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 Missouri Flatbed trucking companies and found Pulse Transportation Services, Inc. to be the top pick.
But Pulse Transportation Services, Inc. isn’t your only option in Missouri. Explore our other top recommendations so you can compare cost and services.
Top Flatbed Trucking Companies in Missouri
Why Trust FreightWaves?
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 Missouri. Every Missouri 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 Missouri for your commercial shipping needs.
Pulse Transportation Services, Inc.
1600 N 291 Hwy Unit# 965, Independence, MO, 64058- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Pulse Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 694248) is a reputable trucking company operating in Missouri with an active DOT status. The company manages a fleet of 49 trucks and 98 total fleet size, including flatbed and dry van trailers. Their primary cargo includes building materials, chemicals, commodities dry bulk, and general freight. With services in both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, they offer robust solutions for a variety of freight demands.
Pulse Transportation Services, Inc. is committed to the well-being of its employees, offering benefits such as dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. For commercial clients, they provide dependable local drivers and maintain an average fleet age of three years, ensuring modern and efficient operations. Their safety rating is satisfactory, with moderate scores in vehicle maintenance and driver safety. The company also stands out for its strong online reputation, with a Google rating of 4.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 0.4
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $5,352,000
- Miles driven: 2,027,916
Standard Transportation Services
3401 Enterprise Ave, Joplin, MO, 64801- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Standard Transportation Services (DOT: 926654) operates a small yet versatile fleet of 46 trucks and caters to a wide array of shipping needs, including beverages, building materials, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and dry bulk commodities. Offering services such as dedicated routes, less-than-truckload (LTL), and full truckload (FTL), they emphasize efficiency and reliability.
They support last-mile delivery and have a commendable team of both local and team drivers, ensuring timely and personalized service. Business owners will appreciate their robust safety measures, with a satisfactory safety rating, and additional employee benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Despite some reported crash injuries, their focus on guaranteed home time and competitive driver salaries underscores their commitment to a professional and supportive working environment.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.44
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.82
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $537,000
- Miles driven: 3,828,203
A.C. Trucking, Inc.
133 Tr Hughes BLVD, O’fallon, MO, 63366- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
A.C. Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 381458) is a reliable trucking company operating since 1980 in Missouri. With a fleet size of 27 trucks and 54 power units, they specialize in carrying a wide range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, and paper products. This company ensures efficient transportation with its flatbed and dry van services, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
A.C. Trucking, Inc. places a strong emphasis on driver welfare, offering dental, health, life, and vision insurance to its employees. They also provide paid time off and direct deposit options. The company excels in long-haul and local delivery, with dedicated OTR (over-the-road) and local drivers ensuring timely deliveries. Additionally, they maintain a safety rating of “Satisfactory” and have no recorded crash injuries or fatalities, making them a dependable partner for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.39
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 29
- Revenue: $1,598,000
- Miles driven: 2,254,097
U.S. Expressway, LLC
2906 E State Hwy Aa, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
U.S. Expressway, LLC (DOT: 1955934) operates as a reliable freight trucking company, actively serving the logistics needs of businesses across Missouri and beyond. Established with a focus on safety and efficiency, U.S. Expressway handles a broad array of cargo including building materials, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The fleet includes 8 trucks and total drivers consist of 8, ensuring well-managed and timely shipments.
Business owners will find U.S. Expressway offers specialized services like partial truckload, refrigerated food transportation, and dedicated teams for drop-in and pick-up schedules. They support commercial shipments with additional amenities such as life, disability, and vision insurance, sign-on bonuses, and paid time off for drivers. Their consistent commitment to safety and efficiency makes U.S. Expressway, LLC a trustworthy partner for all freight transportation needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.78
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 8
- Miles driven: 664,964
BLC Transportation, Inc.
2233 E Kearney, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
BLC Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 1573208) is a prominent trucking company based in Missouri. Operating a fleet of up to 256 vehicles, including 128 trucks and leveraging an extensive workforce of 106 drivers, they have built a reputable service since their establishment in the transportation industry. BLC Transportation specializes in carrying diverse cargo types such as beverages, building materials, machinery, large objects, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and refrigerated foods. Notably, they provide excellent support for both full and partial truckloads, ensuring flexible shipping solutions through their Interstate services.
Business owners will appreciate BLC Transportation’s advanced health benefit offerings, including dental, life, and vision insurance, and paid time off. They also excel in promoting a comfortable work environment with perks like guaranteed home time and options for team driving. Despite having a few reported crash fatalities, their safety scores are satisfactory, reflecting a commitment to safe operations and vehicle maintenance.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.89
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.09
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 106
- Revenue: $1,211,000
- Miles driven: 11,000,000
Luecke’s Hauling, Inc.
