After evaluating New Jersey Drayage companies based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, California Cartage Express 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 New Jersey
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 New Jersey. Every New Jersey 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 New Jersey for your commercial shipping needs.
California Cartage Express
2 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ, 8102- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
California Cartage Express (DOT: 3035784) is a reputable trucking company based in New Jersey, excelling in both interstate and regional operations. They handle a diverse range of cargo including beverages, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. The company’s extensive fleet of 166 trucks and their commitment to newer vehicles, with an average fleet age of just 3 years, reinforce their reliability and efficiency in the trucking industry.
California Cartage Express offers specialized services like reefer trucking, full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) options, and dedicated routes. They provide comprehensive support for commercial shipments including cross-docking, lift gate services, and cross-border transportation. The company ensures a high level of employee satisfaction through benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, and opportunities for ongoing training and development.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 0.96
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 166
- Revenue: $417,000
- Miles driven: 9,138,613
Intermodal Transport, Inc.
141 Broadway, Newark, NJ, 7104- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Drayage
Intermodal Transport, Inc. (DOT: 3289910) is a notable trucking company founded in 2019, offering a broad range of trucking services primarily for general freight and intermodal containers. They operate a fleet of 46 trucks and cater to both interstate and local drivers, ensuring versatile and efficient transport solutions for a multitude of client needs.
Specializing in full truckload and less-than-truckload services, Intermodal Transport, Inc. is well-suited for commercial shipments, including U.S. mail. The company also provides comprehensive employee benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, demonstrating a commitment to its workforce. With a Google rating of 4.5, they are recognized for their reliability and quality service, making them a preferred choice for business owners seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.92
- Driver fitness: 0.86
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.76
- Vehicle maintenance: 12.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 46
- Revenue: $512,000
- Miles driven: 950,000
Pipco Transportation, Inc.
712 N Shiloh Ave, Rosenhayn, NJ, 8352- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Pipco Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 254707) offers comprehensive trucking solutions, catering to a variety of cargo needs including beverages, refrigerated foods, fresh produce, meat, general freight, and paper products. Established 15 years ago, Pipco Transportation has built a solid reputation in New Jersey with its robust fleet of 108 vehicles, accommodating a wide range of specialized equipment such as reefer units, dump trailers, and tanker trucks.
Pipco Transportation provides exceptional support for commercial shipments, featuring services like cross-docking, consolidation, and dedicated routes. The company also offers intermodal and drayage options, enhancing efficiency for interstate operations. Their driver support programs include paid CDL training, a truck lease purchase program, sign-on bonuses, and ongoing training, ensuring a highly skilled workforce. Business owners can expect premium service with safety bonuses, health insurance, and guaranteed home time, making Pipco a top choice for reliable and efficient freight transport.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 3.79
- Driver fitness: 0.28
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.93
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.29
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 48
- Revenue: $254
- Miles driven: 3,036,906
Advanced Cargo Transportation, Inc.
19 Hyatt Ave, Newark, NJ, 7105- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Advanced Cargo Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 689077) offers comprehensive shipping solutions from New Jersey. Specializing in general freight, refrigerated foods, and hazardous materials, they also handle liquids and gases, fresh produce, and oversized cargo. They provide a variety of truck options, including reefers, dry vans, tankers, step decks, lowboys, and equipment for auto transport.
Advanced Cargo Transportation supports commercial shipments with services such as dedicated routes, hazmat drivers, and intermodal transportation. They offer benefits including paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan, ensuring well-equipped, professionally-trained drivers. With a dedicated team and ongoing training programs, they focus on safe and reliable delivery of goods for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.07
- Driver fitness: 0.28
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.51
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 46
- Revenue: $630
- Miles driven: 2,141,137
Trans American Trucking Service, Inc.
115 Saint Nicholas Ave, South Plainfield, NJ, 7080- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,900,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Trans American Trucking Service, Inc. (DOT: 229132) is a versatile transportation company based in New Jersey, specializing in heavy haul trucking, warehousing, and import & export services. Their extensive fleet includes 57 trucks that handle a diverse range of cargo, such as building materials, chemicals, construction equipment, general freight, intermodal containers, and large machinery. This company offers specific services like power-only, dry van, flatbed, hopper bottom, lift gate, and reefer operations.
Trans American Trucking Service, Inc. provides robust support for commercial shipments, including hazmat drivers, guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and safety bonuses. Their advanced safety measures are reflected in their satisfactory safety rating. Additionally, benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, direct deposit, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k) make them a top choice for business owners seeking reliable transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.72
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.74
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $8,942,000
- Miles driven: 2,567,208
Freehold Cartage, Inc.
