After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Kane Logistics, LLC as the best Pennsylvania trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania. Every Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania for your commercial shipping needs.
Kane Logistics, LLC
3 Stauffer Industrial Park, Scranton, PA, 18501- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Kane Logistics, LLC (DOT: 38161) is a notable trucking company based in Pennsylvania with a fleet of 77 trucks and 385 trailers. They specialize in a broad array of cargo, including beverages, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, and paper products. Kane Logistics offers diverse services such as full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload shipping, supporting various business needs with their dry van and flatbed services.
Kane Logistics emphasizes service quality with features like team driving opportunities and guaranteed home time for drivers, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction. With an active interstate operation, Kane Logistics also covers health, vision, dental, and life insurance for their employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating, making them a reliable choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 1.61
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 115
- Revenue: $6,109,000
- Miles driven: 6,478,587
Penske Logistics
2675 Morgantown Road, Reading, PA, 19607- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $7,500,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Penske Logistics (DOT: 268015) is a renowned logistics provider with a substantial presence since 1969. Operating a massive fleet of 7,306 trucks, they specialize in full truckload, less than truckload, and refrigerated shipments, ensuring diverse transportation solutions. Their services cover carrying intermodal containers, refrigerated foods, and general freight, making them versatile in handling different types of cargo efficiently.
Penske Logistics offers robust support for commercial shipping, including dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and managed transportation services. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating, indicating a strong commitment to driver and cargo safety. In addition, Penske provides competitive benefits such as tuition reimbursement, direct deposit, and health insurance, positioning them as an attractive choice for both shippers and employees seeking reliability and professionalism in logistics operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 462
- Unsafe driving: 0.87
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 14
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8798
- Revenue: $117,379,000
- Miles driven: 476,000,000
Clark Transfer, Inc.
800 A Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17104- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Clark Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 31782) is a reputable trucking company established in 1949, noted for its satisfactory safety rating and focus in the general freight and flatbed sectors. With a fleet size of 220 and supporting 110 trucks, they efficiently manage interstate transport operations. Clark Transfer specializes in full truckload (FTL) services, leveraging their expertise in dry van and providing both reefer and flatbed driving options to cater to diverse shipping needs. They are committed to driver support with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement plans.
Clark Transfer emphasizes employee well-being through guaranteed home time and ongoing training programs. Their professional driving team, comprising over 131 drivers, ensures safe and timely deliveries, backed by reliable vehicle maintenance. Business owners seeking strategic partners for efficient logistics and transportation will find Clark Transfer a strong and reliable ally, capable of managing significant freight volumes with attention to service excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 2.44
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 131
- Revenue: $3,446,000
- Miles driven: 7,550,559
Denton Hibbert Trucking, Inc.
4460 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA, 19606- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Denton Hibbert Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 822533) is an active trucking company renowned for transporting a range of cargo, including farm supplies, construction materials, and paper products. With a fleet size of three trucks and a commitment to maintaining newer vehicles, they emphasize reliable and efficient full-truckload and less-than-truckload services, primarily using dry vans and flatbeds. Though the company doesn’t offer refrigerated or hazardous material transport, it provides a robust service portfolio, including general freight hauling across interstate routes.
Despite not offering certain amenities such as sign-on bonuses or team driving opportunities, Denton Hibbert Trucking prioritizes employee welfare with paid time off and health insurance. Their focus on specialized cargo such as metal sheets and building materials underlines their capability to handle diverse commercial shipping needs. The company’s safety record is solid, with no reported crash incidents, supporting their reputation for dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 5.55
- 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: $401,000
- Miles driven: 90,000
Bentco Transportation Group, LLC
56b Runway Road, Levittown, PA, 19057- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Bentco Transportation Group, LLC (DOT: 1469598) is an established carrier in Pennsylvania, known for their comprehensive services in freight trucking. They specialize in handling a wide range of cargo including fresh produce, beverages, dry bulk commodities, farm supplies, construction materials, and metal products. Bentco is equipped with a modern fleet that includes refrigerated (reefer) and flatbed trailers, ensuring the efficient transport of time-sensitive and large items. The company supports interstate operations and emphasizes on-time delivery with their full and partial truckload offerings.
Bentco Transportation Group offers special programs such as guaranteed home time and ongoing training for drivers, demonstrating a commitment to employee satisfaction and development. Their benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Despite a few operational challenges, Bentco maintains active authority and prioritizes safety and customer service, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking effective logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.21
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Miles driven: 16,000
A.B. Logistics, Inc.
