If you’re in the business of manufacturing construction materials, machinery, or other heavy load items, Flatbed carriers are the most efficient way to get your products where they need to go. We looked at areas like pricing, safety, fleet size, and customer feedback for leading Illinois Flatbed trucking companies and found Bishkek Express, Inc. to be the top pick.
But Bishkek Express, Inc. isn’t your only option in Illinois. Explore our other top recommendations for Flatbed trucking companies so you can compare cost and services.
Top Flatbed Trucking Companies in Illinois
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 Illinois. Every Illinois 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 Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.
Bishkek Express, Inc.
1699 Wall Street Suit 630, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
“`
Bishkek Express, Inc. (DOT: 2332354) is a versatile trucking company headquartered in Illinois, with a commendable reputation across various cargo categories. Established as a USDOT-certified carrier, Bishkek Express offers a wide range of services including general freight, fresh produce, beverage transport, and refrigerated foods. Their fleet of 25 trucks is capable of handling diverse cargo such as agricultural supplies, construction materials, machinery, metal sheets, and even US mail.
Specializing in both full and partial truckloads, Bishkek Express ensures flexibility and reliability in shipment solutions. The company provides notable commercial support options like team driving, sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, health insurance including dental and vision, and a retirement plan (401k). Additionally, they prioritize driver benefits and safety, offering paid time off, ongoing training programs, and bonus incentives. Bishkek Express maintains a commitment to quality service with modern equipment and a strong focus on driver well-being.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.79
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.04
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Miles driven: 3,689,467
Atlantic Transport, Inc.
750 Davis Rd, Elgin, IL, 60123- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Atlantic Transport, Inc. (DOT: 1603381) is an active interstate freight trucking company known for its satisfactory safety rating and a modern fleet averaging 5 years in age. Specializing in a range of cargo, they handle beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated food. With a fleet size of 30 trucks and a total power unit capacity of 60, this company caters to businesses requiring dependable general freight and refrigerated transportation solutions.
Atlantic Transport, Inc. offers a variety of trucking services including full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, as well as regional and local driving options. They are well-equipped with dry vans, reefer, and flatbed trailers. The company ensures a smooth shipping process by providing health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off for their drivers. Notably, they also offer direct deposit for payments and a 401(k) retirement plan, underscoring their commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 3.52
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.78
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 27
- Revenue: $910,000
- Miles driven: 2,810,272
Eliteone Transportation
2360 Hassell Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL, 60169- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Eliteone Transportation (DOT: 2553529) is a versatile and dependable trucking company based in Illinois, boasting a total fleet size of 220 vehicles and a diverse range of services. The company specializes in full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, making them adaptable to various cargo demands. They have a strong focus on shipping refrigerated foods, fresh produce, meat, motor vehicles, paper products, and general freight, ensuring comprehensive coverage for numerous industries.
Eliteone Transportation stands out for its support in commercial shipments through its team driving opportunities, regional and local driver availability, and a commitment to safety with a robust maintenance record. They offer attractive incentives like sign-on and driver referral bonuses, paid time off, health insurance including dental, vision, and life insurance, and 401k retirement plans. Moreover, they ensure guaranteed home time and ongoing training and development programs, making it an appealing choice for businesses looking for reliable and dedicated transport services.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 2.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.56
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 110
- Revenue: $503,000
- Miles driven: 5,842,620
Innovative Transport Solutions, LLC
8755 West Higgins Road Suite 960, Chicago, IL, 60631- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Innovative Transport Solutions, LLC (DOT: 2030641) is a versatile trucking company based in Illinois, established in 2005, and operates a fleet of 30 trucks. The company is known for offering essential freight services, including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and dry van services. They are capable of transporting diverse cargo types such as general freight, intermodal containers, building materials, and machinery. Their ability to handle commodities like dry bulk and metal sheets, coils, and rolls further accentuates their diversified cargo capabilities.
