Transporting dry bulk materials requires specialized trucking services that ensure safety and efficiency. After reviewing 10 dry bulk carriers in Minnesota with a focus on affordability, safety, and customer service, we found that J.D. Logistics is your top choice.
Dry Bulk Shipping Services & Transport in Minnesota
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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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
J.D. Logistics
2219 Oakland Ave S #108, Minneapolis, MN, 55404- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
J.D. Logistics (DOT: 2143125) is a reputable trucking company based in Minnesota with an active status since its establishment. Equipped with a fleet of 17 trucks and 34 trailers, they specialize in various freight services, including full and partial truckloads, refrigerated foods, dry bulk commodities, and paper products. The company offers dry van and flatbed services, making them a versatile choice for shipping needs.
J.D. Logistics provides a range of employee benefits such as health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus a retirement plan and paid time off. They emphasize safety and offer a competitive driver salary range of $55,000-$65,000. While offering regional driving opportunities, they do not provide team driving, which can be an attribute for companies seeking dedicated individual drivers. Favorable ratings on Google, Indeed, and Glassdoor reflect their commitment to quality service and employee satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.6
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.32
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $757,000
- Miles driven: 1,361,342
Nessler Grain Service
1020 Orchard Acres Ln Sw, Rochester, MN, 55902- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
Nessler Grain Service (DOT: 429842) is an active carrier based in Minnesota, primarily specializing in grain transportation since its inception. With a fleet comprising of 7 trucks and a focus on dry bulk commodities, the company notably manages shipments of grain, feed, and hay across interstate routes, indicating their expertise in the grain transportation industry.
Nessler Grain Service supports its operations with dry van trailers, ideal for the efficient movement of dry goods. Despite a conditional safety rating and a history of two notable crashes in the past year, the company maintains a dedicated focus on the transportation of grain and related dry bulk commodities. While lacking in additional driver amenities and advanced technological features, their specialization makes them a reliable option for businesses focused on agricultural product shipping.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- 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: 7
- Miles driven: 648,000
Ats, Inc.
725 Opportunity Drive, Saint Cloud, MN, 56301- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Ats, Inc. (DOT: 606920) is a versatile trucking company providing services across the interstate sector from Minnesota. With a fleet of 499 trucks and 998 trailers, they manage various types of cargo, such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk, household goods, intermodal containers, and paper products. Their specialized offerings include tanker and flatbed transport, hazmat shipments, and full truckload service, catering to diverse commercial shipping needs.
Ats, Inc. excels in driver support with incentives like paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and an array of benefits, such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance. They also ensure work-life balance with flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating despite past incidents and promotes sustainability through its relatively young fleet, averaging two years. With a broad array of services and a solid reputation, Ats, Inc. is a reliable partner for businesses seeking robust freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 58
- Unsafe driving: 1.69
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.31
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 398
- Revenue: $485
- Miles driven: 44,200,000
Lakehead Trucking, Inc.
6035 Lavaque Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) is a reputable trucking company founded in 1950 and based in Minnesota. With a fleet comprising over 50 trucks, they transport various types of cargo, such as building materials, coal, dry bulk commodities, construction equipment, grain, and more. Their services include specialized equipment like dump trailers and flatbeds, catering to a range of logistical needs. The company excels in providing reliable transportation solutions enhanced by expedited, regional, and dedicated routes, ensuring products are shipped efficiently and on time.
Lakehead Trucking offers valuable support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transportation and intermodal driver services, ensuring seamless freight handling. With offerings such as cross-docking, managed transportation, and a strong focus on employee welfare, including health insurance and safety bonuses, the company secures a satisfactory safety rating and positive employee reviews. Their dedication to safety and service is reflected in their consistently high ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $36,490
- Miles driven: 1,034,120
Wille Transport, Inc.
521 West Highway #2, Cohasset, MN, 55721- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Wille Transport, Inc. (DOT: 191404) is a Minnesota-based carrier established in 1972, offering specialized freight services across a range of cargo types, including building materials, fragile paper products, and oversized oilfield equipment. They are known for their commitment to excellence, boasting trucks that average three years in age and a satisfactory safety rating.
Wille Transport provides dedicated routes, power-only shipments, and tanker services, supported by a team of qualified drivers. They offer unique support for commercial shipments, such as automated direct deposits and guaranteed home time for drivers. With a commendable Google rating of 4.7 and consistently high scores on platforms like Indeed, they have carved out a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. Wille Transport is an ideal choice for business owners seeking a dependable partner for interstate commercial shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $3,408
- Miles driven: 2,708,704
D&E Transport, LLC
4141 150th St Nw, Clearwater, MN, 55320- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
D&E Transport, LLC (DOT: 600140) is a competitive trucking company based in Minnesota, renowned for its extensive service offerings and emphasis on reliable transportation. With a total fleet size of 364 and a focus on interstate operations, they provide specialized services such as dry bulk commodities, fresh produce transportation, and general freight. Their cargo portfolio includes agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, oilfield equipment, and intermodal containers, highlighting their versatility in handling various goods.
