Based on our analysis of key factors like benefits, pay, training, and flexible scheduling, Afco Distribution is the best trucking company to work for in Bellingham, Washington. The right workplace for you ultimately depends on your specific career goals, so check out all our picks for top Bellingham trucking companies.
Top Trucking Companies in Bellingham, WA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Bellingham:
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves
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 Bellingham. Every Bellingham 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 to work for in Bellingham.
Afco Distribution
1833 Park Lane, Burlington, WA, 98233- Salary range: $50,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 85
- Drivers: 61
- Revenue: $16,770
- Miles driven: 1,266,965 (2023)
Afco Distribution (DOT: 605232) was established in 1934 and is based in Skagit County, Washington. They specialize in transporting a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, feed, hay, liquids, gases, and paper products. Afco Distribution predominantly hires drivers for hazardous materials, reefer trucks, OTR routes, and dry van operations, offering opportunities for both regional and dedicated routes.
The company is known for offering comprehensive driver benefits such as health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, per diem payments, direct deposit, guaranteed home time, and flexible scheduling. They provide a safe working environment with a focus on safety bonuses, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, Afco Distribution supports its drivers with roadside assistance programs and fuel cards.
While specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not noted, Afco Distribution emphasizes a positive work culture with benefits that cater to the needs of their drivers. Common positive feedback highlights the reliability of guaranteed home time, comprehensive benefits packages, and support systems in place for drivers. However, some negative feedback tends to focus on potential long hours and occasional disorganization in route assignments. Overall, Afco Distribution maintains a reputation for fostering a balanced and rewarding work environment for its drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Safety bonus
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
Nielsen Bros, Inc.Orporated
100 E Pine Street #301, Bellingham, WA, 98225- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 67
- Drivers: 61
- Revenue: $3,125,000
- Miles driven: 50,000 (2024)
Nielsen Bros, Incorporated (DOT: 546044) is a well-established trucking company founded in 1991, based in Springfield, Illinois. They specialize in transporting construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery primarily via flatbed and dry van trucks. The company hires OTR (over-the-road) and local drivers, specifically focusing on hiring flatbed drivers.
Nielsen Bros, Inc. offers several benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and a competitive retirement plan (401k). Drivers also enjoy guaranteed home time, paid time off, and deadhead/detention/layover compensation. Additionally, the company provides ongoing training and development programs to support driver growth and safety.
Nielsen Bros has mixed employee feedback on review platforms, with a Glassdoor rating of 3.4 and an Indeed rating of 3.8. Employees frequently praise the company for its solid benefits package, competitive salaries ranging from $60,000 to $70,000, and the supportive work environment. However, some employees mention room for improvement in work-life balance and organization, particularly concerning route assignments and scheduling.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.35
- Driver fitness: 1.68
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Eastwood Trucking, Inc.
2665 E 39 Th Ter, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 8
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $399,000
- Miles driven: 500,000 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Eastwood Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2260333) operates out of an unspecified location and was established at an unknown date. The company specializes in transporting a wide range of cargo types, including agricultural/farm supplies, beverages, building materials, construction materials, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, fresh produce, and general freight. They mainly employ drivers for flatbed, dry van, less-than-truckload (LTL), and reefer operations in interstate capacities.
Eastwood Trucking, Inc. provides several benefits to its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, life insurance, disability insurance, a retirement 401k plan, and ongoing training and development programs. However, they do not offer driver referral bonuses, driver safety bonuses, truck lease purchase programs, or paid CDL training. The company also does not allow pets or passengers and does not guarantee home time for drivers.
Despite some of the benefits, Eastwood Trucking, Inc. has mixed reviews from employees. The company has an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.2. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive health benefits, robust retirement plan, and competitive pay, while some common complaints include a lack of guaranteed home time and absence of flexible scheduling options. The company is praised for its overall compensation and job security but could improve on the work-life balance for its employees.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 5.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Sound Beverage Distributors, Inc.
3901 Airport Way, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 14
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $57,283,000
- Miles driven: 288,801 (2024)
Sound Beverage Distributors, Inc. (DOT: 290684) was established with operations based out of Bellingham, Washington. They specialize in transporting beverages and general freight across interstate routes. Despite their smaller fleet size of 14 trucks and 10 drivers, they offer a range of driving opportunities including local and over-the-road (OTR) positions. The company hires drivers who operate dry vans and box trucks without a need for specialized driving skills or certifications such as hauling hazardous materials or oversized loads.
Sound Beverage Distributors, Inc. provides a solid benefits package to their drivers. Employee benefits include full health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and a retirement plan with a 401k option. Although they don’t offer signing bonuses or direct driver referral bonuses, their focus on employee welfare is evident in the positive health offerings and direct deposit salary payments. However, it’s noted that there are no options for passenger or pet allowances, nor do they promise guaranteed home time.
