After evaluating 10 drayage companies in Illinois, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Marina Cartage Inc – Mat Leasing Inc – Marina Waste Transfer, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Illinois
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.
Marina Cartage Inc – Mat Leasing Inc – Marina Waste Transfer, Inc.
4450 S Morgan Street, Chicago, IL, 60609- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Marina Cartage Inc – Mat Leasing Inc – Marina Waste Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 207232) is an established carrier in the Illinois trucking industry, with operations dating back to 1959. The company specializes in general freight transportation, offering services such as full and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. With a total fleet size of 116 units and a satisfactory safety rating, they focus on ensuring the safe transport of intermodal containers and other cargo.
The company provides enhanced support for commercial shipments by offering dry van and flatbed services, and it actively services interstate routes. Although primarily a full truckload operator, Marina Cartage also supports last-mile delivery solutions. They emphasize employee benefits, offering health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, reflecting a commitment to workforce well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.39
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $37,573,000
- Miles driven: 5,040,101
Eagle Intermodal
4900 S Mason, Chicago, IL, 60638- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Drayage
Eagle Intermodal (DOT: 1285063) is a proactive trucking company offering a variety of services from its Illinois base. Specializing in full and partial truckloads, they efficiently manage general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, and paper products. With an active operation status, their fleet includes 83 trucks, dedicated to ensuring reliable and timely deliveries across interstate routes.
Eagle Intermodal emphasizes comprehensive cargo support, fostering trust with shippers through drayage and intermodal capabilities while maintaining a spotless record of zero hazardous material violations. Despite the absence of traditional employee benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, the company’s efficient vehicle maintenance and low unsafe driving scores attest to its commitment to safety and dependability.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.86
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.59
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 83
- Miles driven: 2,000,000
K-1 Intermodal, Inc.
2030 S Carboy Rd #B, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Container
- Drayage
K-1 Intermodal, Inc. (DOT: 1588864) specializes in intermodal transportation services and operates with an active carrier status. Based on the information available, they are primarily focused on transporting general freight and intermodal containers, with a total fleet size of 20 and 10 trucks. Established for over 17 years, K-1 Intermodal has earned a satisfactory safety rating, showing a commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
With their primary focus on intermodal and property transport, K-1 Intermodal is ideal for businesses that require efficient container shipping solutions. Their experienced drivers perform interstate operations, ensuring that cargo is transported reliably and securely across states. Despite not offering some of the additional driver or personalized services, their emphasis on general freight makes them a strong contender in the intermodal field, especially for business owners looking for straightforward and dependable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.69
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.31
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Miles driven: 1,000,000
AGX Intermodal
18342 West Creek Drive, Tinley Park, IL, 60477- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Drayage
AGX Intermodal (DOT: 2998623) is a versatile intermodal transportation company based in Illinois. The company excels in handling a wide range of specialized cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, metal sheets and coils, paper products, and even refrigerated foods. With a focus on intermodal containers and dry bulk commodities like farm supplies, AGX Intermodal effectively supports businesses needing reliable shipping solutions across various industries.
AGX Intermodal demonstrates its commitment to serving commercial clients by offering less than truckload (LTL) and partial truckload services, ideal for businesses looking to optimize freight costs without compromising on delivery efficiency. The company is equipped to transport general freight and is active in interstate operations, ensuring broad reach and flexibility for clients. With a total fleet of 68 trucks and 136 units, AGX Intermodal provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the diverse needs of its clientele.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 4.68
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.58
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.98
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 69
- Miles driven: 4,628,930
JAS Trucking, Inc.
12843 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL, 60803- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
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
JAS Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 582316) is a recognized carrier in Illinois with a fleet size of 164 and a satisfactory safety rating. They offer a comprehensive range of services, exceeding in specialized freight transportation, handling a wide variety of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases. Their diverse equipment includes tankers, flatbeds, and lowboys, supporting their capacity to manage specialized and cross-border shipments efficiently.
JAS Trucking provides dedicated routes and guarantees home time for drivers, showcasing strong driver support programs. They offer extensive employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid CDL training. Known for their reliability in commercial shipments, they include services like power-only, cross-docking, and drayage. With an emphasis on safety and driver fulfillment, JAS Trucking is a solid choice for businesses seeking a versatile and dependable shipping partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.42
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 82
- Revenue: $3,067
- Miles driven: 5,655,078
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc.
2 Access Way, Bloomington, IL, 61705- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 568636) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1994, based in Illinois. With a fleet of over 524 vehicles, they specialize in transportation needs for various industries, handling cargo including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and refrigerated food. Their operations are focused on providing logistics and supply-chain solutions with a particular emphasis on interstate commerce.
Nu-Way Transportation Services offers a range of specialized services such as power-only trucking, hazardous materials transportation, and cross-border shipping. In addition to utilizing dry vans and flatbeds, they cater to oversized loads and provide dedicated routes. The company supports commercial shipments with benefits like driver referral bonuses, safety bonuses, and flexible scheduling options. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating, comprehensive insurance, and ongoing training and development programs for drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 19
- Unsafe driving: 1.46
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 307
- Revenue: $30,406,000
- Miles driven: 18,900,000
J A Frate, Inc.