Innovative Transport Solutions provides significant support for commercial shipments, including team driver services and regional driving opportunities, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries. The company emphasizes employee benefits and safety with offerings such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Moreover, drivers receive safety and sign-on bonuses, contributing to a supportive working environment. With their excellent Google rating of 4.5 and a dedicated team of 25 drivers, they present a reliable option for business owners seeking competent and flexible freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.27
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $1,393,000
- Miles driven: 935,815
MTM Logistics, Inc.
1605 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL, 60120- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
MTM Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 2789173) is a notable logistics and transportation company based in Illinois. Operating with a fleet of 50 trucks and specializing in different types of cargo such as building materials, construction machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and motor vehicles, they offer full truckload, less-than-truckload, and partial truckload services. Their offerings aren’t limited to dry vans; they also handle general freight efficiently.
Supporting commercial shipments, MTM Logistics provides numerous services including reefer transport for temperature-sensitive goods, along with local, regional, and over-the-road driving options. With a commitment to driver welfare, they offer health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off. Their efficient management and emphasis on safety make them a reliable partner for business owners seeking top-notch logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.81
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.92
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.55
- Controlled substances: 0.21
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 50
- Miles driven: 8,260,000
Transcorp National, Inc.
200 Norman Ct, Des Plaines, IL, 60016- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Transcorp National, Inc. (DOT: 2155563) is a reputable trucking company in Illinois with an active DOT status. They boast a specialized fleet comprising 11 trucks and various trailers like box trucks and dry vans. Their wide range of cargo includes beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and refrigerated foods, reflecting their capacity to handle diverse shipping needs efficiently.
Transcorp National, Inc. emphasizes both full and partial truckload services, regional, OTR, and local driving opportunities, ensuring flexibility in shipment management. They also provide special commercial shipment support such as expedited shipping, direct deposit, health and life insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Furthermore, they actively invest in ongoing training and development programs to maintain high service standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 16.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 13
- Miles driven: 491,608
IKO Express, Inc.
200 Howard Ave Suite 244, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
IKO Express, Inc. (DOT: 2120480) is a reliable trucking company operating interstate and active since 2023. They offer a wide range of services including full truckload, partial truckload, less than truckload, and dry van services. They specialize in transporting diverse cargo such as building materials, construction supplies, fresh produce, intermodal containers, motor vehicles, oilfield equipment, and paper products.
With a fleet of 17 trucks and 34 trailers, IKO Express provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including regional and local driving services. They emphasize driver welfare by providing benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. Additionally, they maintain high standards of safety, reporting zero crash fatalities or injuries. Business owners can reach out for more detailed career and service information via their application and careers pages.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Miles driven: 1,967,728
Prime Source Trucking, Inc.
612 B W 5th Ave, Naperville, IL, 60563- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Prime Source Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2333891) is a reputable trucking company based in Illinois, with an active status and a commendable Google rating of 4.5 stars. Operating a fleet of 32 trucks and specialized in carrying a wide range of cargo, they focus on general freight, construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery objects. The company also offers specialized team driving opportunities and paid CDL training for its drivers.
Prime Source Trucking, Inc. provides numerous benefits for its commercial shipment clients, including less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) options, direct deposit, and a solid corporate sales volume of $764,000. Their comprehensive employee benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement and disability insurance, make them an attractive partner. Despite a few reported crashes and a moderate vehicle maintenance score, they maintain a strong emphasis on safety and driver fitness, ensuring reliable and efficient service for business owners looking to ship their products.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.65
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.06
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $764,000
- Miles driven: 3,000,000
BB8 Freight Co
409 W Algonquin Rd, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
BB8 Freight Co (DOT: 3106861) is a reputable trucking company established in 2018 in Illinois. The company offers a range of services, including full truckload and less than truckload shipments, catering to diverse cargo needs like agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, general freight, and fresh produce. BB8 Freight Co operates a modern fleet with an average age of two years and a strong focus on refrigerated foods and utility shipments.
