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 Minnesota and found that Mainstream Transportation, Inc. leads the way for seamless multi-modal transportation.
Check out our full list of the best Minnesota Intermodal carrriers to optimize your supply chain.
Top Intermodal Trucking Companies in Minnesota
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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
Mainstream Transportation, Inc.
800 Lone Oak Road, Eagan, MN, 55121- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Mainstream Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 391543) is a reputable trucking company based in Minnesota, recognized for its strong service offering since its establishment. With a fleet size of over 50 trucks and a total driver count of 58, the company specializes in general freight and intermodal containers. They handle a diverse array of cargo, including building materials, paper products, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, ensuring they meet the varied needs of their clients.
Mainstream Transportation also emphasizes employee benefits, offering health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a 401k retirement plan and paid time off. Their services include full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, making them a versatile choice for various shipment needs. They operate with a satisfactory safety rating and maintain a modern fleet with an average age of 5 years, emphasizing safety and reliability in their operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.68
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.33
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.29
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 58
- Revenue: $19,642,000
- Miles driven: 4,054,081
Atlas Specialized Transport, Inc.
8425 213th Street West, Lakeville, MN, 55044- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
Atlas Specialized Transport, Inc. (DOT: 386122) is a distinguished trucking company operating primarily in Minnesota, focusing on the shipping of essential commercial goods. The company, boasting a sizeable fleet, offers full truckload (FTL) services, and specializes in flatbed and dry van configurations. They are adept at handling a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery, ensuring their capability to meet assorted commercial shipping needs.
Atlas Specialized Transport provides exceptional support for commercial shipments with reliable regional driving services and comprehensive insurance coverage. Employees benefit from competitive perks such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, as well as paid time off. Their commitment to safety and maintenance is evident with a satisfactory safety rating and an average fleet age of only three years, making Atlas a dependable choice for businesses seeking efficient and secure transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.31
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.94
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 16
- Revenue: $1,293,000
- Miles driven: 1,059,528
Calhoun Truck Lines
9845 West 74th Street, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Calhoun Truck Lines (DOT: 764739) is a relatively new trucking company established in 2021, operating mainly in the interstate sector. This company specializes in handling intermodal containers and offers both full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services. Their fleet includes a mix of dry vans and flatbeds, optimizing their capacity to handle varied cargo types efficiently.
Noteworthy services include regional and local driving options, paid time off, and health insurance for their drivers. Calhoun Truck Lines, known for their commendable Google rating of 4.5, places significant importance on driver fitness and safety, with an active authority status and a satisfactory safety rating. Business owners can rely on their strong operational capabilities and experienced interstate drivers to ensure timely and secure transportation of goods.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.26
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.22
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.15
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 140
- Revenue: $306,000
- Miles driven: 8,661,784
Ats, Inc.
725 Opportunity Drive, Saint Cloud, MN, 56301- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Ats, Inc. (DOT: 606920) is a prominent trucking company in Minnesota, offering a wide array of specialized freight services. They cater to various industries, transporting cargo such as agricultural/farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, household goods, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, liquids/gases, and US mail. Their fleet includes options for tanker, flatbed, hopper bottom, lowboy, and dry van trailers, ensuring versatile solutions for different shipping needs.
In addition to their comprehensive transportation services, Ats, Inc. provides significant support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials handling and an array of dedicated driver options. They also emphasize driver benefits with sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Their reputation for safety is bolstered by their commitment to ongoing training and development, reinforcing their dedication to reliable and secure freight delivery.
Safety
- Crashes: 58
- Unsafe driving: 1.69
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.23
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.31
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 398
- Revenue: $485
- Miles driven: 44,200,000
Taylor Truck Line, Inc.
801 Hwy 3 N, Northfield, MN, 55057- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Taylor Truck Line, Inc. (DOT: 124500) is a well-established trucking company founded in 1957, offering robust trucking and logistic management services. With a fleet size of over 800 vehicles, the company is proficient in carrying various types of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, machinery, motor vehicles, household goods, and intermodal containers.
Specializing in both general freight and hazardous materials, Taylor Truck Line, Inc. also provides regional drivers and dedicated routes, ensuring high reliability and timely deliveries. They offer support for cross-border shipments and maintain an active status in interstate carrier operations. With a satisfactory safety rating, and comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans for employees, the company underscores its commitment to quality service and employee welfare.
Safety
- Crashes: 43
- Unsafe driving: 2.21
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 345
- Revenue: $64,763,000
- Miles driven: 37,500,000
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc.
