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 Wilson Brothers Trucking to be the best LTL trucking company in North Carolina.
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 North Carolina
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 North Carolina. Every North Carolina 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 North Carolina for your commercial shipping needs.
Wilson Brothers Trucking
20412 Hwy 902, Bear Creek, NC, 27207- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Wilson Brothers Trucking (DOT: 542718) is a reputable trucking company known for its diverse range of freight transportation services. Established to meet various shipping needs, this carrier specializes in general freight, dry bulk commodities, and multiple types of construction materials. Their fleet includes 44 trucks and 88 trailers, and they keep an average fleet age of three years, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining modern and reliable equipment.
Wilson Brothers Trucking offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including refrigerated freight (reefer), large machinery, livestock, and oversized cargo. They also provide essential services like cross-docking, dedicated routes, and team driving opportunities. Business owners can benefit from their multiple driver incentives, such as sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. Their focus on driver welfare is evident through benefits like health and dental insurance, vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.1
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 40
- Miles driven: 2,202,414
W & B Trucking, Inc.
2072 Shelby Road, Kings Mountain, NC, 28086- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
W & B Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 184539) is a reputable carrier in North Carolina offering a range of specialized services since its inception. With a fleet that includes flatbeds, lowboys, and tankers, they handle diverse cargo such as dry bulk commodities, intermodal containers, beverages, grain, and large machinery. Their regional and local services ensure timely and efficient deliveries, making them a reliable choice for businesses across industries.
W & B Trucking supports commercial shipments with comprehensive services like direct deposit, pay advances, tuition reimbursement, guaranteed home time, and roadside assistance programs. They prioritize safety and well-being, offering health, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement plans and paid time off for their drivers. Their commitment to excellence in freight transportation is evident through their active status and safety records.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.92
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 20
- Revenue: $11,960
- Miles driven: 1,375,000
OLD Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
500 Old Dominion Way, Thomasville, NC, 27360- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
OLD Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (DOT: 90849) is a notable trucking company that has been operating since 1934. With a massive fleet of over 10,000 trucks, they specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and machinery. Their services include regional driving, OTR (Over-the-Road) driving, and dedicated routes to meet various shipment needs.
OLD Dominion Freight Line provides a host of special supports for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials handling, intermodal container services, and managed transportation. Additionally, they offer various employee benefits such as health insurance, paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and more. Business owners can rely on their extensive network and strong safety record, underscored by a satisfactory safety rating, making them a dependable choice for shipping products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 660
- Unsafe driving: 0.5
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 159
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11620
- Revenue: $91,291,000
- Miles driven: 847,000,000
Port City Transportation
1901 Burnett BLVD, Wilmington, NC, 28401- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Port City Transportation (DOT: 223391) is a versatile and well-regarded trucking company. They handle a wide range of cargo, including beverages, paper products, refrigerated food, logs, poles, beams, lumber, intermodal containers, and meat. They offer a variety of specialized services such as hazardous materials transportation and oversize load support.
Port City Transportation supports commercial shipments with flexible driver options, including regional, OTR, team, and dedicated drivers. They provide robust employee benefits like health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement. Specific perks include roadside assistance, safety and sign-on bonuses, and a truck lease purchase program, making them an attractive partner for businesses looking to ship products reliably and efficiently.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 1.86
- Driver fitness: 0.24
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.41
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 80
- Revenue: $849
- Miles driven: 4,690,000
Pittman Trucking, Inc.
177 New Vale Road, Newland, NC, 28657- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
Pittman Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 355700) is a dedicated freight carrier operating with a fleet of 56 trucks and 112 trailers. They specialize in transporting a variety of cargo, including agricultural/farm supplies, beverages, building materials, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, intermodal containers, logs/poles/beams lumber, machinery large objects, meat, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, refrigerated food, and utilities.
Pittman Trucking provides services catering to diverse shipping needs, including refrigerated transportation (reefer), which ensures fresh produce and refrigerated foods reach their destinations in optimal condition. They also support guaranteed home time for OTR drivers and flexible scheduling. With a satisfactory safety rating and a strong emphasis on safe driving (1.24), Pittman Trucking is a reliable partner for businesses seeking efficient and secure freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.24
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.57
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 54
- Revenue: $274,000
- Miles driven: 3,746,745
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc.
