Box Truck shipping can be a flexible and affordable solution for those that need to move smaller loads quickly. We analyzed all the box truck providers in Kentucky based on pricing, dependability, and customer feedback and ranked ZIP Express as the top choice for secure, efficient transport.
10 Box Truck Shipping Services & Transport in Kentucky
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 Kentucky. Every Kentucky 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 Kentucky for your commercial shipping needs.
ZIP Express
4617 Allmond Ave, Louisville, KY, 40209- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
ZIP Express (DOT: 260901) is a prominent trucking company located in Kentucky, specializing in efficient shipping solutions for businesses. They offer comprehensive less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) services, ensuring a versatile approach to various cargo types, including general freight, paper products, and household goods. Operating with a fleet of 4 modern trucks and 4 power units, ZIP Express provides reliable and punctual deliveries.
ZIP Express stands out in the commercial shipment sector by offering robust support features such as U.S. mail transportation and box truck availability. Their commitment to driver welfare and safety is evidenced by satisfactory safety ratings and comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. Despite a modest size, with only 5 total drivers, their strategic focus on safety and customer service makes ZIP Express a trusted partner for business owners seeking dependable logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.99
- Driver fitness: 1.7
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.42
- Controlled substances: 0.5
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $2,381,000
- Miles driven: 352,200
Lifeline Transportation, Inc.
6301 Geil Lane, Louisville, KY, 40219- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Lifeline Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 471777) is an active trucking company based in Kentucky. They offer comprehensive transportation services, including full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) transportation. The company specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, paper products, and dry bulk commodities. Lifeline Transportation also accommodates general freight and intermodal containers, making it a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
Lifeline Transportation is noted for its satisfactory safety rating and a fleet of modern vehicles with an average age of just two years. The company provides valuable benefits for employees, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a 401k retirement plan. They support their team with guaranteed home time, sign-on bonuses, and deadhead, detention, and layover compensation, ensuring that their drivers are supported and satisfied on the road.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $699,000
- Miles driven: 562,641
Flynn Trucking, LLC
4515 Bishops Lane, Louisville, KY, 40218- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Flynn Trucking, LLC (DOT: 1699020) is a reliable Kentucky-based trucking company established in 1973, known for its versatility in handling diverse types of freight. Operating a fleet of 28 trucks, Flynn Trucking offers comprehensive full and partial truckload services, efficiently transporting a variety of cargos, including building materials, general freight, and liquids/gases.
Despite having experienced some crashes, Flynn Trucking maintains a fair safety record with a moderate unsafe driving score of 0.16. The company places a strong emphasis on employee welfare, offering benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan. With a rating of 4.5 on Google, they demonstrate a commitment to professional service, making them an appealing choice for business owners seeking reliable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.16
- Driver fitness: 0.62
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $34,916,000
- Miles driven: 6,000,000
CFS Trucking
7500 Grade Lane, Louisville, KY, 40219- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
CFS Trucking (DOT: 822202) is an active trucking company based in Kentucky. With a fleet of 10 trucks and 12 interstate drivers, they specialize in handling general freight and farm supplies, including grains, feeds, and hay. Their service offerings include partial truckload, reefer, flatbed, and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, making them versatile for different cargo needs.
CFS Trucking stands out by offering health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with paid time off and a retirement plan (401k) for their drivers. This emphasis on employee welfare exemplifies their commitment to comprehensive service support. Business owners seeking reliable shipment solutions will appreciate their focus on safe driving and vehicle maintenance while benefiting from their direct deposit and competitive driver salary range from $50,000 to $70,000.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.8
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.47
- Controlled substances: 0.25
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $699,000
- Miles driven: 11,200,000
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc.
4435 N Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (DOT: 712634) is a versatile trucking company offering comprehensive transportation services across interstate operations. Established with a total fleet size of 46 and 23 trucks, they specialize in diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, construction materials, dry bulk commodities, machinery, and metals. Their fleet capabilities are enhanced with flatbeds, tankers, dump trailers, and specialized equipment for oversized loads, making them adaptable to various shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction also emphasizes safety and employee benefits, offering programs such as ongoing training, health screenings, and insurance packages, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and services like cross-docking and intermodal transport. With a focus on driver welfare, they provide sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling options, appealing to drivers and businesses seeking reliable logistics partners. Despite having a single reported crash injury, their safety parameters indicate a strong emphasis on safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- 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: 57
- Miles driven: 126,000
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc.
3909 N Hwy 11, Sharpsburg, KY, 40374- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 336898) is a reputable trucking company located in Kentucky, with a satisfactory safety rating and fleet maintained at an average age of 3 years. They manage a diverse array of shipments and are equipped to handle motor vehicles, metal sheets, coils, rolls, logs, poles, beams, lumber, farm supplies, grain, feed, hay, livestock, machinery, and paper products. Their range of services includes dry van, dump trailer, and intermodal transportation, providing versatile options to suit varied shipping needs.
Thompson Transportation emphasizes robust support for commercial shipments, offering specialized drivers, flexible scheduling, and the convenience of lift gate services. They also provide numerous driver benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, fostering a supportive work environment. With a strong focus on client satisfaction and extensive experience in managed transportation, they are a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.9
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $2,784
- Miles driven: 856,000
Carnes Trucking Co, Inc.
