After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Kings Transfer, Inc. as the best Ohio trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider Kings Transfer, Inc. or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Ohio
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 Ohio. Every Ohio 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 Ohio for your commercial shipping needs.
Kings Transfer, Inc.
417 San Jose Street, Dayton, OH, 45403- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Kings Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 626512) has been a leading freight trucking company in Ohio for over 10,000 days. With a fleet of 15 trucks and a diverse range of services including Full Truckload (FTL), Less Than Truckload (LTL), Dry Van, Refrigerated (Reefer), and Flatbed services, they are equipped to handle various types of cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, machinery, meat, and paper products.
Kings Transfer, Inc. provides special support for commercial shipments, noted for their interstate operations and a satisfactory safety rating. The company also offers health benefits like medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and direct deposit for their employees. Customers can expect reliable and specialized driver services to meet various commercial shipping needs, ensuring efficient and secure freight management.
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: 9
- Miles driven: 235,926
L V Trucking, Inc.
2440 Harrison Road, Columbus, OH, 43204- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
L V Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 330250) is a reputable trucking company operating in Ohio. Established with a fleet size of 86 and 50+ trucks, the company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, general freight, meat, and paper products. L V Trucking offers crucial services such as full truckload, less than truckload, refrigerated transport, and dry van services, ensuring that a variety of business needs can be met efficiently.
L V Trucking also provides key support for commercial shipments, including direct deposit, paid time off, health insurance, and reefer drivers. Their workforce of 42 drivers operates primarily in interstate commerce, offering broad reach and flexibility. With a satisfactory safety rating and a focus on general freight, the company stands out as a dependable and versatile partner for businesses needing reliable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.35
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 42
- Revenue: $5,694,000
- Miles driven: 2,734,731
J Rayl Transport, Inc.
1016 Triplett BLVD, Akron, OH, 44306- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
J Rayl Transport, Inc. (DOT: 358614) is a reputable trucking company established in 1987 in Ohio. They operate an extensive fleet of 380 trucks and 760 trailers, specializing in general freight. With a focus on full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, their offerings are tailored to efficiently handle large volumes of goods. J Rayl Transport boasts a commendable Google rating of 4.5, a testament to their reliable service and customer satisfaction.
For business owners seeking support for commercial shipments, J Rayl Transport provides a range of special services. They offer dry van and flatbed transportation options, catering to various cargo needs. Additionally, the company ensures a satisfactory safety rating and offers essential employee benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, and a retirement plan. They also prioritize driver comfort by guaranteeing home time, thus fostering a dependable and committed workforce.
Safety
- Crashes: 23
- Unsafe driving: 0.88
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 380
- Revenue: $9,885,000
- Miles driven: 25,300,000
Martin Logistics, Inc.Orporated
4526 Louisville Street, Canton, OH, 44705- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Martin Logistics Incorporated (DOT: 1325653) is a reputable logistics and transportation company based in Ohio. With an impressive Google rating of 4.5 and a focus on interstate operations, this active carrier company manages a fleet of 10 vehicles, including dry vans and flatbeds. They offer a wide range of services including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and parcel delivery, demonstrating their versatility in handling diverse freight needs.
The company’s cargo capabilities include agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction items, intermodal containers, and machinery. Known for their commitment to employee well-being, Martin Logistics provides several employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Safety is a priority, reflected in their ‘0.0’ ratings for driver fitness and vehicle maintenance, emphasizing their strong adherence to industry standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.85
- 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: 5
- Revenue: $943,000
- Miles driven: 154,928
Horizon Midwest, Inc.
8777 Rockside Road, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
Horizon Midwest, Inc. (DOT: 2317693) is a notable trucking company based in Ohio, operating since 2011. With a diverse range of services including full truckload, partial truckload, dry bulk commodities, and refrigerated food transport, they cater to varied transportation needs. The company’s fleet consists of 784 units, including 392 trucks, and they are equipped to handle a broad spectrum of cargo such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, and intermodal containers.
Horizon Midwest offers special support for commercial shipments, including guaranteed home time for drivers and ongoing training and development programs, ensuring high-quality service and reliability. The company also provides health, dental, vision, life insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k), and paid time off for their employees. With a strong emphasis on safety and driver well-being, Horizon Midwest maintains active USDOT status and ensures top-notch service for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 24
- Unsafe driving: 1.66
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 376
- Revenue: $1,107,000
- Miles driven: 18,000,000
Midwest Environmental Transport, Inc.
