After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Parman Transportation, LLC as the best Tennessee trucking company for commerce shipments.
Depending on the size of your business and specific shipping needs, you may want to consider Parman Transportation, LLC or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Tennessee
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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee for your commercial shipping needs.
Parman Transportation, LLC
7101 Cockrill Bend BLVD, Nashville, TN, 37209- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Parman Transportation, LLC (DOT: 2307427) is an active and reliable freight trucking company based in Tennessee, with a consistent presence since its establishment. The company boasts a fleet size of 184 trucks specialized in handling general freight, machinery, large objects, and liquids/gases. With a focus on safety and efficiency, Parman Transportation supports full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (LTL), dry van, flatbed, and tanker services, ensuring flexibility and a range of solutions for shipping needs.
Parman Transportation also provides special support for commercial shipments including guaranteed home time for drivers, health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans to enhance employee satisfaction. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their “Active” safety rating status and low unsafe driving score of 0.45. Business owners can expect top-notch service from a company with a strong track record and a fleet maintained to the highest standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.54
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 10
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 81
- Revenue: $189,184,000
- Miles driven: 2,254,982
Safer Trucking
5600 Brainerd Rd Suite E2, Chattanooga, TN, 37411- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Safer Trucking (DOT: 2540919) is a distinguished trucking company based in Tennessee, operating actively with a fleet of 40 trucks since its inception. Their services include full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, specializing in the transportation of beverages, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods using dry van and reefer trailers.
Safer Trucking extends considerable support for commercial shipments, offering direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off. They also provide retirement plans (401k) and disability insurance, making them a reliable partner for business owners seeking comprehensive and professional transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.2
- Driver fitness: 0.34
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.11
- Controlled substances: 0.07
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $3,693,000
- Miles driven: 3,569,409
Crowders Trucking, LLC
4217 Crowder Road, Franklin, TN, 37064- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Crowders Trucking, LLC (DOT: 1027076) is a reputable freight trucking company operating in Tennessee. They offer a variety of essential trucking services including full truckload (FTL), partial truckload, and less-than-truckload (LTL), making them versatile for different shipping needs. Their fleet consists of dry vans and flatbeds, adept at transporting a range of cargo types such as building materials, construction equipment, machinery, and intermodal containers. Crowders Trucking, LLC also supports interstate operations, providing extensive reach for their services.
Crowders Trucking prioritizes the well-being of their employees, offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off. They employ dedicated team drivers and regional drivers, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries. With a strong Google rating of 4.5 and satisfactory scores in safety and driving disciplines, Crowders Trucking, LLC has established itself as a reliable choice for business owners looking to ship their products securely and effectively.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.5
- 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: $440,000
- Miles driven: 157,000
Premier Transportation, LLC
1500 Breda Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37918- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Premier Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1113247) has been a key player in the transportation industry since its establishment in 1945 in Tennessee. With a fleet size of 100 and 50 motor vehicles, they specialize in several trucking services including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), dry van, and flatbed. Renowned for their professional service, Premier Transportation handles a variety of cargo, with a notable focus on passenger transport. They boast a satisfactory safety rating, dedicated and experienced drivers, and well-maintained vehicles with an average fleet age of 4 years.
Premier Transportation offers valuable support for commercial shipments, such as team driving opportunities, a robust driver referral bonus program, expedited services, and direct deposit payment options. They also provide competitive benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, ongoing training and development programs, and a retirement plan (401k). Premier ensures a high standard of service, making them a solid choice for business owners looking for reliable and efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.18
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $2,417,000
- Miles driven: 1,172,562
Comercia Logistics
200 Threet Industrial Rd Suite 110, Smyrna, TN, 37167- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Comercia Logistics (DOT: 2895662) is an active logistics and transportation carrier based in Tennessee. Catering to diverse shipping needs, they specialize in fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, and general freight. Their services include full truckload (FTL) shipments, less-than-truckload (LTL) transport, dry van, and tanker options, demonstrating their broad cargo-handling capabilities. With a total fleet of 50 vehicles and a dedicated team of 25 drivers, they ensure reliable and efficient delivery across interstate routes.
Comercia Logistics supports commercial shippers with exemplary services such as team driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and ongoing training and development programs. They offer several employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement 401k plan, aiding in employee satisfaction and retention. The company garners positive reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, reflecting a firm commitment to safety, with a long-standing DOT age of 3003 days, and competitive salary packages for their drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.01
- Driver fitness: 0.66
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.22
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $961,000
- Miles driven: 1,519,000
MGM Industries, Inc.
