After analyzing pricing, services, and consumer ratings, we picked James River Carriers, LLC as the best Virginia trucking company for commerce shipments.
Top Shipping Services & Transport in Virginia
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 Virginia. Every Virginia 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 Virginia for your commercial shipping needs.
James River Carriers, LLC
2227 Station Rd, Richmond, VA, 23234- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
James River Carriers, LLC (DOT: 3113083) is a prominent trucking company established in 2023, based in Virginia. Specializing in full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, they efficiently manage a diverse range of cargo, ensuring timely delivery. Their fleet is equipped to handle general freight, dry bulk commodities, flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated foods, supporting various industries from construction to fresh produce logistics.
James River Carriers prioritizes safety and reliability with an admirable insurance cap of $1,000,000 and maintains an active DOT status. They offer regional driving opportunities with over-the-road (OTR) coverage. Further, they provide competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside paid time off and retirement plans. With attention to both commercial cargo and driver satisfaction, James River Carriers is a trusted choice for business owners seeking comprehensive transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 112
- Miles driven: 18,600,000
D.K. Express, LLC
1702 Murry Road Sw, Roanoke, VA, 24018- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
D.K. Express, LLC (DOT: 2342317) is a dynamic trucking company operating in Virginia. Known for its versatility, the company efficiently handles diverse cargo types, including fresh produce, building materials, meat, and paper products. With a fleet comprising 26 trucks and 52 trailers, they provide reliable full truckload and less-than-truckload services across state lines.
D.K. Express emphasizes quality service with modern equipment, boasting an average fleet age of three years. They are committed to safety, maintaining active common authority and offering paid time off and health insurance to their workforce. Operating with a focus on refrigerated and general freight, D.K. Express caters to commercial clients seeking trustworthy shipping solutions for various goods, from agricultural supplies to utilities. Despite modest online ratings, the company maintains a stable footing in the industry with a dedication to customer satisfaction and efficient freight management.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 7.36
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.66
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Miles driven: 1,748,934
Interchange Express, Inc.
1346 Pleasants Drive Ste 6, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Interchange Express, Inc. (DOT: 1693886) is a Virginia-based freight trucking company that has been operational since 1993. They boast a diverse fleet and are known for their ability to transport a wide array of cargos such as fresh produce, beverages, building materials, and general freight. Specializing in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, Interchange Express has cultivated a reputation for flexibility in handling various types of shipments, including refrigerated foods and dry bulk commodities.
The company’s focus is on interstate commercial shipments, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of goods. With a fleet size of over 60 trucks and 120 total power units, Interchange Express maintains a modern and well-maintained fleet to meet clients’ shipping needs. Business owners can expect comprehensive transport solutions backed by a solid safety record, as reflected in their low driver violation scores. Health insurance and paid time off are also offered to their dedicated team of drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.72
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.49
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.29
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 71
- Revenue: $6,617,000
- Miles driven: 3,712,777
Augustus Trucking, Inc.
814 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, VA, 23661- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Augustus Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 1583548) is an active interstate freight carrier based in Virginia. The company excels in transporting a wide array of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, meat, refrigerated foods, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and US Mail. They are equipped with a fleet that includes reefer and dry van trucks, emphasizing their strength in reefer transport services.
Augustus Trucking prides itself on offering flexible shipping options, including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload services. The company places a high value on driver welfare, providing comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans. With guaranteed home time and competitive salary ranges between $45,000-$55,000, they maintain a focus on both employee satisfaction and efficient commercial shipments.
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: 1
- Miles driven: 63,632
Lawson Logistics, Inc.
807 Hollins Rd Ne, Roanoke, VA, 24012- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Lawson Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1726666) is a reputable trucking company established in 1937, based in Virginia. With a fleet of 18, they specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, primarily transporting cargo such as general freight, building materials, paper products, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. They handle dry bulk commodities and have capabilities for flatbed transport.
Lawson Logistics is committed to safety and employee wellbeing, offering comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. They support interstate operations and ensure guaranteed home time for drivers. The company is focused on fostering professional growth with ongoing training and development programs. Business owners seeking a reliable and experienced partner for transporting a variety of goods will find Lawson Logistics a notable choice, backed by their long-standing industry presence and strategic service offerings.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.55
- 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: 9
- Revenue: $2,211,000
- Miles driven: 399,754
Shoreland Transport Usa, Inc.