10163 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Tanker
- Hazardous materials
Midwest Environmental Transport, Inc. (DOT: 333081) is a prominent trucking company active in Ohio, specializing in interstate transport since its establishment. Their varied fleet and capabilities allow for the transportation of chemicals, dry bulk commodities, garbage, and intermodal containers. With a commendable Google rating of 4.5, the company boasts a fleet size of 1 to 10 drivers with 24 trucks and 55 trailers, all managed under safe and reliable conditions.
Midwest Environmental Transport offers full truckload and tanker services, catering to diverse commercial shipping needs. They are noted for handling hazardous materials with specialized support for such cargo through their hazmat-certified drivers. The company prioritizes employee welfare with benefits like health insurance and paid time off, showcasing their commitment to quality service and workforce well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.2
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $1,641,000
- Miles driven: 188,108
Ohio Expedited, LLC
985 Cypress Ridge Pl, Columbus, OH, 43228- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Ohio Expedited, LLC (DOT: 3044188) is a dynamic trucking company established in 2017, focused on providing exceptional freight services across interstate operations. The company prides itself on offering Full Truckload (FTL), Partial Truckload (LTL), and refrigerated (reefer) services. With specialized expertise in handling Beverages, Chemicals, Commodities Dry Bulk, Fresh Produce, General Freight, Meat, Metal (sheets, coils, rolls), Paper Products, and Refrigerated Food, Ohio Expedited, LLC serves a diverse range of cargo needs.
In addition to their extensive freight services, Ohio Expedited, LLC supports commercial shipments with amenities such as guaranteed home time for drivers, health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as direct deposit and paid time off. They also feature a sign-on bonus to attract skilled drivers. The company operates a fleet of 22 units with a relatively new average fleet age of 3 years, ensuring reliability and efficiency for business owners seeking dependable trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.77
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.46
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $580,000
- Miles driven: 1,601,997
Empire Logistics, LLC
3191 River Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45204- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $300,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Empire Logistics, LLC (DOT: 3356288) is a reputable logistics company based in Ohio, boasting a solid Google rating of 4.5. They provide comprehensive freight solutions, specializing in general freight and liquids/gases. Additionally, they offer services for transporting beverages, paper products, household products, and other miscellaneous cargo. Their fleet includes 46 trucks and 92 trailers, ensuring they can manage a variety of shipping needs efficiently.
Empire Logistics supports commercial shipments with services like less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) options. They also offer team driving opportunities, ensuring timely deliveries. Notably, they provide their drivers with a range of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. This company is committed to reliable, high-quality service, as evidenced by their comprehensive array of offerings and dedicated focus on customer satisfaction.
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: 80
- Miles driven: 14,400
RAY Hamilton Company
11700 Chesterdale Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45246- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
RAY Hamilton Company (DOT: 456876) is a reputed trucking company based in Ohio with an “Active” USDOT status. They primarily offer services in general freight and full truckload (FTL) shipments. Their fleet comprises 25 total trucks and 50 trailers, ensuring robust capacity for varied shipping needs. Their strong Google rating of 4.5 indicates high customer satisfaction.
RAY Hamilton Company supports commercial shipments with key services like partial truckload, full truckload, dry van, and flatbed transportation. With dedicated regional and local driver teams, they provide reliable coverage for interstate operations. They prioritize employee welfare by offering benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Business owners seeking efficient, trustworthy, and well-supported logistics solutions can rely on RAY Hamilton’s professional capabilities.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.13
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.46
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $370,000
- Miles driven: 800,000
Beamer-Wilcox Trucking Co, LLC
8241 Camargo Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45243- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Beamer-Wilcox Trucking Co, LLC (DOT: 1433005) is a reputable trucking company established in 2005, operating a fleet of 24 trucks and 48 trailers based in Ohio. Specializing in general freight, they are equipped to handle building materials, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, catering primarily to commercial shipments. Beamer-Wilcox offers reliable full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, making them a versatile choice for various freight needs.
The company emphasizes safety with zero records of hazardous materials violations and employs experienced interstate and regional drivers. Supporting commercial clients, they provide health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan. Despite their sometimes modest footprint, Beamer-Wilcox stands out for their commitment to service quality and punctual delivery while maintaining a strong safety record and operational efficiency.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $3,645,000
- Miles driven: 625,794
How Safety Ratings Work in Ohio
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 Ohio Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Ohio, 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 Ohio 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: Ohio Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Ohio?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Ohio. 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Ohio 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.
