After evaluating Tennessee Drayage companies based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, MTR Nashville 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 Tennessee
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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee for your commercial shipping needs.
MTR Nashville
3006 Seaboard Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
MTR Nashville (DOT: 1030979) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating since 2002. With a fleet size of 10, including 5 trucks, MTR Nashville specializes in providing a variety of freight services. They are known for handling general freight, building materials, and paper products. Key services include reefer transport, partial and full truckload shipments, and drayage, as well as specialized offerings such as flatbed and tanker transport. Their commitment to on-time delivery is evident through guaranteed home time and dedicated routes.
The company supports commercial shipments with a range of benefits including direct deposit, health, dental, and vision insurance, and 401(k) retirement plans. MTR Nashville also offers sign-on bonuses, team driving opportunities, and ensures safety with an ‘Active’ DOT status and no reported crash fatalities. Business owners looking for reliable freight solutions can rely on MTR Nashville for their transportation and logistics needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $1,360,000
- Miles driven: 231,907
Covenant Logistics
400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, TN, 37419- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Covenant Logistics (DOT: 273818) has been providing exceptional trucking services since 1986. Based in Tennessee, this well-established company operates an impressive fleet of over 1,364 trucks and specializes in various types of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, liquids/gases, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated food. Their diverse capabilities make them a versatile choice for companies seeking dependable freight solutions.
Covenant Logistics offers a myriad of specialized services to support commercial shipments, including team driving opportunities, power-only services, regional and local driving options, and cross-border transport. Additionally, they provide dedicated routes, lift gate services, and intermodal transportation. Various employee benefits underscore their commitment to quality service, such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and gym memberships. With a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, Covenant Logistics is a top contender for businesses looking for comprehensive, professional shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 167
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.92
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 30
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1917
- Revenue: $76,030,000
- Miles driven: 191,000,000
Titan Transfer, Inc.
1200 Stanley BLVD, Shelbyville, TN, 37160- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Titan Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 845505) is a reputable trucking company based in Tennessee, established in 2000. Known for its extensive fleet of 583 trucks, the company specializes in the transportation of a wide variety of cargo including general freight, beverages, building materials, chemicals, metals, and paper products. The company employs 562 drivers, ensuring significant operational capacity and reliability. It offers essential services including refrigerated transport and dry van transport.
Titan Transfer, Inc. provides special support for commercial shipments with services such as dedicated routes, regional drivers, and owner-operators. They also cater to expedited and cross-border deliveries, offering comprehensive transportation solutions for various business needs. The company is committed to employee welfare, offering benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, and a retirement plan. Additionally, they support employee growth with paid CDL training and ongoing training and development programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 52
- Unsafe driving: 2.46
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.34
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 562
- Revenue: $18,248
- Miles driven: 52,000,000
JIT – Ex, LLC
3344 Cazassa Rd, Memphis, TN, 38116- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
JIT – Ex, LLC (DOT: 974027) is an active interstate freight trucking company that proudly serves a variety of industries. They possess a satisfactory safety rating and operate with a fleet size of 214 trucks and 278 drivers. Founded in Tennessee, they handle a wide range of cargo, including agricultural/farm supplies, beverages, building materials, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, machinery, and paper products.
Offering specialized support for commercial shipments, JIT – Ex, LLC provides services such as hazardous materials transport, dry bulk commodities, and drayage. They are committed to driver welfare, offering health, dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside incentives like sign-on and driver referral bonuses. Additional services include cross-docking, expedited, and direct deposit payments, tailored to ensure a seamless client experience for all shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 23
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.51
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 278
- Revenue: $3,163
- Miles driven: 17,700,000
Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co
2163 Airways BLVD, Memphis, TN, 38114- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $3,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Dump trailer
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co (DOT: 536) is a well-regarded trucking company established in 1969 in Tennessee. With a robust fleet of over 690 trucks and total fleet size of 1,380, the company specializes in handling a variety of cargo, including machinery, motor vehicles, and oilfield equipment. Their services extend to oversized and construction cargo, leveraging both flatbed and lowboy trailers to meet diverse shipping needs.
The company offers significant commercial shipment support with specialized drivers, hazardous materials handling, and managed transportation solutions. Barnhart Crane And Rigging Co prioritizes driver welfare, providing health insurance, life insurance, and flexible scheduling, along with safety bonuses and dedicated route opportunities. Notably, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating and actively participate in ongoing training and development programs, ensuring dependable and secure transport services.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.63
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 647
- Revenue: $22,509
- Miles driven: 6,881,387
International Paper
6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38197- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
International Paper (DOT: 297334) is a seasoned trucking company established in 1898, offering a comprehensive range of services suitable for various shipping needs. Their fleet comprises 213 trucks and they handle diverse cargo, including chemicals, garbage/refuse, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and paper products. With capabilities such as power-only operations, cross-docking, and drayage, alongside specialized services for hazardous materials and regional or dedicated routes, International Paper stands out as a versatile and reliable shipping partner.