D&E Transport is committed to supporting commercial shipments with features like power-only transport, roadside assistance, and flexible scheduling. They offer valuable incentives such as sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and guaranteed home time, ensuring driver satisfaction and retention. With a satisfactory safety rating and robust vehicle maintenance scores, D&E Transport delivers dependable service along dedicated routes, making them a strong contender for businesses looking to ship products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.67
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.65
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 179
- Revenue: $691
- Miles driven: 19,400,000
Pfeninger Trucking, Inc.
500 Central Street, Villard, MN, 56385- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
Pfeninger Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 464170) is a Minnesota-based carrier established in 2011, providing a strong suite of logistics solutions with a fleet of 22 trucks. Specializing in transporting commodities such as agricultural farm supplies, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods, Pfeninger Trucking meets diverse shipping needs. Offering flatbed, dry van, and box truck services, the company ensures safe and reliable freight transport across state lines with a satisfactory safety record.
Pfeninger Trucking provides specialized support for commercial shipments of various cargo, including chemicals, liquids, gases, and large machinery objects. With 19 dedicated interstate drivers and a health insurance plan, they focus on reliability and employee well-being. Whether transporting building materials or ensuring the timely delivery of general freight, Pfeninger Trucking, Inc. maintains high standards to satisfy business owners seeking efficient product distribution.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 26
- Revenue: $5,113
- Miles driven: 1,166,864
Polman Transfer, Inc.
63425 Hwy 10 West, Wadena, MN, 56482- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Power only
- Cross-border
Polman Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 116195) is a reputable trucking company operating with an active USDOT status. With a fleet size of 124 and 62 power units, they specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, commodities dry bulk, fresh produce, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, meat, and refrigerated foods. Their services are designed to support business needs through interstate carrier operations and owner-operator opportunities.
Polman Transfer, Inc. provides additional value with services such as power-only transport, flatbed trucks, and a drop trailer program. They emphasize driver support with benefits like direct deposit, health and dental insurance, and paid time off. The company also offers significant incentives like sign-on bonuses and safety bonuses, ensuring that their clients receive reliable service and their employees are well-supported. With a satisfactory safety rating and flexible scheduling options, they are a strong choice for businesses requiring dependable and efficient freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 52
- Revenue: $15,587,000
- Miles driven: 3,820,319
Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Inc.
4200 Dahlberg Drive, Golden Valley, MN, 55422- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 146060) is a reputable trucking company based in Minnesota, specializing in providing comprehensive transportation and distribution services. With a fleet of 1,697 trucks and 3,394 trailers, they handle various types of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, and large machinery. Their capabilities extend to managing dry bulk commodities and paper products, ensuring a wide range of shipping options for diverse industries.
They offer specialized services such as flatbed and dry van transportation, catering to both regional and over-the-road (OTR) shipping needs. Customers benefit from their guaranteed home time and dedicated routes. Despite having reported crash injuries, their satisfactory safety rating underscores a commitment to maintaining operational standards. As both a carrier and broker, Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Inc. ensures flexible and reliable logistics solutions for businesses seeking dependable freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 77
- Unsafe driving: 0.83
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.87
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 927
- Miles driven: 90,500,000
Autumn Transport, Inc.
6550 Courtly Road, Woodbury, MN, 55125- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Autumn Transport, Inc. (DOT: 184150) is a trusted freight trucking company based in Minnesota, established in 1980. They operate a fleet of over 140 trucks and specialize in various services such as flatbed, lowboy, and dry van transportation. The company carries a diverse array of cargo, including dry bulk commodities, coal/coke, and grain feed hay. With a well-rounded service offering, they also support cross-border and interstate operations, ensuring flexibility and wide coverage for commercial shipments.
Autumn Transport is committed to customer satisfaction with special support such as dedicated routes and guaranteed home time. The company provides value-added services including roadside assistance programs, pay advances, and flexible scheduling. Notably, they maintain a satisfactory safety record and offer a variety of employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. These features make Autumn Transport a reliable partner for business owners seeking efficient and comprehensive trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 17
- Unsafe driving: 2.76
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.62
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $3,744
- Miles driven: 14,000,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota
Here’s what Minnesotabusinesses moving loose, bulk commodities like sand, grain, or chemicals, should consider when looking for a Dry Bulk trucking company:
- Experience with bulk commodities: Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Products most commonly shipped via Dry Bulk trucks include loose, unpackaged goods like grains, cement, sand, and minerals in specialized trailers. Businesses in Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Safety in Dry Bulk shipping requires secure loading, proper weight distribution, and containment to avoid spills or hazards on the road. Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
While trucking is the most widely used commercial shipping method in Minnesota 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 Minnesota
If you are looking for other types of shipping and transport services in Minnesota, here are your top options:
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage 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
