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 Lawrence Transportation Systems, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Virginia.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Virginia
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 Virginia. Every Virginia 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 Virginia for your commercial shipping needs.
Lawrence Transportation Systems, Inc.
872 Lee Highway, Roanoke, VA, 24019- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Lawrence Transportation Systems, Inc. (DOT: 84337) provides comprehensive trucking solutions. Operating since its DOT registration 18,342 days ago, they boast a fleet size ranging from one to ten trucks. They specialize in general freight, including beverages, building materials, and large machinery, using flatbeds, dry vans, and tankers. The company is equipped to handle hazardous materials and intermodal containers, underscoring their capability in versatile cargo handling and cross-border operations.
The company offers several employee benefits, including health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. Lawrence Transportation ensures flexibility with dedicated and flexible scheduling options and supports new drivers through training programs. Safety is emphasized through satisfactory ratings. Despite recent crashes, including fatalities, their safety incentives indicate a commitment to improvement. Services such as managed transportation and lift gate support illustrate their provision for specialized commercial shipments.
Safety
- Crashes: 13
- Unsafe driving: 0.53
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.34
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 314
- Revenue: $620,000
- Miles driven: 16,000,000
REO Logistics, Inc.
1 Solutions Way, Waynesboro, VA, 22980- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
REO Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 402780) is a reputable trucking company offering comprehensive freight solutions based in Virginia. While the company has been providing logistics services for over 12,000 days, they have built a commendable reputation. Their fleet consists of more than 130 vehicles, including dry vans, flatbeds, and reefers, which enable them to efficiently handle a wide range of cargo such as agricultural products, building materials, refrigerated foods, and chemicals.
REO Logistics stands out for its specialized support in commercial shipments, including regional driver services and dedicated routes tailored to customer needs. The company emphasizes employee benefits, offering attractive sign-on and referral bonuses, health and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, they prioritize safety, demonstrated by their satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries or fatalities. Business owners seeking reliable transportation partners will find REO Logistics to be a strong contender for their shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.55
- Driver fitness: 0.34
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 14
- Revenue: $3,656
- Miles driven: 304,656
TNT Transportation Lc
515 N Commerce Ave, Front Royal, VA, 22630- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
TNT Transportation Lc (DOT: 803275) is a versatile trucking company operating in Virginia, specializing in interstate transportation services. The company offers a wide range of cargo solutions, including building materials, fresh produce, machinery, and motor vehicles. TNT Transportation is equipped with 34 trucks and 68 in total fleet size, offering services like dry van, flatbed, tanker, and pneumatic trailers. Their commitment to safety is evident with a satisfactory safety rating and low unsafe driving and vehicle maintenance scores.
TNT Transportation goes beyond standard freight services, providing specializations in hazardous materials and oversized loads. Business owners can benefit from their dedicated routes and cross-border capabilities. With added value such as health insurance, retirement plans, and guaranteed home time, TNT Transportation supports operational and employee satisfaction, making them a viable choice for businesses looking for reliable trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.32
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.4
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $378
- Miles driven: 1,176,684
Tforce Freight
1000 Semmes Ave, Richmond, VA, 23218- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
Tforce Freight (DOT: 121058) is a seasoned trucking company established in 1947, known for its extensive experience in Virginia’s freight industry. With a strong fleet size of over 7,000 trucks, they specialize in transporting diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and paper products. Their commitment to handling challenging shipments is evidenced by their inclusion of hazardous materials and refrigerated foods in their cargo repertoire.
Tforce Freight demonstrates dedication to safety and efficiency, with a “Satisfactory” safety rating and an emphasis on developing ongoing training programs for drivers. They provide significant commercial support with features such as guaranteed home time, sign-on bonuses, and competitive compensation, ensuring reliability and satisfaction for business partners. As a broker and carrier, Tforce Freight facilitates seamless interstate operations, making them a top choice for businesses looking to optimize their shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 247
- Unsafe driving: 0.51
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.74
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 71
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 7870
- Revenue: $228,257,000
- Miles driven: 275,000,000
Abilene Motor Express
1700 Willis Rd, North Chesterfield, VA, 23237- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: late-model
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
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Abilene Motor Express (DOT: 335555) is a reputable motor freight carrier established in 1986, based in Virginia. With a robust fleet of over 469 trucks and 938 trailers, they offer diverse cargo services tailored to meet the needs of various businesses. They handle a wide range of goods including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, logs, lumber, and refrigerated foods. Specializing in interstate transport, they provide both hazmat and general freight services, ensuring a reliable solution for a gamut of shipping needs.
The company is notable for offering dedicated routes, cross-border shipping, and owner-operator opportunities. Abilene Motor Express emphasizes driver welfare by providing health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and safety bonuses. They also ensure flexibility with offerings like pay advances and guaranteed home time, appealing to both contractors and business owners seeking dependable logistics solutions.
“`Safety
- Crashes: 25
- Unsafe driving: 2.18
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 403
- Revenue: $41,324,000
- Miles driven: 41,100,000
Houff Transfer, Inc.
