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Dry Bulk Shipping Services & Transport in Maine (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Transporting dry bulk materials requires specialized trucking services that ensure safety and efficiency. After reviewing 6 dry bulk carriers in Maine with a focus on affordability, safety, and customer service, we found that Dysarts Transportation, Inc. is your top choice.

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 Maine. Every Maine 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 Maine for your commercial shipping needs.

Dysarts Transportation, Inc.

530 Coldbrook Road, Hermon, ME, 4401
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Coal coke
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Liquids & gases
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Vehicles
  • Refrigerated food

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Dump trailer
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Consolidation
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Dysarts Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 185312) is an interstate carrier with a total fleet size of 62, including 31 trucks, based in Maine. The company carries a wide range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and refrigerated foods. Their logistical capabilities include dry van, flatbed, oversized load transport, and drayage, making them versatile in handling different shipping needs.

Special support services provided by Dysarts include dedicated routes, deadhead detention, layover compensation, and consolidation services. The company extends additional benefits such as direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, and ongoing training and development programs. Despite two reported crash injuries and some violations, Dysarts maintains a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting a commitment to operational safety and reliability for their clients.

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 2.33
  • Driver fitness: 0.01
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 26
  • Revenue: $218,000
  • Miles driven: 598,904
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Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc.

262 Bomarc Rd, Bangor, ME, 4401
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Lumber
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products
  • Water well

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation

Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc. (DOT: 184192) is an established transportation provider since 1948, offering a range of freight services across North America. Based in Maine, Hartt specializes in general freight, refrigerated foods, building materials, and dry bulk commodities. The company operates a robust fleet of over 391 trucks and offers a variety of services, including regional, local, and dedicated routes.

Hartt Transportation stands out with its commitment to driver incentives, offering sign-on and referral bonuses, and competitive salaries. They support logistics with managed transportation and cross-border shipping solutions. While maintaining a satisfactory safety rating, Hartt is noteworthy for its emphasis on technology-driven logistics solutions, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery services for business owners. Despite having reported crashes, their safety practices are proactive, with ongoing training and development programs.

Safety

  • Crashes: 10
  • Unsafe driving: 0.28
  • Driver fitness: 0.04
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.77
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 370
  • Revenue: $35,795,000
  • Miles driven: 34,000,000
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Northeast Transport, Inc.

3200 Atlantic Highway, Waldoboro, ME, 4572
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Produce
  • General
  • Meat
  • Refrigerated food

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking

Northeast Transport, Inc. (DOT: 288676) is a reputable trucking company established in 1986, featuring a fleet of 72 vehicles based in Maine. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, meat, and general freight. The company offers a variety of services, such as reefer and dry van, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of perishable and general goods.

Northeast Transport provides strong support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and managed transportation services. They prioritize safety and professional development, as evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including health and vision insurance, paid CDL training, and a retirement plan. With additional amenities like flexible scheduling, gym memberships, and guaranteed home time, Northeast Transport emphasizes driver satisfaction alongside reliable commercial freight transport.

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 2.96
  • Driver fitness: 0.12
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.55
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.17
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $4,723,000
  • Miles driven: 3,746,795
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H O Bouchard, Inc.

349 Coldbrook Rd, Hampden, ME, 4444
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Coal coke
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Hopper bottom
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Hazardous materials

H O Bouchard, Inc. (DOT: 150251) is a reputable trucking company based in Maine, established in 1958. H O Bouchard specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction items, and large machinery. The company maintains a fleet of 97 trucks, focusing on reliable service with additional modern equipment like lift gates and tanker trucks, ensuring seamless operations for commercial shipments.

H O Bouchard, Inc., supports cross-border operations and is recognized for handling hazardous materials with a ‘Satisfactory’ safety rating. Their experienced team of regional drivers is complemented by flatbed transport services, catering to diverse needs while ensuring safety and flexibility. Despite some recorded crash incidents, they maintain an impressive vehicle maintenance score and offer comprehensive health and vision insurance to their workforce. With an Indeed rating of 4.7, the company exemplifies a strong commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, making it an ideal partner for business owners seeking dependable freight transport.

