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 Mitchell Bros Truck Line, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Washington.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Washington
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 Washington. Every Washington 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 Washington for your commercial shipping needs.
Mitchell Bros Truck Line, Inc.
600 Se Maritime Ave Bld3 Ste100, Vancouver, WA, 98661- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lowboy
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Mitchell Bros Truck Line, Inc. (DOT: 248002) is a seasoned trucking company established in 1937, operating across interstate routes and renowned for its solid reputation in Washington. They boast a fleet of 78 trucks and provide extensive services, including dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated transportation, ideal for transporting a wide range of products such as fresh produce, chemicals, and building materials. This company is committed to safety and maintains a satisfactory safety rating.
Mitchell Bros demonstrates exceptional support for commercial shipments by offering specialized services like intermodal container handling and dedicated routes. They also cater to complex logistics needs with services for hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities, ensuring flexibility and reliability. Business owners will appreciate their robust financial support for drivers, including safety bonuses, per diem payments, and comprehensive benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.77
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.65
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 6
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 64
- Revenue: $7,163,000
- Miles driven: 3,343,008
GNW Brokerage
251 N Commercial Ave, Pasco, WA, 99301- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
GNW Brokerage (DOT: 235871) is a reputable trucking company based in Washington, operating since 1958. They boast a diverse fleet with specialized capabilities, including tanker, flatbed, and sprinter van services, allowing them to handle a wide range of cargo such as agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and refrigerated foods. GNW Brokerage is notable for offering dedicated routes and regional driving options, ensuring timely and reliable delivery for their clients.
GNW Brokerage also emphasizes safety and support in commercial shipment, offering direct deposit, health insurance, and paid CDL training to their drivers. They maintain a Satisfactory safety rating while handling hazardous materials with no violations. Their cross-border and drayage services further enhance their ability to manage complex logistics, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently across state and national lines. With flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, GNW Brokerage presents an attractive choice for businesses seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.68
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $5,600,000
- Miles driven: 2,769,823
T-W Transport, Inc.
7405 South Hayford Road, Cheney, WA, 99004- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
T-W Transport, Inc. (DOT: 27937) is an established trucking provider since 1972, with a fleet of over 100 trucks, specializing in a variety of freight services. They excel in transporting refrigerated goods, fresh produce, meats, and intermodal containers. The company stands out with a strong commitment to providing dedicated routes and cross-border transport services, making them a versatile choice for businesses seeking reliable shipping solutions.
T-W Transport offers additional support tailored for commercial shipments, including cross-docking and consolidation services. With a focus on driver well-being, they provide flexible scheduling, roadside assistance, and extensive benefits such as health and vision insurance, 401k plans, and paid CDL training. For those looking to transport oversized items, T-W Transport is equipped with specialized equipment and drivers, further emphasizing their commitment to customer satisfaction and operational safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.38
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 104
- Revenue: $35,227,000
- Miles driven: 10,400,000
Tate Transportation, Inc.
910 E Street City County Airpo, Walla Walla, WA, 99362- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
Tate Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 312623) has been a prominent trucking service provider since 1986. With a fleet exceeding 50 trucks and fostering a strong team of 57 dedicated drivers, Tate Transportation specializes in the transportation of various cargo types, including refrigerated foods, fresh produce, and general freight. Their services extend to regional and dedicated routes, emphasizing efficiency and reliability in every delivery.
Offering specialized support for commercial shipments, Tate Transportation provides power-only and drop trailer services, enhancing flexibility for their clients. Known for their robust safety rating and satisfactory safety performance, the company also offers amenities that attract and retain committed drivers, such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and guaranteed home time. With a focus on continual development, they stand out as a reliable partner for businesses seeking comprehensive trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 2.04
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.48
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 57
- Revenue: $9,956
- Miles driven: 5,674,973
Woodland Truck Line, Inc.
1776 Schurman Way, Woodland, WA, 98674- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Sprinter van
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Woodland Truck Line, Inc. (DOT: 45034) is a dynamic trucking company operating from Washington with a total fleet size of 36. Specializing in the transportation of various cargo types such as fresh produce, chemicals, building materials, and more, they offer a diverse array of services. Their focus includes general freight and refrigerated transportation, accommodating perishable and regular products alike.
