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 B & H Freight Line, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Kansas.
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 Kansas
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 Kansas. Every Kansas 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 Kansas for your commercial shipping needs.
B & H Freight Line, Inc.
468 S 26th St, Kansas City, KS, 66105- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
B & H Freight Line, Inc. (DOT: 70173) is a reputable freight trucking company based in Kansas. Specializing in general freight, intermodal containers, chemicals, machinery, large objects, paper products, and liquids/gases, they offer extensive services to meet diverse shipping needs. Their fleet consists of over 50 trucks, including box trucks, dry vans, and containers, making them well-equipped for a wide range of transportation tasks.
With a focus on employee benefits and commercial support, B & H Freight Line, Inc. provides expedited drivers and guaranteed home time along with health and life insurance, direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, and per diem payments for their workforce. They also offer hazardous material transportation, cross-border services, and deadhead and layover compensation, ensuring high service quality for business owners looking to ship their products reliably and efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.32
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Drivers: 36
- Revenue: $4,585,000
- Miles driven: 1,582,326
Debrick Truck Line Company
33130 Lone Star Road, Paola, KS, 66071- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Debrick Truck Line Company (DOT: 90254) is a reputable trucking firm based in Kansas with a fleet size ranging from 11 to 25 power units. They offer a variety of specialized services, including hazardous materials transportation, machinery and large object hauling, as well as flatbed and tanker operations. Established to provide reliable logistics solutions, Debrick Truck Line ensures flexible scheduling, dedicated routes, and regional driving opportunities.
Debrick Truck Line Company specializes in handling building materials, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. They support commercial shipments with essential services like sign-on and safety bonuses, direct deposit, a retirement plan, and health benefits. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and offers comprehensive training and development programs to ensure top-notch service quality.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.51
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $3,158
- Miles driven: 2,730,399
James Mason Enterprises, Inc.
1555 E Mason Dr, Kechi, KS, 67067- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Farm supplies
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
James Mason Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 226073) is a versatile trucking company with a solid reputation for reliability and service. They specialize in carrying a wide range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, general freight, liquids/gases, machinery, metal sheets/coils/rolls, logs/poles/beams/lumber, and paper products. Established with a fleet size of 50+ vehicles, they offer crucial commercial benefits such as direct deposit, health insurance, roadside assistance, and tuition reimbursement for their drivers.
The company provides dedicated routes, team driving services, and over-the-road driving opportunities, ensuring products reach their destinations efficiently. Additionally, James Mason Enterprises supports specialized commercial shipments, offering power-only services, owner-operator opportunities, and cross-border shipping capabilities. All these features, combined with their commitment to safety and ongoing training and development programs, make James Mason Enterprises an ideal partner for business owners looking to ship their products with confidence.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 3.86
- Driver fitness: 0.34
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.39
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.22
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $5,725
- Miles driven: 1,622,947
State Tractor
4101 Powell Drive, Shawnee, KS, 66226- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
State Tractor (DOT: 99378) is an active freight trucking company in Kansas, offering a robust selection of services since its inception. They maintain a diverse fleet of vehicles capable of handling general freight, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and motor vehicles. Their operations are well-supported with modern equipment, including flatbeds and dry vans.
State Tractor emphasizes safety and customer satisfaction alongside numerous employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance. They cater to both local and interstate shipments with dedicated and OTR drivers, ensuring reliable delivery of goods. The company also offers specialized support for commercial shipments with their drop trailer and tanker services. Despite reporting some crashes, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.42
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.64
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 27
- Revenue: $801,000
- Miles driven: 2,100,000
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
5000 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, KS, 66106- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (DOT: 90053) is a reputable trucking company established in 1924 in Kansas. Operating with a fleet of 259 trucks, they specialize in handling a diverse array of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, meat, paper products, refrigerated food, and general freight. Their services are particularly suited for business owners in need of reliable transportation of refrigerated and general freight, with a notable focus on dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities.
In addition to their extensive service offerings, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. provides special support for commercial shipments, such as hazardous materials handling and consolidation services. They also maintain a strong commitment to employee benefits, offering health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and direct deposit. The company’s robust safety protocols and driver support, including guaranteed home time and new driver programs, underline their commitment to quality and reliability.
Safety
- Crashes: 18
- Unsafe driving: 0.37
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 259
- Revenue: $3,220,554,000
- Miles driven: 17,300,000
USF Reddaway, Inc.
11500 Outlook Street Suite 400, Overland Park, KS, 66211- Fleet age: Not specified
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Last-mile delivery
USF Reddaway, Inc. (DOT: 62227) is a seasoned trucking company operating in Kansas, specializing in interstate transportation. The company handles a variety of cargo, including chemicals and general freight, utilizing a substantial fleet of 1,680 trucks and 3,360 trailers.
USF Reddaway offers full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services, making them versatile for different shipping needs. They support commercial shipments with dry vans and also cater to parcel deliveries. The company boasts a satisfactory safety rating and provides benefits like health, dental, life, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans. Their total driver strength stands at 1,548, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries.
Safety
- Crashes: 66
- Unsafe driving: 0.07
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.13
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 12
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1548
- Miles driven: 66,800,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Kansas
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 Kansas 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.
Kansas LTL Trucking Companies FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in Kansas?
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 Kansas businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Kansas?
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 Kansas, 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 Kansas?
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 Kansas that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