46 Houff Road Sr 256, Weyers Cave, VA, 24486- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-docking
Houff Transfer, Inc. (DOT: 84328) is a reputable trucking company established in 1993, based in Virginia. With a fleet size of over 272 vehicles, Houff Transfer offers diverse transportation solutions, specializing in general freight and intermodal containers. Their services include power-only, dry bulk commodities, and reliable tanker operations, showcasing versatility in handling various types of cargo such as farm supplies, building materials, chemicals, and paper products.
The company is committed to safety and professional service, highlighted by their satisfactory safety rating. Houff Transfer supports commercial shipment with managed transportation and flexible scheduling options. They provide guaranteed home time and ongoing training and development programs for their drivers. Additional benefits for employees include health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan with 401(k) options, and paid time off, making Houff Transfer an appealing choice for businesses and drivers alike.
Safety
- Crashes: 10
- Unsafe driving: 0.52
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 125
- Revenue: $46,803,000
- Miles driven: 7,029,608
J R Tharpe Trucking Company
401 Pisgah Church Road, Rice, VA, 23966- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
J R Tharpe Trucking Company (DOT: 270972) is a reputable freight carrier offering comprehensive trucking services with a fleet size of 266 and an impressive reputation for handling diverse cargo types. The company is equipped to manage dry bulk commodities, general freight, hazardous materials, and intermodal containers. They provide specialized services such as reefer, tanker, and flatbed transport, ensuring a range of options for different logistical needs.
J R Tharpe Trucking Company is especially poised to support commercial shipments with features such as cross-border and drop-trailer services. They offer benefits like health, dental, vision, and disability insurance alongside flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time for their workforce. Additionally, they incentivize new drivers with ongoing training, safety bonuses, and driver referral bonuses, showcasing a commitment to both employee welfare and customer satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 16
- Unsafe driving: 0.76
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.41
- Controlled substances: 0.09
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 118
- Revenue: $5,360
- Miles driven: 6,394,087
Thompson Trucking, Inc.
11939 Richmond Hwy, Concord, VA, 24538- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Trash
- Intermodal containers
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Hazardous materials
Thompson Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 263863) operates a fleet of 441 trucks and 882 fleet units, servicing a diverse range of industries including construction, garbage, and intermodal transportation. With a focus on reliability, they offer flatbed, tanker, and dry van services, alongside hazardous materials transport. Their cargo repertoire includes agricultural supplies, construction materials, and refuse, catering to extensive logistics demands.
Specializing in commercial support, Thompson Trucking provides dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and advanced driver programs. They also emphasize employee benefits like paid CDL training and health insurance, enhancing driver satisfaction. The company maintains an active operational status, underscoring its commitment to safety and customer service, with a satisfactory safety rating and incentives such as sign-on bonuses and flexible scheduling for optimal logistics management.
Safety
- Crashes: 50
- Unsafe driving: 0.6
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.26
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.49
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 321
- Revenue: $15,959
- Miles driven: 20,400,000
Meade Trucking Company, Inc.
478 Lee Highway, Verona, VA, 24482- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Meade Trucking Company, Inc. (DOT: 404752) is an active and reputable trucking carrier operating out of Virginia. While the company has about 34 trucks with a fleet age of 3 years, they offer various specialized services such as flatbed and dry van shipping. Meade excels in transporting diverse cargo types, including fresh produce, beverages, building materials, and paper products. Noteworthy is their experience in handling refrigerated foods and dry bulk commodities like metal sheets and lumber.
Meade Trucking offers essential support for commercial shipments with services like guaranteed home time, sprinter vans for expedited deliveries, and managed transportation solutions. Dedicated routes and full truckload services ensure that customer needs are prioritized, even though safety could be improved based on their driving scores. Employees benefit from direct deposit, paid time off, and health coverage options, making Meade a reliable choice for both shippers and drivers.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 6.05
- Driver fitness: 0.13
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.71
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $2,493,000
- Miles driven: 3,530,000
BIR Transport Company, Inc.
2790 Wysor Road, Draper, VA, 24324- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
BIR Transport Company, Inc. (DOT: 717687) was established in 1996 and operates a moderate-sized fleet of 57 trucks in Virginia. They stand out for offering specialized services such as tanker transport, drayage, and full flatbed hauling with a focus on various cargo types, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, beverages, and paper products. The fleet accommodates a broad range of shipping needs with support for dedicated routes and regional operations.
Known for their commitment to safety and driver support, BIR Transport Company provides several benefits, including health and dental insurance, gym memberships, and ongoing training programs. They offer sign-on and safety bonuses, and ensure guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling for their drivers. With satisfactory safety ratings and a focus on maintaining a safe fleet, they are well-positioned to cater to business owners seeking reliable and specialized freight services.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 1.29
- Driver fitness: 0.27
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.76
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 54
- Revenue: $1,391
- Miles driven: 4,189,035
How Safety Ratings Work in Virginia
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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Virginia?
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 Virginia, 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia 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
