After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Caruso Logistics as the best Ohio trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport 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.
Caruso Logistics
3465 Hauck Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Caruso Logistics (DOT: 743376) is a distinguished logistics company in Ohio, established as far back as 1904. Operating a fleet size of 117 trucks and specializing in carrying fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and general freight, they offer a comprehensive suite of trucking services, including less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL). Their commitment to modern services is reflected in their fleet’s average age of only three years, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
Caruso Logistics provides exceptional support for commercial shipments with options for dedicated routes and regional driving services, and they employ a team of 182 drivers, including those specializing in reefer and flatbed transportation. Offering significant employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan, they prioritize the welfare of their team. Their reputation for satisfactory safety standards reinforces their dedication to ensuring cargo arrives securely and on time.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 0.39
- Driver fitness: 0.16
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 182
- Revenue: $123,671,000
- Miles driven: 9,328,306
TRX Midwest, Inc.
8777 Rockside Road, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
TRX Midwest, Inc. (DOT: 2256091) is a reputable trucking company based in Ohio, providing reliable interstate transportation services. With a fleet age averaging three years, they specialize in full truckload, less than truckload (LTL), and dry van services, handling a variety of cargo such as beverages, fresh produce, and intermodal containers. Their straightforward service offerings are supported by a consistent Google rating of 4.5, reflecting high customer satisfaction.
TRX Midwest is recognized for maintaining moderate safety standards with no reported crash fatalities and a low unsafe driving score of 0.39. While they have a total fleet size of 162, they employ 81 drivers, emphasizing dedicated routes for added reliability. The company is known for its comprehensive employee benefits package, including health, dental, vision insurance, and a retirement plan. These factors combine to offer dependable commercial shipping solutions for business owners seeking efficiency and safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.39
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.53
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 81
- Revenue: $1,479,000
- Miles driven: 1,916,214
Woodruff Enterprises, Inc.
4951 Gateway BLVD, Springfield, OH, 45502- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Woodruff Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 630649) is a dynamic trucking company based in Ohio. With a fleet of over 80 vehicles, they excel in services such as full truckload, less-than-truckload, and partial truckload shipping. They are renowned for their efficient handling of various cargo types, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, paper products, general freight, refrigerated foods, and garbage/refuse. The company’s standing is backed by a Google rating of 4.5 and an Indeed rating of 4.0, reflecting strong client and employee satisfaction.
Woodruff Enterprises emphasizes interstate operations, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. They offer regional drivers and reefer services, with a commitment to health and safety through comprehensive insurance coverage, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. The enterprise is dedicated to employee welfare, featuring benefits like paid time off and retirement plans. Their focus on refrigerated food and general freight highlights their expertise in commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.22
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $21,861,000
- Miles driven: 4,059,222
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) operates as a trusted carrier in Ohio, handling a diverse range of cargo since its establishment. With a fleet of 15 trucks, they specialize in refrigerated trucking and provide services for full and partial truckloads. Kings Transfer caters to varied logistics needs, efficiently transporting goods such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and refrigerated foods, among others.
Kings Transfer is committed to safety and service excellence, with a satisfactory safety rating and no recorded crash injuries or fatalities. They support commercial shipment with dedicated reefer and flatbed driving services, ensuring reliable cargo handling for industries including construction and machinery transport. With paid time off and comprehensive health benefits, Kings Transfer prioritizes employee welfare, contributing to their reputation as a dependable partner for logistics 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: 9
- Miles driven: 235,926
Global Transport, Inc.
4304 Brooklyn Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44109- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Global Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1232868) is an Ohio-based freight carrier renowned for its commitment to precision and reliability in the transportation industry. It is an active carrier operation specializing in full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, with a fleet size of six trucks and a comprehensive array of cargo capabilities. Notable cargo includes beverages, construction materials, machinery, fresh produce, and paper products. The company also provides refrigerated transport to ensure the swift delivery of perishable goods.
Global Transport Inc. supports commercial shipments with last mile delivery options and maintains a highly favorable safety record with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities. They prioritize driver well-being with health insurance benefits, retirement plans, guaranteed home time, and paid time off. Though they don’t offer specific programs like sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursement, the company values safe driving, vehicle maintenance, and offers competitive driver salaries within the $50,000-$60,000 range.