Employee reviews reveal a mixed sentiment with a 4.1 rating on Glassdoor and a lower 2.3 rating on Indeed. Positive feedback commonly highlights the comprehensive health benefits and reliable salary range of $45,000 to $55,000. Nevertheless, former employees frequently mention that the company falls short in aspects like work-life balance and administrative organization. On Indeed, the most common critique concerns inconsistencies in home time and route management.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Conditional
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.6
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.22
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
B.N. Trux, Inc.
3876 Hannegan Rd Unit# 108, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 6
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $6,693,000
- Miles driven: 66,558 (2023)
B.N. Trux, Inc. (USDOT: 2331416) was founded in 2019 and is situated in Ferndale, Washington. This trucking company operates in the transportation industry with a focus on carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural/farm supplies, building materials, construction equipment, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and machinery. They employ various types of drivers with an emphasis on local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, and also hire specialized drivers for flatbed transportation.
Drivers at B.N. Trux, Inc. enjoy several benefits such as full health insurance (including dental and vision), paid time off (PTO), and life insurance. They provide direct deposit for ease of payment and offer retirement plans (401k) along with disability insurance. Despite the lack of a sign-on bonus or dedicated routes, their comprehensive benefits package helps in maintaining employee satisfaction and retention.
On employee review sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, B.N. Trux, Inc. has impressive ratings of 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. Positive feedback frequently highlights the company’s competitive compensation, benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities. However, a common area of concern among employees is the lack of flexible scheduling and home time guarantees, alongside some issues with route organization. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment suggests a supportive work environment with a satisfactory safety rating.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Cowden, Inc.
3880 Hannegan Road, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 5
- Drivers: 5
- Miles driven: 2,083,549 (2022)
Cowden, Inc. (DOT: 1010202) is a well-regarded trucking company that was incorporated in an unspecified year. Located in Bellingham, Washington, Cowden, Inc. specializes in the transportation of building materials, construction items, and large machinery. The company operates a fleet that is versatile in handling full truckloads and partial truckloads, with a focus on both dry van and flatbed trucks. They primarily hire local drivers and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, including flatbed drivers, ensuring their cargo reaches various destinations efficiently and safely.
Cowden, Inc. offers a range of benefits aimed at supporting their drivers’ well-being and retaining talent. These benefits include full health insurance coverage, dental and vision insurance, paid time off (PTO), and life insurance. They do not offer sign-on bonuses or paid CDL training, but they provide retirement plan options such as a 401(k). While they lack some amenities like gym memberships or roadside assistance programs, they ensure operational efficiency with direct deposit and focus on employee health with disability insurance.
On review platforms, Cowden, Inc. garners mixed feedback. Their Indeed rating stands at 3.3, and they have a higher Glassdoor rating of 4.0. Employees praise the company for its compensation, benefits, and the supportive work environment. However, some criticisms revolve around the lack of guaranteed home time and limited organizational support for drivers’ schedules. Overall, Cowden, Inc. is recognized for its strong employer reputation within the trucking industry, maintaining a positive workplace culture and commendable employee benefits.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
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
George Welch Trucking
4775 King Mountain Rd, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 4
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $1,458,000
- Miles driven: 15,000 (2023)
George Welch Trucking (DOT: 990658) is a well-established trucking company that carries a variety of cargo, including general freight, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and other large objects. Although the exact founding year isn’t provided, they have a satisfactory safety rating from their industry regulators. Located in the United States, George Welch Trucking operates in an interstate capacity, utilizing a fleet that ranges between 1 to 10 trucks and drivers. They primarily hire drivers for flatbed and dry van operations, including both over-the-road (OTR) and local drivers.
George Welch Trucking offers several benefits to their drivers including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as paid time off and a retirement plan (401k). They are committed to direct deposit and providing disability insurance as well. However, they do not appear to offer sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, per diem payments, or tuition reimbursement, nor do they have a truck lease purchase program or allow passengers. The company’s Glassdoor and Indeed ratings indicate a generally positive workplace culture but highlight areas for improvement.
George Welch Trucking has an Indeed rating of 3.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4, reflecting mixed employee experiences. Positive feedback often centers on the company’s compensation, insurance benefits, and overall work environment. Negative comments, on the other hand, suggest concerns around work-life balance, lack of sign-on and other performance-related bonuses, and rigid scheduling. Despite these issues, employees appreciate the reliable pay and significant insurance benefits, making George Welch Trucking a solid option for drivers valuing healthcare and financial security.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- 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
Lti, Inc.
