After evaluating Illinois Drayage companies 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.
If you’re a logistics provider, retailer, or manufacturer, explore our list of the top Drayage trucking companies to find the right one for your supply chain needs.
Top Drayage Trucking Companies 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) has been a reputable trucking company in Illinois since 1959. They offer full truckload and less-than-truckload services, specializing in handling intermodal containers and general freight. Their fleet includes 58 trucks and 51 drivers who manage interstate operations efficiently.
Marina Cartage provides tailored support for commercial shipments, focusing on both local and over-the-road driving services. The company ensures robust employee benefits, including health, dental, life, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off. With their satisfactory safety rating and emphasis on comprehensive truck and cargo insurance, Marina Cartage is a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable freight transportation solutions.
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
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) specializes in intermodal transportation services in Illinois. With a substantial fleet of 68 trucks and 69 drivers, the company handles various types of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, and US Mail. Established over seven years ago, AGX Intermodal is known for its comprehensive service offerings, particularly excelling in general freight and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
AGX Intermodal provides specialized support for commercial shipments, including intermodal containers and refrigerated foods. Additionally, they offer drayage services which are crucial for businesses involved in supply chain logistics. Despite its extensive service provision, AGX Intermodal maintains an active status and emphasizes safety, adhering to high standards in vehicle maintenance.
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
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 reputable trucking company based in Illinois. Specializing in intermodal and general freight transport, this company offers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services to meet diverse shipping needs. They are proficient in handling intermodal containers, paper products, and general household goods, ensuring timely and secure delivery of diverse cargo types.
Eagle Intermodal provides specific support for commercial shipments, including drayage services that facilitate port-to-destination transport. With a fleet of 83 trucks and intermodal drivers, they maintain smooth interstate operations. Business owners will appreciate their reliable service, marked by an active authority status and various trucking services tailored to different logistical requirements.
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) is a trucking company based in Illinois, specializing in intermodal transportation. With an active DOT status, this company focuses primarily on handling general freight and intermodal containers, showcasing its capability to efficiently move cargo between different modes of transportation.
K-1 Intermodal, Inc. operates with a fleet size of 20 vehicles and 10 trucks, supported by a team of 10 interstate drivers. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating and have no reported crash injuries or fatalities, reflecting their commitment to safety. Key support services for commercial shipments include property handling and drayage, making them a dependable choice for businesses seeking reliable freight 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
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, operating primarily within Illinois. With a fleet of over 262 trucks and 524 trailers, Nu-Way specializes in a range of cargo including building materials, chemicals, commodities, dry bulk, general freight, paper products, and refrigerated food. The company also excels in handling hazardous materials and offers both dry van and flatbed services.
Nu-Way provides several specialized services that make them stand out, such as dedicated routes, power-only transportation, drayage, and cross-border operations. They support commercial shipments with extensive amenities like sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, truck lease purchase programs, and ongoing training & development programs. With an emphasis on maintaining a high safety standard and a “Satisfactory” safety rating, Nu-Way Transportation is well-equipped to handle various logistics, supply-chain, and transportation needs efficiently.
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
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 versatile trucking company based in Illinois. With a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet of 164 vehicles, this carrier handles a variety of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, and paper products. Their services extend to providing reefer, power-only, dump trailer, hot shot, drayage, and container solutions, guaranteeing comprehensive support for diverse shipping needs.
JAS Trucking, Inc. offers excellent benefits aimed at supporting commercial shipments, such as dedicated routes, cross-docking services, and expedited shipments. The company is equipped to manage hazardous materials and provides specialized driver programs, ensuring safe delivery of sensitive cargo. Their commitment to driver and customer satisfaction is evident through amenities like health insurance, paid CDL training, direct deposit, and performance bonuses, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping solutions.
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
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) is a reputable trucking company established in 1971 and headquartered in Illinois. With a fleet of over 93 trucks, they specialize in transporting a wide variety of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, large machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, and paper products. Renowned for their versatile service offerings, J A Frate provides dedicated routes, regional and local drivers, hazmat transportation, flatbed services, and dry van solutions. Additionally, their less-than-truckload (LTL) services and refrigerated (reefer) capabilities make them a versatile choice for diverse commercial shipping needs.
J A Frate stands out with special support options such as expedited and specialized drivers, consolidation services, and drayage. They offer comprehensive benefits to their workforce, including health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. The company ensures flexibility with guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and support for team drivers and owner-operators. Their solid safety record and commitment to ongoing driver training underscore their focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.
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 prominent trucking company based in Illinois, known for its extensive fleet of over 5,290 trailers and a notable operation size. The company is renowned for carrying a wide variety of cargo including beverages, building materials, intermodal containers, and refrigerated foods. Specializing in services such as intermodal, dedicated routes, and hazardous materials transport, HUB Group offers personalized and reliable shipping solutions to business owners seeking efficient and secure freight services.
HUB Group provides additional support for commercial shipments, including cross-docking and consolidation services. Business owners will appreciate the range of benefits provided to their drivers such as health, dental, and vision insurance, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training and development programs, HUB Group demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high safety standards and operational excellence.
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
G&D Integrated
50 Commerce Drive, Morton, IL, 61550- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
G&D Integrated (DOT: 291139) is a leading trucking company in Illinois dedicated to providing comprehensive transportation solutions. Their versatile fleet can handle a wide array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, commodities dry bulk, general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery large objects, metal sheets, coils rolls, motor vehicles, and paper products. In addition to their trucking services, G&D Integrated also offers managed transportation solutions to streamline logistics for businesses.
G&D Integrated stands out for their specialized support for commercial shipments, including conestoga and intermodal containers. They also offer essential services such as direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, and health, dental, and vision insurance for their employees. With a strong safety record and a fleet of over 400 trucks and nearly 2,700 trailers, G&D Integrated promises reliability and efficiency for all your commercial transport needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 0.96
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.65
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 325
- Revenue: $61,049,000
- Miles driven: 25,400,000
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) is an established trucking firm that has been operational since 1902 in Illinois. With a fleet of 170 trucks and 242 trailers, the company primarily carries a wide range of cargo including agricultural supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, liquids/gases, and large machinery. They specialize in both interstate and intrastate transportation, and ensure safety with a relatively low score in unsafe driving and no recent crash fatalities.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company offers various services particularly beneficial for commercial shipments. These include dedicated routes, drayage, cross-docking, and drop trailer services. The company supports its drivers with extensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401k retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, and flexible scheduling. Drivers can also earn through sign-on and referral bonuses, ensuring a supportive working environment suitable for handling rigorous freight demands.
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
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 Drayage Trucking Company for Your Shipments
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: Illinois Drayage Trucking Companies
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.
