After evaluating 10 drayage companies in Texas, based on affordability, service speed, and customer satisfaction, Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. is our choice for the most reliable port-to-warehouse service.
Drayage Shipping Services & Transport in Texas
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 Texas. Every Texas 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 Texas for your commercial shipping needs.
Wrist Usa Houston, Inc.
4129 Greenshadow Dr Suite 200, Pasadena, TX, 77503- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. (DOT: 963185) is a prominent trucking company based in Texas with a satisfactory safety rating. Offering comprehensive shipping solutions, they handle a wide array of cargo, including general freight, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, liquids, gases, chemicals, and more. Their services feature partial and full truckloads utilizing dry van and flatbed trailers, making them versatile in accommodating various shipping needs.
The company stands out with its customer-oriented support, such as last-mile delivery and dedicated parcel services, ensuring optimal coverage and delivery precision. With a fleet size between 20 to 49 vehicles, Wrist Usa Houston, Inc. prioritizes driver well-being, offering competitive benefits packages including health, dental, and life insurance, as well as safety bonuses. Their focus on safe transport, backed by ongoing training and development programs, positions them as a reliable partner for business owners seeking trustworthy commercial shipment services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.92
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $58,128,000
- Miles driven: 1,057,200
Nordic Intermodal, LLC
2714 N Loop 1604 E Ste 202, San Antonio, TX, 78232- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Container
- Drayage
Nordic Intermodal, LLC (DOT: 1280142) operates as a prominent intermodal transportation company, actively engaging in interstate freight. While the fleet comprises 10 trucks, they focus on moving general freight and intermodal containers. The company emphasizes efficient handling of logistics, supporting commercial clients with less-than-truckload (LTL) services that facilitate flexible shipping solutions for mixed cargo loads.
With no crash incidents reported, Nordic Intermodal maintains a clean safety record. They provide services as both a broker and a carrier, offering streamlined transport coordination. Though the company does not offer special driver incentives or health benefits, their operations are poised to handle commercial shipments requiring container and freight transport. Nordic Intermodal, situated in Texas, offers active and reliable support for businesses seeking consistent shipping logistics.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.89
- Driver fitness: 0.31
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.88
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $1,138,000
- Miles driven: 700,000
International Hazmat Crossings, Inc.
5771 Padre Island Hwy, Brownsville, TX, 78521- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
International Hazmat Crossings, Inc. (DOT: 2019145) is a Texas-based carrier specializing in the transportation of hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities. Despite uncertainty about their founding year, the company is well-rated on platforms like Google and Indeed, suggesting a robust reputation in the industry. Their operations are primarily interstate, offering full and less-than-truckload services, making them a versatile option for businesses looking to ship various types of cargo, including metals like sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as liquids and gases.
Specializing in team driver services, International Hazmat Crossings ensures efficient, long-haul deliveries with an active focus on hazardous materials transport. With a fleet of 16 trucks and a satisfactory safety rating, the company demonstrates a commitment to secure and reliable deliveries. They support cross-border shipping, have a range of tanker, dry van, and general freight capabilities, and strive for international standards with dedicated attention to compliance and safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 23
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $6,299,000
- Miles driven: 148,516
Fast Freddy’s Intermodal
738 B Crenshaw Rd, Pasadena, TX, 77504- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Drayage
Fast Freddy’s Intermodal (DOT: 2371442) is a Texas-based carrier specializing in intermodal transportation. While the company operates a modest fleet of 8 trucks, they excel in less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) services. With an exceptional Google rating of 4.5, they prioritize delivering quality service, reflected in their careful handling of intermodal containers. Fast Freddy’s is particularly known for their expertise in dry van transportation.
Focusing on employee well-being, Fast Freddy’s Intermodal offers health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off. Their commitment to safe operations is evident, maintaining low scores in unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance. For businesses seeking efficient and reliable shipping solutions, Fast Freddy’s provides a strong option, bolstered by active operation status and a focus on intermodal transit.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.51
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.78
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $2,753,000
- Miles driven: 1,507,192
W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC
10000 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX, 77013- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC (DOT: 213641) is a well-regarded trucking carrier established in 1971 with a robust fleet of over 170 trucks based in Texas. The company stands out for its diversity in cargo handling, including refrigerated foods, chemicals, metal sheets, coils, rolls, construction materials, and more. They also specialize in transporting fresh produce and oilfield equipment, setting them apart as a versatile choice for businesses with varied shipping needs.
W W Rowland provides extensive service options such as reefer, flatbed, and tanker trucking, supporting specialized and regional drivers. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reinforced through dedicated routes and cross-border services. The company offers commercial shipping support with programs like truck lease purchase and paid CDL training, emphasizing driver development and retention. Additionally, their safety ratings indicate a focus on maintaining safe operations, making them a reliable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.91
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 170
- Revenue: $12,360,000
- Miles driven: 7,531,431
Gulf Winds International, Inc.