287 Free Hill Road, Hendersonville, TN, 37075- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
MGM Industries, Inc. (DOT: 35627) is a longstanding trucking company founded in 1965, dedicated to providing reliable freight services in Tennessee. The company operates a fleet of 22 vehicles, specializing in general freight and building material transport. With an active interstate operation, MGM Industries has earned satisfactory safety ratings, and maintains a Google rating of 4.5.
MGM Industries supports both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, making it versatile for various shipping needs. Their services are particularly beneficial for businesses requiring flatbed transportation, as well as dry van logistics. The company offers numerous employee benefits including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, in addition to retirement plans and paid time off, making it a well-rounded choice for commercial shipment needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.48
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $19,182,000
- Miles driven: 800,000
MTR Nashville
3006 Seaboard Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
MTR Nashville (DOT: 1030979) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating since 2002. With a fleet size of 10, including 5 trucks, MTR Nashville specializes in providing a variety of freight services. They are known for handling general freight, building materials, and paper products. Key services include reefer transport, partial and full truckload shipments, and drayage, as well as specialized offerings such as flatbed and tanker transport. Their commitment to on-time delivery is evident through guaranteed home time and dedicated routes.
The company supports commercial shipments with a range of benefits including direct deposit, health, dental, and vision insurance, and 401(k) retirement plans. MTR Nashville also offers sign-on bonuses, team driving opportunities, and ensures safety with an ‘Active’ DOT status and no reported crash fatalities. Business owners looking for reliable freight solutions can rely on MTR Nashville for their transportation and logistics needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $1,360,000
- Miles driven: 231,907
Celebrity Coaches
110 Tennessee Way, Hendersonville, TN, 37075- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Celebrity Coaches (DOT: 1309458) is a reputable trucking company operating in Tennessee, specializing in the transportation of passengers with a fleet size ranging between 11 to 25 trucks and over 56 total power units. Established with a growing presence in the logistics industry, they offer several noteworthy services such as team driving opportunities, reefer operations, partial truckload, and full truckload services. Their tanker and dry van services make them highly versatile, supporting a wide range of cargo needs.
Celebrity Coaches also provides significant support for their commercial shipment clients, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan and paid CDL training. Their commitment to employee satisfaction and safety is underscored by their satisfactory safety rating, ongoing training, and development programs. Additionally, they actively support local and regional driving, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking dependable and expert transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- 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: 56
- Revenue: $1,195,000
- Miles driven: 2,744,649
Kenco Logistic Services
2001 Riverside Drive, Chattanooga, TN, 37406- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
Kenco Logistic Services (DOT: 886667) is a reputable logistics and transportation company based in Tennessee with a robust presence in the interstate carrier operation. Their diversified cargo includes building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, ensuring they can cater to various commercial shipping needs. The fleet, consisting of 165 trucks and 330 trailers, demonstrates their capacity to manage significant and varied loads, with full and partial truckload options available, as well as dry van, flatbed, and drop trailer capabilities.
Kenco Logistic Services provides an array of specialized support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, regional driving, and guaranteed home time for drivers. Additional services like lift gate assistance and less than truckload (LTL) shipments highlight their versatility. The company also values driver welfare, offering benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, and a retirement plan. With an active USDOT status and a strong commitment to safety and service, Kenco Logistic Services stands out as a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.66
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.08
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 228
- Revenue: $722,000
- Miles driven: 6,557,875
Basha Transport, Inc.
127 Tandy Dr, Clarksville, TN, 37042- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Basha Transport, Inc. (DOT: 2391223) stands as a reputable trucking company in Tennessee, expertly handling various types of cargo since its inception. Specializing in full and partial truckloads, they proficiently transport beverages, fresh produce, general freight, paper products, refrigerated food, and US Mail. Their commitment to superior service is reflected in their high Google rating of 4.5 and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance offerings for employees.
Basha Transport, Inc. provides an array of commercial shipment support, including dedicated routes and dry van services. The company also emphasizes safety with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, making it a reliable choice for businesses. Additional benefits like paid time off, retirement plans, and safety bonuses underscore their dedication to both clients and employees. With a fleet size of 18 and nine total trucks, this carrier is equipped to meet diverse shipping needs effectively.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 4.16
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.8
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Miles driven: 360,751
How Safety Ratings Work in Tennessee
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 Tennessee Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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: Tennessee Trucking Companies
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Tennessee?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Tennessee 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.
