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Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in South Dakota (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert
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After evaluating six drayage companies in South Dakota, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.

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 South Dakota. Every South Dakota 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 South Dakota for your commercial shipping needs.

Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.

1809 N Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Produce
  • General
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Conestoga
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 65762) is a versatile trucking company based in South Dakota that has been operational since 1949. With a fleet size of 1,100 and 550 trucks, they specialize in refrigerated freight transport alongside a variety of other cargo types including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, and paper products. The company offers dedicated routes and cross-border trucking, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently across long distances.

Heyl Truck Lines stands out for its specialized services such as refrigerated transport, flatbed, power-only, and hazmat material handling. They support commercial shipments with a comprehensive range of services, including cross-docking and managed transportation solutions. The company provides a range of driver benefits and incentives such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and comprehensive insurance packages, making it a competitive choice for businesses seeking reliable and integrated shipping solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 39
  • Unsafe driving: 1.06
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 550
  • Revenue: $2,076,000
  • Miles driven: 56,300,000
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Premium Best Transport

1501 Wek Road, Yankton, SD, 57078
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Livestock
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Vehicles

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Container
  • Oversized
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Premium Best Transport (DOT: 313347) excels as a versatile and reliable carrier, with a strong focus on handling a diverse range of cargo, such as agricultural products, building materials, machinery, livestock, and metal sheets. Their dedicated services make them a compelling choice for business owners seeking specialized freight solutions. The company prides itself on offering a satisfactory safety rating and maintaining a well-equipped fleet of dry vans, flatbeds, and lift-gate trucks to meet varied shipping needs.

Notably, Premium Best Transport provides essential support for commercial shipment, including hazardous materials handling and managed transportation services. Their commitment to operational excellence is evident through regional, over-the-road, and team drivers, supported by benefits like health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. With a focus on safety and efficiency, Premium Best Transport ensures seamless logistics, offering stability and reliability for business owners aiming to transport goods efficiently across state lines.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 5
  • Revenue: $2,378
  • Miles driven: 318,239
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B & E Trucking, Inc.

3401 S Fairhall Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Livestock
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Lowboy
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Consolidation
  • Drayage

B & E Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 725760) is a carrier company based in South Dakota, boasting an active USDOT status. With a well-rounded fleet of 13 trucks and 26 trailers, they offer diverse services to cater to specific client needs. The company specializes in transporting fresh produce, refrigerated foods, agricultural supplies, beverages, and construction materials, ensuring reliability in handling both general and specialized commodities.

Known for offering a range of support for commercial shipments, B & E Trucking provides dedicated routes, drop trailer services, and flexible scheduling options to meet business needs efficiently. They emphasize driver support through benefits like sign-on and safety bonuses, health and dental insurance, ongoing training programs, and guaranteed home time. With zero reported crash fatalities and an emphasis on safety, they provide peace of mind for businesses looking for reliable freight transportation partners.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 3.5
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 16
  • Miles driven: 795,470
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TDS Trucking, LLC

3400 W Hovland Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Vehicles
  • Oilfield equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Auto carrier
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Lift-gate
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

TDS Trucking, LLC (DOT: 279236) is a prominent freight carrier based in South Dakota, outfitted with a modern fleet primarily comprising dry vans, tankers, and flatbed trucks. Specializing in transporting diverse cargo such as building materials, grain, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment, TDS Trucking demonstrates a commitment to versatile and reliable service. The company prioritizes safety with a satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries or fatalities.

In addition to traditional trucking services, TDS Trucking, LLC offers specialized drivers for hazardous materials and provides team driving opportunities for efficient long-haul transportation. Business owners benefit from flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time for drivers, complementing their safety bonuses and health insurance offerings. With a focus on both regional and over-the-road routes, TDS Trucking ensures comprehensive coverage for various freight needs, making it a strong candidate for businesses seeking dependable transportation partners.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 9
  • Revenue: $17,370
  • Miles driven: 717,500
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Lance Trucking, Inc.

440 Industrial Drive, Volga, SD, 57071
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Construction equipment
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Meat
  • Metal materials
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Lance Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 957174) is a South Dakota-based carrier known for its diverse freight services and active operations in the interstate transport sector. With a fleet size of 76 and 38 power units, they specialize in transporting agricultural supplies, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Lance Trucking employs various truck types, including flatbeds and dry vans, and provides managed transportation services, which are designed for efficiency and reliability in commercial shipments.

Beyond standard trucking services, Lance Trucking supports clients with an array of benefits such as team driving opportunities, employee stock ownership, and paid time off, underscoring their commitment to employee satisfaction and service quality. Furthermore, the company ensures safety by maintaining a zero percent controlled substance violation rate. Offering both reefer and drayage services, they are well-equipped to handle complex logistics, making them an appealing choice for business owners seeking robust transportation solutions.

Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 5.76
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.04
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.19
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 28
  • Revenue: $4,153
  • Miles driven: 2,360,000
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Besler, Inc.

5401 Circle St, Black Hawk, SD, 57718
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Conditional

Cargo Types

  • Construction equipment
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Vehicles
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Besler, Inc. (DOT: 276991) is a well-rounded trucking company based in South Dakota, known for its diverse service offerings and attention to reliable transportation solutions. With a fleet size of 19 trucks and 38 total vehicles, Besler, Inc. specializes in handling a variety of cargo, including construction materials, logs, and large machinery. They are especially equipped for hazardous materials transport and offer refrigerated (reefer) services, supporting industries requiring temperature-controlled environments.

Besler, Inc. also provides tailored commercial shipping support, with services such as cross-docking and drayage, advantageous for businesses involved in import and export activities. The company supports team driving and offers dedicated routes, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. With additional employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, they uphold a professional workforce committed to safety and service excellence.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 12
  • Revenue: $3,912
  • Miles driven: 79,225
Compare Rates

How Safety Ratings Work in South Dakota

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 South Dakota

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 South Dakota to minimize transit times and costs.
  • Importing/exporting experience: South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota businesses?

Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For South Dakota 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


Mike Marshall