3357 Douglas Road, Florissant, MO, 63034- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Luecke’s Hauling, Inc. (DOT: 401587) is an active, interstate trucking company known for its reliable service in Missouri. With a small fleet and a longstanding presence in the industry, they focus on transporting a diverse array of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction materials, general freight, and machinery. Additionally, they handle more specialized cargos such as grain, feed, hay, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
Luecke’s Hauling, Inc. places a strong emphasis on driver safety, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating with no recent crash fatalities. They offer several commercial shipment supports like direct deposit and health insurance for their drivers, and they pride themselves on individualized service with just two drivers and two trucks. Business owners can rely on Luecke’s Hauling, Inc. for efficient transportation of both bulk and less-than-truckload shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- 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: 2
- Miles driven: 44,865
Perfect Timing Transportation, Inc.
1839 N Barnes Ave Ste B, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Perfect Timing Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 2353880) is a reputable trucking company based in Missouri. With a modest fleet of 45 trucks and a range of cargo capabilities, they handle beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and general freight. The company operates under high safety standards, including a low crash incidence rate, and offers a competitive salary range for their drivers, enhancing employee satisfaction.
Perfect Timing Transportation, Inc. provides several attractive services for commercial shipments, including less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) options. Additionally, they support local delivery, ensuring flexibility and reliability for their clients’ logistic needs. The company also offers dental, vision, and health insurance, paid time off, and a 401k retirement plan, showcasing their commitment to employee welfare. Furthermore, they guarantee home time and provide paid CDL training, making them a favorable option for both business owners and drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.98
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $483,000
- Miles driven: 4,046,771
Sutton Trucking, Inc.
1150 Se Hamblen Road, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64081- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
Sutton Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 252664) is an active and reputable freight trucking company based in Missouri. They boast a fleet of 58 trucks and offer a wide range of services, including intermodal containers, dry van, and tanker transportation. The company excels at carrying varied types of cargo such as building materials, commodities dry bulk, and intermodal containers, ensuring flexibility and reliability for diverse shipping needs.
Sutton Trucking provides special support for commercial shipments with dedicated routes, full truckload (FTL) options, and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. The company also offers guaranteed home time for drivers, ensuring a balance of work and personal life. With excellent ratings on various platforms and a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, Sutton Trucking, Inc., emerges as a robust choice for businesses seeking dependable freight transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.65
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 57
- Revenue: $11,250,000
- Miles driven: 4,257,577
NEW Wlx, LLC
2301 Mcgee St Ste 850, Kansas City, MO, 64108- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
NEW Wlx, LLC (DOT: 1308509) is a Missouri-based trucking company operating a fleet of 57 trucks, active in interstate transportation. Known for its solid reputation with a satisfactory safety rating, this company caters to diverse freight, including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and motor vehicles.
NEW Wlx, LLC offers several specialized services to enhance commercial shipment efficiency, such as full truckload and partial truckload services, flatbed, dry van, and reefer transportation. Supported by a workforce of 50 drivers, they provide notable employee benefits including health, dental, life, vision insurance, direct deposit, and a retirement plan. The company also prioritizes team driving opportunities and ongoing training development programs, aiming to provide significant support and comprehensive service to business owners looking for reliable logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.72
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 50
- Revenue: $3,680,000
- Miles driven: 3,792,137
Central Missouri Reload, Inc.
3900 East 14 Th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64127- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Central Missouri Reload, Inc. (DOT: 260643) is a proficient trucking company based in Missouri, specializing in general freight, building materials, construction materials, dry bulk commodities, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and intermodal containers. While the company does not offer specific hazard services like hazmat or chemicals, it boasts a versatile fleet and extensive driver expertise, including flatbed, reefer, and dry van operations.
Central Missouri Reload provides noteworthy commercial support, including full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services. They prioritize employee welfare with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and a 401k retirement plan. The company also maintains a satisfactory safety rating and strives for operational efficiency, ensuring reliable and safe transportation for business owners seeking top-notch freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.68
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $4,500,000
- Miles driven: 465,284
How Safety Ratings Work in Missouri
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 Missouri Flatbed Trucking Company for Your Shipments
If you run a construction company, manufacturing business, or industrial operation in Missouri, 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 Missouri 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: Missouri 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 Missouri?
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 CSA score to check for safety violations and see maintenance records.
