For businesses in Maryland with trailers ready to go, power only trucking companies provide the necessary hauling power without the need for a dedicated truck fleet. We’ve analyzed power only carriers in Maryland based on services, affordability, and reliability, and Terminal Transportation Services rose to the top as the best choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective shipping solution.
Power Only Shipping Services & Transport in Maryland
Explore our other top recommended power only trucking companies to find the right fit for your business’ needs and budget.
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 Maryland. Every Maryland 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 Maryland for your commercial shipping needs.
Terminal Transportation Services
1657a South Highland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
Terminal Transportation Services (DOT: 65089) operates as a prominent logistics provider offering specialized freight services. With a fleet size ranging from 11 to 25, they equip trucks with capabilities to handle a diverse array of cargo, such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils rolls, and paper products. Based in Maryland, their operations extend beyond state lines, ensuring that both general freight and intermodal containers reach their destinations promptly and safely.
Renowned for their commitment to customer satisfaction, Terminal Transportation Services provides essential commercial shipment support through dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and drayage services. Clients benefit from their power-only and reefer services, supplemented by amenities like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training programs. Safety is a priority with standard insurance and satisfactory ratings, backed by multiple types of driver bonuses, including sign-on, referral, and safety incentives. They are a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient and comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.7
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 51
- Revenue: $2,544,000
- Miles driven: 1,046,950
Lightning Transportation, Inc.
16820 Unit C Blake Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Lightning Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 326966) is a versatile trucking company based in Maryland. They stand out for their capability to handle a variety of cargo, including intermodal containers, logs, and paper products. The company offers specialized services such as flatbed and dry van transportation, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery solutions. Furthermore, Lightning Transportation is equipped with reefer and conestoga trailers, accommodating a diverse range of shipping needs.
The company provides several supportive services for commercial shipments, such as cross-docking, power-only services, and specialized drivers for oversized loads. Lightning Transportation emphasizes employee benefits, offering health insurance, a retirement plan, and ongoing training programs. With a satisfactory safety rating and a focus on flexible scheduling, they prioritize both safety and employee welfare, making them a top choice for business owners seeking dependable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 17
- Unsafe driving: 1.51
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.53
- Controlled substances: 0.02
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 300
- Revenue: $3,850,000
- Miles driven: 20,400,000
Cowan Systems, LLC
4555 Hollins Ferry Road, Baltimore, MD, 21227- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Hazardous materials
Cowan Systems, LLC (DOT: 548880) is an established Maryland-based trucking company, operational since 1994. They boast a robust fleet with a total size of 4328 units and excel in transporting general freight, beverages, intermodal containers, and paper products. Cowan Systems offers crucial services such as power-only transport, flatbed, and dry van, along with specialized services including hazardous materials handling, ensuring a comprehensive capability to meet diverse shipping needs.
Dedicated to providing top-tier service, Cowan Systems supports commercial shipments with dedicated routes and regional, local, and over-the-road drivers. They prioritize driver welfare with health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and safety bonuses. Despite some reported accidents, their safety rating is satisfactory, indicating an ongoing commitment to safety and training programs for their staff. Overall, Cowan Systems stands out as a reliable partner for business shipping needs.
Safety
- Crashes: 145
- Unsafe driving: 0.9
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.08
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 5
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 2089
- Revenue: $65,546
- Miles driven: 168,000,000
Overflo Trucking, Inc.
3010 Nieman Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21230- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Overflo Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 347105) is a well-established trucking company, having operated in Maryland since 1948. With a fleet of 20 trucks and comprehensive services, they specialize in transporting a wide range of cargo such as beverages, building materials, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and intermodal containers. They focus on offering dedicated routes and efficient general freight services.
Overflo Trucking, Inc. provides specialized support for hazardous materials, ensuring safety and compliance. They offer a range of employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as driver referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and the absence of crash-related fatalities or injuries. Flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time make them a reliable and supportive choice for businesses requiring consistent and secure shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 5.1
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.77
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $10,037
- Miles driven: 250,520
Consolidated Delivery Co
7920 Tar Bay Drive, Jessup, MD, 20794- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Consolidated Delivery Co (DOT: 397438) is a reputable trucking company based in Maryland, specializing in diverse freight services. With an active interstate operation, the company provides dedicated routes and general freight shipping, handling cargo such as household goods, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Consolidated Delivery Co’s fleet consists of 48 trucks with an average age of three years, ensuring reliable transportation services.
In addition to offering power-only, dry van, and flatbed services, Consolidated Delivery Co supports commercial shipments with specialized services like drayage and tanker operations. The company places a strong emphasis on employee benefits, providing sign-on bonuses, health and vision insurance, and retirement plans. They also maintain robust safety standards with zero reported crash fatalities and minimal hazardous material violations, making them a dependable choice for business owners seeking secure and efficient freight transportation.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 1.39
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.74
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 53
- Miles driven: 2,100,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Maryland
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 Power Only Trucking Company in Maryland for Your Shipments
Whether you operate a distribution center, manufacturing business, or retail operation in Maryland, here are some key factors to consider when picking the best power only trucking company to haul your trailers:
- Trailer compatibility: The carrier’s tractors will need to be compatible with your trailer types, particularly if your cargo requires specialized connections or handling.
- Availability and flexibility: Look for Maryland Power Only carriers with the flexibility to handle your schedule. This is especially important for businesses that have high-volume or seasonal shipping needs that require additional capacity.
- Coverage area: Choose a Power Only carrier in Maryland with experience in your preferred shipping lanes, whether you require regional, national, or cross-border transportation.
- Driver experience: Experienced drivers are crucial for managing a variety of trailer types and ensuring your loads are handled professionally.
- Fleet maintenance: A well-maintained fleet reduces the risk of breakdowns or delays.
- Tracking and communication: Maryland carriers offering real-time tracking and reliable communication make it easy to monitor your shipment’s progress.
- Insurance and liability coverage: If you’re shipping hazardous or fragile materials, make sure the Power Only carrier’s insurance covers high-value or sensitive loads.
- Pricing transparency: Look for clear and upfront pricing without hidden fees, so you can manage costs effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
- Safety record: A history of safe transportation reinforces a carrier’s commitment to protecting your cargo and ensuring smooth transit, especially with high-stakes shipments.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of Power Only trucking for Maryland businesses with multiple locations?
Power Only trucking provides a cost-effective shipping solution for businesses. With Power Only shipping, you can move trailers between sites without haveing to invest in your own tractor fleet. It also makes managing regional distribution and warehousing easier and more efficient.
What types of loads are suitable for Power Only trucking?
Power Only is suitable for a wide range of loads, including dry van, reefer, and flatbed trailers.Power Only is a good option for businesses that need the flexibility to move various cargo types, including high-volume shipments and oversized loads.
Can power-only services support seasonal or high-demand periods?
Yes, many power-only providers offer flexible, on-demand services to support seasonal peaks or high-demand periods. This flexibility gives businesses in Maryland the ability to scale up operations as needed without investing in additional trucks.
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
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
