After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked Specialized Transport Solutions 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 Specialized Transport Solutions or one of the other top trucking companies on our list.
Top Trucking Companies in Tennessee
Why Trust FreightWaves?
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.
Specialized Transport Solutions
128 Holiday Court Suite 113, Franklin, TN, 37067- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Specialized Transport Solutions (DOT: 2516354) operates out of Tennessee, offering a range of services since its inception. Known for carrying a diverse array of cargo such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, and refrigerated foods, their fleet of 51 trucks includes 102 trailers. Catering to both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments, the company ensures reliable delivery across various sectors, making them a versatile choice for business owners.
Specialized Transport Solutions prides itself on offering dedicated routes and team driving opportunities, enhancing service efficiency. They provide significant benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as tuition reimbursement and paid CDL training. With a commendable Google rating of 4.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.2, this company demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, employee satisfaction, and customer service, ensuring dependable commercial shipment support.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 3.27
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.84
- Controlled substances: 0.08
- Hazardous materials violations: 14
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 39
- Revenue: $880,000
- Miles driven: 3,678,405
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 a versatile and active freight trucking company based in Tennessee. This well-reviewed company handles a wide array of cargo types, including general freight, machinery, large objects, and liquids/gases. Their fleet size includes 100 power units and 184 total fleet size with 61 trucks and 23 trailers. Parman Transportation offers various specialized services such as reefer and tanker shipments, making them a reliable option for a range of transportation needs.
Commercial shippers will appreciate Parman Transportation’s comprehensive support services, which include full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload (LTL) shipments and dedicated routes. The company ensures excellent employee conditions by providing health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside paid time off and a retirement plan. Additionally, they have a commendable safety record, including safety bonuses and ongoing training development programs to maintain high safety standards. Parman Transportation is committed to delivering efficient and reliable transportation solutions to business owners.
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
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 Tennessee-based trucking company established in 2002, specializing in transportation and logistics. They operate a fleet of 5 trucks and 10 trailers, offering a range of services such as regional and local driving routes, dedicated routes, and team driving opportunities. The company handles various types of cargo, including general freight, building materials, paper products, and refrigerated items.
MTR Nashville provides special support for commercial shipments, including full truckload and less-than-truckload services. With a strong emphasis on driver well-being, they offer comprehensive benefits such as dental and health insurance, direct deposit, paid time off, and retirement plans. Their team of 6 drivers ensures reliable service with a commitment to safety and timely delivery, making them a top choice for businesses looking for professional and efficient shipping solutions.
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
Atomic Transport, LLC
1301 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN, 37402- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Trash
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Atomic Transport, LLC (DOT: 2496911) is a Tennessee-based trucking company established in 2010. They offer a versatile fleet that includes flatbed and dry van trailers, with a focus on transporting garbage/refuse, liquids/gases, and property. With an average fleet age of 3 years and a total of 474 trucks, their operations span interstate routes. This company ensures high safety standards with relatively moderate unsafe driving scores and up-to-date vehicle maintenance.
Atomic Transport, LLC stands out with their comprehensive insurance plans including dental, life, and vision coverage, as well as disability insurance. The company also supports less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipments, ensuring flexible shipping options for business owners. Clients can also benefit from services like partial truckload shipping and reefer transport, making Atomic Transport a strong candidate for reliable and diverse commercial transportation needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 37
- Unsafe driving: 0.55
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.59
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 424
- Revenue: $2,173,000
- Miles driven: 23,200,000
Heavy Haul, LLC
6210 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37924- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
Heavy Haul, LLC (DOT: 2013312) is a robust trucking company based in Tennessee, known for its specialization in heavy haul trucking. Despite being relatively new, they have built a strong reputation with a BBB rating of 4.8. They operate a fleet of 32 vehicles, including flatbeds, dry vans, and lowboys, and employ 12 drivers experienced in handling large and specialized cargo such as machinery, oilfield equipment, and building materials.
