Intermodal trucking companies offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for businesses looking to streamline shipping. We reviewed factors like pricing, customer satisfaction, and service offerings for Intermodal carriers in California and found that Expressway Transport, Inc. leads the way for seamless multi-modal transportation.
Intermodal Shipping Services & Transport in California
Check out our full list of the best California Intermodal carrriers to optimize your supply chain.
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 California. Every California 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 California for your commercial shipping needs.
Expressway Transport, Inc.
979 Lindberg Ln, Petaluma, CA, 94952- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Expressway Transport, Inc. (DOT: 291362) is a reputable trucking company established in 1976 in California. With a fleet of 6 trucks, they specialize in full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Known for their reefer capabilities, Expressway Transport adeptly handles refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and general freight, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of sensitive and perishable goods.
Expressway offers regional driving opportunities and emphasizes local service, all while ensuring driver welfare through benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition to their expertise in agricultural and building materials transport, Expressway Transport excels in managing the logistics of intermodal containers, providing efficient solutions for commercial shipments. Despite a compact fleet size, their high safety standards and commitment to driver satisfaction make them a trustworthy partner for business owners in need of reliable shipping services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $1,919,000
- Miles driven: 187,060
Nissin International Transport Usa, Inc.
1540 W 190th Street, Torrance, CA, 90501- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
Nissin International Transport Usa, Inc. (DOT: 434928) is a reputable freight trucking company established in 1973, located in California. They provide a range of trucking services, specializing in full and partial truckloads, dry van, and refrigerated (reefer) transport. Known for their robust capabilities, they effectively handle diverse types of cargo such as fresh produce, meat, beverages, chemicals, and more, ensuring your products reach their destination reliably and safely.
Nissin International extends special support for commercial shipments, prominently through their interstate operations and cross-border service. The company is recognized for its excellent safety record and adherence to high operational standards. With an impressive insurance coverage and a focus on maintaining their fleet, they offer business owners peace of mind with reliable freight transport solutions across a variety of industries.
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
- Revenue: $16,621,000
- Miles driven: 130,000
Quik Pick Express
23610 S Banning BLVD, Carson, CA, 90745- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Quik Pick Express (DOT: 1189566) is a distinguished trucking company established in 1988, known for its active interstate operations and solid reputation, boasting a Google rating of 4.5. With a fleet of over 98 trucks and traction for fresh food deliveries utilizing reefer trucks, Quik Pick Express adeptly manages a range of cargo such as building materials, paper products, and machinery. Their strong operational capacity is demonstrated by their array of services including parcel delivery, flatbed shipping, and LTL (Less Than Truckload) options, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs.
Quik Pick Express stands out in the industry by prioritizing safety, holding various safety ratings at zero for unsafe driving, driver fitness, and others. While they offer benefits like health insurance and paid time off, they also specialize in handling intermodal containers and general freight. Business owners seeking reliable, comprehensive logistics support will find Quik Pick Express a formidable partner in efficient commercial shipment operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.95
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 63
- Revenue: $7,225,000
- Miles driven: 858,004
RDS Logistics Group
8600 Banana, Fontana, CA, 92335- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
RDS Logistics Group (DOT: 520912) is a reputable trucking company operating in the logistics and transportation industry. With a fleet of 86 trucks and a specialized focus on dry van shipments, they excel in transporting various cargo, including beverages, building materials, paper products, and intermodal containers. RDS Logistics Group caters to businesses looking for dedicated routes and full truckload services, ensuring timely and efficient delivery across interstate lines.
Beyond standard freight services, RDS Logistics Group offers additional support for commercial shipments, including guaranteed home time for drivers and comprehensive insurance coverage. The company maintains a relatively safe record with no crash injuries or fatalities reported, emphasizing their commitment to safety. With favorable employee benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and ongoing training programs, they present a robust option for businesses seeking reliable and professional trucking solutions in California.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.13
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 85
- Revenue: $537,000
- Miles driven: 6,410,000
ALL Modal Transportation, Inc.
2059 Belgrave Ave, Huntington Park, CA, 90255- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
ALL Modal Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 2417081) is a reputable freight carrier headquartered in California, boasting an active operational status. They provide comprehensive interstate shipping services with a fleet comprising 16 trucks, specially trained to manage a wide array of cargo types. Their expertise spans general freight and specialized items, such as fresh produce, machinery, and building materials, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs.
The company supports both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight services, accommodating varying shipment sizes efficiently. ALL Modal ensures a high level of service with an impressive safety record and zero hazardous material violations. Business owners can also benefit from their robust employee benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan. These attributes position ALL Modal Transportation as a reliable partner for commercial shipments across California and beyond.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.96
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $453,000
- Miles driven: 1,500,000
KLF Transport, Inc.
1231 Hartwell Ave, Stockton, CA, 95209- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
KLF Transport, Inc. (DOT: 2897825) is a dynamic trucking company based in California, with an active status in US DOT. Known for its versatile transportation capabilities, KLF Transport provides services such as refrigerated and dry bulk commodities transport, making it a reliable choice for businesses requiring fresh produce delivery or general freight shipping. Their fleet consists of 25 trucks specializing in reefer, flatbed, and dry van shipments, handling a diverse range of cargo including beverages, meat, paper products, and US mail.