5739 Old Hwy 61, Duluth, MN, 55810- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 593718) is a well-rounded trucking company serving Minnesota and beyond with a commendable history and commitment to quality service. They operate an impressive fleet with over 50 trucks and specialize in transporting a variety of cargo including building materials, coal/coke, construction materials, grain feed hay, machinery, large objects, metal sheets and coils, motor vehicles, and paper products. Their team driving opportunities, expedited drivers, and flatbed services ensure efficient and timely deliveries.
Kivi Bros Trucking offers significant commercial shipment support, including hazardous materials transport, dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and dry van services. Notable perks for their staff include sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, safety and performance bonuses, health and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, per diem payments, and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to driver satisfaction extends further with specialized driver training programs and road assistance, reflecting their driver-first approach.
Safety
- Crashes: 29
- Unsafe driving: 1.78
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 290
- Revenue: $16,434
- Miles driven: 26,900,000
T.A. Dedicated, Inc.
1715 Yankee Doodle Rd Ste 100, Eagan, MN, 55121- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (DOT: 183949) is a reputable trucking and supply chain solutions company that has been in operation since 2022. Specializing in the transportation of hazardous materials, chemicals, beverages, building materials, and general freight, they operate a modern fleet of 996 trucks and 1,992 trailers. They offer a range of specialized services including reefer, dry van, flatbed, and auto carrier shipments.
T.A. Dedicated, Inc. provides exemplary support for commercial shipments with services such as power-only, lift gate, and cross-docking capabilities. They boast a robust driver program with benefits like paid CDL training, truck lease purchase programs, and direct deposit. With an interstate operation, the company employs 1,164 drivers, ensuring reliable and comprehensive logistics solutions for businesses. Their focus on safety and driver welfare is evident through their guaranteed home time, health insurance, and ongoing training and development programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 79
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 26
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1164
- Miles driven: 90,800,000
Wille Transport, Inc.
521 West Highway #2, Cohasset, MN, 55721- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Wille Transport, Inc. (DOT: 191404) is a reputable trucking company established in 1972 and based in Minnesota. The company operates a fleet of 40 trucks, including flatbeds, step decks, tankers, and dry vans. They specialize in transporting various types of cargo such as building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, oversized loads, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
Wille Transport provides special support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, direct deposit, and team driving services. They ensure safety and quality by maintaining a low vehicle maintenance score of 4.76 and offering health and life insurance, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training development programs. Their services also include cross-border shipments, hazardous materials, and power-only transport, making them a flexible and reliable choice for businesses looking to ship their products efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 34
- Revenue: $3,408
- Miles driven: 2,708,704
D&E Transport, LLC
4141 150th St Nw, Clearwater, MN, 55320- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
D&E Transport, LLC (DOT: 600140) is a reliable trucking company based in Minnesota, offering a wide range of logistics solutions with a fleet size between 11 to 25 vehicles and 179 drivers. Established with a commitment to versatility, they offer services including dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, machinery, building materials, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment transport, ensuring they cater to diverse business needs. They provide specialized drivers for flatbed, reefer, and dry van cargo, emphasizing customized and efficient service.
For commercial shipments, D&E Transport offers dedicated routes, regional and local deliveries, and cross-border operations. They support their drivers with benefits like sign-on and referral bonuses, health and life insurance, direct deposit, tuition reimbursement, and guaranteed home time. Additionally, they provide ongoing training and development programs. Known for their satisfactory safety rating, D&E Transport ensures both efficient and safe transportation solutions for its clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 2.67
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.65
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 179
- Revenue: $691
- Miles driven: 19,400,000
ATS Specialized, Inc.
725 Opportunity Drive, St Cloud, MN, 56301- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
ATS Specialized, Inc. (DOT: 606056) is a versatile freight trucking company based in Minnesota. With a fleet of 902 trucks, they handle a variety of cargo such as agricultural supplies, building materials, construction equipment, and large machinery. ATS Specialized, Inc. offers services including dedicated routes, driveaway/towaway operations, and cross-border shipping, catering to the needs of diverse industries.
ATS provides special support for commercial shipments through various services like deadhead, detention, and layover compensation. Additionally, ATS Specialized emphasizes on driver’s health with benefits such as health, dental, and paid time off. Their commitment to maintaining high standards is evident in their active usdot status and satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 67
- Unsafe driving: 1.84
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.22
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 799
- Revenue: $785
- Miles driven: 79,500,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota Intermodal Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Intermodal trucking is ideal for Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota provider skilled in navigating customs and regulatory requirements.
- Intermodal experience: Minnesota 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: Minnesota Intermodal Trucking Companies
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 Minnesota businesses coordinate Intermodal shipping?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
When selecting Minnesota 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.