For commercial shippers, BB8 Freight Co provides special support with team driving opportunities to ensure timely deliveries. The company prides itself on its commitment to employee well-being, offering benefits like health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan. With a dedicated team of 45 drivers, guaranteed home time, and positive ratings on Indeed and Google, BB8 Freight Co stands out as a reliable partner for all your shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 4.78
- Driver fitness: 0.3
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.45
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.47
- Controlled substances: 0.33
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 45
- Revenue: $767,000
- Miles driven: 4,005,620
Nationwide Enterprises Corp
3037 Long Common Pkwy, Elgin, IL, 60124- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Nationwide Enterprises Corp (DOT: 1844537) is an active freight trucking company in Illinois. Although relatively small with a fleet size of 15 trucks and 30 trailers, it maintains a substantial presence in the transportation industry. Specializing in diverse cargo such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and general freight, they effectively meet various shipping needs. Additionally, their services include full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), reefer, dry van, flatbed, and parcel transportation, ensuring versatility and reliability for business clients.
Nationwide Enterprises Corp offers special support features to enhance commercial shipments, including direct deposit, health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (401k), and disability insurance. The company maintains an “Active” authority status and highlights a moderate safety record with no recent fatalities. Elevating their reputation, they display excellent customer satisfaction, indicated by a strong Google rating of 4.5 and reputable ratings on Indeed and Glassdoor, scoring 3.8. This makes Nationwide Enterprises Corp a dependable partner for businesses seeking high-quality trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $131,000
- Miles driven: 945,296
How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois
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 Illinois Flatbed Trucking Company for Your Shipments
If you run a construction company, manufacturing business, or industrial operation in Illinois, it’s important to consider the following before selecting a Flatbed trucking company:
- Specialized Flatbed options: Some companies offer specialized Flatbed vehicles like stretch or double-drop trailers that may be necessary for extra-long or heavy loads.
- Fleet Condition and maintenance: Choose a company that prioritizes fleet upkeep, as well-maintained trucks reduce the risk of delays and improve safety for your shipments.
- Weather-resistant protection: Flatbed carriers have an open deck, which make them ideal for loading and unloading bulky items. But open transport means exposure to the elements, so for more sensitive equipment or materials, look for carriers that provide tarping and other weather-protection services to safeguard cargo during transport.
- Experience with permits and regulations: Ensure the company is knowledgeable about handling oversize load permits, escort vehicles, and other regulatory requirements specific to Flatbed shipments.
- Load size and weight limits: Flatbed carriers have different weight and size capacities, so choose a company that can accommodate your cargo dimensions and meets Illinois regulations.
- Geographic coverage: You’ll want to confirm that a carrier provides routes in your required shipping areas to ensure timely delivery.
- Tracking and communication: Carriers with advanced tracking technology and responsive communication help provide real-time updates on your shipment’s status.
- Driver experience and training: Experienced drivers are essential for safe and efficient flatbed transport, especially for complex hauls or challenging routes. Find out what basic and ongoing training a carrier requires.
- Insurance coverage: Confirm that the company’s insurance policies cover the value of your cargo, especially for high-value or heavy-duty loads.
- Customer reviews and reputation: Look for a company with positive consumer feedback, specifically from Flatbed customers.
FAQs: Illinois Flatbed Trucking Companies
What types of shipments are best-suited for Flatbed shipping?
Shipments that require specialized handling or unique configurations — such as oversized, heavy, or oddly-shaped items — are best-suited for Flatbed shipping. Industries like construction and manufacturing often use Flatbed shipping for transporting machinery, raw materials, or equipment. Flatbed trucks have an open deck, making them particularly useful for products that cannot fit within the confines of standard trailers.
How can Flatbed shipping benefit my business in Illinois?
Flatbed shipping can benefit your business by providing flexible transport options for loads that may not fit on more conventional trucks. They allow for easier loading and unloading, which in turn reduces handling time and potential damage for oversized or delicate items.
What are the biggest factors I should consider when choosing a Flatbed shipping provider?
Some of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a Flatbed shipping provider include experience with that transport type. Companies that have double-drop trailers and protective tarps are likely well-versed in Flatbed shipments. It’s also important to choose a company with skilled drivers and a well-kept fleet. You can review a company’s FMCSA score to check for safety violations and see maintenance records.