Though a relatively small size company with a fleet of up to 10 trailers, KLF Transport demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive service by offering partial and full truckload options. Their emphasis on safety and well-maintained vehicles fosters reliability. While they excel in commercial freight management, the company stands out for providing team driving opportunities and a high level of customer service, as reflected in strong online ratings.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 10.63
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.63
- Controlled substances: 0.07
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 45
- Revenue: $638,000
- Miles driven: 4,343,175
MHX -, LLC
22707 Wilmington Ave, Carson, CA, 90745- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
MHX -, LLC (DOT: 2958752) is a California-based trucking company known for its strong emphasis on full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. MHX boasts a fleet of 94 trucks and specializes in transporting general freight, intermodal containers, building materials, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. The company offers refrigerated transportation using reefer services, ensuring the safe delivery of temperature-sensitive goods.
While MHX does not provide certain specialty services like hazardous materials, it focuses on general freight with an interstate operation scope. The company places a premium on customer satisfaction, evidenced by a strong Google rating of 4.5. MHX ensures its employees have access to essential benefits like health and dental insurance and paid time off. Despite having experienced some crashes, MHX maintains a proactive approach to safety and vehicle maintenance, reflecting its commitment to reliable service.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.08
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.57
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 86
- Revenue: $1,848,000
- Miles driven: 2,757,088
MDB Transportation
435 E Weber Ave, Compton, CA, 90222- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
MDB Transportation (DOT: 1021693) operates as a versatile freight carrier headquartered in California. With a fleet of 43 trucks and 86 total units, the company excels in full truckload and partial truckload services. They particularly handle general freight and intermodal containers, catering to a wide range of cargo needs. Additionally, MDB Transportation offers services that include team driving opportunities, ensuring efficient delivery across their interstate operations.
MDB Transportation provides extensive employee benefits, such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plans, paid time off, and safety bonuses. While the company has a total of 41 drivers—none of whom specialize in hazardous materials—MDB offers reefer, flatbed, and dry van services, supporting various logistical requirements for commercial shipments. Despite reporting crash injuries, their safety measures demonstrate a commitment to driver well-being and vehicle maintenance.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.79
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $453,000
- Miles driven: 950,002
Global Freight Solutions, Inc.
1240 East Victoria Street, Carson, CA, 90746- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Global Freight Solutions, Inc. (DOT: 1188858) is a reputable freight trucking company established in 1998, operating out of California. With a fleet size of 1 to 10 trucks, they focus on providing efficient shipping solutions, offering both full truckload and less-than-truckload services. Primarily, they carry intermodal containers, liquids/gases, and refrigerated foods, utilizing flatbed and dry van trailers. These capabilities position them as a versatile option for handling a diverse range of cargo types.
Global Freight Solutions, Inc. is committed to delivering high-quality service with an emphasis on safe and reliable operations, demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating. Their interstate operations are backed by a strong track record in general freight transportation. Despite being a smaller carrier, they are supported by a strong set of insurance guarantees, ensuring commercial shipments’ safety and security. Business owners looking for a dedicated trucking partner can benefit from their tailored transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.75
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 39
- Revenue: $5,276,000
- Miles driven: 1,413,000
Pacific National Transportation Corp
1116 S Petrolia Avenue, Compton, CA, 90221- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Pacific National Transportation Corp (DOT: 2141464) is an active trucking company providing freight services in California. Despite being a smaller operation with a fleet size of 1 to 10 trucks, they manage to deliver a variety of cargo efficiently, including building materials, construction supplies, intermodal containers, and logs. Their service offerings focus on flatbed and dry van transportation, making them suitable for heavy and large cargo.
This company is committed to providing excellent team driving opportunities, full truckload, and less-than-truckload services. With an emphasis on maintaining modern equipment, Pacific National ensures customer satisfaction and reliability. The company also boasts a commendable online reputation with positive reviews across Google and Indeed, indicating a strong emphasis on quality and customer service. Business owners looking for a dedicated and versatile trucking partner might find Pacific National Transportation Corp to be a compelling option.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $2,486,000
- Miles driven: 21,499
How Safety Ratings Work in California
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 Intermodal Trucking Company in California for Your Shipments
Intermodal trucking is ideal for California businesses looking to combine multiple transportation modes.
Here’s what to consider when selecting a carrier:
- Container options: Verify that the carrier provides containers compatible with your cargo type and shipping needs, from standard to high-capacity units.
- Cost-effectiveness: Intermodal shipping can be a cost-saving option, so look for California providers with competitive rates and balance affordability with quality service.
- Network reach: Choose a company with strong connections across rail, sea, and road modes for smooth transitions and cost-effective shipping.
- Customs and regulatory compliance: For cross-border shipments, choose a California provider skilled in navigating customs and regulatory requirements.
- Intermodal experience: California carriers experienced in Intermodal logistics ensure efficient transfers between modes and reduces delays and handling issues.
- Tracking tools: Select companies with tracking technology to provide continuous visibility of your shipment’s status across different transit stages.
FAQs
What types of goods are best-suited for Intermodal shipping?
Intermodal shipping is ideal for durable, non-perishable goods like electronics, machinery, and retail products.Intermodal shipping can be an affordable solution for businesses looking for efficient — but not urgent — long-distance transport.
How do California businesses coordinate Intermodal shipping?
California businesses can coordinate Intermodal shipping by working with a carrier experienced in managing multi-modal logistics. Intermodal trucking companies with established partnerships across transportation modes ensure smooth transitions and help reduce delays.
What are the key considerations for choosing Intermodal shipping providers in California?
When selecting California providers specialized in Intermodal transport, the most important factors to consider are their network reach, container options, and tracking capabilities. Providers with advanced logistics technology and a good track record for on-time delivery are ideal for efficient Intermodal shipping.
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.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- 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
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
