When it comes to moving loose bulk commodities like grain or gravel, hopper bottom trucking companies are the go-to solution. We evaluated hopper bottom providers in Illinois for price, safety, and customer service, among other factors, and JAS Trucking, Inc. earned the top spot due to their reliability and quality service.
Hopper Bottom Shipping Services & Transport 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 companiesin Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.
JAS Trucking, Inc.
12843 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL, 60803- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
JAS Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 582316) is a recognized carrier in Illinois with a fleet size of 164 and a satisfactory safety rating. They offer a comprehensive range of services, exceeding in specialized freight transportation, handling a wide variety of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases. Their diverse equipment includes tankers, flatbeds, and lowboys, supporting their capacity to manage specialized and cross-border shipments efficiently.
JAS Trucking provides dedicated routes and guarantees home time for drivers, showcasing strong driver support programs. They offer extensive employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid CDL training. Known for their reliability in commercial shipments, they include services like power-only, cross-docking, and drayage. With an emphasis on safety and driver fulfillment, JAS Trucking is a solid choice for businesses seeking a versatile and dependable shipping partner.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.42
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 82
- Revenue: $3,067
- Miles driven: 5,655,078
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
4666 Faries Parkway Rd, Decatur, IL, 62526- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (DOT: 124881) has been a significant player in the Illinois trucking industry since 1902. With an active fleet comprising 170 trucks and 242 trailers, the company predominantly handles agricultural/farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, large machinery, and general freight. They maintain routes across state lines, providing dedicated services to diverse clients ranging from industrial to agricultural sectors.
This company offers a wide array of services, including hazmat driving and dry bulk hauling, emphasizing safety with zero violations related to hazardous materials. They support their drivers with safety and referral bonuses, health and dental insurance, as well as a solid retirement plan. They further enhance service reliability by rewarding driver performance and offering benefits like guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, making them a dependable choice for business owners needing robust and versatile freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.06
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 245
- Revenue: $1,229,551
- Miles driven: 6,626,000
Lssd, Inc.
1501 Kamar Drive, Pittsfield, IL, 62363- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Lssd, Inc. (DOT: 320418) is a diversified trucking company operating in Illinois, offering an array of transportation services. With a fleet of over 50 trucks, they are equipped to handle various types of freight, including dry bulk commodities, general freight, beverages, and livestock. Their services cater to specialized needs, including box truck operations and tanker transportation, ensuring they can manage liquids and gases with expertise.
For commercial shipments, Lssd, Inc. provides essential support services like health insurance, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating while offering lucrative benefits such as sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The company’s robust operations include local, regional, and over-the-road drivers, with coverage spanning interstate routes. Their commitment to employee welfare is underscored by offering comprehensive insurance and compensation packages, making them an attractive choice for product shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 37
- Revenue: $8,930
- Miles driven: 5,032,528
Gully Transportation, Inc.
3820 Wismann Lane, Quincy, IL, 62305- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Auto carrier
- Hopper bottom
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Dump trailer
Gully Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 159915) is a reputable trucking company based in Illinois, established in 1947. With a robust fleet of 636 vehicles and 350 trailers, they specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, and paper products. Their fleet includes power-only units and dump trailers, reflecting their capability to handle various transportation needs efficiently.
Gully Transportation provides dedicated support for shipping hazardous materials, emphasizing safety with their “Satisfactory” safety rating. Despite having reported incidents, their unsafe driving score remains relatively low. The company prioritizes guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, making it an attractive choice for drivers and clients alike. While they do offer a sign-on bonus, they are committed to competitive service rather than the traditional benefit packages, ensuring reliable and proficient transportation solutions for businesses.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 1.03
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.08
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 155
- Revenue: $1,331,000
- Miles driven: 13,600,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois
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 Hopper Bottom Trucking Company for Your Shipments in Illinois
If your Illinois businesses transports bulk commodities like grain, gravel, or other loose materials, finding the right hopper bottom trucking company is key to efficient and secure shipping.
Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a Hopper Bottom carrier:
- Trailer capacity and configuration: Make sure the carrier offers Hopper Bottom trailers with the right capacity and features for your products.
- Efficient unloading: Hopper Bottom trailers enable easy unloading, so look for Illinois carriers with well-maintained equipment to avoid delays.
- Environmental compliance: Choose a carrier in Illinois that is committed to environmentally responsible practices, particularly since Hopper Bottom cargo can produce dust or debris.
- Driver experience: Experienced drivers who understand the handling of bulk materials will help ensure your load is transported safely and in a timely manner.
- Geographic coverage: You’ll want a trucking company with expertise in your key shipping regions.
- Communication: Illinois trucking companies with reputations for quality customer support are more likely to keep you up-to-date on your shipments, particularly those that are time-sensitive. You’ll also want to choose a Hopper Bottom carrier that offers real-time shipment tracking.
- Transparent pricing: Look for a Hopper Bottom company with a straightforward pricing structure without hidden fees.
- Safety compliance: A strong safety record indicates a carrier’s commitment to maintaining high standards for both equipment and driver safety during transit.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using Hopper Bottom trailers for bulk transportation?
The benefits of Hopper Bottom trailers for transport of bulk items include convenient unloading. Hopper Bottom trailers are designed to use gravity for unloading. This reduces handling time and product damage.
How do Hopper Bottom trailers help Illinois save money on bulk transportation?
Hopper Bottom trailers help Illinois businesses in Illinois save money by reducing unloading costs. Hopper Bottom trailers use gravity-fed systems, which reduces manual labor and unloading time. Lower operational costs, in turn, lead to lower customer prices, especially for high-volume shipments in industries like agriculture and construction.
Are there weight limitations for Hopper Bottom trucking in Illinois?
Yes, there are weight limitations for Illinois Hopper Bottom trucking. Trailers must adhere to federal and state weight restrictions to ensure safe transportation. Check with their carrier to confirm load capacity and regulatory compliance.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Hot Shot Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