5300 State Highway 146, Seabrook, TX, 77586- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Gulf Winds International, Inc. (DOT: 690147) is a prominent freight trucking company in Texas, established in 1996. They specialize in a diverse range of transportation services, including power-only operations and dry van shipments. With a robust fleet of 563 trucks and an additional 1467 trailers, Gulf Winds handles various cargo types like beverages, chemicals, and paper products, emphasizing efficiency through their intermodal container and cross-docking capabilities.
Gulf Winds provides excellent support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, drop trailer services, and managed transportation solutions. They prioritize driver satisfaction by offering benefits like health insurance, safety bonuses, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company maintains a strong safety record indicated by a satisfactory safety rating, despite encountering some crash incidents. Their commitment to flexibility and ongoing training makes them a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 40
- Unsafe driving: 1.03
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 541
- Revenue: $908
- Miles driven: 24,800,000
T.G. Mercer Consulting Services, Inc.
1221 Coke Court, Granbury, TX, 76048- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
T.G. Mercer Consulting Services, Inc. (DOT: 854520) is a versatile trucking and freight brokerage company based in Texas, operating actively with a fleet of 65 trucks. Known for handling a variety of cargo, they specialize in transporting commodities such as agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and machinery. They are adept in oversized and refrigerated freight services, catering to diverse commercial needs.
This company offers specialized support, including hazardous material transport, heavy haul and tanker services, and intermodal containers. T.G. Mercer values its drivers by offering benefits like sign-on and referral bonuses, health and dental insurance, and retirement plans. They emphasize sustained safety and maintenance, with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, showcasing their commitment to safe commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Miles driven: 140,000
LVT Trucking, LLC
903 Interstate Hwy 30 E, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
LVT Trucking, LLC (DOT: 246295) is a recognized freight carrier based in Texas. With a fleet of 55 trucks, they offer a range of trucking services including dry van, flatbed, and container hauling. Their areas of expertise include transporting agricultural supplies, paper products, building materials, and machinery. They also handle dry bulk commodities and offer specialized services such as cross-docking and drayage, catering to both general and specialized shipping needs.
LVT Trucking provides robust support for commercial shipments, featuring guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs for drivers. They prioritize safety with a satisfactory safety rating and have measures in place for handling hazardous materials. The company also values employee welfare, offering benefits like health insurance, vision coverage, a retirement plan, and per diem payments. Despite some reported crashes, LVT Trucking maintains a focus on reliable and efficient service for its business clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 55
- Revenue: $327
- Miles driven: 3,024,957
Cheetah Transportation Systems, LLC
11900 Wallisville Rd, Houston, TX, 77013- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Cheetah Transportation Systems, LLC (DOT: 728400) is a Texas-based carrier offering diverse freight solutions since its inception. Known for handling various cargo types such as building materials, chemicals, liquids/gases, lumber, oilfield equipment, and paper products, Cheetah Transportation excels in providing specialized services with a fleet of 128 vehicles. Emphasizing safety and efficiency, the company offers team driving opportunities, has a low unsafe driving score of 0.17, and ensures guaranteed home time for their drivers.
Dedicated to commercial shipments, Cheetah Transportation provides specialized services including hazardous materials transport, drayage, and oversized cargo handling. The company supports its drivers with benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Equipped with both flatbed and reefer capabilities, they offer flexible scheduling and maintain a younger fleet, averaging four years in age. Cheetah Transportation is committed to safe and reliable service, making it an ideal partner for businesses seeking dependable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.17
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.31
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.31
- Controlled substances: 0.13
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 108
- Miles driven: 3,632,214
TRI Star Freight System, Inc.
5407 Mesa Drive, Houston, TX, 77028- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
TRI Star Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 325836) has been operating since 1987, establishing itself as a reputable trucking company in Texas. With a fleet size of over 50 trucks and a strong focus on general freight, they handle a wide variety of cargo, including chemicals, household goods, beverages, and intermodal containers. They are particularly skilled in managing hazardous materials and oilfield equipment, demonstrating their ability to handle specialized transportation needs.
The company provides regional driving services and is actively engaged in interstate operations, enhancing their logistical capabilities. TRI Star offers a range of commercial shipment support, including flatbed and dry van transport, along with drayage services. They implement rigorous safety practices, evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating, and offer benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 2.13
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.63
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.88
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $7,132
- Miles driven: 6,789,348
How Safety Ratings Work in Texas
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 Texas
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 Texas to minimize transit times and costs.
- Importing/exporting experience: Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas businesses?
Drayage is a crucial part of the shipping process that involves short-distance transportation from ports or rail terminals to distribution centers. For Texas 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
