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10 Best Beverage Trucking Companies in Illinois

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Yunak Corp is our pick for consistent, secure Beverage transport in Illinois based on key criteria like reliability, pricing, and safety. Find out more about Yunak Corp and the other top-rated Illinois Beverage carriers on our list.

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 Illinois. Every Illinois 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 Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.

Yunak Corp

1320 S 6th Ave, Des Plaines, IL, 60018
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Lumber
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery

Yunak Corp (DOT: 2334371) is a robust trucking company based in Illinois, actively operating with 24 trucks and 28 drivers. Although the year of establishment is not mentioned, the company boasts a variety of trucking services including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and partial truckload services. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, meat, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and US mail.

Yunak Corp provides noteworthy support for commercial shipments, including refrigerated trailers (reefer), dry vans, and box trucks. They offer regional driving opportunities, guaranteed home time for drivers, and various employee benefits like health, dental, vision, disability insurance, and a retirement plan (401k). With a commitment to ensuring driver fitness and vehicle maintenance, they strike a balance between safety and efficiency, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 1.34
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
  • Vehicle maintenance: 11.25
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 28
  • Miles driven: 1,178,000

Prima Express, Inc.

2221 Maple Rd, Joliet, IL, 60432
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • General
  • Metal materials
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery

Prima Express, Inc. (DOT: 1313194) is an active trucking company based in Illinois, operating a modest fleet of 162 trucks and 324 trailers. Although the exact year of establishment is not available, the company has built a reputation for providing reliable interstate transportation services. Prima Express specializes in various trucking services including full truckload, partial truckload, flatbed, and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment.

Notably, Prima Express handles a wide range of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, construction materials, household goods, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as paper products and utilities. The company offers additional support services that are crucial for commercial shipments, including regional and local drivers, direct deposit, health, dental, life insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off. Their focus is on being a reliable partner for businesses seeking consistent and professional shipping solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 25
  • Unsafe driving: 4.22
  • Driver fitness: 0.03
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.82
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.08
  • Controlled substances: 0.06
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 145
  • Revenue: $518,000
  • Miles driven: 12,700,000

Buffalo Group Transport Limited

800 W Central Rd Ste 127, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Produce
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed

Buffalo Group Transport Limited (DOT: 1171316) is a reputable transportation company with a remarkable presence in Illinois. They specialize in offering full truckload (FTL) services and refrigerated trucking (reefer) services, operating a fleet of 70 trucks with an average age of five years. With an emphasis on general freight, the company also handles a variety of cargo including fresh produce, beverages, meat, and intermodal containers, ensuring diverse shipment solutions for business owners.

Buffalo Group Transport Limited extends robust support for commercial shipments, including health and dental insurance for drivers, ongoing training development programs, and direct deposit services. Their fleet of 35 trucks and 35 skilled drivers, combined with an active interstate operation status, make them a reliable choice for enterprises looking for efficient and safe transportation solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 1.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.47
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.03
  • Vehicle maintenance: 9.26
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 35
  • Miles driven: 854,345

AGX Carriers

18342 West Creek Drive, Tinley Park, IL, 60477
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Oilfield equipment
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

AGX Carriers (DOT: 1755933) is a reputable and active trucking company operating in Illinois. Specializing in full truckload, refrigerated food, and general freight services, they handle a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, machinery, oilfield equipment, paper products, and intermodal containers. With a fleet comprising 47 trucks, they meet various customer needs efficiently.

AGX Carriers offers significant commercial shipment support, including direct deposit, health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, and local drivers. They maintain a strong commitment to safety with notable scores in controlled substance and hours of service compliance. Their services are aimed at ensuring efficient and reliable logistics solutions, tailored for business owners seeking top-quality freight transportation. AGX Carriers also offers accessible application and career opportunities through their website.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 1.87
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.74
  • Vehicle maintenance: 8.25
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 43
  • Miles driven: 5,833,987

Nationwide Enterprises Corp

3037 Long Common Pkwy, Elgin, IL, 60124
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • General
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery

Nationwide Enterprises Corp (DOT: 1844537) is a distinguished trucking company based in Illinois. Catering to a variety of freight needs since its establishment, this company boasts a fleet of 15 trucks and 30 trailers. Specializing in full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, Nationwide Enterprises handles an array of cargo including beverages, building materials, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Their fleet includes dry vans and box trucks, and they also offer reefer services for temperature-sensitive goods.

Nationwide Enterprises supports commercial shipments with comprehensive services, such as dedicated routes, regional and local drivers, and owner-operator opportunities. They prioritize driver welfare with health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement 401(k) plan. Business owners looking for dependable and efficient delivery can rely on Nationwide Enterprises for their logistic needs.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 15
  • Revenue: $131,000
  • Miles driven: 945,296

Freightie, Inc.

1211 Milford Ave, Rockford, IL, 61109
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Conditional

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Produce
  • General
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Freightie, Inc. (DOT: 3088543) is a reputable interstate trucking company in Illinois, offering specialized services since its establishment. They excel in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, machinery large objects, meat, metal sheets, and coils. Freightie, Inc. has a fleet of 37 trucks and 74 trailers, making them a reliable choice for handling significant shipping needs while maintaining an average fleet age of three years.

The company offers full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, meeting diverse shipping requirements. They ensure the safe handling of refrigerated foods, US mail, and paper products. Freightie, Inc. provides essential benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and has a history of 5088000 miles traveled in 2023. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their “Conditional” safety rating, despite some crash incidents reported. Business owners will find Freightie, Inc. a dependable partner for their freight transportation needs.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 6
  • Unsafe driving: 4.91
  • Driver fitness: 0.09
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.76
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.86
  • Controlled substances: 0.17
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 41
  • Miles driven: 5,088,000

Bishkek Express, Inc.