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 0.52
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.68
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 5

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 93
  • Revenue: $26,847,000
  • Miles driven: 5,056,196
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Dubois Livestock

2 Irving Rd, Arundel, ME, 4046
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Hazardous materials

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Dubois Livestock (DOT: 369084) is an active trucking carrier in Maine with a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks and operates a total of 20 vehicles. Known for its satisfactory safety rating, Dubois Livestock offers specialized freight transportation services for agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, and large machinery objects. The company stands out with its provision of hazardous materials transportation and its capacity to handle logs, poles, beams, and lumber.

Dubois Livestock invests in the well-being and development of its drivers, offering benefits such as health insurance, a 401k retirement plan, direct deposit, and paid time off. Additional support includes sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and driver referral bonuses. The company offers flexible employment options with regional and team driving opportunities, providing carriers with ongoing training and development programs to ensure a high standard of service and safety.

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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: 5
  • Revenue: $260
  • Miles driven: 83,198
Compare Rates

W K F Transport

163 Bryant Road, Dover Foxcroft, ME, 4426
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Conditional

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Produce
  • General
  • Meat


W K F Transport (DOT: 610416) is an established carrier based in Maine, with a focus on transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, and meat. With a total of 12 drivers and 8 trucks, they provide robust transport services, highlighted by an emphasis on interstate operations and an active status under USDOT regulations.

Although W K F Transport has a conditional safety rating, they maintain a relatively low unsafe driving score of 1.3. While they don’t offer extensive additional services like team driving or specialized equipment, their core services cater effectively to businesses needing regular freight and fresh produce transportation, proving them a reliable choice for certain commercial shipping needs. Their infrastructure may not include luxurious benefits or ample insurance options, but they maintain satisfactory operational standards.

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 1.3
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.12
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 12
  • Miles driven: 575,560
Compare Rates

How Safety Ratings Work in Maine

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) 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 Dry Bulk Trucking Company for Your Shipments in Maine

Here’s what Mainebusinesses moving loose, bulk commodities like sand, grain, or chemicals, should consider when looking for a Dry Bulk trucking company:

  • Experience with bulk commodities: Maine carriers with an established reputation for transporting specific Dry Bulk materials will best understand how to handle sensitive cargo.
  • Tank and trailer options: Ensure the carrier offers specialized trailers suited to your cargo type for secure handling and transit.
  • Loading and unloading capabilities: A Dry Bulk company with the right equipment for efficient loading and unloading of bulk materials will minimize handling time.
  • Maintenance standards: A well-maintained fleet reduces risks of spills or delays, especially for materials requiring special handling.
  • Driver training requirements: Drivers trained specifically in handling Dry Bulk materials ensure safer and more efficient transportation.

FAQs

What products are typically shipped via Dry Bulk trucks in Maine?

Products most commonly shipped via Dry Bulk trucks include loose, unpackaged goods like grains, cement, sand, and minerals in specialized trailers. Businesses in Maine commonly use Dry Bulk shipping to move agricultural products, construction materials, and raw industrial resources. This method allows large quantities to be shipped efficiently, typically in hoppers or pneumatic tank trailers for ease of unloading.

What are the safety requirements for Dry Bulk shipping in Maine?

Safety in Dry Bulk shipping requires secure loading, proper weight distribution, and containment to avoid spills or hazards on the road. Maine carriers must follow federal and state safety standards, particularly when transporting materials that can create dust or pose environmental risks. Regular vehicle maintenance and driver training are essential for safe Dry Bulk transport.

What is the disadvantage of transporting goods by truck in Maine?

While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Maine and nationally, there are some minor disadvantages to consider, including weight and size restrictions and delays caused by inclement weather or traffic. Using a truck for your commercial shipments can also be expensive for longer-distance deliveries. And trucks require loading, unloading, and reloading of goods, which can add more time to and logistical management of your shipment.

Other Types of Shipping Services Available in Maine


Mike Marshall