After evaluating seven drayage companies in Ohio, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Containerport Group is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Ohio
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 Ohio. Every Ohio 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 Ohio for your commercial shipping needs.
Containerport Group
1340 Depot Street, Cleveland, OH, 44116- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
Containerport Group (DOT: 232734) is a prominent trucking company established in 1972, based in Ohio. Specializing in intermodal transportation, the company offers reliable services with a focus on flatbed and dry van freight. They efficiently handle intermodal containers, ensuring safe and timely delivery of goods across long distances.
Containerport Group supports various commercial shipment needs, including full and partial truckload services. Known for their satisfactory safety rating, they provide cost-effective drayage solutions. Local drivers are employed to handle demands efficiently, while their active fleet of over 1,300 trucks and 85,000 trailers ensures capability and adaptability in a dynamic market. Although commercial driving opportunities such as team driving and flatbed support are available, the company does not offer specialized programs for new drivers or owner-operators.
Safety
- Crashes: 54
- Unsafe driving: 0.93
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 16
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1331
- Revenue: $10,563,000
- Miles driven: 60,000,000
Horizon Freight System, Inc.
8777 Rockside Road, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
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
Horizon Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 237360) is a reputable trucking company in Ohio renowned for its wide array of services and commitment to safety. Operating with a fleet of 276 trucks and a total power unit count matching their number of drivers, they specialize in transporting various types of cargo. Their cargo includes beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
Horizon Freight System stands out for offering specialized support tailored to commercial shipments, such as hazardous materials handling, cross-docking, and refrigerated services. Their drivers benefit from numerous perks, including health, vision, and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a 401k retirement plan. Flexible scheduling, dedicated routes, and specialized driver opportunities reflect their dedication to driver satisfaction and high service standards. Despite having reported crash injuries and fatalities, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, showing a commitment to ongoing safety improvements.
Safety
- Crashes: 21
- Unsafe driving: 1.32
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 276
- Revenue: $1,107,000
- Miles driven: 12,100,000
ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co
10765 Medallion Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45241- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (DOT: 81361) is an experienced carrier operating in Ohio with a fleet size of 270 vehicles focused on providing comprehensive and diverse trucking services. Specializing in general freight, building materials, and machinery transport, the company demonstrates expertise in handling oversized loads and intermodal containers. Their service offerings include flatbed, dry van, and lowboy transport, showcasing their capability to handle agricultural and construction-related cargo efficiently.
ACE Doran stands out with exceptional support for commercial shipments, offering specialized drivers, team driver services, and cross-border capabilities. Safety and employee benefits are prioritized, with the company maintaining a “Satisfactory” safety rating and offering a robust compensation package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance. The company nurtures its workforce by providing paid CDL training, ongoing development programs, and attractive bonuses, making it an ideal partner for businesses seeking reliable and versatile hauling solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.14
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.92
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 154
- Miles driven: 6,833,065
City Service
1461 State Route 28, Loveland, OH, 45140- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
City Service (DOT: 436440) is an active trucking company based in Ohio, offering comprehensive shipping solutions for a variety of goods. They handle cargo such as beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, meat, metal sheets, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Established primarily as a broker and carrier, City Service boasts a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet size ranging from 20 to 49 trucks.
Specializing in both general freight and specialized shipments, the company offers cross-border, container, and managed transportation services. Their expertise extends to providing support for commercial shipments, including auto carrier and pneumatic services. City Service further demonstrates a commitment to efficiency with cross-docking capabilities, ensuring speedy and effective transits. Despite the modest size of their operation, they maintain a focus on safety, as indicated by their minimal record of crash injuries and fatalities.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.04
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.93
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Revenue: $924
- Miles driven: 3,001,172
Klingshirn & Sons Trucking, Inc.
14884 State Route 118, Burkettsville, OH, 45310- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Klingshirn & Sons Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 392874) is a dynamic transportation company based in Ohio, offering a comprehensive range of freight services. Specializing in refrigerated and general freight, they efficiently manage the transportation of agricultural supplies, fresh produce, meat, and metal materials. Established with a reputation for safety, Klingshirn & Sons Trucking boasts a satisfactory safety rating and provides specialized support for hazardous materials and cross-border shipments.
This company commits to superior customer service and flexible solutions, with dedicated and regional fleet options and advanced refrigerated units. They promote a supportive work environment with benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses. Their team driving services and truck lease purchase program are tailored to meet the needs of professional drivers seeking career advancement. Focused on exceptional logistics management, Klingshirn & Sons Trucking is ideal for businesses requiring reliable and safe cargo transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.06
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.78
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.54
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $581
- Miles driven: 3,951,424
Ohio Transport Corporation
5593 Hamilton Middletown Road, Middletown, OH, 45044- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Ohio Transport Corporation (DOT: 384170) is an established trucking company in the transportation industry with a solid reputation since 1988. They operate with a fleet size of 134 trucks, specializing primarily in general freight and large machinery, and carry specialized cargo like beverages, building materials, and paper products. Their services extend across interstate operations, offering exclusive hot-shot and drayage services as well as flatbed trucking.
Ohio Transport Corporation supports commercial shipments with capabilities like box truck and dry van transportation and cross-border operations. The company is committed to driver welfare, with benefits including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and referral bonuses. Safety is a priority, as reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and training for intermodal and ltl drivers. With flexible scheduling and a sign-on bonus, they appeal to both seasoned drivers and new recruits in the industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 2.62
- Driver fitness: 0.16
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.84
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 114
- Revenue: $1,641,000
- Miles driven: 5,270,992
THE Wm Hafer Drayage Co
11320 Mosteller Rd, Cincinnati, OH, 45241- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Drayage
THE Wm Hafer Drayage Co (DOT: 81385) is a drayage-focused carrier operating in Ohio. The company is known for its specialization in the transport of general freight and intermodal containers across interstate routes. With a total fleet size of 64 power units and 34 drivers, they emphasize efficiency and reliability in moving freight.
The Wm Hafer Drayage Co is active with a satisfactory safety rating and maintains an enterprise operation. While they don’t offer services like hazardous materials transport or special equipment options such as reefers, their focus on core drayage services makes them a dependable choice for businesses looking to move cargo swiftly between various transit points.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $4,288,000
- Miles driven: 694,103
How Safety Ratings Work in Ohio
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 Ohio
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 Ohio to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Ohio 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