2000 Northgate Commerce Pkwy, Suffolk, VA, 23435- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Shoreland Transport Usa, Inc. (DOT: 3383069) is an active trucking company renowned for its satisfactory safety record and comprehensive services. With a total fleet size of 86 vehicles and operating since 2018, the company specializes in handling fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated food. They offer both full and partial truckload services, ensuring flexibility for businesses of various scales.
The company provides a myriad of shipment options, including reefer and dry van capabilities, catering especially to commercial clients with specialized needs such as last-mile delivery. Shoreland Transport prides itself on offering competitive benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement savings plan. The fleet’s average age is five years, reflecting a modern and efficient operation aimed at maintaining high reliability in transit.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.96
- Driver fitness: 0.35
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.62
- Controlled substances: 0.11
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Miles driven: 2,221,042
Bailess Trucking, Inc.
2649 Mayflower Dr, Lynchburg, VA, 24501- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Bailess Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 443699) is a Virginia-based carrier specializing in a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, general freight, and paper products. With a fleet of 15 trucks and a focus on full-truckload, partial-truckload, and less-than-truckload services, they provide reliable transportation solutions. Their fleet includes flatbed and dry van trailers, ensuring versatility in handling various shipment types.
Bailess Trucking emphasizes quality service with an impressive Google rating of 4.5, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction. Though small in size, with 17 drivers and a fleet created just over three years ago on average, their focus on safety is seen in their active operation status and relatively moderate vehicle maintenance score. Catering to local business needs, they provide essential employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401k retirement plan.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 4.49
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $982,000
- Miles driven: 1,239,971
Commonwealth Cargo, Inc.
5501 Fox Rd Bldg 5, Richmond, VA, 23250- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Commonwealth Cargo, Inc. (DOT: 703874) is an active freight trucking company in Virginia with a fleet size ranging between 1 and 10 trucks. Specializing in the transportation of general freight and other cargo, they focus on full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Their fleet includes dry vans and flatbeds, supporting both nationwide and regional operations with a commitment to quality customer service, evidenced by high ratings on platforms like Glassdoor.
Commonwealth Cargo provides unique support for commercial shipments, including efficient cross-border capabilities. Customers benefit from various employee incentives such as health insurance and paid time off, making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking dedicated and professional logistics solutions. With safe driving practices and a priority on vehicle maintenance, they ensure a dependable service for transporting goods securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $4,281,000
- Miles driven: 250,000
Service Trucking Co, Inc.
132 Tomahawk Industrial Park, Lynchburg, VA, 24502- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Service Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 886202) is an active, medium-size freight trucking company in Virginia with a fleet of approximately 75 trucks and 150 total vehicles. They have been successfully operating for over 24 years, providing reliable services for various cargo types, including general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Service Trucking offers full and partial truckload capabilities, utilizing dry vans and flatbeds to meet diverse shipping needs.
Although the company does not handle hazardous materials, it does offer regional and local driving services and a strong commitment to ongoing driver training and development. Service Trucking Co, Inc. supports its employees with comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan. With a focus on safety and a moderate vehicle maintenance score, this company ensures dependable service to meet commercial shipping requirements.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 1.61
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $3,928,000
- Miles driven: 8,000,000
Riggers, Inc.
901 Holly Springs Ave, Richmond, VA, 23224- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Riggers, Inc. (DOT: 172690) is a seasoned trucking company that has been delivering reliable transportation services across industries since 1975. Situated in Virginia, this company maintains a fleet of 18 vehicles, including flatbed and dry van setups, accommodating a range of cargo from machinery to large objects. With an average fleet age of 5 years and operations extending interstate, Riggers, Inc. prides itself on maintaining a strong logistics network.
Despite moderate vehicle maintenance scores, Riggers, Inc. demonstrates a satisfactory safety rating and a commitment to comprehensive freight solutions, featuring full truckload, less-than-truckload, and partial truckload services. Particularly beneficial to local businesses, the company offers regional and local driving options, emphasizing practical, cost-effective transportation. Although special perks like sign-on bonuses are absent, the company ensures employee well-being with benefits like health insurance and paid time off, making it a viable option for businesses seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.33
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.7
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $3,108,000
- Miles driven: 124,484
How Safety Ratings Work in Virginia
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 Virginia Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Whether you operate an e-commerce platform, local business, or regional chain in Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Virginia. 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Virginia 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
