After evaluating nine drayage companies in Maryland, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Cowan Intermodal Group, LLC is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Maryland
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 Maryland. Every Maryland 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 Maryland for your commercial shipping needs.
Cowan Intermodal Group, LLC
4555 Hollins Ferry Road, Baltimore, MD, 21227- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Drayage
Cowan Intermodal Group, LLC (DOT: 215194) is a seasoned transportation company based in Maryland, established in 1994. The company operates a robust fleet specializing in full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, effectively handling cargo such as general freight and intermodal containers. With over 592 vehicles, Cowan is known for its efficiency in service delivery.
Cowan Intermodal Group offers a range of services pertinent to commercial shipping needs, including interstate operations and drayage services. Their emphasis on intermodal transport is complemented by offering dry van options, making them a versatile partner for businesses. They maintain a “Satisfactory” safety rating while providing essential employee benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. While focusing on operational excellence, Cowan maintains a satisfactory safety record with moderate scores in vehicle maintenance and driving safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.27
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 6
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 278
- Revenue: $65,546,000
- Miles driven: 14,500,000
Port Transportation, Inc.
8200 Fisher Road, Baltimore, MD, 21222- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Port Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 1580410) operates as a well-regarded trucking company in Maryland, specializing in the transportation of intermodal containers. They offer diverse services such as full truckload and less than truckload shipping, along with specific capabilities for reefer and tanker operations. The company caters to a variety of cargo needs, providing flexible solutions with their fleet of 18 trucks, supported by their regional and OTR drivers.
Port Transportation provides essential support for commercial shipments, including drayage and dry van services. Despite having a conditional safety rating, their insurance coverage demonstrates a commitment to reliability. The company offers benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, and supports drivers with paid time off, ensuring company support and employee welfare. With active interstate operations, they seek to establish themselves as a versatile and dependable partner for businesses looking to transport goods efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 6.16
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.75
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Revenue: $437,000
- Miles driven: 1,100,000
D M Bowman, Inc.
10228 Governor Lane BLVD Ste 3006, Williamsport, MD, 21795- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Drayage
D M Bowman, Inc. (DOT: 135530) is a versatile trucking company based in Maryland, known for its reliable transportation services across various industries since its inception. With a fleet size consisting of 305 trucks and a total of 610 power units, they effectively manage the transportation of a broad range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and general freight. Specialized cargo like intermodal containers and machinery large objects demonstrate their capacity for handling complex shipping needs.
D M Bowman, Inc. distinguishes itself with dedicated services such as regional and local driving operations, flatbed and reefer transportation, and dry bulk commodities carriage. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and managed transportation services. Moreover, they offer benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and a safety bonus to drivers, ensuring quality support for commercial shipments and fostering employee satisfaction. Despite some crash history, their dedication to ongoing training and flexible scheduling underscores a proactive approach to safety and service excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 0.78
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.59
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 330
- Revenue: $1,155,000
- Miles driven: 22,100,000
Terminal Transportation Services
1657a South Highland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Terminal Transportation Services (DOT: 65089) operates as a prominent logistics provider offering specialized freight services. With a fleet size ranging from 11 to 25, they equip trucks with capabilities to handle a diverse array of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils rolls, and paper products. Based in Maryland, their operations extend beyond state lines, ensuring that both general freight and intermodal containers reach their destinations promptly and safely.
Renowned for their commitment to customer satisfaction, Terminal Transportation Services provides essential commercial shipment support through dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and drayage services. Clients benefit from their power-only and reefer services, supplemented by amenities like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs. Safety is a priority with standard insurance and satisfactory ratings, backed by multiple types of driver bonuses, including sign-on, referral, and safety incentives. They are a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.7
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $2,544,000
- Miles driven: 1,046,950
HTI Contractors
4539 Sykesville Road, Finksburg, MD, 21048- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
HTI Contractors (DOT: 592464) is a dynamic trucking company known for its reliable transport services across interstate lines. With a fleet of 60 trucks and a range of equipment, including dump trailers and flatbeds, the company specializes in transporting building materials, construction equipment, garbage/refuse, and liquids/gases. HTI Contractors offers critical trucking services such as dry van and hot shot services, supported by specialized drivers for oversized and hazardous materials.
