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 Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Kentucky.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Kentucky
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 Kentucky. Every Kentucky 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 Kentucky for your commercial shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc.
4435 N Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
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
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (DOT: 712634) is a versatile trucking company offering comprehensive transportation services across interstate operations. Established with a total fleet size of 46 and 23 trucks, they specialize in diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, construction materials, dry bulk commodities, machinery, and metals. Their fleet capabilities are enhanced with flatbeds, tankers, dump trailers, and specialized equipment for oversized loads, making them adaptable to various shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction also emphasizes safety and employee benefits, offering programs such as ongoing training, health screenings, and insurance packages, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and services like cross-docking and intermodal transport. With a focus on driver welfare, they provide sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling options, appealing to drivers and businesses seeking reliable logistics partners. Despite having a single reported crash injury, their safety parameters indicate a strong emphasis on safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 57
- Miles driven: 126,000
Mercer Transportation Co, Inc.
1128 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40203- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 5 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
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Mercer Transportation Co, Inc. (DOT: 154712) is a reputable trucking service company established in 1977, headquartered in Kentucky. They operate a substantial fleet, with a total of 1,939 trucks and over 3,878 total fleet size. The company excels in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, machinery, motor vehicles, and oilfield equipment, using specialized services like flatbed and step deck trailers. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating ensuring dependable service for business owners.
Mercer Transportation focuses on commercial shipping with robust support for hazardous materials and oversized loads, enhancing their appeal to businesses handling complex freight. Additional services such as dedicated routes, guaranteed home time for drivers, and flexible scheduling demonstrate their commitment to operational efficiency. With an emphasis on safety and driver well-being, Mercer offers sign-on bonuses and ongoing training programs. They are known for their comprehensive managed transportation solutions, bolstered by regional and OTR driving opportunities.
Safety
- Crashes: 168
- Unsafe driving: 2.09
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.3
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 17
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2066
- Revenue: $46,567,000
- Miles driven: 161,000,000
Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC
335 E Yusen Drive, Georgetown, KY, 40324- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC (DOT: 554279) is a diverse trucking company operating primarily in Kentucky with a total fleet size of 208. As a carrier and broker, they provide a range of specialized services, including hazardous materials transportation, dry van, reefer, and flatbed services. Cargo carried includes agricultural supplies, chemicals, fresh produce, and building materials, showcasing their capacity to handle diverse freight requirements.
Phoenix Transportation offers cross-border and intermodal transportation solutions, ensuring smooth logistics for international and domestic clients. Comprehensive support for commercial shipments is evident with drop trailer service, expedited options, and a focus on general freight. The company promotes a positive work environment with benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Known for a satisfactory safety rating, Phoenix Transportation strives for operational excellence and flexible solutions tailored to business needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 3.01
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 104
- Revenue: $1,101,000
- Miles driven: 7,240,246
BGB Trucking, Inc.
50 Industrial Park Rd, Eddyville, KY, 42038- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
BGB Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 774366) is a reputable Kentucky-based carrier with an active authority status. Operating a modern fleet with an average age of just 3 years, they excel in transporting a diverse range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, and paper products. BGB Trucking focuses on interstate operations with a commendable fleet size of 114 and employs over 40 interstate drivers.
BGB Trucking stands out with several specialized services including reefer and tanker driving, flatbed hauling, and dry van deliveries. They also offer power-only and managed transportation services, ensuring flexibility for their clients. The company provides attractive benefits like health and dental insurance, paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and pay advances, catering to the needs of business owners seeking reliable and efficient logistics solutions. Although they report some crash incidents, their safety ratings are satisfactory, underscoring their commitment to secure and dependable transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 2.51
- Driver fitness: 0.21
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.05
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 53
- Revenue: $8,611
- Miles driven: 5,740,127
Pecco, Inc.
250 Etter Drive, Nicholasville, KY, 40356- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Trash
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Step deck
- Power only
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Pecco, Inc. (DOT: 489151) is a reputable trucking company based in Kentucky, established in 1991. With a fleet size of 46 trucks, they specialize in carrying a wide range of cargo, covering chemicals, general freight, machinery, and garbage/refuse, making them highly adaptable to various transportation needs. Known for their commitment to safety with a satisfactory safety rating, Pecco, Inc. ensures secure and efficient shipping services, including the use of reefer trailers and dry vans.
Pecco, Inc. provides logistics solutions with specialized support for hazardous materials and interstate operations. Their dedicated and regional drivers, along with flexible scheduling, enable superior service. Furthermore, they offer attractive employee benefits such as health and life insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Pecco, Inc.’s commitment to seamless operations is further evidenced by their ongoing training programs and driver-centered incentives, ensuring clients receive reliable and professional transportation services for their commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.97
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 55
- Miles driven: 2,124,850
Elite Trucking Services, LLC
9719 Sr 303, Mayfield, KY, 42066- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Elite Trucking Services, LLC (DOT: 583668) is a Kentucky-based trucking company known for its versatile freight transportation services. With a fleet of 24 trucks and a specialization in general freight, livestock, lumber, and refrigerated foods, they offer reliable transport solutions tailored to various cargo needs. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and focus on ongoing training and development programs for drivers.
Elite Trucking Services provides several specialized support services, including hazardous materials transport and container drayage. They cater to different driver needs with regional and dedicated routes, while also supporting owner-operators. The company offers enticing benefits such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Their dedication to client satisfaction and employee support makes them a compelling choice for businesses seeking dependable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.66
- Driver fitness: 0.37
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.98
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $355
- Miles driven: 205,368
RWI Transportation, LLC
1538 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas, KY, 41075- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Cross-border
- Drayage
RWI Transportation, LLC (DOT: 105263) provides specialized interstate freight transportation services primarily focusing on refrigerated cargo. Established in Kentucky, the company operates with a fleet of 17 trucks, offering tailored solutions for shipping fresh produce, meat, paper products, and intermodal containers. The company emphasizes personalized service with features like regional drivers, dedicated routes, and flexible scheduling to meet diverse client needs.
RWI Transportation is noted for its attention to driver welfare, offering benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, along with per diem payments and safety bonuses. They accommodate owner-operators and provide opportunities for over-the-road and dedicated drivers, ensuring efficient cargo delivery nationwide. Despite having a satisfactory safety rating and no reported crash injuries, they maintain competitive service levels. This makes RWI Transportation a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable refrigerated transport solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.81
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Miles driven: 1,372,816
Hill Top Transportation, Inc.
227 Air Park Drive, London, KY, 40744- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
Hill Top Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 566463) is an active freight carrier based in Kentucky, with a fleet of 30 trucks established to facilitate smooth interstate operations. Known for its diverse capabilities, the company specializes in transporting beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, liquids and gases, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They operate with a focus on reliability and safety, maintaining an average fleet age of just 2 years, underscoring their commitment to efficiency.
Hill Top Transportation stands out by offering specialized driver support and a range of benefits such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and tuition reimbursement. They cater to business owners with dedicated routes, direct deposits, and flexible scheduling, ensuring maximized productivity and convenience. Additionally, their services include flatbed and dry van solutions, making them a versatile partner for various transportation needs. With a low record of crash incidents, their safety measures are robust, instilling confidence in their clientele.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.33
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.53
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $460
- Miles driven: 2,065,799
How Safety Ratings Work in Kentucky
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Kentucky?
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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky 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