Heavy Haul, LLC offers several services tailored for commercial shipments, including partial truckloads and full truckloads, emphasizing efficiency and reliability. The company also carries general freight and intermodal containers, highlighting their versatility. Business owners will appreciate additional employee benefits such as dental, life, disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401k retirement plan, which underscores the company’s commitment to its workforce. Overall, Heavy Haul, LLC stands out for its dedicated service in managing complex and large-scale freight needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.58
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.88
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $21,392,000
- Miles driven: 779,161
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 prominent trucking company based in Tennessee. With a fleet size of over 330 vehicles, including 165 trucks and numerous trailers, they specialize in handling a diverse array of cargo such as building materials, commodities dry bulk, and general freight like logs, poles, beams, and lumber. Established with a strong reputation, Kenco Logistic Services offers flexible shipping solutions to meet various business needs.
Besides their extensive freight services, Kenco Logistic Services provides special support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, partial truckload, dry van, flatbed, and less-than-truckload options. The company ensures drivers’ welfare with benefits like health, dental, life, vision insurance, paid time off, and ongoing training programs. Their commitment to quality service and safety makes them a dependable partner for business owners looking to ship products efficiently.
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
Gaiain Trcuking, Inc.
2571 Willowbranch Dr, Nashville, TN, 37217- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
Gaiain Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2906595) is a reputable transportation company based in Tennessee, with a fleet size of 14 power units and 7 drivers. They specialize in handling a diverse array of cargo that includes agricultural/farm supplies, beverages, building materials, coal/coke, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, household goods, meat, metal sheets/coils/rolls, oilfield equipment, paper products, and refrigerated food. Their services are tailored to meet various commercial shipment needs, particularly in the realm of full truckload transport.
Recognizing the importance of employee welfare, Gaiain Trucking provides direct deposit and health insurance to its employees, along with paid time off, reflecting their employee-centric approach. Additionally, they maintain a commendable safety record with zero crash injuries and fatalities reported. The company’s facilities and operations are optimized for efficiency with an average fleet age of 2 years, ensuring reliable and modern transport solutions for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 3.9
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 2.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7
- Revenue: $672,000
- Miles driven: 800,000
Claiborne Hauling, LLC
6210 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37924- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Claiborne Hauling LLC (DOT: 897341) is an established trucking company based in Tennessee, having been in operation since 1977. With a fleet of 85 trucks and a focus on various types of cargo, including building materials, coal, construction materials, garbage, general freight, grain, hay, and large machinery, they are well-equipped to handle a wide range of shipping needs. The company offers services such as flatbed, dry van, reefer transport, and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
Claiborne Hauling provides significant support for commercial shipments through guaranteed home time for drivers, health and vision insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off. They also ensure commercial reliability with a commendable Google rating of 4.5. The company is dedicated to maintaining a modern fleet, with the average fleet age being just three years, and they place importance on safety with a low rate of unsafe driving incidents.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.15
- Driver fitness: 0.37
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 85
- Revenue: $21,392,000
- Miles driven: 2,901,976
Stephens Carriers, Inc.
131 A Sanders Ferry Road, Hendersonville, TN, 37075- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Stephens Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 580726) is an established trucking company in Tennessee, founded in 1986. With a fleet of 19 trucks, they specialize in handling a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, general freight, household goods, and paper products. The company emphasizes safety and has managed to maintain active US DOT status with relatively moderate unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores.
Stephens Carriers offers full truckload and less-than-truckload services, using flatbed and dry van trailers. They also provide partial truckload shipping for clients with smaller loads. Their local drivers ensure timely delivery within Tennessee, making them a reliable choice for regional shipments. Clients can benefit from a range of employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and direct deposit options.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.31
- Driver fitness: 0.55
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.37
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Revenue: $254,000
- Miles driven: 1,838,641
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 reputable freight trucking company operating in Tennessee with a commendable track record since its establishment. Their fleet consists of 40 trucks and trailers, equipped to handle a variety of cargo including beverages, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They are particularly proficient in less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) services, ensuring flexible and efficient shipping solutions for business owners looking to ship their products across regions.
Safer Trucking emphasizes commercial shipment support through several specialty services. With dedicated regional and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, the company offers robust logistical capabilities. They also provide dry van and partial truckload options, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs. Additionally, the company takes care of its employees with benefits like health, dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid time off, contributing to their stable operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
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
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.