Renowned for dependable operations, Woodland Truck Line provides commercial clients with specialized support such as drop trailer programs and consolidation services. They emphasize employee well-being with benefits like paid time off, health and dental insurance, and tuition reimbursement. With an active US DOT status and a satisfactory safety rating, Woodland Truck Line stands as a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and versatile shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 4.27
- Driver fitness: 0.98
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.56
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.16
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 17
- Revenue: $4,507
- Miles driven: 1,052,779
Afco Distribution
1833 Park Lane, Burlington, WA, 98233- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Afco Distribution (DOT: 605232) is a prominent trucking company in Washington, originally established in 1934 under the legal name Skagit Farmers Supply. The company specializes in interstate commerce with a robust offering, including general freight, hazardous materials, dry bulk commodities, and farm supplies. They utilize a significant fleet, consisting of 85 trucks and 170 total units, and their fleet age averages 3 years, indicating modern equipment.
Afco Distribution highlights their versatility by transporting diverse cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, and various building materials. Their commercial shipment services include regional driving, dedicated routes, and cross-border operations. Notable services include power-only options and lift-gate assistance. They promote driver welfare with benefits like health insurance, safety bonuses, and paid time off, combined with incentives such as guaranteed home time and per diem payments—making them a reliable partner for businesses seeking comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.72
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.84
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.82
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 61
- Revenue: $16,770
- Miles driven: 1,266,965
Joel Olson Trucking, Inc.
1615 Ne 78th Street, Vancouver, WA, 98665- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $6,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
Joel Olson Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 203680) is a distinguished trucking company operating in Washington, primarily serving the forestry and construction industries. With a fleet size of 81 trucks, they specialize in transporting a wide array of goods including beverages, building materials, dry bulk commodities, and machinery. Known for their commitment to safety and service, Joel Olson offers specialized support for the shipment of oversized and large objects, leveraging their expertise and equipment to handle intermodal containers efficiently.
The company stands out with its dedication to employee welfare and development, offering benefits such as health insurance, a 401k retirement plan, and paid CDL training. Joel Olson Trucking supports dedicated routes and encourages a commitment to ongoing training and development, ensuring highly skilled drivers. With robust safety measures and a satisfactory safety rating, they maintain a strong reputation as a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and secure transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.93
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.11
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 38
- Revenue: $377,000
- Miles driven: 2,971,086
Sysco Seattle, Inc.
22820 54th Ave S, Kent, WA, 98032- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Produce
- Liquids & gases
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
Sysco Seattle, Inc. (DOT: 340091) is a reputable trucking company based in Washington with a strong presence in the industry since 1953. This company offers a variety of services, notably including refrigerated transportation with their reefer fleet, and specializes in handling cargo like fresh produce, meat, beverages, and paper products, among others. With a fleet size of 512 vehicles, they ensure reliable and efficient transportation solutions for businesses.
Sysco Seattle provides specialized support for commercial shipments, such as managed transportation and consolidation services. They excel in offering dedicated routes and flexible scheduling, accommodating the specific needs of businesses. Sysco Seattle places an emphasis on employee benefits, offering tuition reimbursement, health and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and ongoing training and development programs. Despite a few reported crashes, the company’s safety rating remains satisfactory, prioritizing the safety of both their drivers and cargo.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 0.32
- Driver fitness: 0.5
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.71
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 192
- Revenue: $1,342,132
- Miles driven: 3,009,340
Allstate Transport
1905 Lincoln Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98421- Fleet age: 3 years
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Allstate Transport (DOT: 193828) operates out of Washington, specializing in comprehensive logistics services with a dedicated focus on commercial shipments. Offering services such as team driving opportunities, reefer operations, and drayage, they skillfully manage the transport of various cargo types including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and motor vehicles. Their fleet is equipped to handle both dry van and flatbed demands, ensuring versatility across shipping needs.
Allstate Transport is notable for providing specialized support such as hazmat drivers and heavy haul capabilities, allowing them to handle complex shipments with ease. They prioritize employee welfare with benefits like paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and health insurance, suggesting a commitment to quality service delivery. With a satisfactory safety rating and an active status, Allstate Transport combines reliability with a wide range of trucking solutions, making them a viable option for business owners seeking dependable shipping services.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.89
- Driver fitness: 0.54
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 39
- Miles driven: 2,128,500
How Safety Ratings Work in Washington
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 Washington 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 Washington?
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 Washington businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Washington?
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 Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington 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
