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4 Best Hopper Bottom Trucking Companies in Utah

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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 Utah for price, safety, and customer service, among other factors, and Savage Services Corporation earned the top spot due to their reliability and quality service.

Check out our other picks for the best Hopper Bottom trucking companies in Utah to see which one is the right fit for you.

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 Utah. Every Utah 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 Utah for your commercial shipping needs.

Savage Services Corporation

901 West Legacy Center Way, Midvale, UT, 84047
  • Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Coal coke
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Liquids & gases
  • Oilfield equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Hopper bottom
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Savage Services Corporation (DOT: 4015) is a well-established trucking company operating since 1946 in Utah. They manage an expansive fleet of 598 trucks and offer specialized services like hazardous materials transportation, dry bulk commodities, reefer, and flatbed transportation. Savage Services primarily handles cargo such as building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, liquids/gases, and oilfield equipment, ensuring versatility and reliability in their shipping capabilities.

The company provides numerous commercial shipment supports, including cross-docking, drayage, intermodal drivers, and specialized drivers. They also offer a variety of driver benefits such as paid time off, health and life insurance, a retirement plan (401k), and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to driver welfare is evident through programs like tuition reimbursement, paid CDL training, and ongoing training and development programs. With a focus on safety, Savage Services also maintains satisfactory safety ratings and provides safety bonuses and roadside assistance programs for their drivers.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 30
  • Unsafe driving: 0.08
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.13
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 790
  • Revenue: $21,640,000
  • Miles driven: 37,600,000

Barney Trucking, Inc.

235 South Sr24, Salina, UT, 84654
  • Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
  • Fleet age: 5 years
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Coal coke
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Liquids & gases

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Hopper bottom
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage

Barney Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 123729) is a distinguished freight transportation company founded in 1947 and based in Utah. The firm boasts a robust fleet size of 758 vehicles and 432 drivers, serving interstate shipments with a satisfactory safety rating. Barney Trucking specializes in transporting a wide array of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, household goods, and general freight, utilizing various equipment such as dump trailers, flatbeds, reefers, and tankers.

The company offers an impressive range of services tailored for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, cross-border transportation, and support for hazardous materials. Their commitment to their workforce is notable, providing extensive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid CDL training, and ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, Barney Trucking supports flexible scheduling and offers bonuses for safety, sign-on, and driver referrals, demonstrating a strong emphasis on both employee satisfaction and operational excellence.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 18
  • Unsafe driving: 1.06
  • Driver fitness: 0.2
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.13
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 7

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 432
  • Revenue: $38,075,000
  • Miles driven: 28,300,000

Nicholas And Company, Inc.

5520 Harold Gatty Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Produce
  • General
  • Meat
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Tanker
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Hazardous materials

Nicholas And Company, Inc. (DOT: 1122) is a venerable trucking company established in 1939 and based in Utah, specializing in broadline foodservice provisions. With a robust fleet of over 276 trucks and trailers, this company offers a variety of cargo options including beverages, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They boast an extensive fleet that includes hoppers, box trucks, tankers, and dry vans, ensuring they can handle a wide array of shipping needs.

Nicholas And Company provides specialized commercial shipment support such as reefer and conestoga trailers, as well as step decks and containers for versatile hauling solutions. Health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, vision coverage, and a retirement plan (401k) are among the benefits provided to their workforce, reflecting their commitment to employee well-being. With a satisfactory safety rating and a well-maintained record, they are a reliable choice for business owners seeking efficient and secure transportation for their goods.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.43
  • Driver fitness: 0.57
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
  • Vehicle maintenance: 8.1
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 190
  • Revenue: $968,121,000
  • Miles driven: 6,066,105

Hadco Construction, LLC

1450 W 1850 N, Lehi, UT, 84043
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Construction equipment
  • Trash
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Flatbed
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Oversized
  • Tanker
  • Hazardous materials

Hadco Construction, LLC (DOT: 718699) is a prominent trucking company based in Utah, known for handling diverse cargo such as construction materials, garbage/refuse, liquids/gases, and large machinery objects. Operated as a carrier since 2003, they pride themselves on their extensive fleet of 317 trucks and a focus on specialized and oversized cargo transportation.

Hadco Construction offers several noteworthy services to facilitate commercial shipments, including hazardous materials handling, dedicated routes, step decks, and tankers. They also provide additional support through sign-on bonuses, per diem payments, and direct deposit options for drivers. With a recruitment focus on specialized and flatbed drivers, they ensure efficient and safe transport, backed by a strong commitment to vehicle maintenance and driver safety.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.05
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 14.45
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
  • Drivers: 317
  • Miles driven: 4,000,000

How Safety Ratings Work in Utah

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 Utah Hopper Bottom Trucking Company for Your Shipments

If your Utah 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 Utah carriers with well-maintained equipment to avoid delays.
  • Environmental compliance: Choose a carrier in Utah 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: Utah 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: Utah Hopper Bottom Trucking Companies

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 Utah save money on bulk transportation?

Hopper Bottom trailers help Utah businesses in Utah 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 Utah?

Yes, there are weight limitations for Utah 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.


Mike Marshall