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 U.S. Xpress to be the best LTL trucking company in Tennessee.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Tennessee
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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee for your commercial shipping needs.
U.S. Xpress
4080 Jenkins Rd, Chattanooga, TN, 37421- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 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
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
U.S. Xpress (DOT: 303024) is a prominent trucking company based in Tennessee, established in 1985, with a robust fleet of over 11,000 vehicles. Known for its commitment to diverse service offerings, U.S. Xpress excels in transporting various cargo types, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, and machinery. The company is well-equipped for specialized shipments, with provisions for hazardous materials and tanker services, making them a versatile choice for complex logistical needs.
U.S. Xpress offers notable support for commercial shipments, including team driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and cross-border capabilities. They provide a comprehensive range of benefits to their drivers, such as health insurance, paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and a retirement plan. The company’s emphasis on safety and training programs ensures reliable and efficient service, backed by a satisfactory safety rating. With a commitment to driver satisfaction and comprehensive shipping solutions, U.S. Xpress is a leading option for businesses seeking dependable freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 568
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.19
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.07
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 15
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6509
- Revenue: $13,034,000
- Miles driven: 518,000,000
Titan Transfer, Inc.
1200 Stanley BLVD, Shelbyville, TN, 37160- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
Titan Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 845505) is a prominent interstate freight trucking company founded in 2000 based in Tennessee. The company operates a sizable fleet of 1,166 vehicles, including refrigerated and flatbed trucks, specializing in transporting general freight and various commodities such as beverages, building materials, chemicals, and paper products. Titan Transfer is versatile in its offerings with services such as drayage and cross-border shipments, making it an ideal choice for business owners seeking comprehensive shipping solutions.
Titan Transfer prioritizes driver benefits by providing health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan and tuition reimbursement. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes and offer guaranteed home time for their drivers. With active safety programs, a satisfactory safety rating, and a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $75,000, the company emphasizes safe and efficient logistic solutions, ensuring dependable shipping services for various products and logistics needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 52
- Unsafe driving: 2.46
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.34
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 562
- Revenue: $18,248
- Miles driven: 52,000,000
JIT – Ex, LLC
3344 Cazassa Rd, Memphis, TN, 38116- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
JIT – Ex, LLC (DOT: 974027) is a versatile trucking company with a substantial fleet of 214 trucks. They excel in transporting a variety of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, grain, lumber, intermodal containers, and metal sheets. JIT – Ex is committed to offering power-only services and specializes in handling hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities, making them a reliable choice for diverse shipping needs.
JIT – Ex provides comprehensive commercial support, featuring cross-docking and drayage services as well as a strong focus on both general freight and building materials. Their drivers benefit from a range of employee incentives, including sign-on bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans. The company places an emphasis on safety, as indicated by their satisfactory safety rating and moderate vehicle maintenance scores. With flexible scheduling and local driver opportunities, JIT – Ex stands out as a dedicated partner in the logistics industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 23
- Unsafe driving: 1.76
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.51
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 278
- Revenue: $3,163
- Miles driven: 17,700,000
Hittman Transport Services, Inc.
1560 Bear Creek Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830- Fleet age: 2 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 157942) is an active trucking company based in Tennessee. They have a total power unit fleet of 86 vehicles and offer a range of services including transport of building materials, chemicals, paper products, and general freight. The company is noted for its capability in handling hazardous materials and provides specialized support for oversized and intermodal shipments.
In addition to general freight services, Hittman Transport is equipped to offer cross-docking, consolidation, and managed transportation solutions. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating. They support commercial shipments with services like team driving, expedited drivers, and hot shot deliveries. The company’s flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time programs ensure reliable service for businesses. Despite a few reported incidents, their overall emphasis on safety and diverse service offerings make them a strong choice for commercial shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.49
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.71
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 89
- Revenue: $605,000
- Miles driven: 7,652,967
Sysco Memphis, LLC
4359 Bf Goodrich BLVD, Memphis, TN, 38118- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Sysco Memphis, LLC (DOT: 95027) is an active trucking company based in Tennessee, recognized for its robust service offerings in the industry. Operating with a modern fleet averaging three years, the company employs 118 drivers and has a total fleet size of 178 units, including 89 trucks specializing in the transportation of refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and liquids/gases. They are equipped to handle a variety of cargo, such as beverages, meat, paper products, and chemicals, illustrating their versatility in managing diverse freight needs.