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
- Miles driven: 132,000
TRX Southeast, Inc.
8777 Rockside Road, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
TRX Southeast, Inc. (DOT: 2256081) is an active trucking company with Interstate operations based in Ohio. The company operates a substantial fleet of 177 trucks and offers services that include full truckload, less than truckload, and dry van transport. They are equipped to handle a diverse array of cargo, including refrigerated foods, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, and dry bulk commodities, which caters to varying shipping needs.
TRX Southeast, Inc. stands out by providing satisfactory safety ratings and a wide range of employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Their commitment to quality service, along with the experience of their over-the-road and regional drivers, makes them a competitive choice for businesses looking to ensure their products are transported safely and efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 2.01
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 177
- Revenue: $1,479,000
- Miles driven: 8,914,140
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 an established carrier headquartered in Ohio, specializing in interstate freight transport. Their primary services include full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and refrigerated reefer transportation, with a focus on moving commodities such as beverages, building materials, meat, and paper products.
The company operates a modern fleet of dry vans and reefer trucks, supported by 42 drivers to ensure efficient and reliable delivery. While they emphasize safety, their reputable service is reflected in positive customer feedback, as evidenced by their high ratings. Health insurance and paid time off are offered to employees, supporting the workforce behind their top-notch service. Their satisfactory safety rating and commitment to customer service make L V Trucking a solid choice for business owners looking for dependable freight 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
Stark Trucking, Inc.
109 Miles Avenue Sw, Canton, OH, 44710- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Lumber
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Stark Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 751913) has been a staple in the Ohio trucking industry since 1963. The company is renowned for its fleet of over 100 trucks, specializing in flatbed and dry van services. Stark Trucking handles various cargo types, including building materials, logs, poles, beams, and lumber, supporting the construction industry significantly.
Stark Trucking offers a range of commercial shipment services, including full and partial truckloads. Their commitment to employee welfare is evident through comprehensive benefits, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement 401k plan. Safety and ongoing training programs ensure a dedicated and professional team of local and over-the-road drivers. Despite a conditional safety rating, Stark Trucking maintains a high reputation, reflected in strong customer reviews across various platforms.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.54
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $27,745,000
- Miles driven: 2,273,768
Mayberrys Van & Storage, Inc.
1850 Cardington Rd, Dayton, OH, 45409- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
Mayberrys Van & Storage, Inc. (DOT: 81407) is an established carrier operating since 1945 in Ohio, specializing in interstate transport primarily focused on general freight and household goods. With a fleet of 12 dry vans and box trucks, they excel in full and less-than-truckload services. Their operations are geared towards delivering flexible solutions with a focus on reliability and efficiency.
Mayberrys Van & Storage, Inc. prioritizes safety, maintaining a clean record with zero crash injuries or fatalities. They support local drivers and offer comprehensive health insurance and paid time off, ensuring job satisfaction and reliability. With a Google rating of 4.5, they enjoy customer approval, underscoring their commitment to quality. This company is ideal for businesses seeking experienced carriers for their general freight and household shipping needs.
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: 7
- Revenue: $4,284,000
- Miles driven: 40,000
Containerport Group
1340 Depot Street, Cleveland, OH, 44116- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Containerport Group (DOT: 232734) is a prominent trucking company established in 1972, based in Ohio. Specializing in intermodal transportation, the company offers reliable services with a focus on flatbed and dry van freight. They efficiently handle intermodal containers, ensuring safe and timely delivery of goods across long distances.
Containerport Group supports various commercial shipment needs, including full and partial truckload services. Known for their satisfactory safety rating, they provide cost-effective drayage solutions. Local drivers are employed to handle demands efficiently, while their active fleet of over 1,300 trucks and 85,000 trailers ensures capability and adaptability in a dynamic market. Although commercial driving opportunities such as team driving and flatbed support are available, the company does not offer specialized programs for new drivers or owner-operators.
Safety
- Crashes: 54
- Unsafe driving: 0.93
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 16
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1331
- Revenue: $10,563,000
- Miles driven: 60,000,000
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
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.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
