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 Horizon Freight System, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Ohio.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Ohio
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 Ohio. Every Ohio 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 Ohio for your commercial shipping needs.
Horizon Freight System, Inc.
8777 Rockside Road, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
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
Horizon Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 237360) is a reputable trucking company in Ohio renowned for its wide array of services and commitment to safety. Operating with a fleet of 276 trucks and a total power unit count matching their number of drivers, they specialize in transporting various types of cargo. Their cargo includes beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
Horizon Freight System stands out for offering specialized support tailored to commercial shipments, such as hazardous materials handling, cross-docking, and refrigerated services. Their drivers benefit from numerous perks, including health, vision, and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a 401k retirement plan. Flexible scheduling, dedicated routes, and specialized driver opportunities reflect their dedication to driver satisfaction and high service standards. Despite having reported crash injuries and fatalities, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, showing a commitment to ongoing safety improvements.
Safety
- Crashes: 21
- Unsafe driving: 1.32
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 276
- Revenue: $1,107,000
- Miles driven: 12,100,000
Miller Transfer
3833 State Route 183, Rootstown, OH, 44272- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Miller Transfer (DOT: 120707) stands out in the Ohio trucking sector, boasting a robust operation with a focus on specialty transportation since their establishment. With a fleet size of 206 and 102 drivers, they offer a wide array of services including general freight, intermodal containers, and building materials. Their commitment to specialized cargo entails handling oversized loads, oilfield equipment, and heavy machinery, facilitated by equipment such as flatbeds and lowboy trailers.
Known for accepting hazardous materials, Miller Transfer provides significant support through team driving services and guaranteed home time. Notable for their dedicated routes and owner-operator opportunities, the company prioritizes driver welfare with benefits like health and life insurance, sign-on bonuses, and paid CDL training. Despite having reported crash incidents, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, underlining their dedication to safety in both interstate and cross-border operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.52
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 102
- Miles driven: 4,519,978
Nick Strimbu, Inc.
3500 Parkway Drive, Brookfield, OH, 44403- Fleet age: 2018-2024 Freightliner Cascadias
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Nick Strimbu, Inc. (DOT: 104037) is a reputable trucking company operating from Ohio since 2019. They specialize in handling a diverse range of cargo, such as fresh produce, metal sheets, machinery, and refrigerated foods. They maintain a fleet of 135 trucks and are known for providing opportunities for specialized drivers in areas such as flatbed, dry van, and tanker operations.
Nick Strimbu, Inc. offers specialized support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials handling and guaranteed home time for drivers. They support cross-border operations and are dedicated to maintaining exemplary service standards, which is evident from their satisfactory safety rating and numerous employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. The company also values driver welfare, offering paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and ongoing training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.82
- Controlled substances: 0.04
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 125
- Revenue: $5,691,000
- Miles driven: 13,200,000
Cheeseman, LLC
2200 Sr 119, Fort Recovery, OH, 45846- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Cheeseman, LLC (DOT: 120612) is a reputable trucking company established in 1947, based in Ohio, recognized for its diverse shipping capabilities and commitment to safety. They possess a fleet size of 582, including advanced sprinter vans and box trucks, capable of transporting a wide array of cargo such as chemicals, intermodal containers, machinery, and metal sheets. Their specialization in general freight services is complemented by their support for hazardous materials shipments.
Cheeseman, LLC offers a range of benefits like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive insurance, enhancing the work-life balance for drivers. The company is dedicated to fostering a skilled workforce by providing ongoing training and development programs. A standout feature is their dedicated route service, along with the cross-docking and consolidation services, ensuring that shipments are managed efficiently from start to finish, making them a reliable partner for business owners seeking quality trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 26
- Unsafe driving: 1.49
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 296
- Revenue: $36,310
- Miles driven: 26,900,000
Dayton Freight Lines, Inc.
6450 Poe Ave Suite 311, Dayton, OH, 45414- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. (DOT: 273301) has been a key player in Ohio’s freight trucking industry since 1981. With a considerable fleet of over 2,100 trucks, they offer a range of services, including dry van, container, and flatbed capabilities. The company specializes in the transportation of diverse cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and paper products, showcasing their versatility and experience in handling various types of freight.