HTI Contractors demonstrates a strong commitment to employee welfare with offerings such as paid CDL training, health and dental insurance, driver referral bonuses, and ongoing training programs. The company emphasizes safety and professionalism, maintaining a low unsafe driving score and offering deadhead, detention, and layover compensation. With flexible scheduling and special access to rest stops, the company ensures driver satisfaction while adeptly managing commercial shipments efficiently and effectively.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.7
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.97
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 92
- Revenue: $20,781
- Miles driven: 1,607,680
Overflo Trucking, Inc.
3010 Nieman Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21230- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Overflo Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 347105) is a well-established trucking company, having operated in Maryland since 1948. With a fleet of 20 trucks and comprehensive services, they specialize in transporting a wide range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and intermodal containers. They focus on offering dedicated routes and efficient general freight services.
Overflo Trucking, Inc. provides specialized support for hazardous materials, ensuring safety and compliance. They offer a range of employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as driver referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and the absence of crash-related fatalities or injuries. Flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time make them a reliable and supportive choice for businesses requiring consistent and secure shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 5.1
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $10,037
- Miles driven: 250,520
Consolidated Delivery Co
7920 Tar Bay Drive, Jessup, MD, 20794- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Consolidated Delivery Co (DOT: 397438) is a reputable trucking company based in Maryland, specializing in diverse freight services. With an active interstate operation, the company provides dedicated routes and general freight shipping, handling cargo such as household goods, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Consolidated Delivery Co’s fleet consists of 48 trucks with an average age of three years, ensuring reliable transportation services.
In addition to offering power-only, dry van, and flatbed services, Consolidated Delivery Co supports commercial shipments with specialized services like drayage and tanker operations. The company places a strong emphasis on employee benefits, providing sign-on bonuses, health and vision insurance, and retirement plans. They also maintain robust safety standards with zero reported crash fatalities and minimal hazardous material violations, making them a dependable choice for business owners seeking secure and efficient freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.39
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.74
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 53
- Miles driven: 2,100,000
Evan Transportation, Inc.
4800 Belle Grove Road, Baltimore, MD, 21225- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Evan Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 547385) is an established trucking company that has been serving clients since 1992. Operated with a fleet of 35 trucks, Evan Transportation is known for its diverse capabilities in transporting various cargo types including general freight, intermodal containers, beverages, and paper products. They excel in dry van and flatbed operations, catering to businesses requiring efficient and reliable freight solutions.
Special services include drayage and dump trailer operations, which are critical for businesses involved in intermodal and bulk material transport. Evan Transportation provides support for dedicated and regional routes, ensuring predictability and commitment to their clients’ shipping needs. The company values safety and offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers, including health, life, disability insurance, and per diem payments, showcasing their commitment to employee welfare and operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 3.14
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.39
- Controlled substances: 0.09
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Revenue: $2,151
- Miles driven: 1,348,000
Cleary Transportation Company, Inc.
3224 Conowingo Rd, Street, MD, 21154- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Conestoga
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Cleary Transportation Company, Inc. (DOT: 435234) is a Maryland-based trucking company founded in 2023. With a fleet of 40 vehicles and operating primarily as an interstate carrier, they provide a variety of specialized freight services. The company is equipped to handle a range of cargo, including building materials, motor vehicles, and large machinery. Additionally, Cleary Transportation offers team driving, cross-docking, and drayage services, giving them versatility in managing complex logistical needs.
Specializing in hazardous materials transportation, Cleary also provides reefer and container services, ensuring safe delivery of sensitive cargo. The company supports its drivers with paid CDL training, health and vision insurance, and flexible scheduling. Prospective drivers and business partners will find Cleary’s emphasis on safety evident through their zero unsafe driving violations and ongoing training and development programs. With guaranteed home time and competitive driver salaries, Cleary Transportation is a reliable choice for business owners seeking robust freight options.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.53
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 21
- Miles driven: 120,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Maryland
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 Maryland
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 Maryland to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Maryland 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