1699 Wall Street Suit 630, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • Trash
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Vehicles
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery

Bishkek Express, Inc. (DOT: 2332354) is an established trucking company known for its comprehensive range of transport services and commitment to high customer satisfaction. Offering general freight, refrigerated food, fresh produce, paper products, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls, it ensures a broad spectrum of shipping needs are met. They operate a well-maintained fleet of 25 trucks, excelling in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, and emphasize safety with very low crash and violation rates.

Bishkek Express, Inc. supports its commercial shipment operations with services like guaranteed home time for drivers, flexible scheduling, and health insurance. They incentivize their drivers with safety bonuses, ongoing training programs, and a robust retirement plan. Though their coverage is primarily interstate, they also handle specific transportation needs such as US mail and driveaway/towaway. Business owners seeking reliability and variety in trucking services should consider Bishkek Express for their logistical requirements.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.71
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.79
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.04
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 25
  • Miles driven: 3,689,467

United Shippers, Inc.

3000 W 36th St, Chicago, IL, 60632
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Intermodal containers
  • Lumber
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Oilfield equipment
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery

United Shippers, Inc. (DOT: 3352333) is a comprehensive trucking company in Illinois, characterized by a diverse fleet specializing in a variety of cargo types. Established over 4.8 years ago, they manage 66 trucks and 132 trailers, providing services such as full truckload, partial truckload, dry van, intermodal containers, and tanker shipments. They handle an extensive range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, lumber, meat, metal sheets, oilfield equipment, paper products, and U.S. Mail.

United Shippers, Inc. offers regional and local driving services, ensuring flexible options for businesses needing dependable logistics solutions. They support commercial shipments with robust amenities like driver referral bonuses, ongoing training and development programs, guaranteed home time, health insurance, vision coverage, dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Their reputation for safety and reliability is reflected in their Google and BBB ratings of 4.5.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 1.15
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.58
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 70
  • Miles driven: 2,697,196

Atlantic Transport, Inc.

750 Davis Rd, Elgin, IL, 60123
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Produce
  • General
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery

Atlantic Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1603381) operates as a reliable carrier with a satisfactory safety rating and a strong reputation reflected in its 4.5 Google rating. They manage an active fleet of 30 trucks and specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, metals, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company covers interstate operations and provides full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and parcel services, catering to various shipment needs.

Atlantic Transport offers notable services for commercial shipments, such as dedicated regional drivers and local drivers to ensure timely deliveries. They provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside retirement plans like 401(k), guaranteed home time, and paid time off, making them a preferred choice for drivers. Business owners can trust Atlantic Transport for efficient and dependable cargo transport solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 3.52
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.43
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.78
  • Controlled substances: 0.05
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 27
  • Revenue: $910,000
  • Miles driven: 2,810,272

Echo Logistics, Inc.

6262 W Peterson Ave Apt 1, Chicago, IL, 60646
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Produce
  • General
  • Meat
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Last-mile delivery

Echo Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 1967551) is an active and versatile logistics carrier based in Illinois. They are equipped with a total fleet of 16 trucks and primarily operate across interstate routes. Their cargo portfolio includes beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, paper products, general freight, and refrigerated foods, with a strong capability in managing less-than-truckload and full-truckload shipments.

Echo Logistics offers robust support for commercial shipments, including guaranteed home time, insurance benefits like health, dental, and disability coverage, and direct deposit payroll. Their commitment to service is further demonstrated with options such as team driving opportunities, new driver programs, and an ongoing training and development program. Despite no reported crash injuries or fatalities, they maintain moderate vehicle maintenance scores, indicating a solid emphasis on safety.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 6.57
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.48
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.53
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 17
  • Revenue: $618,000
  • Miles driven: 957,360

How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois

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 Illinois Beverage Trucking Company for Your Shipments

If your Illinois business is tied to the hospitality industry, finding a Beverage trucking company that fits your budget and product needs is key to making sure your shipments arrive intact and on time.

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Temperature control: Choose a Beverage carrier that offers refrigerated trailers that can keep your products at the appropriate temperature during transport.
  • Load stability and securement: Before hiring a Beverage trucking company, make sure to ask what securement methods they have in place to prevent shifting, especially for glass bottles and other fragile packaging.
  • Specialized trailers: Some Illinois Beverage companies use trailers designed specifically for beverage transport, which can help protect the load from damage.
  • Product experience: Illinois carriers skilled at handling Beverage products understand the unique handling and temperature requirements involved.
  • Tracking and monitoring: Illinois trucking companies with real-time tracking allow you to monitor the location and condition of your shipment during transit.
  • Safety and compliance: Review a Beverage company’s FMCSA score to ensure they adhere to food and beverage transport regulations and general safety standards.

FAQs: Illinois Beverage Trucking Companies

How do Illinois carriers ensure the safe transport of Beverage products?

Carriers ensure safe transport of Beverage shipments by using secure load containment, temperature-controlled trailers, and shock-absorbent packing, when necessary. Proper loading and securing of products helps prevent breakage, and refrigeration units keep Beverage products fresh.

What are the packaging requirements for Beverage shipping in Illinois?

Packaging requirements for Beverage shipping vary depending on the type of container, but typically include secure stacking and padding to prevent damage. For glass bottles, shock-absorbing materials are often used to protect against breakage.

What are some typical challenges in Beverage shipping?

Challenges in Beverage shipping include temperature management, preventing breakage, and ensuring timely delivery. Working with an experienced carrier helps mitigate these issues through proper equipment and packaging techniques.


Mike Marshall