Business owners will appreciate their professional approach to commercial shipments, which includes support for owner-operators, team driving services, and less-than-truckload options. They also offer a range of employee benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and 401k retirement plans. Notably, the company emphasizes safety and driver well-being, reflected in their satisfactory safety rating, ongoing training, and development programs, as well as guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling options for their drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.77
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 208
- Revenue: $1,520,991
- Miles driven: 8,141,555
NEW Waverly Transportation
1610 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
NEW Waverly Transportation (DOT: 146001) is a well-regarded trucking company established in 1972, based in Tennessee. With a fleet size of over 250 trucks and 125 drivers, the company specializes in carrying building materials, machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as hazardous materials. NEW Waverly Transportation offers a wide range of services including full truckload, dry van, and hot shot services. They also have dedicated routes and cross-border capabilities, reinforcing their reputation for reliability and comprehensive logistical support.
In addition to their extensive service portfolio, NEW Waverly Transportation provides specialized support for commercial shipments, such as power-only services, lift gate capabilities, and drayage. They prioritize driver welfare with benefits like health insurance, paid CDL training, gym memberships, and flexible scheduling. The company emphasizes safety with programs for ongoing training and development, and offers various compensations such as per diem payments and guaranteed home time, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for a dependable and driver-friendly trucking partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.96
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.49
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 125
- Revenue: $14,015,000
- Miles driven: 8,255,285
OLD Time Express, Inc.
600 Industrial Park Drive, Hartsville, TN, 37074- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
OLD Time Express, Inc. (DOT: 567905) is a reputed trucking company operating in Tennessee. The company hauls various types of cargo including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated food. Additionally, they offer specialized hauling services, ensuring your cargo is transported with the utmost care. Established trucking services like dry van, reefer, flatbed, and tanker options are provided by OLD Time Express, making them a versatile choice for commercial shipping needs.
OLD Time Express supports commercial shipments with numerous benefits for their clients. They provide dedicated routes, ensuring timely and consistent deliveries. Services such as power-only transport, cross-border capabilities, and drayage add to their versatility. The company also offers essential driver support, including guaranteed home time, health insurance, paid CDL training, and diverse compensation benefits. Their fleet is sizable and well-maintained, making OLD Time Express a reliable partner for your business transportation needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.84
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $4,000
- Miles driven: 1,128,575
CMH Transport, Inc.
5000 Clayton Road, Maryville, TN, 37804- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Mobile homes
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
CMH Transport, Inc. (DOT: 594023) is a prominent trucking company based in Tennessee that has been providing reliable transportation services for over two decades. With a fleet of 379 trucks and 758 trailers, they specialize in hauling building materials, construction equipment, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and large objects. CMH Transport is known for its commitment to quality and safety, reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and insurance coverage of $5 million BIPD.
What sets CMH Transport apart is their extensive support for commercial shipments. They offer dedicated routes, team driving services, and owner-operator opportunities. Their specialized driver support extends to flatbed, dry van, intermodal, and tanker services. In addition, the company provides essential benefits such as health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and per diem payments. With a focus on managed transportation and driver safety programs, CMH Transport ensures efficient and secure delivery of commercial goods.
Safety
- Crashes: 29
- Unsafe driving: 0.45
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.96
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 397
- Miles driven: 18,900,000
Burkhart Enterprises
2435 Asbury Road, Knoxville, TN, 37914- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Drayage
Burkhart Enterprises (DOT: 41115) is a reputable trucking company based in Tennessee. With a fleet size of over 50 vehicles and more than 600,000 miles covered, they excel in handling various types of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, and refrigerated foods. Building on their positive Google and Yelp ratings, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating and are committed to exceptional service standards.
Burkhart Enterprises specializes in general freight services and dry van transportation, making them a reliable partner for a wide range of shipping needs. They also offer specialized support for dry bulk commodities and handle complex shipments like oilfield equipment and large machinery. The company ensures cargo security with drayage services and maintains an active interstate operation, catering to diverse cargo requirements efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.53
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $14,159
- Miles driven: 602,325
How Safety Ratings Work in Tennessee
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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: Tennessee Drayage Trucking Companies
What role does Drayage play in the shipping process for Tennessee businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Tennessee 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.
