The right LTL — or “less-than-truckload” — carrier can help save on freight costs and provide flexible shipping solutions. After evaluating key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, service offerings, and safety ratings, we found Quick Delivery Service to be the best LTL trucking company in Alabama.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Alabama
Shipping needs vary by company and product, so check out our other top picks for LTL for-hire carriers to see which one works best for your business.
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 Alabama. Every Alabama 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 Alabama for your commercial shipping needs.
Quick Delivery Service
3161 Crichton Street, Mobile, AL, 36607- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Quick Delivery Service (DOT: 97819), legally known as Coastal Service Express Inc, has been a reputable trucking company since 1958. Based in Alabama, the company operates a modern fleet with 44 vehicles and specializes in transporting beverages, building materials, paper products, and intermodal containers. They emphasize efficiency and reliability by offering specialized drivers, flatbed, step deck, and B-train services.
Quick Delivery Service stands out by providing an array of support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transport and drayage services. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is demonstrated through flexible options like managed transportation, direct deposit, and guaranteed home time for drivers. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs, they ensure high service quality, making them a dependable choice for businesses seeking trucking and logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.19
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $8,130,000
- Miles driven: 694,000
Deep South Freight
2221 17th Street North, Birmingham, AL, 35204- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Deep South Freight (DOT: 273403) is a prominent trucking company with an active status in Alabama, boasting a fleet of 99 trucks and specializing in diverse freight cargo. They excel in carrying building materials, paper products, and general freight. With a team of dedicated drivers, they offer full-service solutions and cater to unique transportation needs, including specialty cargo such as hazardous materials and auto carriers. Established with a satisfactory safety rating, Deep South Freight focuses on maintaining reliable transport services.
Deep South Freight supports commercial shipments by providing a range of services including flatbed, conestoga, and step deck options, along with providing special access for rest stops and lounges to their team drivers. The company prides itself on flexibility and offers substantial benefits like health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training for employee development. Additionally, they have a strong inclination towards employee-centric policies, offering gym memberships and truck lease-purchase programs to enhance driver satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 3.19
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.69
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 96
- Revenue: $1,285
- Miles driven: 7,701,256
Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Inc.
100 Sanders Road, Troy, AL, 36079- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hazardous materials
Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 122275) is a distinguished freight trucking company established in 1970, headquartered in Alabama. Operating with a fleet of over 570 trucks, they specialize in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and paper products. Known for their commitment to safety, Wiley Sanders boasts a satisfactory safety rating.
Wiley Sanders offers comprehensive trucking services with specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials handling and oversized cargo transport. They provide significant incentives like sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and ongoing training and development programs. Their emphasis on driver welfare is evident through benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Wiley Sanders excels in maintaining high safety standards, with roadside assistance and deadhead detention layover compensation, making them a solid choice for businesses needing reliable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 68
- Unsafe driving: 2.16
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.6
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 10
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 498
- Revenue: $829,000
- Miles driven: 50,000,000
Robbie D Wood, Inc.
1051 Old Warrior River Road, Dolomite, AL, 35061- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Robbie D Wood, Inc. (DOT: 130504) is a dynamic trucking company expertly handling hazardous waste and chemical product transportation. With a fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 vehicles, their well-rounded service portfolio includes tanker, dump trailer, and flatbed operations, supporting regional and dedicated routes. The company is known for carrying diverse cargos such as building materials, chemicals, coal, garbage, and large machinery, providing specialized support for commercial shipments.
Offering a range of employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, Robbie D Wood, Inc. provides attractive incentives like sign-on bonuses and pay advances. Safety remains a priority, evident from their satisfactory safety rating. The company caters to a variety of transportation needs with intermodal, reefer, and dry van services. Business clients requiring reliable and professional logistics support can trust Robbie D Wood, Inc. for their shipping requirements.
Safety
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.42
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 26
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 272
- Miles driven: 23,300,000
R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.
1103 County Road 1194, Vinemont, AL, 35179- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 95610) is a reputable trucking and logistics firm based in Alabama, established in 1959. The company operates interstate with a sizeable fleet of over 1,600 units, specializing in refrigerated food, fresh produce, beverages, paper products, meat, and building materials. They offer specialized services such as power-only and tanker deliveries, indicating versatility in handling diverse cargo types.
The company stands out with robust support for commercial shipments, including cross-docking, consolidation, and managed transportation offerings. Besides providing guaranteed home time, they encourage workforce growth through paid CDL training, safety, and sign-on bonuses. R.E. Garrison values its drivers by extending benefits like health, vision, dental insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Despite reporting crash incidents, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting their ongoing commitment to safety and efficient service.
Safety
- Crashes: 68
- Unsafe driving: 2.22
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.6
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 881
- Revenue: $67,294,000
- Miles driven: 79,700,000
Greenbush Logistics, Inc.
445 Singletary Rd, Abbeville, AL, 36310- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Power only
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
Greenbush Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 159292) is a reputable trucking company established in 2004 in Alabama. With a fleet of 353 trucks, they specialize in general freight, building materials, and dry bulk commodities. The company provides a range of services including power-only operations, flatbed deliveries, and dry van transport, showcasing expertise in handling intermodal containers and oversized machinery.
Greenbush Logistics offers specialized support for commercial shipments through their managed transportation services and consolidation offerings. They cater to businesses with a variety of compensation programs including sign-on and referral bonuses, as well as flexible scheduling. The company is known for its satisfactory safety ratings and robust suite of employee benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan, positioning itself as a key contender for business owners seeking reliable freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 1.15
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 353
- Revenue: $887,000
- Miles driven: 19,700,000
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass, Inc.
