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 Schneider National Carriers, Inc. to be the best LTL trucking company in Wisconsin.
Top LTL Trucking Companies in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin. Every Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin for your commercial shipping needs.
Schneider National Carriers, Inc.
3101 South Packerland Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54313- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- 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
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Schneider National Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 264184) is a prominent transportation, freight shipping, and logistics company with a fleet of over 21,000 vehicles, operating across interstate regions. Schneider offers specialized services such as dry bulk commodities and refrigerated food transport, with expertise in handling a wide array of cargo including machinery, chemicals, fresh produce, and general freight.
The company provides substantial support for commercial shipments, with services like cross-border transportation, extensive cross-docking capabilities, and managed transportation solutions. Moreover, Schneider supports various types of shipments with its tanker, flatbed, and dry van services. With a satisfactory safety rating and notable health insurance, direct deposit, and paid time off benefits, Schneider is committed to ensuring both client satisfaction and driver welfare.
Safety
- Crashes: 692
- Unsafe driving: 1.52
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.81
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 16
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11986
- Revenue: $306,000
- Miles driven: 917,000,000
Landmark Logistics, Inc.
1401 Landmark Drive, Cottage Grove, WI, 53527- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Landmark Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 224648) offers a diverse range of trucking services from their base in Wisconsin. Renowned for handling complex cargo like agricultural supplies, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, intermodal containers, and more, they stand out in the industry. Their dedicated routes and team driving options ensure products reach their destinations efficiently and safely. With a fleet of 158 trucks and 316 trailers, they offer reliable transportation solutions, including flatbed, dry van, and reefer services.
Specializing in hazardous materials and providing necessary safety measures, Landmark Logistics prioritizes customer and cargo safety. They also support owner-operators and offer a variety of employee benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and safety bonuses. With a satisfactory safety rating and commitment to flexible scheduling, they present a dependable option for businesses seeking trustworthy freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.34
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.21
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 163
- Miles driven: 2,256,000
Kreilkamp Trucking, Inc.
6487 Hwy 175, Allenton, WI, 53002- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Kreilkamp Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 100139) is a reputable trucking company operating with a total fleet size of 536 across the state of Wisconsin. Specializing in refrigerated freight, they excel in transporting goods such as fresh produce, meat, and beverages. The company also offers specialized transportation for hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities, highlighting their robust service portfolio.
Complementing their freight capabilities, Kreilkamp provides additional services such as drayage, auto carriers, and step deck transportation. They support their operations with offerings like worker benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as employee stock ownership and a 401(k) retirement plan. Kreilkamp stands out with its commitment to driver satisfaction through guaranteed home time and a supportive working environment, ensuring reliable delivery solutions for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 19
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.18
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.35
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.31
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 251
- Revenue: $701,000
- Miles driven: 13,000,000
Marten Transport Ltd
129 Marten Street, Mondovi, WI, 54755- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: Marten Transport operates a fleet of with a fleet of 3,500 trucks
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Marten Transport Ltd (DOT: 74432) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating since 1946, known for its extensive fleet of over 3,500 trucks. The company is headquartered in Wisconsin and specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including refrigerated foods, fresh produce, building materials, chemicals, and paper products. With a commitment to high safety standards, Marten Transport Ltd holds a “Satisfactory” safety rating and offers services such as dedicated routes, flatbed transport, and dry van shipping.
Marten Transport Ltd is recognized for its comprehensive support in commercial shipment logistics, offering services like cross-border transport and hazardous materials hauling. The company provides various driver incentives, including paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and guaranteed home time, making it an attractive choice for professional drivers. Business owners can also benefit from their exceptional logistics capabilities, powered by a workforce of over 4,200 employees and backed by a strong insurance bond of $1 million for cargo protection.
Safety
- Crashes: 268
- Unsafe driving: 1.35
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 34
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 3402
- Revenue: $35,492,000
- Miles driven: 398,000,000
Prochnow Transport, Inc.
1360 South Skyline Drive, Medford, WI, 54451- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Hazardous materials
Prochnow Transport, Inc. (DOT: 186355) is a versatile Wisconsin-based trucking company known for effective and reliable transportation solutions. The company specializes in handling a wide array of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, and paper products. Prochnow Transport offers specialized services such as power-only operations, drive/tow away capabilities, and general freight transport, supported by a fleet of over 50 trucks.
Prochnow Transport goes beyond conventional freight services by offering an array of benefits for its drivers, including sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and comprehensive health insurance. The company is equipped for hazardous materials shipping, ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards. Flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time contribute to driver satisfaction, while their operations include dedicated routes and cross-border transport. Their safety record is satisfactory, emphasizing their commitment to both customer service and driver well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.35
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.02
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $13,702
- Miles driven: 3,800,000
Schneider National Bulk Carriers, Inc.