Sysco Memphis emphasizes comprehensive service support for commercial shipments, evident through their team drivers’ service, dedicated routes, and expedited and partial truckload capabilities. Their cross-docking and consolidation services further enhance shipping efficiency. Noteworthy benefits for drivers include paid CDL training, health insurance, and tuition reimbursement, along with competitive salaries ranging from $45,000 to $55,000. While maintaining a satisfactory safety rating, they prioritize ongoing training and development programs to ensure operational excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 0.17
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 118
- Revenue: $849,900
- Miles driven: 3,252,383
NEW Waverly Transportation
1610 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
NEW Waverly Transportation (DOT: 146001) is a reputable trucking company that has been providing transportation services since 1972. With a total fleet size of 250 and operating under the legal name Louisiana Pacific Corporation, they cater to a wide range of cargo including building materials, general freight, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment. NEW Waverly supports various transportation needs, including cross-border and drayage services.
Specialized offerings include power-only, hot shot, and dedicated routes, supported by hazmat-certified drivers. Additionally, NEW Waverly ensures employee satisfaction through extensive benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans, supplemented by development programs and flexible scheduling. Business owners seeking reliable transport with effective logistical solutions will find NEW Waverly’s commitment to service ideal for commercial shipping needs. They operate nationally with a strong safety record, maintaining active authority and a focus on safety with ongoing training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.96
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.49
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 125
- Revenue: $14,015,000
- Miles driven: 8,255,285
International Paper
6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38197- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Trash
- General
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
International Paper (DOT: 297334) is a distinguished carrier established in 1898, with a significant fleet size of over 400 vehicles based in Tennessee. This company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo including chemicals, garbage, logs, and paper products, supporting efficient interstate operations.
The company offers a multitude of services such as power-only hauling, cross-border shipments, and drayage. They provide dedicated routes, team driver services, and have a strong focus on hazardous materials transportation with zero recorded violations in this category. International Paper prioritizes safety, as reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and a robust support for drivers, including health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.77
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 208
- Revenue: $1,520,991
- Miles driven: 8,141,555
OLD Time Express, Inc.
600 Industrial Park Drive, Hartsville, TN, 37074- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
OLD Time Express, Inc. (DOT: 567905) is a versatile trucking company with a fleet size between 20 to 49 vehicles, operating in Tennessee. Specializing in refrigerated transportation, the company handles a wide range of cargo including fresh produce, beverages, meat, building materials, and paper products. They offer services such as owner-operator opportunities, dedicated routes, and drop trailer options, making them a flexible choice for businesses with varied shipping needs.
OLD Time Express, Inc. provides specialized support for commercial shipments, such as power-only services and hazardous material transportation. With safety ratings and ongoing training programs in place, they emphasize secure and reliable deliveries. Additional benefits like paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and a 401k retirement plan highlight their commitment to supporting their drivers. The company is also known for offering guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, ensuring employee satisfaction and efficiency in operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.84
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.64
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $4,000
- Miles driven: 1,128,575
Wooten Transports, Inc.
153 Gaston Ave, Memphis, TN, 38101- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Lift-gate
Wooten Transports, Inc. (DOT: 96574) is an active carrier based in Tennessee with a satisfactory safety rating. They boast a fleet of 69 trucks and 32 trailers, specializing in flatbed and dry van transportation. Additionally, they offer refrigerated (reefer) transport services. The company handles a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
Wooten Transports stands out with its commitment to health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan for employees. They offer sign-on and safety bonuses as well as dedicated and regional driving opportunities, ensuring flexibility and home time for drivers. With an emphasis on direct deposit, paid time off, and ongoing training development, they provide a supportive environment for commercial shipment operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.84
- Driver fitness: 0.08
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.06
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 12
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 63
- Revenue: $9,036
- Miles driven: 5,837,378
Morristown Driver’s Service, Inc.
5520 Jeffrey Lane, Morristown, TN, 37813- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Cross-border
Morristown Driver’s Service, Inc. (DOT: 252487) is a Tennessee-based trucking company specializing in the transportation of diverse cargo types, including fresh produce, agricultural/farm supplies, and metal sheet coils. They have a fleet of 260 trucks and a robust focus on both general freight and refrigerated goods, ensuring reliable and versatile shipping solutions for businesses. The company is distinguished by its dedication to full truckload services and flatbed hauling, making it a partner of choice for businesses with specific transportation needs.
With a satisfactory safety rating and active authority status, Morristown Driver’s Service emphasizes safe driving practices and vehicle maintenance. They also offer expedited driving services and a range of employee benefits, such as health, dental, and life insurance, along with a retirement plan. The company supports owner-operators, offers direct deposit, and provides bonuses and guaranteed home time, which enhance driver satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Safety
- Crashes: 26
- Unsafe driving: 1.59
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.24
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.23
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 235
- Revenue: $4,335,000
- Miles driven: 18,500,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Tennessee
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Tennessee?
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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee 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
