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.
Top LTL Trucking Companies 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.
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) operates in Kansas as an active freight carrier specializing in various cargo types, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, large machinery, and paper products. With a fleet of over 74 vehicles, they provide regional, local, and intermodal transportation services. They emphasize safety and professionalism with a clean record of zero crash injuries or fatalities.
B & H Freight Line stands out by offering support for hazardous material shipments, flexible scheduling, and guaranteed home time. Their employees benefit from health insurance, direct deposit, and sign-on bonuses, making it an attractive option for dedicated drivers. They handle general freight and intermodal containers, providing tailored solutions for businesses requiring reliable and efficient transport services.
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 freight carrier based in Kansas with an active DOT status, operating both as a broker and a carrier. Their fleet includes 34 trucks capable of transporting a diverse range of cargo, such as building materials, paper products, logs, and machinery. The company operates flatbeds and tankers, making them suitable for various industrial and commercial shipments. Established with an emphasis on safety and customer service, Debrick Truck Line ensures a satisfactory safety rating and continuous investment in driver training and development.
In addition to general freight services, Debrick Truck Line Company provides specialized support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, regional and local driving options, and expedited transport services. They offer incentives like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and ongoing driver support, making them an attractive choice for both shippers and drivers seeking reliable and comprehensive freight solutions.
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
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) operates as an established trucking company providing valuable shipping services across interstate routes. With a notable total fleet size of 3,360 and 1,548 drivers, Reddaway is skilled in handling general freight and chemicals with efficiency and reliability. The company supports transportation with full and partial truckload options and specializes in offering less-than-truckload services, making them versatile for businesses with varied shipping needs.
Emphasizing driver well-being, USF Reddaway invests in health, dental, and disability insurance plans, alongside retirement plans, ensuring their workforce remains motivated. Dedicated to safety, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating. Reddaway supports new driver programs, providing industry-leading training to uphold service standards. Their focus on safety is further underscored by ongoing training and development initiatives, making USF Reddaway a dependable choice for commercial shipping requirements.
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 LTL Trucking Company in Kansas 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 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.
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
