and 5 drivers, they ensure dedicated attention to detail and cargo care. Established over two decades ago, D & J Livestock Trucking, Inc. is reputable, boasting a satisfactory safety rating and a solid operational history with zero crash fatalities or injuries.
D & J Livestock Trucking specializes in transporting livestock and grain feed hay, demonstrating their capacity to handle delicate and essential agricultural products. They offer reefer services, making them well-equipped for transporting perishable goods. While they lack additional support services such as driver referral bonuses or insurance programs, their focus on essential commercial shipments ensures reliable and specialized service for agricultural product transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 13.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $494,000
- Miles driven: 542,120
Beach Transportation Company
825 Mount Ave, Missoula, MT, 59801- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Beach Transportation Company (DOT: 190194) is a well-established trucking company that began its operations in 1941. With a fleet of 92 power units, they primarily handle the transportation of passengers. Notable for their dedication to safety, Beach Transportation has reported minimal crash incidents and maintains an active USDOT status. Their services include flatbed and dry van trucking, catering to a wide range of cargo needs.
Beach Transportation offers substantial support for commercial shipments, including full truckload and less-than-truckload services. The company also provides essential employee benefits, such as health, dental, and life insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan. Noteworthy for their staff policies, Beach Transportation excels in providing paid time off for their employees. Business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive truck services will find Beach Transportation an excellent choice.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- 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: 128
- Revenue: $5,873,000
- Miles driven: 150,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Montana
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 Montana Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Montana, 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 Montana 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: Montana Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Montana?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Montana. 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 Montana?
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 Montana?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Montana 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.