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 Antler Trucking Company to be the best LTL trucking company in Missouri.
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 Missouri
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 Missouri. Every Missouri 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 Missouri for your commercial shipping needs.
Antler Trucking Company
3001 North Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63147- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
Antler Trucking Company (DOT: 295226) is a reputable trucking company based in Missouri, offering a wide array of transportation services. With a fleet size ranging from 20 to 49 trucks and over 38 drivers, they specialize in handling cargo such as fresh produce, refrigerated foods, beverages, paper products, and meat. They are also equipped for automobile transport and have specialized drivers for oversized loads and flatbeds.
Antler Trucking Company is dedicated to providing comprehensive commercial shipment support. They offer direct deposit, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training programs for their drivers. Additionally, they have provisions for cross-border transportation, cross-docking services, and a managed transportation system. Their commitment to safety is highlighted by their satisfactory safety rating.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.04
- Driver fitness: 0.25
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 38
- Revenue: $5,265
- Miles driven: 2,397,914
Transport Distribution Company
5357 East 7th Street, Joplin, MO, 64801- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Transport Distribution Company (DOT: 264594) is a reputable trucking company established in 1984. Based in Missouri, they manage a fleet of 296 total trucks and 148 trailers, offering a wide range of services, including reefer, dry van, tanker, and flatbed transportation. They specialize in transporting various types of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, general freight, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products, with a strong focus on safety and reliability.
The company provides specialized support for commercial shipments, including managed transportation services, cross-docking, and consolidation. They also cater to specific needs with oversize cargo and hot shot services. Transport Distribution Company is committed to their drivers’ well-being, offering benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and guaranteed home time, making them an excellent choice for business owners seeking dependable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.11
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.17
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 137
- Revenue: $24,716
- Miles driven: 11,000,000
Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc.
4645 Green Park Road, St Louis, MO, 63123- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. (DOT: 261174) is a reputable trucking company based in Missouri, offering specialized services since its inception. The company operates a notable fleet of 24 trucks and 48 trailers, actively providing regional and over-the-road (OTR) delivery services. With a diverse cargo handling capability, their expertise includes transporting beverages, building materials, chemicals, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, paper products, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. Specially equipped with reefer, dry bulk commodity, conestoga, flatbed, step-deck, dry van, and tanker trailers, they are well-prepared to meet various shipping needs.
Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. stands out by offering significant support for commercial shipments such as power-only and dedicated routes, cross-docking, and drayage services. They prioritize driver benefits, including sign-on, safety, and referral bonuses, health and dental insurance, retirement 401(k) plans, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, they ensure per diem payments, pay advances, direct deposit, and ongoing training and development programs, enhancing their attractiveness to potential drivers and business partners alike.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $4,531
- Miles driven: 700,000
IWX Motor Freight
2813 North Neergard Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
IWX Motor Freight (DOT: 397707) is a Missouri-based trucking company renowned for its exemplary services and commitment to quality. Since its inception, IWX Motor Freight has grown to manage a modern fleet of 275 trucks with a specialization in handling diverse types of cargo such as chemicals, fresh produce, general freight, liquids/gases, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. Focusing on both full truckload and partial truckload services, they offer tailored shipping solutions to meet varied business needs.
In addition to their versatile freight services, IWX Motor Freight provides exceptional support for commercial shipments, including power-only options, cross-docking, and drop trailer services. They have dedicated routes and regional drivers to ensure timely deliveries, as well as specialized drivers for handling hazardous materials and oversized loads. Their drivers benefit from comprehensive perks such as health and dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and guaranteed home time, reflecting the company’s dedication to both customer satisfaction and employee welfare.
Safety
- Crashes: 20
- Unsafe driving: 0.71
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 338
- Revenue: $43,836
- Miles driven: 32,600,000
Trailiner Corp
2169 E Blaine, Springfield, MO, 65803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Trailiner Corp (DOT: 203311) is a versatile trucking company with a fleet size totaling over 378 vehicles and a robust reputation in Missouri. The company specializes in transporting various types of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, meat, and refrigerated foods. They utilize different trailers like dry vans and flatbeds, offering substantial flexibility for their clients’ diverse shipping needs.
Trailiner Corp provides a range of specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazmat drivers and specialized drivers for more complex freight needs. They ensure safe and efficient cargo handling through services such as cross-docking and full truckload shipping. Moreover, the company offers numerous employee benefits like direct deposit, paid time off, health and dental insurance, and ongoing training development programs, underscoring their commitment to both customer satisfaction and employee well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.41
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 91
- Revenue: $9,963
- Miles driven: 10,900,000
Contract Freighters, Inc.
4701 E 32nd Street, Joplin, MO, 64804- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
Contract Freighters, Inc. (DOT: 70289) is a prominent trucking company, established in 1951 and based in Missouri. With a fleet size between 50-99 corporate units among a total of 2081 trucks and 2063 drivers, they handle a wide variety of cargo including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods, emphasizing their comprehensive service capabilities. The company provides specialized services such as reefer transport, hazardous materials transportation, expedited driving services, and power-only logistics to cater to diverse shipping needs.
Contract Freighters, Inc. boasts valuable support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and a robust truck lease purchase program. They offer a range of benefits to drivers such as paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, a 401k retirement plan, health, dental, and vision insurance, and per diem payments. Additionally, they support owner-operators, provide drop trailer services, and guarantee home time, making them a reliable partner for business owners looking for consistent and efficient freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 139
- Unsafe driving: 1.13
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.46
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 8
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2063
- Revenue: $35,308,000
- Miles driven: 181,000,000
Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc.
101 Thompson Rd Suite A, Sedalia, MO, 65301- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Container
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Ditzfeld Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 191761) is an active interstate trucking company based in Missouri. Though the company’s specific start date is unclear, it boasts a fleet size of 54, including 27 trucks, with an average fleet age of 3 years. Ditzfeld Transfer specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo such as agricultural supplies, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. Their services are renowned for their container handling and cross-border shipping capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive shipping solution.
Ditzfeld Transfer is committed to providing notable commercial shipping support through dedicated routes, drayage services, and intermodal transportation. They also offer driver perks like direct deposit, health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan (401K), and guaranteed home time. Additionally, with a satisfactory safety rating and active driver referral bonuses, Ditzfeld Transfer positions itself as a reliable and supportive choice for businesses seeking efficient and safe freight transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.26
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 24
- Revenue: $1,017
- Miles driven: 2,151,700
How Safety Ratings Work in Missouri
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 Missouri 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.
Missouri LTL Trucking Companies FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in Missouri?
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 Missouri businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Missouri?
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 Missouri, 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
