After evaluating six drayage companies in Maine, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, PEP Transportation is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Maine
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 Maine. Every Maine 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 Maine for your commercial shipping needs.
PEP Transportation
32 Prescott St, Gardiner, ME, 4345- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
PEP Transportation (DOT: 25286) is a reputable trucking company established in 1955, based in Maine. They boast a diverse fleet of up to 170 vehicles, including tankers, flatbeds, and box trucks, catering to a variety of logistical needs. PEP specializes in transporting heavy and large cargo such as building materials, machinery, and logs, among other items. With a “Satisfactory” safety rating, they demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining high safety standards in operations.
In addition to offering regional and local driver services, PEP Transportation provides power-only and dry van services. The company enhances commercial shipments with features like flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and comprehensive support for hazmat and oversized loads. Benefits for employees include health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan, underscoring their focus on attracting and retaining skilled drivers for reliable service delivery.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.41
- Driver fitness: 0.18
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.55
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 102
- Revenue: $4,060,000
- Miles driven: 3,243,845
Dysarts Transportation, Inc.
530 Coldbrook Road, Hermon, ME, 4401- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Dysarts Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 185312) is an interstate carrier with a total fleet size of 62, including 31 trucks, based in Maine. The company carries a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and refrigerated foods. Their logistical capabilities include dry van, flatbed, oversized load transport, and drayage, making them versatile in handling different shipping needs.
Special support services provided by Dysarts include dedicated routes, deadhead detention, layover compensation, and consolidation services. The company extends additional benefits such as direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, and ongoing training and development programs. Despite two reported crash injuries and some violations, Dysarts maintains a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting a commitment to operational safety and reliability for their clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.33
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $218,000
- Miles driven: 598,904
Northeast Transport, Inc.
3200 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME, 4572- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Northeast Transport, Inc. (DOT: 288676) is a reputable trucking company established in 1986, featuring a fleet of 72 vehicles based in Maine. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, meat, and general freight. The company offers a variety of services, such as reefer and dry van, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of perishable and general goods.
Northeast Transport provides strong support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and managed transportation services. They prioritize safety and professional development, as evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including health and vision insurance, paid CDL training, and a retirement plan. With additional amenities like flexible scheduling, gym memberships, and guaranteed home time, Northeast Transport emphasizes driver satisfaction alongside reliable commercial freight transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.96
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.55
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $4,723,000
- Miles driven: 3,746,795
Richard Carrier Trucking, Inc.
46 Industrial Park Road, Skowhegan, ME, 4976- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Richard Carrier Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 74288) is a reputable trucking company operating in Maine, offering specialized transportation services for wood products, demolition, and equipment. The company boasts a fleet size of over 50 trucks, providing comprehensive solutions including flatbed, dry van, and tanker services. They are adept at handling diverse cargo such as building materials, construction elements, general freight, metal sheets, garbage/refuse, and large machinery.
Richard Carrier Trucking excels in delivering commercial shipment support with dedicated routes and team drivers. They offer cross-docking and intermodal services, enhancing their logistics handling capacity. Their commitment to quality and safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety ratings. Additionally, they provide a robust benefits package for drivers, including health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company is also an active employer, showing their dedication to hiring qualified individuals to support their operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $15,584,000
- Miles driven: 3,331,896
Borderview Trucking Corp
407 Robinson Road, Blaine, ME, 4734- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Borderview Trucking Corp (DOT: 176325) operates as a reliable and active carrier offering specialized trucking services across the United States. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks, they are equipped to handle a variety of cargo including agricultural supplies, fresh produce, building materials, and refrigerated foods. Their fleet primarily consists of flatbeds and dry vans, providing versatility for diverse shipping needs.
They offer several advantages for commercial shipments, such as dedicated routes, regional drivers, and cross-border operations, ensuring efficient and timely delivery. Borderview Trucking also supports drivers with per diem payments, a 401k retirement plan, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and ongoing training and development programs. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their zero crash fatalities and crash injuries, making Borderview Trucking Corp a dependable choice for business owners seeking a trusted logistics partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.46
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.75
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $1,065
- Miles driven: 220,000
Palco Air Cargo & New Hampshire Freight
10 Willey Road, Saco, ME, 4072- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Palco Air Cargo & New Hampshire Freight (DOT: 206013) is a notable trucking company known for its commitment to interstate freight transportation, headquartered in Maine. They specialize in transporting general freight, refrigerated foods, and intermodal containers, ensuring flexible and dedicated routes for their clients. With a modern fleet of 28 trucks and 56 units in total, they emphasize cross-border shipments and drayage services, catering to a diverse range of shipping needs.
The company offers robust support for commercial shipments through specialized driving opportunities and flexible scheduling. They provide a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) plan. Palco Air Cargo’s safety record is satisfactory, with minimal incidents, ensuring reliable service. Business owners will find their direct deposit and guaranteed home time appealing for employee satisfaction and motivation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $302
- Miles driven: 1,625,129
How Safety Ratings Work in Maine
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 Maine
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 Maine to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Maine 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
