After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Montana Transfer 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 Montana Transfer or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Montana
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 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.
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 serving the transportation industry since 1982. With a fleet size ranging from 20 to 49 vehicles, the company specializes in general freight and household goods. Their services include full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload (LTL) shipments, as well as dry van and flatbed options. Montana Transfer maintains a strong online presence with a 4.5-star rating on Google.
Montana Transfer also offers key commercial support such as regional and local drivers who ensure timely deliveries. They provide health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for their drivers, as well as ongoing training and development programs. The company stands out for its competitive pay range of $60,000-$80,000 for drivers, underscoring their commitment to employee satisfaction and retention.
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
Taylors Transportation, LLC
409 14th 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) has been providing reliable transportation services since 1980. Located in Montana, this company operates a fleet of 25 trucks and offers an array of services including full truckload, less-than-truckload, dry van, reefer, and flatbed. Their fleet primarily carries building materials, machinery, motor vehicles, and general freight. Taylors Transportation prides itself on a good safety track record and ensures that their vehicles are maintained to a high standard, reflected in their “Satisfactory” safety rating.
For business owners, Taylors Transportation, LLC provides specialized commercial shipment support with options for regional, interstate, and over-the-road drivers. They also care about employee well-being, offering benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, as well as paid time off. With a strong reputation, reflected by a Google rating of 4.5, Taylors Transportation remains a trusted partner for businesses looking to ship their products safely and efficiently.
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
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-regarded transportation company established in 1941, based in Montana. It primarily operates as a carrier for passengers, with a fleet consisting of 92 buses and a total fleet size of 184. Beach Transportation also offers flatbed and dry van services, making it versatile in handling different types of cargo. The company prioritizes safety, boasting a “Satisfactory” safety rating and low incident rates in unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance.
Beach Transportation provides various support services for its employees, including health, dental, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k). They maintain full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) operations, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for commercial shipments. With a fleet age averaging three years and extensive regional and over-the-road (OTR) driver availability, Beach Transportation is well-equipped to meet diverse shipping needs, making it a reliable choice for business owners.
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
K & K Trucking Montana, LLC
5100 49th 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 Montana-based trucking company established in 1979, known for its reliable service and strong reputation in the industry. The company offers an array of specialized shipping options including refrigerated food transport (reefer), full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), and general freight services. K & K Trucking ensures the safe and timely delivery of various types of cargo such as beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, grain feed hay, meat, and paper products.
K & K Trucking Montana provides significant support for commercial shipments, boasting interstate operations and employing 26 dedicated drivers. Their services are backed by a comprehensive health insurance plan, paid time off, dental and vision coverage, and direct deposit for employees. With an average fleet age of 5 years and a small but efficient fleet size, K & K Trucking stands out for its personalized customer experience and commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.
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
Beaver Transport, Inc.
20 Bend View Ln, Great Falls, MT, 59404- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Beaver Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1018965) offers professional freight services with a primary focus on liquid and gas transport. Operating with a modest fleet of five total trucks and ten trailers, this company excels in providing both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. As a carrier with an active USDOT status, Beaver Transport caters specifically to the interstate transport needs of various industries, ensuring goods are shipped efficiently across state borders.
Despite its smaller scale, the company maintains high standards of service with offerings like local and regional drivers, direct deposit, paid time off, and comprehensive health and dental insurance. For businesses requiring specialized cargo transport, Beaver Transport is well-equipped to handle liquids and gases. It has built a reputation for reliability and excellence, exemplified by positive customer reviews and ratings on major platforms.
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: 3
- Revenue: $367,000
- Miles driven: 150,000
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 freight trucking company based in Montana, noteworthy for its commitment to safe and efficient shipping services. Founded over a decade ago, the company holds a 4.5 rating on Google, reflecting a strong customer satisfaction level. Blue Sky specializes in the transportation of various types of cargo, including fresh produce, grain feed hay, meat, beverages, general freight, and U.S. mail, using a fleet of 5 trucks and 10 trailers equipped for full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
In addition to its core services, Blue Sky Transportation provides robust support for commercial shipments, ensuring timely and secure deliveries with an active interstate operation authority. They prioritize driver well-being, offering health, dental, and retirement benefits to their workforce. Though they do not offer specialized services like hazmat or oversized cargo hauling, their emphasis on regular freight and high standard vehicle maintenance make them an excellent choice for businesses needing reliable shipping solutions.
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
BIG Sky Auto Transport, Inc.
4825 53rd 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) is a prominent transportation company in Montana, specializing in the shipment of motor vehicles. While their fleet size is relatively modest with 5 trucks and 5 trailers, they excel in offering full truckload services. Established with a firm foundation in safety, their “Conditional” safety rating and reported crash data reflect a strong emphasis on safety and maintenance.
BIG Sky Auto Transport, Inc. provides specific support that includes comprehensive health insurance and paid time off for its employees. Especially relevant to business owners, the company carries $1 million in insurance, ensuring cargo protection. Although they do not offer additional services like refrigerated transport or hazardous materials shipping, their focused expertise in vehicle transport makes them a reliable partner for businesses needing specialized freight transportation.
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
Mcmahon Trucking, Inc.
1480 Douglas Dr, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Mcmahon Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 1105636) is a small but trusted trucking company that carries a high Google rating of 4.5. Their specialized services include full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments, ensuring flexible options for business owners. They are equipped to handle a range of cargo, notably liquids and gases, and have a fleet of 3 trucks with 6 trailers to support their operations. Located in Montana, Mcmahon Trucking operates interstate and boasts a commendable safety record with zero crash injuries or fatalities.
Mcmahon Trucking provides essential benefits to support the wellbeing of their drivers, including health, dental, life, and vision insurance as well as paid time off. They promote work-life balance with opportunities for local and over-the-road driving. Whether transporting sensitive liquids or providing dry van services, the company is geared towards reliable and safe commercial shipment. Their excellent reputation makes them an ideal choice for business owners seeking dependable trucking 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: 3
- Revenue: $319,000
- Miles driven: 40,323
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 founded in 1985, based in Montana. Specializing in both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, they have a compact yet effective fleet of eight vehicles, including four buses. They carry out their operations with a focus on dry van cargo, transporting passengers, and catering to local drivers, ensuring efficient and versatile service offerings.
Despite the small fleet size, OFF The Beaten Path, LLC boasts a satisfactory safety rating and emphasizes health and welfare benefits for its employees, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Additionally, the company offers paid time off and a 401k retirement plan, which highlights their commitment to employee well-being. This robust combination of services and employee support is sure to appeal to business owners seeking reliable and comprehensive trucking solutions for their transport needs.
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
Tece Trucking, Inc.
9120 Stainless Drive, Missoula, MT, 59808- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Tece Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 733934) is a versatile freight trucking company based in Montana, catered to business owners in need of efficient transport services. They specialize in general freight, chemicals, and liquids/gases, backed by a satisfactory safety rating and a modern fleet with an average age of three years.
Tece Trucking offers full truckload and less-than-truckload options, along with health, dental, and vision insurance for its employees. The company ensures quality service with its diligent maintenance practices and experienced drivers. With a small but dedicated workforce, Tece Trucking stands out for its reliability and commitment to safe deliveries.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.66
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $2,231,000
- Miles driven: 987,756
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.