3101 South Packerland Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54313- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
Truck Types
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Tanker
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Schneider National Bulk Carriers, Inc. (DOT: 164311) is a prominent trucking company founded in 1935 with a total fleet size of 1,294 vehicles, including 647 trucks. Operating primarily as a broker and carrier, Schneider offers comprehensive freight services such as reefer, tanker, and flatbed options, alongside specialization in handling liquids, gases, chemicals, and dry bulk commodities.
Renowned for their reliable and flexible service, Schneider caters to a wide array of shipping needs, providing dedicated routes and accommodating oversized loads. Their commercial shipment support includes services for logistics management, enhanced driver benefits including safety and sign-on bonuses, as well as industry-leading safety ratings. The company’s emphasis on employee benefits, like health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement, further enhances its appeal to both drivers and business partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 41
- Unsafe driving: 1.41
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.92
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 41
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 709
- Revenue: $592,788
- Miles driven: 42,900,000
TAX Airfreight, Inc.
5975 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53207- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Container
- Oversized
- Tanker
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
TAX Airfreight, Inc. (DOT: 153935) is a reputable trucking company established in 1977. Based on its safety and service offerings, it operates under the Transportation and Logistics industry specializing in various cargo types, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, general freight, and large machinery. TAX Airfreight provides critical services such as hazardous materials transportation and oversize load capabilities, catering to a wide range of logistic needs.
Focused on providing robust support for commercial shipments, TAX Airfreight offers dedicated routes, cross-border services, and flatbed options. The company supports its drivers with a sign-on bonus, comprehensive health insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. It has a satisfactory safety rating and prioritizes driver welfare by ensuring flexible scheduling, paid CDL training, and guaranteed home time. Additionally, the company maintains an active brokerage and carrier operation, ensuring an efficient and reliable freight management process for all their clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 0.97
- Driver fitness: 0.37
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.58
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 3
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 143
- Revenue: $22,213,000
- Miles driven: 5,736,113
Shefland Trucking Service, Inc.
420 8th Avenue, Baldwin, WI, 54002- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Shefland Trucking Service, Inc. (DOT: 74467) has been a reputable player in the Wisconsin trucking industry since 1956. The company operates with a fleet of 31 trucks and handles a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, and more. With a Google rating of 4.8 and a dedicated approach, Shefland specializes in both general freight and specialized cargo such as hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities.
Offering support for commercial shipments, Shefland provides services like direct deposit, health insurance, and a retirement plan. They cater to regional and over-the-road (OTR) drivers with dedicated routes and flexible scheduling options. The company is committed to safety, as reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training programs. Business owners can trust Shefland for efficient interstate operations and competitive driver salaries ranging from $60,000 to $70,000.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 2.01
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.34
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.12
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 32
- Revenue: $2,404
- Miles driven: 2,509,446
Star Line Trucking Or Star Line
18480 W Lincoln Ave, New Berlin, WI, 53146- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Power only
- Tanker
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (DOT: 46587) is a reputable trucking company based in Wisconsin, with a satisfactory safety rating. They operate a diverse fleet of 55 trucks and offer specialized services such as reefer, dry van, and tanker. The company is known for hauling various types of cargo, including dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, metal sheets and coils, and refrigerated food. They focus on providing dedicated routes and have strong capabilities in managing interstate shipments.
Star Line offers valuable support for commercial shipments, including team driver services, power-only options, and drayage. Additional perks like sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance enhance their appeal to business owners. With an emphasis on driver well-being, they offer benefits such as gym memberships, paid time off, and flexible scheduling. Star Line’s commitment to reliability and tailored service makes them a compelling choice for businesses needing dependable shipping partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 6
- Unsafe driving: 3.25
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.73
- Controlled substances: 0.2
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 55
- Revenue: $2,803
- Miles driven: 4,398,999
Sutton Transport
5707 Schofield Ave, Weston, WI, 54476- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $2,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Lift-gate
- Hazardous materials
Sutton Transport (DOT: 173800) is an active trucking company based in Wisconsin, specializing in LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping and operating a sizable fleet of 378 trucks. Established as a carrier with a satisfactory safety rating, they have a strong presence in interstate operations. Sutton Transport handles a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, chemicals, and paper products. Their ability to transport hazardous materials and dry bulk commodities showcases their expertise in managing complex logistics.
What sets Sutton Transport apart is their commitment to providing dedicated routes and regional driving opportunities. They offer team driving services and support drivers with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. Their fleet, averaging 2 years in age, is equipped to handle various freight needs, contributing to their reputation as a trusted partner for businesses looking for reliable and efficient shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 40
- Unsafe driving: 1.07
- Driver fitness: 0.1
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 16
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 451
- Revenue: $745,000
- Miles driven: 15,800,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin businesses. LTL is ideal for companies seeking cost-effective solutions for frequent, smaller-scale deliveries.
How does LTL shipping differ from FTL shipping for Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin 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