Transporting fine materials like cement, flour, or plastic pellets requires specialized pneumatic trucking services. We reviewed Colorado carriers on factors like safety, reliability, and pricing, and Apex Transportation, Inc. stood out as the best choice for secure material handling.
Pneumatic Shipping Services & Transport in Colorado
Check out our top picks for the best pneumatic shipping services to find the right solution for your needs.
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 Colorado. Every Colorado 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 Colorado for your commercial shipping needs.
Apex Transportation, Inc.
9800 Alton Way, Henderson, CO, 80640- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Mobile homes
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Apex Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 652182) is a premier trucking company based in Colorado, boasting a fleet of over 500 trucks. They specialize in a vast array of cargo types including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, building materials, metal products, and more. Apex Transportation offers a wealth of services such as refrigerated transport (reefer), flatbed, and step deck, catering not only to basic freight needs but also to more specialized cargo like hazardous materials and oversized loads.
The company places a significant emphasis on safety, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating and comprehensive insurance coverage. Apex Transportation supports business owners with dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and expedited services, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. They also provide extensive employee benefits, including paid CDL training and health insurance, making them a standout choice for businesses seeking reliable and well-supported shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Revenue: $15,493,000
- Miles driven: 2,024,733
Associated Corporation
4833 South Front St Unit B295, Castle Rock, CO, 80104- Fleet age: 3 years
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Associated Corporation (DOT: 1161729) is an established logistics provider operating out of Colorado. They offer extensive trucking solutions including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload services, catering to a variety of industries. Their fleet is equipped for the transportation of intermodal containers, machinery, and large objects. With innovative services like refrigerated (reefer) transportation and specialized driving teams, they ensure prompt and efficient delivery.
Known for their comprehensive support for commercial shipments, Associated Corporation provides specialized services such as cross-docking and managed transportation. They are adept in handling hazardous materials, oversized cargo, and containers, catering to diverse customer needs. Employee welfare is a priority, highlighted by benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, paid CDL training, and a lease-purchase program for trucks. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their zero crash fatalities and maintained safety standards.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Drivers: 1
Acme Distribution Centers,, Inc..
18101 East Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO, 80011- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Pneumatic
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Acme Distribution Centers, Inc. (DOT: 150312) has been a trusted name in freight services since 1947, with a focus on interstate operations. This carrier manages a modern fleet with an average age of just 3 years. Acme specializes in transporting a diverse array of products including beverages, building materials, logs, and paper products. Their commitment to safety is underscored by a “Satisfactory” rating, complemented by their comprehensive hazardous materials handling capabilities.
Acme is equipped to handle intermodal containers and offers flexible scheduling options to meet diverse client needs. The company supports a broad spectrum of services, including general freight, drayage, and cross-border transport. They provide additional value through per diem payments, generous paid time off, and an attractive health insurance package, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking robust support and service excellence in freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.44
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.62
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.25
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $16,183
- Miles driven: 1,083,380
How Safety Ratings Work in Colorado
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 Pneumatic Trucking Company in Colorado for Your Shipments
We recommend you consider the following when looking for a Pneumatic carrier to ship your manufacturing business’ materials:
- Material compatibility: Make sure the Colorado carrier you hire specializes in transporting materials like cement, chemicals, food powders, and resins to ensure secure handling.
- Specialized trailer features: Pneumatic trailers use pressurized systems for loading and unloading. Choose a carrier in Colorado with the latest equipment and positive maintenance records to help ensure you’re getting the best service.
- Cleaning standards: For sensitive or food-grade materials, select a Pneumatic provider in Colorado that follows stringent cleaning protocols to prevent contamination between loads.
- Regulatory compliance: Choose a Pneumatic carrier that adheres to state and federal safety and environmental regulations, especially if you need to ship hazardous materials.
- Driver experience: Skilled drivers trained in operating Pneumatic systems are better able to safely and efficiently handle your materials during transit.
- Real-Time Tracking and Communication: Carriers offering tracking and responsive communication keep you updated on shipment status, critical for time-sensitive deliveries.
- Insurance and liability coverage: Verify that the Colorado carrier’s insurance is adequate for the value and nature of your cargo, especially if it contains high-value or specialized materials.
FAQs
How does Pneumatic trucking help maintain material quality during transit?
Pneumatic trucking provides a closed, pressurized environment, which prevents contamination and moisture exposure. This makes it ideal for maintaining the purity and integrity of sensitive materials.
What unloading options do Pneumatic trailers offer?
Pneumatic trailers offer an air pressure system for unloading materials. This system reduces manual handling and the need for additional equipment and allows for efficient, dust-free unloading of fine materials.
Are there specific regulatory requirements for Pneumatic shipping in Colorado?
Yes, Pneumatic shipping must adhere to government regulations related to material safety, containment, and environmental standards. Carriers in Colorado must comply with guidelines from agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation and ensure proper handling and cleaning procedures to prevent contamination.
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
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
