After evaluating four drayage companies in Minnesota, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Lakehead Trucking, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Minnesota
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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
Lakehead Trucking, Inc.
6035 Lavaque Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1950 and based in Minnesota. With a fleet comprising over 50 trucks, they transport various types of cargo, such as building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, construction equipment, grain, and more. Their services include specialized equipment like dump trailers and flatbeds, catering to a range of logistical needs. The company excels in providing reliable transportation solutions enhanced by expedited, regional, and dedicated routes, ensuring products are shipped efficiently and on time.
Lakehead Trucking offers valuable support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transportation and intermodal driver services, ensuring seamless freight handling. With offerings such as cross-docking, managed transportation, and a strong focus on employee welfare, including health insurance and safety bonuses, the company secures a satisfactory safety rating and positive employee reviews. Their dedication to safety and service is reflected in their consistently high ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $36,490
- Miles driven: 1,034,120
Wille Transport, Inc.
521 West Highway #2, Cohasset, MN, 55721- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Wille Transport, Inc. (DOT: 191404) is a Minnesota-based carrier established in 1972, offering specialized freight services across a range of cargo types, including building materials, fragile paper products, and oversized oilfield equipment. They are known for their commitment to excellence, boasting trucks that average three years in age and a satisfactory safety rating.
Wille Transport provides dedicated routes, power-only shipments, and tanker services, supported by a team of qualified drivers. They offer unique support for commercial shipments, such as automated direct deposits and guaranteed home time for drivers. With a commendable Google rating of 4.7 and consistently high scores on platforms like Indeed, they have carved out a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. Wille Transport is an ideal choice for business owners seeking a dependable partner for interstate commercial shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $3,408
- Miles driven: 2,708,704
Autumn Transport, Inc.
6550 Courtly Road, Woodbury, MN, 55125- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Autumn Transport, Inc. (DOT: 184150) is a trusted freight trucking company based in Minnesota, established in 1980. They operate a fleet of over 140 trucks and specialize in various services such as flatbed, lowboy, and dry van transportation. The company carries a diverse array of cargo, including dry bulk commodities, coal/coke, and grain feed hay. With a well-rounded service offering, they also support cross-border and interstate operations, ensuring flexibility and wide coverage for commercial shipments.
Autumn Transport is committed to customer satisfaction with special support such as dedicated routes and guaranteed home time. The company provides value-added services including roadside assistance programs, pay advances, and flexible scheduling. Notably, they maintain a satisfactory safety record and offer a variety of employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. These features make Autumn Transport a reliable partner for business owners seeking efficient and comprehensive trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 17
- Unsafe driving: 2.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $3,744
- Miles driven: 14,000,000
Ramler Trucking, Inc.
400 13th St, Albany, MN, 56307- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Ramler Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 176097) is a Minnesota-based freight trucking company widely recognized for its excellent services and customer focus. With an active fleet comprising 70 trucks and numerous trailers, Ramler is adept at handling a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, and metal products. The company offers specialized transportation services such as flatbed, dry van, and tanker operations, ensuring flexibility and reliability for their clients’ varied shipping needs.
Ramler Trucking provides numerous incentives and support services for commercial shipments, such as team driving opportunities and direct deposit for contractor payments. With a commitment to safety and professionalism, the company has achieved a satisfactory safety rating. Committed to employee well-being, Ramler offers benefits including paid CDL training, health insurance, and a retirement plan. These features make Ramler Trucking a top choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 3.21
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.64
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $9,804,000
- Miles driven: 7,764,253
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota
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 Minnesota to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Minnesota 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
