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Shipping Services & Transport in Montana (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Suhr Transport as the best Montana trucking company for commerce shipments.

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.

Suhr Transport

1 Huffman Ct, Great Falls, MT, 59404
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory


Truck Types

  • Dry van

Suhr Transport (DOT: 30168) is an active freight trucking company in Montana, specializing in full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services. This small-scale carrier, with a fleet of 10 trucks and 20 total power units, commonly transports household goods. As an entity dedicated to interstate operations, Suhr Transport boasts a satisfactory safety rating, underscoring its commitment to secure logistics.

Supporting its modest fleet, the company ensures all trucks are less than four years old, reflecting its dedication to operating reliable and up-to-date equipment. While Suhr Transport does not offer specialized services like refrigerated transport or hazardous materials handling, it provides crucial benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance to its drivers. The company prioritizes employee well-being and safety, promoting stability and prudent logistics for partner businesses in need of efficient transportation solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.2
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 5
  • Revenue: $863,000
  • Miles driven: 195,386
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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 reputable trucking company founded in 1979, specializing in diverse cargo transport across state lines. They offer full and partial truckload services, leveraging their fleet to handle a wide range of freight types, including general freight, refrigerated foods, beverages, building materials, grain, feed, hay, dry bulk commodities, meat, and paper products.

Renowned for their reliable reefer services, K & K Trucking Montana ensures products stay fresh during transit. Though the company has experienced one crash injury, they maintain a fleet size of 89 trucks with moderate safety records, demonstrated by a 0.84 unsafe driving score. K & K Trucking Montana provides essential insurance coverage, including dental, vision, and life insurance, and offers paid time off, reflecting their commitment to employee welfare. While focusing on general freight, they do not engage in hazardous materials transport, ensuring focused and specialized service.

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
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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 reputable Montana-based carrier with a longstanding history since its establishment in 1941. The company maintains an impressive fleet of over 50 vehicles, focusing primarily on passenger transport. They offer comprehensive logistics solutions with both full and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, supported by a competent team of over 128 drivers.

Their logistics capabilities extend to dry van and flatbed transport, catering to diverse client needs. With a commitment to safety reflected in their satisfactory safety rating, Beach Transportation Company delivers dependable services. They also invest in employee welfare, providing health, dental, and life insurance, alongside retirement plan options. Their blend of robust operational capabilities and employee-focused benefits makes them an attractive partner for businesses seeking reliable transport solutions.

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
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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 commendable trucking company based in Montana, established in 2005. Specializing in full truckload (FTL) services, they adeptly transport machinery and large objects. Catering predominantly to regional and over-the-road (OTR) driving, Petersen, Inc. showcases a strong focus on efficiency and reliability. They operate using a fleet of 4 trucks, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating alongside a moderate Google rating of 4.5.

Petersen, Inc. also provides less-than-truckload (LTL) services, further highlighting their versatility in freight logistics. The company emphasizes driver well-being by offering comprehensive health benefits, including dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a retirement 401(k) plan. With a clear focus on professionalism and safety, the company is well-suited to handle commercial shipments with precision and care.

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
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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) is an experienced trucking company founded in 1980, based in Montana, and offering diverse shipping solutions. They are involved primarily in transporting building materials, machinery, general freight, and motor vehicles, using a fleet that includes flatbed and dry van trailers. Their operation spans across various states, highlighting their capacity for interstate transport. The company’s reputation is supported by a 4.5-star Google rating.

Taylors Transportation provides full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, catering to both large and small shipments. While they do not handle hazardous materials, their reefer trailers and driveaway/towaway options offer versatility for different shipping needs. Health and dental insurance, along with paid time off, enhance employee support, underlining their commitment to maintaining a professional and reliable workforce. Despite a record of a minor crash incident, their safety rating remains satisfactory.

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
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Turbo Transportation Group, LLC

5001 49th 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 an active freight carrier based in Montana, boasting a focus on general freight. Although established on a smaller scale with a fleet of 8 trucks, they excel at providing full truckload and less-than-truckload services, catering to varied shipping needs efficiently.

Specializing in dry van transportation for interstate operations, Turbo Transportation Group prioritizes safe and reliable service, with commendable maintenance and driving safety scores. Despite their modest size, they offer essential employee benefits like health, dental insurance, and paid time off, underscoring their commitment to staff welfare. With a strong online reputation and a customer-centric approach, Turbo Transportation Group stands out as a dependable choice for businesses seeking a focused and experienced freight carrier.

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
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Great Western Petroleum

1002 East Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59802
  • Fleet size: 20 to 49
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Liquids & gases

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker

Great Western Petroleum (DOT: 203450) is a renowned petroleum transportation company founded in 1958 in Montana. They specialize in transporting liquids and gases, utilizing a capable fleet that includes tanker and flatbed trailers. Their operation is keenly focused on delivering full truckload services across interstate routes, ensuring reliable and efficient transport for their clients.

In addition to offering competitive general driver salaries ranging from $55,000 to $70,000, Great Western Petroleum provides sign-on bonuses and full benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Safety is paramount for their operations, with the company maintaining a satisfactory safety rating and prioritizing fitness and vehicle maintenance. They manage a small fleet size of 8 power units and 6 drivers, emphasizing dedicated service quality for commercial shipments.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.66
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 6
  • Revenue: $228,176,000
  • Miles driven: 275,000
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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) is a Montana-based freight trucking company. They specialize in providing full and partial truckload services, efficiently handling cargo such as liquids and gases across interstate routes. With a fleet comprising five trucks, they focus on reliability and efficiency in transportation.

Beaver Transport emphasizes driver well-being, offering benefits like health, vision, dental, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan. Despite the modest fleet size, they ensure thorough service coverage, particularly excelling in dry van and flatbed transport. Their commitment to safety and quality service reflects in their business operations, attracting commercial clients looking for dependable shipping 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: $367,000
  • Miles driven: 150,000
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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 an active freight carrier and shipper based in Montana, specializing in auto transport. With a fleet of 5 trucks and a focus on full truckload services, they primarily handle motor vehicles. This company operates across interstate routes, ensuring comprehensive service coverage for their clientele.

Despite a conditional safety rating, BIG Sky Auto Transport maintains a robust insurance portfolio, indicating a commitment to protection and reliability. Offering health insurance and paid time off to their employees highlights their dedication to workforce welfare. With a total of 5 drivers and 5 power units, they have logged a substantial mileage of 500,000 miles, illustrating their operational capabilities in the transport sector.

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
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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) specializes in livestock transportation, efficiently moving grain, feed, hay, and livestock across interstate lines. With a fleet size of 1 to 10 vehicles, the company is focused on providing tailored services for agricultural cargo, ensuring a reliable and specialized transportation experience.

D & J Livestock Trucking is noted for its satisfactory safety rating, offering support for specialized reefer drivers. While the company does not provide many additional driver benefits or services, their emphasis on the safe and effective transport of livestock and related goods stands out. Despite their modest size, they have maintained a good safety record, with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, showcasing their commitment to safety and reliability in the trucking industry.

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
Compare Rates

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

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.

Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments


Mike Marshall