825 Business Route 33 East, Freehold, NJ, 7728- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Freehold Cartage, Inc. (DOT: 190713) is a specialized carrier that has been operating since 1962, offering comprehensive trucking services primarily focused on hazardous and special waste transportation. With a fleet of 266 trucks and 434 trailers, the company carries a variety of cargo including chemicals, coal, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and oversized loads. Notably, they support specialized drivers, regional drivers, intermodal drivers, and tanker drivers, ensuring flexibility and expertise in handling diverse shipments.
Freehold Cartage, Inc. provides notable commercial support services such as direct deposit, comprehensive health insurance benefits, paid CDL training, roadside assistance programs, and driver referral bonuses. They also offer dedicated routes, dry van services, flatbed transportation, and drayage. Their emphasis on safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training and development programs for drivers. Additionally, they provide amenities like flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, making it an attractive choice for discerning business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 0.81
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.35
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 23
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 158
- Revenue: $18,284,000
- Miles driven: 12,000,000
Elite Express
9201 River Road, Pennsauken, NJ, 8110- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Elite Express (DOT: 751209) is a versatile trucking company with a commendable presence in New Jersey. They specialize in handling a myriad of cargo types, including building materials, chemicals, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, liquids and gases, metals, paper products, and refrigerated food. Established entities looking for a dependable partner will appreciate their solid safety rating and a diverse fleet, consisting of 203 trucks and 406 trailers, supported by a dedicated team of 166 drivers.
Elite Express offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transportation, container drayage, and cross-docking services. They provide dedicated routes, team driving services, and guaranteed home time for drivers, enhancing efficiency and reliability. Additional perks such as sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid CDL training demonstrate their commitment to both operational excellence and driver satisfaction. With their strong emphasis on quality service and safety, Elite Express stands out as a top choice for business owners seeking premium trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 2.9
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.96
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 32
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 166
- Revenue: $604
- Miles driven: 13,400,000
Norbet Trucking Corp
400 Metuchen Road, South Plainfield, NJ, 7080- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Norbet Trucking Corp (DOT: 31051) is an active freight carrier and broker headquartered in New Jersey. While a relatively small operation with 53 trucks and a fleet size of 1 to 10, the company offers a range of specialized services. They are equipped to handle general freight and have expertise in hauling building materials, construction equipment, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, machinery, large objects, and paper products.
Norbet Trucking Corp provides extensive support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, regional, local, and over-the-road drivers. They also offer health and safety bonuses, paid CDL training, a 401(k) retirement plan, and guaranteed home time for their drivers. Their maintenance standards are satisfactory, and they also facilitate managed transportation and drayage services. Notably, they operate tanker and dry van trailers, ensuring versatile and efficient freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.76
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.03
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 45
- Revenue: $1,022
- Miles driven: 2,495,901
Hermann Transportation Services
21 Distribution Way, Monmouth Junction, NJ, 8852- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Hermann Transportation Services (DOT: 17093) is a recently established trucking company that has been operational since 2022 in New Jersey. With an impressive fleet of over 150 trucks and trailers, they offer an array of services including reefer, dry van, and flatbed transportation. They manage various types of cargo like beverages, building materials, chemicals, and paper products, showcasing their versatility and capacity to handle different shipping needs.
Hermann Transportation Services provides special support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, drayage, and cross-border operations. Their drivers benefit from numerous incentives and support programs such as sign-on bonuses, health and dental insurance, safety bonuses, and a retirement plan. Additionally, the company emphasizes safety with satisfactory ratings and a well-maintained fleet, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking a trusted partner for their logistical needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 0.55
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 158
- Miles driven: 9,247,467
Bett-A-Way Beverage Distributors, Inc.
110 Sylvania Place, South Plainfield, NJ, 7080- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Bett-A-Way Beverage Distributors, Inc. (DOT: 297672) is an established trucking company based in New Jersey, operating since 1982. They have a sizeable fleet of 142 trucks and specialize in handling a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, general freight, household goods, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They offer refrigerated transport (reefer) services and have a reputation for carrying hazardous materials with a specialized team of hazmat drivers on board.
Offering a host of additional services such as cross-docking, drayage, and container shipping, Bett-A-Way provides dedicated and regional routes along with owner-operator opportunities. They prioritize driver benefits including health, dental, and disability insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. They offer sign-on and driver referral bonuses, guaranteeing home time and providing safety and per diem payments. Bett-A-Way is committed to managed transportation and supports flexible driver’s needs through programs like direct deposit and pay advances.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.61
- Driver fitness: 0.17
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.49
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.03
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $25,546,000
- Miles driven: 7,628,607
How Safety Ratings Work in New Jersey
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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: New Jersey Drayage Trucking Companies
What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for New Jersey businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For New Jersey 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.