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 Speed Intermodal to be the best LTL trucking company in California.
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.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in California
Why Trust FreightWaves?
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.
Speed Intermodal
3732 Farmington Rd, Stockton, CA, 95215- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Speed Intermodal (DOT: 2418540) is a dynamic trucking company well-regarded for its comprehensive range of services in California. Offering dedicated routes, intermodal transportation, and specialized driving support, they maintain a fleet of 345 trucks. Speed Intermodal excels in handling general freight, hazardous materials, dry vans, and tankers, showing adaptability across various cargo requirements.
Speed Intermodal provides valuable support for commercial shipments, including cross-border services, consolidation, full truckload, and less-than-truckload options. Businesses also benefit from additional services like drop trailers, road assistance programs, guaranteed home time, and a robust driver compensation package that includes sign-on and safety bonuses. Additionally, the company offers flexible scheduling and ongoing training and development programs, ensuring reliability and professionalism in their operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 26
- Unsafe driving: 3.36
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.84
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 370
- Miles driven: 4,160,717
ALL Service Handling
9749 Bellegrave Ave, Riverside, CA, 92509- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
ALL Service Handling (DOT: 2525963) is a reputable trucking company based in California, operating with a fleet of 7 trucks since its inception. They offer a variety of specialized cargo services, including building materials, hazardous materials, and refrigerated foods. The company ensures flexibility with their fleet, including flatbeds, lowboys, tankers, and dry vans, catering to different business needs efficiently.
ALL Service Handling provides extensive support for commercial shipments, featuring dedicated routes, cross-border transportation, and expedited delivery options. They emphasize driver welfare with benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and a company-sponsored 401k retirement plan. Additionally, the company offers driver referral bonuses, training programs, and guaranteed home time, making it an attractive partner for logistics solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $260,000
- Miles driven: 200,000
Nationwide Freight Solutions, Inc.
620 W Route 66 Suite 206, Glendora, CA, 91740- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Produce
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
Nationwide Freight Solutions, Inc. (DOT: 2470872) is a reputable trucking company based in California, primarily in the transportation industry. Though relatively new, they have built a notable reputation for carrying fresh produce and refrigerated foods, offering reliable and specialized hauling services. With a small fleet, they are capable of implementing full truckload and less-than-truckload options, making them versatile in handling various shipping needs, including flatbed and dry van cargo.
Nationwide Freight Solutions provides services like last-mile delivery and a focus on team driving opportunities and dedicated routes. They also offer numerous employee benefits, including dental, vision, and life insurance, along with driver referral bonuses and sign-on bonuses, making them an attractive choice for drivers. Their commitment to safety and reliable service, coupled with extensive driver support and specialized training programs, underscores their dedication to commercial shipment excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 10.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 1
DDA
5800 Alder Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95828- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
DDA (DOT: 1579940) is a reputable trucking company that started operations in 2023 based in California. They operate a fleet of 32 vehicles, with an emphasis on services such as dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker, and oversized loads. They handle diverse cargo types including beverages, building materials, general freight, paper products, and US mail, showcasing their capability to manage a wide range of commercial shipments efficiently.
DDA offers specialized support for commercial clients by providing dedicated routes, managed transportation, and cross-border services. Their safety and flexibility measures include guaranteed home time, roadside assistance, health screenings, ongoing training programs, and various driver insurance options. Additionally, they emphasize employee welfare with benefits like dental, vision, and health insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off, ensuring high standards in both operations and employee satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.46
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.58
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 18
- Miles driven: 2,200,000
CDL Carriers
406 Kerwin Ct, Roseville, CA, 95747- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
CDL Carriers (DOT: 1319599) is a reputable trucking company based in California with a “4.5” BBB rating and high customer satisfaction. They provide a wide range of services including dedicated routes, partial and full truckload (FTL) transport, reefer services, hazmat transportation, and specialized hauling for oversized loads and heavy haul. The company handles various types of cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, general freight, paper products, and metal sheets/coils/rolls.
CDL Carriers offers special support for commercial shipments, including managed transportation services, cross-docking, and consolidated shipping. They provide numerous employee benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and a 401k retirement plan. Additionally, the company emphasizes ongoing training and development, ensuring driver readiness and safety. This combination of comprehensive services and strong employee support positions CDL Carriers as an excellent choice for business owners seeking reliable and efficient trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- 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: 1
- Miles driven: 49,940
Sea-Logix, LLC
1360 W Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA, 90810- Fleet age: New
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
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
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- B-train semi
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Sea-Logix, LLC (DOT: 515474) is a diversified transportation and logistics company operating in California. They boast a fleet of 140 trucks and 280 trailers, providing a range of services including dry van, reefer, tanker, hazmat transportation, and intermodal container handling. Established with a solid reputation in the market, the company is committed to on-time delivery and excellent customer service.
