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 C.J. Logistics Transportation, LLC to be the top pick.
But C.J. Logistics Transportation, LLC 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.
C.J. Logistics Transportation, LLC
1750 S Wolf Rd, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
C.J. Logistics Transportation, LLC (DOT: 3095481) is a reputable trucking company established in 1960 and headquartered in Illinois. The company operates a fleet of 84 trucks and specializes in a range of transportation services, including dry van, flatbed, tanker, and intermodal container shipping. They are known for carrying general freight, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases, making them a versatile choice for various cargo needs. With a Google rating of 4.5 and excellent Indeed and Glassdoor ratings, C.J. Logistics has a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and employee well-being.
For business owners looking for comprehensive shipment solutions, C.J. Logistics offers both full and partial truckload services, as well as dedicated routes and regional driving options. They provide benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement plans. Their support for commercial shipments is further highlighted by flexible scheduling, deadhead, detention, and layover compensation, making them a reliable partner for all freight needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.71
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 84
- Revenue: $41,193,000
- Miles driven: 5,133,364
Yunak Corp
1320 S 6th Ave, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Yunak Corp (DOT: 2334371) is a robust trucking company based in Illinois, actively operating with 24 trucks and 28 drivers. Although the year of establishment is not mentioned, the company boasts a variety of trucking services including full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), and partial truckload services. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, meat, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and US mail.
Yunak Corp provides noteworthy support for commercial shipments, including refrigerated trailers (reefer), dry vans, and box trucks. They offer regional driving opportunities, guaranteed home time for drivers, and various employee benefits like health, dental, vision, disability insurance, and a retirement plan (401k). With a commitment to ensuring driver fitness and vehicle maintenance, they strike a balance between safety and efficiency, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.34
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.44
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Miles driven: 1,178,000
Southern Palm Transport
4840 Jeffory Street, Springfield, IL, 62703- 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
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Southern Palm Transport (DOT: 874456) is a reputable trucking company based in Illinois, offering extensive trucking services since its inception. With a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet of modern vehicles, they handle a diverse range of cargo, including general freight, fresh produce, agricultural supplies, refrigerated food, construction materials, and household goods.
Southern Palm Transport specializes in both full and less-than-truckload services, ensuring flexibility for different shipping needs. They provide excellent support for commercial shipments with features such as guaranteed home time for drivers, direct deposit, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Additionally, their team drivers and regional drivers contribute to efficient and reliable deliveries. With a strong emphasis on driver health and benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as ongoing training and flexible scheduling, Southern Palm Transport stands out as a top choice for businesses looking for dependable transportation solutions.
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: 10
- Miles driven: 411,026
Prima Express, Inc.
2221 Maple Rd, Joliet, IL, 60432- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Prima Express, Inc. (DOT: 1313194) is an active trucking company based in Illinois, operating a modest fleet of 162 trucks and 324 trailers. Although the exact year of establishment is not available, the company has built a reputation for providing reliable interstate transportation services. Prima Express specializes in various trucking services including full truckload, partial truckload, flatbed, and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment.
Notably, Prima Express handles a wide range of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, construction materials, household goods, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as paper products and utilities. The company offers additional support services that are crucial for commercial shipments, including regional and local drivers, direct deposit, health, dental, life insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off. Their focus is on being a reliable partner for businesses seeking consistent and professional shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 4.22
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.82
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.08
- Controlled substances: 0.06
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 145
- Revenue: $518,000
- Miles driven: 12,700,000
Buffalo Group Transport Limited
800 W Central Rd Ste 127, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Buffalo Group Transport Limited (DOT: 1171316) is a reputable transportation company with a remarkable presence in Illinois. They specialize in offering full truckload (FTL) services and refrigerated trucking (reefer) services, operating a fleet of 70 trucks with an average age of five years. With an emphasis on general freight, the company also handles a variety of cargo including fresh produce, beverages, meat, and intermodal containers, ensuring diverse shipment solutions for business owners.
Buffalo Group Transport Limited extends robust support for commercial shipments, including health and dental insurance for drivers, ongoing training development programs, and direct deposit services. Their fleet of 35 trucks and 35 skilled drivers, combined with an active interstate operation status, make them a reliable choice for enterprises looking for efficient and safe transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.49
- Driver fitness: 0.47
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Miles driven: 854,345
M.S. Us, Inc.
