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 Illinois and found that United Shippers, Inc. leads the way for seamless multi-modal transportation.
Intermodal Shipping Services & Transport in Illinois
Check out our full list of the best Illinois 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 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.
United Shippers, Inc.
3000 W 36th St, Chicago, IL, 60632- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
United Shippers, Inc. (DOT: 3352333) is a prominent trucking company that operates actively across interstate routes in Illinois. Known for its diverse service offerings, they excel in handling various types of freight, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and general freight. With a fleet of 66 trucks and 132 trailers, United Shippers offers full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload services, accommodating a wide range of cargo needs.
United Shippers emphasizes driver support with comprehensive benefits such as health and life insurance, paid CDL training, and guaranteed home time. Specializing in dry bulk commodities and tanker services, the company ensures high safety standards with competitive performance ratings. Despite a few reported incidents, their low unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores reflect their safety commitment, making them a reliable choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.15
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Miles driven: 2,697,196
G.T. Worldwide Transport
18342 West Creek Drive, Tinley Park, IL, 60477- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
G.T. Worldwide Transport (DOT: 1907589) is a versatile Illinois-based trucking company excelling in freight transportation. With a fleet ranging from 1 to 10 trucks, they specialize in full truckload, less than truckload, and parcel services. The company handles a variety of cargo, including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction equipment, motor vehicles, large machinery, and intermodal containers, offering tailored shipping solutions for diverse needs.
G.T. Worldwide Transport provides comprehensive service support for commercial shipments, ensuring safe and reliable delivery with a focus on driver fitness and vehicle maintenance. They offer health and vision insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan (401k) to support their workforce. Despite having a few reported crash incidents, their proactive approach to safety is reflected in reasonable unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores. With active authorization and competent drivers, G.T. Worldwide Transport is equipped for effective and efficient transportation of goods across distances.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.69
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $866,000
- Miles driven: 4,309,151
TOM Franey Trucking, Inc.
3702 Kearns Drive, Champaign, IL, 61822- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
TOM Franey Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 1013453) is a notable interstate carrier based in Illinois, mainly offering full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services. They have a satisfactory safety rating and operate with a fleet of 42 trucks, emphasizing the transportation of agricultural supplies, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, and intermodal containers with a total fleet size of 151 trailers.
The company supports commercial shipments by handling diverse cargo including grain, feed, machinery, and liquids/gases. They focus on dry van transport, ensuring reliable and efficient service. TOM Franey Trucking, Inc. also provides benefits like paid time off and health insurance to its employees, highlighting their commitment to employee satisfaction alongside their robust shipping operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.91
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.55
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 36
- Revenue: $1,389,000
- Miles driven: 2,716,692
AGX Intermodal
18342 West Creek Drive, Tinley Park, IL, 60477- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Drayage
AGX Intermodal (DOT: 2998623) is a versatile intermodal transportation company based in Illinois. The company excels in handling a wide range of specialized cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, machinery, metal sheets and coils, paper products, and even refrigerated foods. With a focus on intermodal containers and dry bulk commodities like farm supplies, AGX Intermodal effectively supports businesses needing reliable shipping solutions across various industries.
AGX Intermodal demonstrates its commitment to serving commercial clients by offering less than truckload (LTL) and partial truckload services, ideal for businesses looking to optimize freight costs without compromising on delivery efficiency. The company is equipped to transport general freight and is active in interstate operations, ensuring broad reach and flexibility for clients. With a total fleet of 68 trucks and 136 units, AGX Intermodal provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the diverse needs of its clientele.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 4.68
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.58
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.98
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 69
- Miles driven: 4,628,930
Pacella Trucking Express, Inc.
2558 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Pacella Trucking Express, Inc. (DOT: 207231) is a reputable trucking company established in 1981 in Illinois. With a fleet of over 236 trucks, they excel in full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, focusing on the transportation of general freight and intermodal containers. Their commitment to quality service is bolstered by a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting their emphasis on safe operations.
Pacella Trucking Express offers consistent regional and local driving opportunities, catering to business owners looking for reliable transportation options. They provide a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a retirement plan and paid time off. The company ensures efficient service with a modern fleet averaging three years in age and offers direct deposit for convenience, along with ongoing training and development programs for their drivers. This makes them a strong choice for businesses in need of dependable trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.99
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.43
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 214
- Revenue: $76,654,000
- Miles driven: 9,400,000
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 versatile and active freight carrier based in Illinois. While the exact founding year is unclear, the company manages an impressive fleet of 35 trucks, specializing in refrigerated freight transportation. They handle a wide variety of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, metal sheets, building materials, and intermodal containers, offering comprehensive solutions for diverse commercial shipping needs.