1365 Harlold Andrews Road, Siler City, NC, 27344- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 1.5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 146452) is a reputable trucking company located in North Carolina. With a fleet size of over 50 trucks and drivers specialized in handling a broad array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, refrigerated foods, and paper products, this company stands out in the freight industry. They offer remarkable services such as full truckload (FTL), expedited delivery, dedicated routes, and flatbed transportation, ensuring that various customer needs are met efficiently.
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. provides additional support for commercial shipments, including driver referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and per diem payments. They also prioritize driver welfare with benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company emphasizes safety with a satisfactory rating and maintains relatively new fleet equipment, averaging 1.5 years. Overall, they present a robust option for businesses requiring reliable and professional trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.15
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $6,532
- Miles driven: 890,000
GXO Logistics
4043 Piedmont Parkway, High Point, NC, 27265- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $3,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
GXO Logistics (DOT: 153372) is an interstate freight trucking company excelling in commercial transport. They handle a wide array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, general freight, liquids/gases, and refrigerated food. Their fleet includes 515 trucks and 515 total power units, showcasing their substantial capacity and commitment to diverse logistical solutions.
GXO Logistics offers dedicated routes, cross-docking, and drayage services. They also provide extensive support for commercial shipments with guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs for drivers. Additionally, they prioritize driver well-being with health insurance, gym memberships, life insurance, and per diem payments. With a satisfactory safety rating and a commendable track record, GXO Logistics is a reliable choice for business owners in need of superior trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.98
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 426
- Miles driven: 10,000,000
Adusa Transportation, LLC
2085 Harrison Road, Salisbury, NC, 28147- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $15,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Adusa Transportation, LLC (DOT: 57029) is a reputable trucking company known for its diverse cargo services, including general freight, fresh produce, beverages, paper products, meat, and refrigerated foods. Established with a commitment to safety and efficiency, they cater to various shipping needs with a fleet of 862 trucks and 1,335 dedicated drivers providing nationwide coverage.
Adusa Transportation stands out with specialized services such as handling hazardous materials, cross-border shipments, and oversized loads. Their robust support for commercial shipments includes perks like direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, and guaranteed home time. They also provide comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and flexible scheduling, ensuring a supportive environment for their drivers and reliable service for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 82
- Unsafe driving: 0.68
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1335
- Revenue: $5,748
- Miles driven: 89,000,000
Yarbrough Transfer Company
1500 Doune Street, Winston Salem, NC, 27127- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: over 50 tractors and 80 trailers
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Reefer
Yarbrough Transfer Company (DOT: 97221) is a reputable trucking company established in 1927, specializing in heavy equipment hauling and specialized transfer. With a fleet size of over 50 tractors and 80 trailers, they manage various cargo types, including building materials, construction supplies, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
Yarbrough Transfer Company offers services for general freight and intermodal containers with a strong focus on heavy haul operations. They have a satisfactory safety rating and a relatively low record of vehicle maintenance issues. Being an interstate carrier, the company efficiently handles property and drive/tow-away services, ensuring reliable commercial shipment support for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.02
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $1,741,000
- Miles driven: 2,190,000
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress, Inc.
3255 20th Ave Se, Hickory, NC, 28602- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Box truck
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress, Inc. (DOT: 97173) is a reputable trucking company established in 2016 in North Carolina. With a fleet size of 272 trucks and 266 drivers, they specialize in carrying various cargo including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, grain feed hay, metal (sheets, coils, rolls), paper products, and refrigerated food. Their services include general freight, dedicated routes, and full-truckload options.
Sunbelt Furniture Xpress offers several special services and support for commercial shipments, such as guaranteed home time for drivers, ongoing training and development programs, and comprehensive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. Business owners can also take advantage of their direct deposit, safety bonuses, and pay advances. Additionally, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating, highlighting their commitment to dependable and secure transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 1.03
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 266
- Revenue: $2,344,000
- Miles driven: 17,200,000
How Safety Ratings Work in North Carolina
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 North Carolina 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.
North Carolina LTL Trucking Companies FAQs
What is LTL and how can it benefit my business in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for North Carolina?
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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina that sell packaged goods, electronics, furniture, and automotive parts.