1820 Hand Ave, Whistler, AL, 36612- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Trash
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Tanker
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass, Inc. (DOT: 273357) is a diversified trucking company founded in 1984, with a fleet of 153 trucks operating across interstate routes. They provide specialized hauling services, particularly in hazardous materials and tanker transportation, accommodating shipments of building materials, machinery, and logs. The company is known for utilizing various trailers, including hoppers and lowboys, to handle oversized cargo efficiently.
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass offers comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside retirement plans and paid time off. They are dedicated to safety and maintain a Satisfactory safety rating. Furthermore, the company supports team drivers with regional routes and offers bonuses, direct deposit, and flexible scheduling options. Their commitment to professional development is evident through ongoing training programs, ensuring high service standards for business clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.54
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.91
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 91
- Revenue: $2,753
- Miles driven: 5,826,499
Thompson Carriers, Inc.
1700 Old Columbus Road, Opelika, AL, 36804- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Thompson Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 523910) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Alabama. They maintain an active status with a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet of over 330 vehicles. Specializing in the transportation of building materials, dry bulk commodities, and large machinery, this company has a rich assortment of specialized equipment, including flatbeds and lowboys. Their expertise extends to handling hazardous materials and livestock, providing versatile shipping solutions to cater to diverse client needs.
Thompson Carriers offers significant support for commercial shipments, including regional and dedicated routes, with opportunities for owner-operators. The company emphasizes employee benefits with offerings such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and health insurance, along with flexible compensation like per diem payments. With 165 drivers adept in over-the-road and long-haul duties, they promise reliable shipping services throughout interstate regions.
Safety
- Crashes: 21
- Unsafe driving: 3.24
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.06
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 165
- Revenue: $24,473
- Miles driven: 15,200,000
DMT Trucking, LLC
1810 Avenue C, Birmingham, AL, 35218- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Hopper bottom
- Power only
- B-train semi
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
DMT Trucking, LLC (DOT: 795982) serves as a versatile freight carrier in Alabama with a fleet of 378 trucks ready to handle various cargo, including building materials, construction equipment, grain feed, hay, and lumber. They provide specialized services such as flatbed driving and intermodal transport, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in meeting diverse shipping needs.
Emphasizing customer satisfaction and support, DMT Trucking offers services like power-only hauling, cross-docking, and consolidation, beneficial for businesses requiring seamless shipping solutions. Their commitment to excellent service is complemented by additional benefits, including guaranteed home time for drivers, roadside assistance, and competitive driver salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000. DMT Trucking’s emphasis on safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating, making them a reliable choice for commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 1.87
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 369
- Miles driven: 32,000,000
Baldwin Transfer Company, Inc.
1501 Telegraph Rd, Mobile, AL, 36611- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Baldwin Transfer Company, Inc. (DOT: 436844) stands out as a versatile and robust trucking firm with a rich history of service. Operating a fleet of over 100 trucks, this company excels in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, intermodal containers, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Their reputation is bolstered by their commitment to providing customized solutions and regional and dedicated routes, enhancing their reliability for businesses seeking dependable freight transportation.
Specializing in hazardous materials and offering driver referral bonuses, Baldwin Transfer Company ensures rigorous safety standards and rewarding employment conditions. As an active broker and carrier, they are adept at managing complex logistics needs across state lines. With a satisfactory safety rating and emphasis on safety bonuses and training programs, they prioritize both cargo and driver safety, making them a preferred choice for commercial shipments requiring reliability and proactive service.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.64
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 106
- Revenue: $10,905,000
- Miles driven: 7,573,096
How Safety Ratings Work in Alabama
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 LTL Trucking Company in Alabama for Your Shipments
Whether you’re a small business or a larger operation, finding the best LTL trucking company ultimately comes down to a few key factors:
- Freight volume and shipment size: LTL carriers typically handle shipments of more than 150 pounds and less than 15,000 pounds. Choose a carrier that accommodates smaller loads and offers options for varying freight volumes.
- Frequency of shipments: Find a carrier with the capacity to handle your regular and peak season demands but that also has a variety of truck types to allow for flexibility in case your volume increases or needs change.
- Service areas: Ensure the carrier’s network covers your most common shipping destinations effectively, whether for local, regional, or national deliveries.
- Delivery speed: Look for carriers that offer multiple transit times, such as standard and expedited LTL services, so you can balance delivery speed with cost according to each shipment’s urgency.
- Technology and tracking tools: Companies with real-time shipment tracking, digital document handling, and other logistics tools provide a layer of transparency that should provide you with some peace of mind during the shipping process.
- Customer support: Choose a company with a responsive customer service team experienced in handling LTL freight issues, including tracking updates, claims, and scheduling changes.
- Safety and reliability: Consider carriers with strong safety records and modern fleets. Check for certifications and safety programs that reflect the company’s commitment to secure and efficient freight handling.
- Pricing and transparency: Review pricing structures to avoid hidden fees. Choose carriers that provide upfront quotes and a transparent cost breakdown to help manage your shipping budget effectively.
FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in Alabama?
LTL — or less-than-truckload — shipping allows businesses to share truck space with other shipments, paying only for the portion they use. That increased efficiency means reduced shipping costs for Alabama businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Alabama?
LTL involves combining multiple shipments from different businesses to fill a truck, while FTL (full truckload) shipping dedicates an entire truck to a single shipment. For small businesses in Alabama, LTL is likely more affordable and it allows you to send smaller shipments on a more frequent basis. If you have large shipments or need quicker transit times, FTL is the more efficient shipping method.
What types of products are ideal for LTL shipping in Alabama?
LTL is best suited for smaller products that are durable, non-perishable, and not overly time-sensitive in terms of transit times. LTL is a popular freight shipping method for e-commerce businesses, manufacturers, and retailers in Alabama that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
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
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
