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10 Best Drayage Trucking Companies in Kentucky

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After evaluating Kentucky Drayage companies based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, C.W. Services,, 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.

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.

C.W. Services,, Inc..

1512 North Big Run Road, Ashland, KY, 41102
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment

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

C.W. Services, Inc. (DOT: 622062) is a well-regarded trucking company that has been operating in Kentucky since 1985. Their fleet, which includes various specialized vehicles such as flatbeds, dump trailers, tankers, and lowboys, offers tailored shipping solutions. Notably, they excel in hauling construction materials, building materials, and hazardous materials with a strong focus on ensuring safety and compliance.

C.W. Services, Inc. provides remarkable support for commercial shipments, including powers-only services, dedicated routes, cross-docking, and intermodal transportation. With attractive benefits such as paid CDL training, employee stock ownership, and flexible scheduling, they ensure driver satisfaction and reliability. Business owners can also benefit from their service options like expedited, less-than-truckload, and oversized cargo handling, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and offers a wide range of benefits for drivers, ensuring high-quality service for its clients.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.58
  • Driver fitness: 2.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.05
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 31
  • Revenue: $671
  • Miles driven: 153,580

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 freight services in Kentucky and beyond. Established with a fleet size of 46 vehicles, the company efficiently handles a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain, feed, hay, metal sheets, coils, rolls, motor vehicles, and more. They are equipped with specialized trucks such as flatbeds, reefer units, and containers to meet various shipping needs.

In addition to their standard services, Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. provides significant support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, hazmat and cross-border transport, expedited and hotshot services, and intermodal drayage. They also offer notable benefits for their drivers such as paid CDL training, life insurance, direct deposit, gym memberships, and a truck lease purchase program. With a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, they remain a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient freight solutions.

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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

Pecco, Inc.

250 Etter Drive, Nicholasville, KY, 40356
  • Fleet size: 20 to 49
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Trash
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Step deck
  • Power only
  • Lift-gate
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Pecco, Inc. (DOT: 489151) is a dynamic trucking company established in 1991 and based in Kentucky. With a sizable fleet of 46 trucks and 55 drivers, Pecco, Inc. specializes in the transportation of chemicals, construction materials, garbage/refuse, general freight, liquids/gases, and large machinery. The company is recognized for its reliable services in regional deliveries, dedicated routes, hazardous materials transportation, and specialized drivers. Pecco, Inc. is also equipped to handle freight with dry vans, reefers, step decks, and offers power-only solutions.

Pecco, Inc. goes the extra mile for commercial shipments by providing unique support such as lift gate service, drop trailers, and a robust driver referral program. Despite having a Glassdoor rating of 1.0, the company offers its employees comprehensive benefits including health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs. This commitment to driver welfare ensures dedicated and professional service for their clients. With a satisfactory safety rating and a focus on hazardous material transport, Pecco, Inc. is well-positioned to meet the diverse shipping needs of business owners.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.97
  • Driver fitness: 0.26
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.42
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 3

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 55
  • Miles driven: 2,124,850

Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC

335 E Yusen Drive, Georgetown, KY, 40324
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Intermodal containers
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Vehicles
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Container
  • Power only
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC (DOT: 554279) is a versatile trucking company based in Kentucky. Their fleet includes 104 trucks, which they utilize to transport a diverse range of cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, and more. Established for over 30 years, Phoenix Transportation offers specialized services including reefer, power-only logistics, flatbed, and dry van options. Their commitment to safety and customer satisfaction is evident from their satisfactory safety rating and provision of both regional and over-the-road drivers.

Commercial clients benefit from Phoenix Transportation’s dedicated routes, cross-border capabilities, and hazardous materials handling. Services like direct deposit, health insurance, and a 401k retirement plan highlight their commitment to employee welfare, while their participation in owner-operator programs and flexible scheduling options cater to various client needs. Business owners seeking reliable and diverse transportation solutions will find Phoenix Transportation Services an excellent partner for their logistics requirements.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 6
  • Unsafe driving: 3.01
  • Driver fitness: 0.12
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.77
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 104
  • Revenue: $1,101,000
  • Miles driven: 7,240,246

Elite Trucking Services, LLC

9719 Sr 303, Mayfield, KY, 42066
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • General
  • Livestock
  • Lumber
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Auto carrier
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Tanker
  • Consolidation
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Elite Trucking Services, LLC (DOT: 583668) is a versatile freight trucking company based in Kentucky. With a fleet of 48 vehicles and experience spanning over 29 years, they offer a range of specialized services, including hazardous materials transport, refrigerated goods, and livestock. Their commitment to safety and efficiency is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and well-maintained vehicles. Elite Trucking also supports owner-operators and provides opportunities for OTR, regional, and dedicated drivers.

Elite Trucking Services provides comprehensive commercial shipment support with features like team driving services, hazmat drivers, guaranteed home time, and cross-docking. They ensure driver satisfaction with benefits including sign-on bonuses, health insurance, safety bonuses, and ongoing training programs. They handle a diverse array of cargo including general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and oversized loads, positioning themselves as a top choice for business owners seeking reliable and flexible trucking solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 1.66
  • Driver fitness: 0.37
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.98
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.21
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 22
  • Revenue: $355
  • Miles driven: 205,368

Kentucky Container Service, Inc.