The company emphasizes less-than-truckload and full-truckload services, ensuring tailored and efficient delivery options. Buffalo Group Transport Limited also provides health, dental, and vision insurance benefits, which complement their ongoing training and development programs. Their safety record is respectable, with no recent crash fatalities reported. Business owners seeking a reliable and dedicated freight partner will find Buffalo Group Transport a capable and committed choice for their logistics needs.
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
Transport One
1800 Centerpoint Way, Joliet, IL, 60436- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
Transport One (DOT: 1389156) is a prominent trucking company based in Illinois, known for carrying general freight, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and refrigerated food. Operating with a modern fleet of 61 trucks, Transport One offers a range of services including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload shipping options to cater to diverse transportation needs.
Transport One excels in providing reliable service with flexible scheduling and dedicated routes, ensuring timely deliveries for commercial clients. The company supports its operations with amenities such as driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training programs. With a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency, Transport One is well-equipped to handle the logistics of moving products, ensuring customer satisfaction with each shipment.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.97
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 62
- Revenue: $529,000
- Miles driven: 5,350,000
Americars Transportation, Inc.
851 Sard Ave Unit B, Aurora, IL, 60506- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Americars Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 2913704) is an active transportation carrier in Illinois known for its comprehensive freight solutions. Although the exact year of establishment is not specified, the company operates a fleet of 36 trucks, focusing on services like flatbed and dry van transportation. The company specializes in handling a variety of cargo, including building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and large metal objects, ensuring versatility for diverse shipping needs.
Americars Transportation, Inc. places a strong emphasis on full truckload and less-than-truckload services, providing reliable options for various shipping requirements. Their drivers are supported with competitive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Despite having recorded minimal crash incidents, the company’s moderate maintenance score suggests an area for improvement. With a focus on interstate operations, Americars Transportation offers dependable service tailored for business owners seeking efficient commercial shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 5.43
- Driver fitness: 0.21
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.27
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 37
- Miles driven: 2,637,855
ACE Transformation
200 Howard Ave Ste 248, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
ACE Transformation (DOT: 2931850) is a reputable transportation carrier focusing on full truckload and less than truckload shipping across multiple industries, including the transport of construction materials, fresh produce, and general freight. Utilizing a fleet that includes reefer and flatbed trucks, they efficiently handle both refrigerated and general cargo, ensuring diverse client needs are met.
ACE Transformation emphasizes long-haul and interstate operations, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety with no reported injuries or fatalities in recent statistics. Their support for commercial shipments includes comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses for driver referrals. Operating actively in the logistics industry, they are well-regarded for their professionalism and reliable service.
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: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 151
- Revenue: $1,278,000
- Miles driven: 1,479,102
IKO Express, Inc.
200 Howard Ave Suite 244, Des Plaines, IL, 60018- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Last-mile delivery
IKO Express, Inc. (DOT: 2120480) is a reputable trucking company specializing in a wide range of freight transportation, including agricultural supplies, building materials, fresh produce, and large machinery. Based in Illinois, the company maintains a fleet of 17 trucks, designed to cater to both full and partial truckload needs. Their commitment to quality service is reflected in their handling of general freight and their capability to transport intermodal containers, dry vans, and flatbed loads.
IKO Express supports commercial shipments by offering regional driving services and a strong emphasis on health and vehicle maintenance, with a vehicle maintenance score of 5.18. Though they do not transport hazardous materials, they accommodate the transportation of motor vehicles, paper products, and oilfield equipment. With an emphasis on safety, the company boasts a commendable record with no reported crash injuries or fatalities, making it a reliable choice for business owners seeking trustworthy shipping partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.87
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Miles driven: 1,967,728
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 Intermodal Trucking Company in Illinois for Your Shipments
Intermodal trucking is ideal for Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois provider skilled in navigating customs and regulatory requirements.
- Intermodal experience: Illinois 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 Illinois businesses coordinate Intermodal shipping?
Illinois 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 Illinois?
When selecting Illinois 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