7900 Pyott Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
J A Frate, Inc. (DOT: 146355) has been a reliable presence in the Illinois trucking industry since its establishment in 1971. With a total fleet size of 186, J A Frate offers specialized transport services, including dry bulk commodities, hazardous materials, and building materials. The company also provides regional driving opportunities and is well-equipped with refrigerated (“reefer”) and tanker capabilities.
J A Frate is dedicated to serving commercial shipping needs with services like drayage, cross-border transportation, and dedicated routes. Customers can rely on their experienced hazmat and specialized drivers for safe passage of materials. The company emphasizes worker benefits, offering health and life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible scheduling. Safety and professional development are prioritized, ensuring a satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.48
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 78
- Revenue: $16,564
- Miles driven: 2,698,900
HUB Group
2001 Hub Group Way, Oak Brook, IL, 60523- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
HUB Group (DOT: 801828) is a leading trucking operation based in Illinois, demonstrating substantial service capacity and experience. They specialize in intermodal container transportation and boast a comprehensive fleet comprising 2,645 trucks. HUB Group offers refrigerated transportation services and carries a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, refrigerated foods, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their reputation is further enhanced by services such as drayage, cross-border transport, and cross-docking for efficient freight management.
HUB Group supports commercial clients with a variety of logistics solutions, including managed transportation and consolidation services, ensuring seamless supply chain operations. They value driver welfare, providing employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and safety bonuses, alongside operational bonuses such as sign-on and driver referral rewards. The company also promotes a healthy work-life balance through dedicated routes, guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and planned professional development and training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 221
- Unsafe driving: 0.78
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3381
- Revenue: $4,112
- Miles driven: 203,000,000
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
4666 Faries Parkway Rd, Decatur, IL, 62526- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (DOT: 124881) has been a significant player in the Illinois trucking industry since 1902. With an active fleet comprising 170 trucks and 242 trailers, the company predominantly handles agricultural/farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, large machinery, and general freight. They maintain routes across state lines, providing dedicated services to diverse clients ranging from industrial to agricultural sectors.
This company offers a wide array of services, including hazmat driving and dry bulk hauling, emphasizing safety with zero violations related to hazardous materials. They support their drivers with safety and referral bonuses, health and dental insurance, as well as a solid retirement plan. They further enhance service reliability by rewarding driver performance and offering benefits like guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, making them a dependable choice for business owners needing robust and versatile freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.06
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 245
- Revenue: $1,229,551
- Miles driven: 6,626,000
Lssd, Inc.
1501 Kamar Drive, Pittsfield, IL, 62363- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Lssd, Inc. (DOT: 320418) is a diversified trucking company operating in Illinois, offering an array of transportation services. With a fleet of over 50 trucks, they are equipped to handle various types of freight, including dry bulk commodities, general freight, beverages, and livestock. Their services cater to specialized needs, including box truck operations and tanker transportation, ensuring they can manage liquids and gases with expertise.
For commercial shipments, Lssd, Inc. provides essential support services like health insurance, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating while offering lucrative benefits such as sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The company’s robust operations include local, regional, and over-the-road drivers, with coverage spanning interstate routes. Their commitment to employee welfare is underscored by offering comprehensive insurance and compensation packages, making them an attractive choice for product shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 37
- Revenue: $8,930
- Miles driven: 5,032,528
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 Drayage Transport Company for Your Shipments in Illinois
Here’s how to find dependable Drayage services for short-haul moves:
- Proximity to ports and rail yards: Select a Drayage provider close to key terminals in Illinois to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Illinois carriers that specialize in Drayage understand how to navigate port processes and reduce potential delays.
- Fleet capacity and availability: A carrier with a sufficient fleet of well-maintained trucks will be better-eqipped to handle fluctuating shipment volumes.
- Real-time tracking: Opt for Illinois Drayage companies with GPS and tracking tools for better visibility into shipment locations and statuses.
- Compliance and safety standards: Ensure the company meets all FMCSA safety and regulatory requirements for port-related trucking.
- Efficient communication: Reliable customer service is key, particularly for urgent deliveries or high-volume Drayage needs.
FAQs
What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for Illinois businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Illinois businesses, it acts as a vital link between large-scale transportation and local warehousing or distribution.
How does Drayage help streamline intermodal shipping?
Drayage is essential in intermodal shipping because it facilitates the transfer of goods between various transportation modes, such as rail to truck. It minimizes handling times, which in turn improves delivery efficiency and reduces overall shipping costs.
What types of goods are typically handled in Drayage shipping?
Drayage shipping typically handles containerized goods, including consumer products, machinery, electronics, and imported materials. These goods are transported from ports or rail hubs to warehouses or distribution points for further processing or delivery.
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
- 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