Dayton Freight Lines provides interstate carrier operations with a strong emphasis on general freight and dedicated routes, ensuring efficient and timely delivery for business owners. The company supports specialized freight needs, including the ability to transport liquids, gases, metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Despite reporting some crash incidents, their satisfactory safety rating indicates a commitment to maintaining industry safety standards. Additionally, their logistics services include less-than-truckload (LTL) operations and special access to rest stops and lounges for drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 134
- Unsafe driving: 0.77
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.73
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 35
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2739
- Revenue: $23,729,000
- Miles driven: 155,000,000
THE Sygma Network
5550 Blazer Parkway Suite 300, Dublin, OH, 43017- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Produce
- General
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Hazardous materials
THE Sygma Network (DOT: 14811) is a prominent trucking company that has been serving clients since 1984. They operate an extensive fleet, including 878 trucks and a substantial number of refrigerated and dry vans. Specializing in transporting fresh produce, chemicals, refrigerated foods, and general freight, Sygma Network ensures efficient and reliable delivery services tailored to meet varied client needs.
The company provides significant support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, team driver services, and managed transportation solutions. Their commitment to driver welfare is evident through offerings such as a truck lease purchase program, health insurance, and flexible scheduling. Sygma Network maintains a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting their focus on providing safe and dependable freight services across interstate routes.
Safety
- Crashes: 91
- Unsafe driving: 1.31
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.64
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.88
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 1825
- Revenue: $325,773
- Miles driven: 67,800,000
Klingshirn & Sons Trucking, Inc.
14884 State Route 118, Burkettsville, OH, 45310- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Klingshirn & Sons Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 392874) is a dynamic transportation company based in Ohio, offering a comprehensive range of freight services. Specializing in refrigerated and general freight, they efficiently manage the transportation of agricultural supplies, fresh produce, meat, and metal materials. Established with a reputation for safety, Klingshirn & Sons Trucking boasts a satisfactory safety rating and provides specialized support for hazardous materials and cross-border shipments.
This company commits to superior customer service and flexible solutions, with dedicated and regional fleet options and advanced refrigerated units. They promote a supportive work environment with benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses. Their team driving services and truck lease purchase program are tailored to meet the needs of professional drivers seeking career advancement. Focused on exceptional logistics management, Klingshirn & Sons Trucking is ideal for businesses requiring reliable and safe cargo transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.06
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.78
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.54
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $581
- Miles driven: 3,951,424
Ohio Transport Corporation
5593 Hamilton Middletown Road, Middletown, OH, 45044- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Ohio Transport Corporation (DOT: 384170) is an established trucking company in the transportation industry with a solid reputation since 1988. They operate with a fleet size of 134 trucks, specializing primarily in general freight and large machinery, and carry specialized cargo like beverages, building materials, and paper products. Their services extend across interstate operations, offering exclusive hot-shot and drayage services as well as flatbed trucking.
Ohio Transport Corporation supports commercial shipments with capabilities like box truck and dry van transportation and cross-border operations. The company is committed to driver welfare, with benefits including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and referral bonuses. Safety is a priority, as reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and training for intermodal and ltl drivers. With flexible scheduling and a sign-on bonus, they appeal to both seasoned drivers and new recruits in the industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 2.62
- Driver fitness: 0.16
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.84
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 114
- Revenue: $1,641,000
- Miles driven: 5,270,992
Green Lines Transportation, Inc.
7089 Alliance Rd Nw, Malvern, OH, 44644- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Green Lines Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 216364) is a reputable trucking company based in Ohio, established in 1980. They have a total fleet size of 248 vehicles, including 124 trucks, with a primary focus on general freight and specialized cargo such as building materials, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as logs, poles, beams, and lumber. Their service offerings include dry van, flatbed, and tanker options, ensuring a wide range of cargo handling capabilities.
Green Lines Transportation provides dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities with guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, and flexible scheduling for their drivers. The company supports commercial shipments with services like lift gate assistance, drop trailer, and managed transportation solutions. As an employer, they offer benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan, and ongoing training and development programs, indicating a strong commitment to employee welfare and professional growth.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.04
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 113
- Revenue: $4,063
- Miles driven: 7,331,949
How Safety Ratings Work in Ohio
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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Ohio?
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 Ohio, 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio 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
