For businesses in South Dakota 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 South Dakota based on services, affordability, and reliability, and Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. rose to the top as the best choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective shipping solution.
Power Only Shipping Services & Transport in South Dakota
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 South Dakota. Every South Dakota 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 South Dakota for your commercial shipping needs.
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.
1809 N Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Produce
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Hopper bottom
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (DOT: 65762) is a versatile trucking company based in South Dakota that has been operational since 1949. With a fleet size of 1,100 and 550 trucks, they specialize in refrigerated freight transport alongside a variety of other cargo types including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, meat, and paper products. The company offers dedicated routes and cross-border trucking, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently across long distances.
Heyl Truck Lines stands out for its specialized services such as refrigerated transport, flatbed, power-only, and hazmat material handling. They support commercial shipments with a comprehensive range of services, including cross-docking and managed transportation solutions. The company provides a range of driver benefits and incentives such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and comprehensive insurance packages, making it a competitive choice for businesses seeking reliable and integrated shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 39
- Unsafe driving: 1.06
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.47
- Controlled substances: 0.03
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 550
- Revenue: $2,076,000
- Miles driven: 56,300,000
Lance Trucking, Inc.
440 Industrial Drive, Volga, SD, 57071- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Oversized
- Power only
- Last-mile delivery
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Lance Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 957174) is a South Dakota-based carrier known for its diverse freight services and active operations in the interstate transport sector. With a fleet size of 76 and 38 power units, they specialize in transporting agricultural supplies, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. Lance Trucking employs various truck types, including flatbeds and dry vans, and provides managed transportation services, which are designed for efficiency and reliability in commercial shipments.
Beyond standard trucking services, Lance Trucking supports clients with an array of benefits such as team driving opportunities, employee stock ownership, and paid time off, underscoring their commitment to employee satisfaction and service quality. Furthermore, the company ensures safety by maintaining a zero percent controlled substance violation rate. Offering both reefer and drayage services, they are well-equipped to handle complex logistics, making them an appealing choice for business owners seeking robust transportation solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 5.76
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.04
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.19
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $4,153
- Miles driven: 2,360,000
TDS Trucking, LLC
3400 W Hovland Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
TDS Trucking, LLC (DOT: 279236) is a prominent freight carrier based in South Dakota, outfitted with a modern fleet primarily comprising dry vans, tankers, and flatbed trucks. Specializing in transporting diverse cargo such as building materials, grain, metal sheets, and oilfield equipment, TDS Trucking demonstrates a commitment to versatile and reliable service. The company prioritizes safety with a satisfactory safety rating and zero reported crash injuries or fatalities.
In addition to traditional trucking services, TDS Trucking, LLC offers specialized drivers for hazardous materials and provides team driving opportunities for efficient long-haul transportation. Business owners benefit from flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time for drivers, complementing their safety bonuses and health insurance offerings. With a focus on both regional and over-the-road routes, TDS Trucking ensures comprehensive coverage for various freight needs, making it a strong candidate for businesses seeking dependable transportation partners.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 9
- Revenue: $17,370
- Miles driven: 717,500
How Safety Ratings Work in South Dakota
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 South Dakota for Your Shipments
Whether you operate a distribution center, manufacturing business, or retail operation in South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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: South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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