Sea-Logix handles a variety of cargo such as fresh produce, building materials, chemicals, general freight, and refrigerated food. They offer specialized support for commercial shipments with services like dedicated routes, drayage, drop trailer, and cross-docking. Their additional advantages include flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and comprehensive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, making them a reliable partner for business owners seeking a top-tier trucking company.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.17
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.47
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 202
- Miles driven: 6,149,355
Sidhu Truck Line, Inc.
4711 Commercial St, Bakersfield, CA, 93308- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Meat
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (DOT: 836260) is a notable trucking company based in California. Their services include dedicated routes, managed transportation, and expedited drivers. They have a diverse range of cargo capabilities, including fresh produce, building materials, refrigerated foods, and US mail. The company also handles specialized shipments, such as oversized freight, utilizing their experienced team and modern fleet.
Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. supports commercial shipments with unique services like cross-border transportation, drop trailer services, and cross-docking. They further enhance their offerings with flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time for drivers, and advanced cargo safety measures. In addition, the company provides an extensive benefits package for their employees, including dental, life, vision, and health insurance, alongside retirement plans and ongoing training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 13
- Unsafe driving: 1.78
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.9
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.82
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 70
- Revenue: $1,089
- Miles driven: 13,800,000
Estes West
14727 Alondra BLVD, La Mirada, CA, 90638- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Estes West (DOT: 20293) is a well-regarded trucking company established in 1946, located in California. Specializing in freight and shipping logistics, they boast a sizeable fleet of 1765 trucks and 3530 trailers, with services ranging from general freight and building materials to chemicals and intermodal containers.
Estes West supports commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and comprehensive hazardous materials handling, ensuring secure transport of sensitive cargo. Additionally, they offer specialized services including drayage, less-than-truckload, and managed transportation, accommodating various business needs efficiently. With a commendable reputation and multiple driver benefits such as direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, and paid CDL training, Estes West stands out as a premier choice for businesses seeking reliable and versatile shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 90
- Unsafe driving: 0.73
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.75
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 20
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1513
- Revenue: $14,913,000
- Miles driven: 86,100,000
T C I Transportation Services, Inc.
4950 Triggs St, Commerce, CA, 90022- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Meat
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
T C I Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 480301) is a well-regarded trucking company based in California. They have a solid reputation and provide a comprehensive array of services including drayage, intermodal containers, and step deck trailers. They are known for handling diverse cargo such as beverages, building materials, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods.
T C I Transportation Services, Inc. also specializes in hazardous materials transportation and oversize loads, offering dedicated routes to meet specific customer needs. The company is noted for its extensive support for commercial shipments, including drop trailer services, cross-docking, and guaranteed home time for its drivers. Their commitment to safety and driver welfare is evidenced through benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.06
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 230
- Revenue: $1,012,000
- Miles driven: 7,765,000
Bettendorf Trucking
4545 W End Rd, Arcata, CA, 95521- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Bettendorf Trucking (DOT: 161866) is an established trucking company that has been operating since 1961 in California. With a fleet size of over 340 trucks and multiple specialized trailers, they offer a wide range of services including dedicated routes, last-mile delivery, and drayage. Their cargo expertise spans across various sectors, such as Agricultural/Farm Supplies, Building Materials, General Freight, and Machinery Large Objects, making them a versatile choice for different shipping needs.
The company provides comprehensive support for commercial shipments, including roadside assistance programs and guaranteed home time for drivers. They offer numerous benefits for their employees, such as health insurance, life insurance, vision coverage, and paid time off. Additionally, Bettendorf Trucking is dedicated to safety with a satisfactory safety rating and lower scores in unsafe driving and hours of service violations, ensuring reliable and secure transportation services for businesses.
Safety
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 0.17
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 185
- Revenue: $49,467,000
- Miles driven: 11,000,000
How Safety Ratings Work in California
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) 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 California LTL Trucking Company 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.
California LTL Trucking Companies FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in California?
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 California businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for California?
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 California, 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 California?
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 California that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