501 Cambria Avenue Suite #208, Bensalem, PA, 19020- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
A.B. Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 2410313) is an active logistics carrier operating productively in Pennsylvania. With a fleet age of around 3 years and a moderate team of 8 trucks, A.B. Logistics handles a variety of cargo including general freight, fresh produce, building materials, chemicals, paper products, and metal sheets. The company is equipped for less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) services, specializing in refrigerated (reefer) transport and flatbed shipping, ensuring versatile freight options for business owners.
While A.B. Logistics places a strong emphasis on professional development with ongoing training programs, the company also provides substantial employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, in addition to retirement plan options. Notably, they operate in interstate regions, catering to clients’ comprehensive shipping needs with dedication and efficiency.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Miles driven: 690,848
A.A. Freight, Inc.
2131 Welsh Rd Ste 104, Philadelphia, PA, 19115- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
A.A. Freight, Inc. (DOT: 2534142) is a reputable freight trucking company known for its comprehensive shipping solutions based in Pennsylvania. The company prides itself on handling a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, meat, general freight, paper products, and U.S. Mail, with a special focus on refrigerated food transportation.
A.A. Freight excels in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, ensuring flexibility for businesses with varying shipment needs. They emphasize a commitment to safety and reliability, reflected in their active USDOT status and advanced fleet management. While supporting over-the-road drivers, A.A. Freight also offers employee benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan to attract and retain quality talent. Their dedication to service excellence makes them a top choice for commercial shipments in the region.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 6.32
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 9
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 100
- Miles driven: 10,000,000
Golden Key Express
5422 Oakview Dr, Allentown, PA, 18104- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
Golden Key Express (DOT: 2907620) operates in the transportation industry with a decent reputation in Pennsylvania. The company runs a fleet of 25 trucks and specializes in general freight, fresh produce, meat, and refrigerated foods. They offer full truckload, less-than-truckload, and partial truckload services, catering primarily to the needs of regional shippers. Despite not providing specialized cargo services like hazardous materials or construction equipment, their focus on refrigerated and temperature-sensitive cargo makes them a preferred choice for businesses dealing in perishable goods.
Golden Key Express maintains an active status with a sound safety record demonstrating zero crash fatalities. Their operations encompass interstate shipments, supported by 27 drivers, including dedicated reefer drivers, ensuring timely delivery across regions. Additional perks such as health insurance and dental coverage highlight their commitment to employee well-being, although benefits like sign-on bonuses and retirement plans are not currently available.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 3.7
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.73
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 27
- Miles driven: 1,701,025
Talon Logistics, Inc.
101 Kappa Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15238- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $3,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Talon Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 30237) is a reputable logistics company actively operating in Pennsylvania with the “Active” status. They specialize in diverse freight services such as full truckload and less-than-truckload transportation, utilizing a fleet of 192 trucks and 384 total power units. Talon Logistics efficiently manages a variety of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, and paper products, ensuring reliable delivery for business owners seeking trustworthy shipping solutions.
The company emphasizes safety with satisfactory ratings, despite a few reported crashes. They offer competitive salaries and benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401k retirement plan. With a fleet showcasing modern dry vans and flatbeds, Talon Logistics stands as an agile service provider for general freight, refrigerated foods, and more, committed to meeting dynamic business demands with proficient and safe logistics operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.5
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.08
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 342
- Revenue: $9,541,000
- Miles driven: 15,800,000
Eaborn Truck Service, Inc.
1300 Crafton BLVD, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Eaborn Truck Service, Inc. (DOT: 85172) is a reputable freight trucking carrier based in Pennsylvania, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. With a fleet size of 20 to 49, including 11 trucks, they specialize in full truckload (FTL) freight services. They are proficient in transporting a diverse range of cargo such as building materials, machinery large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their seasoned flatbed drivers facilitate the management of large, oversized loads, ensuring reliable delivery of goods.
Operating both locally and nationwide, Eaborn Truck Service, Inc. emphasizes interstate transport, which makes them a solid choice for businesses seeking dependable shipping options. The company maintains a focus on driver welfare, offering benefits like direct deposit and paid time off, although they do not extend extensive bonuses or ownership programs. Despite challenges, their operations remain robust, thanks to their experienced drivers and steadfast service quality.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.72
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.56
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $2,639,000
- Miles driven: 460,510
How Safety Ratings Work in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Pennsylvania 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