351 Terry BLVD, Louisville, KY, 40229- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Carnes Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 278668) has been serving the transportation needs from Kentucky since 1978. With a fleet of over 110 trucks and 55 drivers, Carnes Trucking offers comprehensive services, including refrigerated transportation and general freight shipping. They specialize in carrying beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, meat, paper products, refrigerated foods, and US mail, catering to various business needs with reliability and efficiency.
Carnes Trucking emphasizes employee welfare and safety, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. The company supports commercial shipments with services like power-only and dedicated routes for regional and local drivers. They provide riders or pets allowed policies and uphold strong benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurances, alongside per diem payments and a 401k plan. Business owners looking for a reputable trucking partner will find Carnes Trucking’s mix of experience, wide-ranging cargo capabilities, and commitment to driver safety and satisfaction appealing.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 3.65
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 54
- Revenue: $7,915,000
- Miles driven: 4,110,697
Scott & Murphy, Inc.
2335 Barren River Rd, Bowling Green, KY, 42101- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hazardous materials
Scott & Murphy, Inc. (DOT: 332556) is a versatile trucking company established in 1983 in Kentucky, with a fleet of 86 trucks and 176 total fleet size. Known for transporting building materials, construction supplies, and large machinery, they cater to demanding commercial needs with their specialized equipment, including flatbed and lowboy trailers, as well as tankers for liquid transport. With over 100 drivers ensuring smooth interstate operations, the company is committed to supporting large-scale shipping requirements.
Scott & Murphy, Inc. prioritizes flexibility and driver satisfaction, offering guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to safety and driver development is demonstrated through ongoing training programs and a vehicle maintenance score of 2.16. The company values its workforce, providing benefits like health insurance and paid time off. Moreover, they enhance their transport services with team driving opportunities and bonus incentives for drivers, positioning themselves as a strong option for businesses seeking reliable logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.04
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 102
- Revenue: $56,444
- Miles driven: 1,554,000
Shetler – Derby Moving & Storage, LLC
6701 Cane Run Road, Louisville, KY, 40258- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Shetler – Derby Moving & Storage, LLC (DOT: 659836) is a long-established moving and storage service provider based in Kentucky since 1899. This company specializes in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, and is known for transporting general freight and household goods efficiently across interstate lines. With a fleet of over 50 vehicles, they focus on delivering a reliable shipping solution for a variety of cargo.
Despite modest fleet size, Shetler – Derby Moving & Storage places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, boasting a high Google rating of 4.8 and a solid presence on carriersource. Although the company may not provide certain specialized services like hazardous material transportation or refrigerated foods, they support commercial shipments with essential services, including dry van and parcel deliveries, backed by health, dental, and vision insurance for employees to ensure workforce well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.42
- 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: 2
- Revenue: $6,403,000
- Miles driven: 420,000
Trans Papa Logistics
2002 Papa Johns BLVD, Louisville, KY, 40299- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Trans Papa Logistics (DOT: 1576998) is an active logistics carrier delivering service across the United States. They operate a fleet of 179 trucks and focus on carrying refrigerated foods, beverages, fresh produce, and paper products. The company is equipped to handle reefer and dry van loads, providing flexibility to meet a variety of shipping needs.
While maintaining a satisfactory safety rating, Trans Papa Logistics also ensures reliable transport with guaranteed home time for its drivers. They offer a range of driver benefits, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Trans Papa Logistics provides support for last-mile delivery, and their ongoing training and development programs underscore their commitment to service excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 0.86
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 477
- Revenue: $384,000
- Miles driven: 16,700,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Kentucky
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 Box Truck Transport for Your Shipments in Kentucky
If your Kentucky business involves smaller shipments and local deliveries, consider these tips for finding the Box Truck company:
- Flexible scheduling: Choose a Box Truck company in Kentucky with flexible scheduling options to meet your business’s specific timelines.
- Load capacity and flexibility: A carrier with a variety of Box Truck sizes will be better able to accommodate your shipping needs, especially if they range from small deliveries to larger freight.
- Local and regional coverage: Ensure the carrier services your primary delivery areas in Kentucky and can handle last-mile delivery needs.
- Fleet condition: A Box Truck company with well-maintained trucks and a positive record of upkeep in their FMCSA score will reduce potential delays and delivery issues.
- Reliable shipment tracking: Kentucky Box Truck companies with tracking technology provide real-time updates, helping you monitor deliveries closely.
- Communication: Carriers that are proactive about communication and generally provide reliable customer support will help you avoid logistical problems and stay informed about any last-minute changes or delivery updates.
FAQs
Which is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Kentucky?
Trucking, in general, is the most frequently used mode of transportation for distributing products in Kentucky. In fact, nationwide, trucks transport more goods domestically than all other modes of commercial transportation combined. Road transport is typically the most cost-efficient shipping method and allows for a wider variety of products that can be shipped via various truck types.
How does Box Truck shipping differ from full truckload shipping?
Box truck shipping differs from full truckload (FTL) shipping in that it typically involves smaller loads and is optimized for local or short-distance deliveries. FTL shipping uses larger trailers for long-haul or high-volume shipments.
What should Kentucky businesses look for in a Box Truck shipping provider?
Kentucky businesses should look for Box Truck companies with a diverse fleet, the necessary service area coverage, and flexibile scheduling options. Quality customer support and tracking tools are also helpful for managing last-mile delivery needs effectively.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments in Kentucky
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
- 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