6301 Geil Lane, Louisville, KY, 40219
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Intermodal containers
  • Lumber
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Container
  • Drayage

Kentucky Container Service, Inc. (DOT: 215501) is a reputable logistics and transportation company established in 1970, with a primary focus on interstate operations. Specializing in a variety of cargo including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products, they provide comprehensive shipping solutions for commercial entities.

Kentucky Container Service, Inc. offers specialized support for the transportation of both dry bulk commodities and hazardous materials. They emphasize the importance of maintaining high safety standards with a satisfactory safety rating and dedicated health insurance benefits for their 85 interstate drivers. Despite not offering certain bonus programs or specialized driver opportunities, their extensive cargo expertise and active service status make them a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and diverse freight solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.67
  • Driver fitness: 0.11
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.93
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 85
  • Revenue: $932,000
  • Miles driven: 3,316,939

Product Distribution Company

3925 Produce Road, Louisville, KY, 40218
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Container
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage

Product Distribution Company (DOT: 230522) is a well-regarded trucking company based in Kentucky. Specializing in general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products, they have built a solid reputation for reliability and efficiency. Although the company operates on a relatively smaller fleet of 95 trucks, their extensive range of services, including dedicated routes and managed transportation, ensures comprehensive support for various cargo needs.

Product Distribution Company offers several attractive benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and paid time off. They prioritize safety with satisfactory safety ratings and provide ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, they support cross-border shipping, flatbed services, and dry van transportation, making them an ideal choice for business owners seeking dependable and versatile freight solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 1.55
  • Driver fitness: 0.1
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.1
  • Controlled substances: 0.04
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 90
  • Revenue: $3,027
  • Miles driven: 7,115,663

Kentucky Hauling, Inc.

395 North Middletown Road, Paris, KY, 40361
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Construction equipment
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Vehicles

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Sprinter van
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Drayage

Kentucky Hauling, Inc. (DOT: 140261) is a dynamic trucking company that caters to a variety of cargo transportation needs. Established with a fleet size of 50+ trucks and employing a dedicated team of 54 drivers, they specialize in hauling construction materials, liquids/gases, machinery, motor vehicles, and other large objects. Their versatile fleet includes flatbeds, lowboys, dry vans, and box trucks, perfectly suited for various hauling requirements. The company stands out with services such as dedicated routes, container consolidation, drayage, and cross-border shipping, ensuring thorough geographical coverage and reliable logistics operations.

Kentucky Hauling, Inc. emphasizes safety and driver wellness, boasting a satisfactory safety rating and multiple driver incentives such as safety bonuses, health insurance, paid CDL training, and tuition reimbursement. Special support for commercial shipment is evident through their managed transportation services, specialized drivers, and guaranteed home time, making them an attractive choice for businesses seeking dependable and efficient shipping solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.89
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.5
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 54
  • Revenue: $6,622
  • Miles driven: 1,525,423

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) operates as an active interstate carrier with a satisfactory safety rating and has been serving the Kentucky region with a fleet of 14 trucks and 28 trailers. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, grain, hay, farm supplies, livestock, machinery, and metal sheets. They also offer services such as reefer, dump trailer, hot shot, and box truck transportation, making them versatile in handling various shipping requirements.

They provide essential support for commercial shipments with extensive benefits like health, vision, dental insurance, and retirement plans. With features such as direct deposit, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and new driver bonuses, they attract a qualified workforce ensuring reliable service. Additionally, their investment in ongoing training and development programs, expedited drivers, and specialized drivers underscores their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

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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

Tram Construction, Inc.

9279 E Ky 8, Garrison, KY, 41141
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Flatbed
  • Hopper bottom
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Tram Construction, Inc. (DOT: 354116) is a reputable trucking company established in 1982, operating out of Kentucky. Specializing in a variety of cargo such as building materials, construction items, machinery, and oversized loads, they ensure efficient transportation with a fleet size ranging between 11 to 25 trucks. Their services include flatbed, hopper bottom, lowboy, dump trailer, and tanker operations, accommodating the diverse needs of their clients.

Tram Construction provides specialized drivers for hazardous materials and team driver services, emphasizing safety with a satisfactory rating and zero violations in hazardous materials. Business owners will find value in their expedited services, gym memberships, health and dental insurance, vision coverage, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, employee incentives like safety and driver referral bonuses, as well as guaranteed layover, deadhead, and detention compensation, make this company a well-rounded choice for comprehensive commercial shipment support.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 1.56
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.8
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 11
  • Revenue: $3,921
  • Miles driven: 277,684

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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky to minimize transit times and costs.
  • Importing/exporting experience: Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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: Kentucky Drayage Trucking Companies

What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for Kentucky businesses?

Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Kentucky 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.


Mike Marshall