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Dry Van Shipping Services & Transport in Maine (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

We reviewed and ranked 10 dry van trucking companies in Maine based on pricing, customer feedback, services, and safety, and found Local Muscle, LLC to be the number-one choice for businesses looking for secure and reliable shipping solutions for electronics, furniture, packaged foods, and other retail items.

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.

Local Muscle, LLC

511 Riverside Industrial Parkway, Portland, ME, 4103
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $750,000


Truck Types

  • Dry van

Local Muscle, LLC (DOT: 2162841) is a trucking company based in Maine, established in 2010. They specialize in the transportation of household goods and primarily offer full truckload services, utilizing their fleet of dry vans for safe and efficient deliveries. Their workforce is comprised of 25 drivers, including those who operate regionally and locally. This company stands out with a commendable Google rating of 4.5, reflecting a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.

Local Muscle, LLC is active in interstate operations. They provide benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, displaying their commitment to employee welfare. Despite having a relatively small fleet of 8 trucks, they maintain an active USDOT status with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, indicating a solid emphasis on safety. Business owners seeking reliable transportation for household commodities will find an adept partner in Local Muscle, LLC.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 25
  • Revenue: $896,000
  • Miles driven: 70,000
Compare Rates

PEP Transportation

32 Prescott St, Gardiner, ME, 4345
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Auto carrier
  • Step deck
  • Pneumatic
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Consolidation
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

PEP Transportation (DOT: 25286) is a reputable trucking company established in 1955, based in Maine. They boast a diverse fleet of up to 170 vehicles, including tankers, flatbeds, and box trucks, catering to a variety of logistical needs. PEP specializes in transporting heavy and large cargo such as building materials, machinery, and logs, among other items. With a “Satisfactory” safety rating, they demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining high safety standards in operations.

In addition to offering regional and local driver services, PEP Transportation provides power-only and dry van services. The company enhances commercial shipments with features like flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and comprehensive support for hazmat and oversized loads. Benefits for employees include health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan, underscoring their focus on attracting and retaining skilled drivers for reliable service delivery.

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 0.41
  • Driver fitness: 0.18
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.55
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 102
  • Revenue: $4,060,000
  • Miles driven: 3,243,845
Compare Rates

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
Compare Rates

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
Compare Rates

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
Compare Rates

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
Compare Rates

Richard Carrier Trucking, Inc.

46 Industrial Park Road, Skowhegan, ME, 4976
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Trash
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Vehicles

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Richard Carrier Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 74288) is a reputable trucking company operating in Maine, offering specialized transportation services for wood products, demolition, and equipment. The company boasts a fleet size of over 50 trucks, providing comprehensive solutions including flatbed, dry van, and tanker services. They are adept at handling diverse cargo such as building materials, construction elements, general freight, metal sheets, garbage/refuse, and large machinery.

Richard Carrier Trucking excels in delivering commercial shipment support with dedicated routes and team drivers. They offer cross-docking and intermodal services, enhancing their logistics handling capacity. Their commitment to quality and safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety ratings. Additionally, they provide a robust benefits package for drivers, including health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. The company is also an active employer, showing their dedication to hiring qualified individuals to support their operations.

Safety

  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 0.26
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.62
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $15,584,000
  • Miles driven: 3,331,896
Compare Rates

P A F Transportation

75 Postal Service Way, Scarborough, ME, 4074
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • General
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Step deck
  • Power only
  • Hot shot
  • Cross-docking

P A F Transportation (DOT: 192141) is a reputable trucking company based in Maine. They offer a diverse range of trucking services including flatbed, dry van, and step deck transportation, tailored to meet the needs of various clients. Specializing in general freight, beverages, and paper products, the company manages to efficiently handle different types of cargo.

P A F Transportation ensures reliable service with a fleet of over 96 vehicles and a team of 73 drivers committed to interstate operations. Commercial shipments are supported through features like power-only services and cross-docking facilities. The company prioritizes safety, evident from their satisfactory safety rating and low unsafe driving score. Additionally, they offer hot shot services and maintain a focus on driver benefits, providing safety bonuses and health insurance. With an active operational status, P A F Transportation exemplifies reliability and commitment in the trucking industry.

Safety

  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 0.25
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.96
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 73
  • Revenue: $6,653
  • Miles driven: 4,749,000
Compare Rates

Borderview Trucking Corp

407 Robinson Road, Blaine, ME, 4734
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Lumber
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Container
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage

Borderview Trucking Corp (DOT: 176325) operates as a reliable and active carrier offering specialized trucking services across the United States. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 trucks, they are equipped to handle a variety of cargo including agricultural supplies, fresh produce, building materials, and refrigerated foods. Their fleet primarily consists of flatbeds and dry vans, providing versatility for diverse shipping needs.

They offer several advantages for commercial shipments, such as dedicated routes, regional drivers, and cross-border operations, ensuring efficient and timely delivery. Borderview Trucking also supports drivers with per diem payments, a 401k retirement plan, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and ongoing training and development programs. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their zero crash fatalities and crash injuries, making Borderview Trucking Corp a dependable choice for business owners seeking a trusted logistics partner.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.46
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
  • Vehicle maintenance: 11.75
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 5
  • Revenue: $1,065
  • Miles driven: 220,000
Compare Rates

Sysco Northern New England, Inc.

36 Thomas Drive, Westbrook, ME, 4092
  • Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • Produce
  • Meat
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Tanker
  • Lift-gate

Sysco Northern New England, Inc. (DOT: 284941) is a reputable trucking company established in 1984, operating primarily in Maine. They specialize in carrying a diverse array of cargo, including chemicals, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. With a fleet of 75 trucks, Sysco Northern New England efficiently manages interstate shipping needs with a focus on fresh and perishable items.

The company is committed to safety, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating with zero reported cases of unsafe driving. They are equipped with lift gates to assist in handling specific cargo types. Although they don’t offer extensive employee benefits or bonuses, the company ensures compensation within a typical salary range of $50,000-$60,000 annually for drivers. Sysco Northern New England actively carries hazardous materials, highlighting their capability in managing sensitive shipments effectively.

Safety

  • Crashes: 7
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.23
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.82
  • Controlled substances: 0.57
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 82
  • Revenue: $548,480
  • Miles driven: 2,780,000
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 Van Trucking Company for Your Maine Shipments

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when deciding on a Dry Van carrier in Maine:

  • Trailer size and capacity: Use a company with a wide range of Dry Van sizes to match your load requirements.
  • Fleet Ccndition: Choose carriers with well-maintained trailers to reduce the risk of damage or delays during transit.
  • Reliable shipment tracking: Maine companies with GPS tracking provide real-time updates on the status and location of your shipments.
  • Safety and delivery history: Look for a Dry Van provider with a solid track record in safe handling and timely deliveries for added peace of mind.
  • Flexible shipping options: If you want a Dry Van carrier that can adapt as your business grows, go with one that can accommodate both short- and long-haul routes. This will ensure they can handle your shipments should your distribution needs change.

FAQs

What types of goods are best suited for Dry Van shipping?

Retail items that need protection from the elements — like electronics, packaged food, clothing, and furniture — are best suited for Dry Van shipping.

How does Dry Van shipping protect cargo in transit?

Dry Van shipping protects cargo in transit by using fully enclosed trailers that keep items from being damaged by weather conditions, road debris, and other environmental factors.

What are common dimensions for Dry Van trailers in Maine?

Dry Van trailers in Maine are typically 53 feet in length, though some carriers offer 48-foot options for smaller loads.

Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments


Mike Marshall