636 Pratt Ave N, Schaumburg, IL, 60193- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
M.S. Us, Inc. (DOT: 2335821) is a distinguished trucking company based in Illinois, known for its active operations since its establishment. The company operates a fleet of 34 trucks, primarily offering full truckload (FTL), partial truckload, and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. M.S. Us, Inc. specializes in carrying a broad spectrum of cargo, including chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, refrigerated food, and U.S. mail, ensuring a versatile range of shipping solutions for various business needs.
The company provides notable support for commercial shipments through dedicated routes, team driving services, and guaranteed home time. With advantages such as regional drivers, direct deposit, life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, and a retirement plan (401k), M.S. Us, Inc. prioritizes both operational efficiency and driver satisfaction. Their commitment to safety and ongoing training underscores a robust dedication to providing reliable and secure trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 2.85
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $512,000
- Miles driven: 3,189,668
AGX Carriers
18342 West Creek Drive, Tinley Park, IL, 60477- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
AGX Carriers (DOT: 1755933) is a reputable and active trucking company operating in Illinois. Specializing in full truckload, refrigerated food, and general freight services, they handle a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, machinery, oilfield equipment, paper products, and intermodal containers. With a fleet comprising 47 trucks, they meet various customer needs efficiently.
AGX Carriers offers significant commercial shipment support, including direct deposit, health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, and local drivers. They maintain a strong commitment to safety with notable scores in controlled substance and hours of service compliance. Their services are aimed at ensuring efficient and reliable logistics solutions, tailored for business owners seeking top-quality freight transportation. AGX Carriers also offers accessible application and career opportunities through their website.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.74
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Miles driven: 5,833,987
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 a distinguished trucking company based in Illinois. Catering to a variety of freight needs since its establishment, this company boasts a fleet of 15 trucks and 30 trailers. Specializing in full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, Nationwide Enterprises handles an array of cargo including beverages, building materials, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Their fleet includes dry vans and box trucks, and they also offer reefer services for temperature-sensitive goods.
Nationwide Enterprises supports commercial shipments with comprehensive services, such as dedicated routes, regional and local drivers, and owner-operator opportunities. They prioritize driver welfare with health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement 401(k) plan. Business owners looking for dependable and efficient delivery can rely on Nationwide Enterprises for their logistic needs.
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
Stenstrom Petroleum Services Group
2422 Center St, Rockford, IL, 61108- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Hazardous materials
Stenstrom Petroleum Services Group (DOT: 2020615) is a reliable Illinois-based trucking company. They handle an array of cargo, including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, and paper products. They have a fleet comprising 17 trucks and 34 trailers, ensuring the capacity to meet varied transportation needs.
The company provides Full Truckload (FTL) services and Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) transportation. They cater to the specialized transport needs with tanker services and reefer options. Additionally, Stenstrom offers benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, dental, vision coverage, and retirement plans, reflecting their commitment to employee welfare. With a strong emphasis on safety and a Google rating of 4.5, Stenstrom Petroleum Services Group stands out as a trusted partner for commercial shipment solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $4,067,000
- Miles driven: 380,000
Freightie, Inc.
1211 Milford Ave, Rockford, IL, 61109- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Conditional
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Freightie, Inc. (DOT: 3088543) is a reputable interstate trucking company in Illinois, offering specialized services since its establishment. They excel in transporting a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, machinery large objects, meat, metal sheets, and coils. Freightie, Inc. has a fleet of 37 trucks and 74 trailers, making them a reliable choice for handling significant shipping needs while maintaining an average fleet age of three years.
The company offers full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, meeting diverse shipping requirements. They ensure the safe handling of refrigerated foods, US mail, and paper products. Freightie, Inc. provides essential benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and has a history of 5088000 miles traveled in 2023. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their “Conditional” safety rating, despite some crash incidents reported. Business owners will find Freightie, Inc. a dependable partner for their freight transportation needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 4.91
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.76
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.86
- Controlled substances: 0.17
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Miles driven: 5,088,000
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.