3814 Old Highway 99 S Rd, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Power units: 356
- Trailers: 705
- Drivers: 447
- Miles driven: 19,700,000 (2024)
Lti, Inc. (DOT: 254079) was established in an undisclosed year and operates out of an unspecified location. The company specializes in carrying a wide range of cargo, including but not limited to beverages, building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, and other assorted goods. They primarily hire drivers for dry van operations and do not currently offer positions for flatbed, reefer, or specialized drivers.
Lti, Inc. offers several benefits aimed at supporting their drivers, including a sign-on bonus, health insurance, vision coverage, dental insurance, paid CDL training, and paid time off. Employees also have access to a 401k retirement plan and driver referral bonuses. However, they do not provide guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, or allow rider or pet passengers, which may be a consideration for potential hires.
On employee review websites, Lti, Inc. holds an Indeed rating of 3.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.1. Positive feedback often highlights the company’s solid benefits package, particularly health and dental coverage, as well as opportunities for paid CDL training and competitive referral bonuses. However, employees have expressed some dissatisfaction with the lack of guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, which can affect work-life balance.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Paid CDL training
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 28
- Unsafe driving: 0.28
- Driver fitness: 0.14
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.36
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.07
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
Razz Construction, Inc.
4055 Hammer Drive, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 20
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $4,490,000
- Miles driven: 203,565 (2024)
Razz Construction, Inc. (DOT: 1646142) was established over a decade ago and is situated in . This company specializes in transporting construction materials and large machinery objects across state lines. They primarily utilize dry van and flatbed trucks for their operations. When it comes to driver recruitment, Razz Construction focuses on hiring OTR (Over-The-Road) and local flatbed drivers.
Razz Construction, Inc. demonstrates a commitment to their drivers’ well-being by providing health insurance and paid time off as part of their benefits package. Though they do not offer a sign-on bonus, employees appreciate the company’s direct deposit system for their salaries. Despite a smaller fleet size of 1 to 10 vehicles, Razz Construction manages to offer plenty of job security and has seen positive driver retention rates.
On Indeed, Razz Construction, Inc. holds a rating of 4.0, with reviewers praising the compensation and benefits, as well as job security and advancement opportunities. However, feedback about work-life balance is mixed, with some drivers expressing concerns over inconsistent home time and occasional disorganization in route assignments. Glassdoor reviews align similarly with an overall score of 3.8, reflecting satisfaction with the company’s benefits but also highlighting areas for improvement in operational efficiency.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.73
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Boss Construction, Inc.
4945 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 21
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $1,746,000
- Miles driven: 200,000 (2022)
Boss Construction, Inc. (USDOT: 1668272) operates out of an unspecified location, and while the exact founding date is not provided, the company is actively involved in the trucking industry. They specialize in the transportation of building materials, general freight, machinery, and large objects. Their fleet includes flatbed and dry van trucks, operating primarily in the construction industry. Boss Construction hires over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed drivers to manage their freight needs.
The company offers a range of benefits aimed at supporting their drivers, including direct deposit, health insurance, and paid time off. However, additional benefits like sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, or allowances for passengers and pets are not indicated. Boss Construction strives to maintain favorable working conditions for their employees.
Boss Construction has an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, reflecting a generally positive employee sentiment. Positive feedback commonly highlights the company’s supportive work environment and fair compensation, typically ranging from $45,000 to $55,000 annually. However, some negative reviews point to areas needing improvement, such as the guaranteed home time and potential disorganization in route assignments.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.27
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 14.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Bellingham Trucking Companies
Finding the right trucking company in Bellingham, Washington, can be the key to a successful and satisfying career. When evaluating potential employers in Bellingham, consider these crucial factors:
- Pay range & career growth: Competitive starting salaries or hourly wages are important, but it’s also good to get a sense of your opportunities for growth. Look for companies in Bellingham that provide ongoing training — and potential raises tied to completion of that training — as well as clear promotion tracks and performance bonuses.
- Benefits: A wide range of benefits beyond medical insurance and retirement plans — like employee stock ownership, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy programs — can speak to a company’s commitment to attracting and retaining employees. comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.
- Culture: Consider Bellingham companies that focus on fostering work-life balance through perks like pet and rider allowances and weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Check which companies have positive reviews from current and former employees and are generally well-regarded in your area as a good place to work.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
There are multiple driving positions available at Bellingham trucking companies based on your preferences and prior experience:
- Long-haul: This is a great option for drivers who like being on the road longer and traveling farther, sometimes across the country.
- Regional: If you’d rather stay a little closer to home, regional driving positions allow for travel throughout Washington and surrounding states while still staying relatively close to home.
- Local: Local truckers drive consistent routes each day in and around Bellingham. .
- Specialized: Specialized trucking positions include driving tankers, dry vans, refrigerated trucks within Bellingham’s diverse freight industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Bellingham for your career, make sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Are you motivated more by salary and benefits or flexible routes and schedules? Decide ahead of time what matters most to you to help you narrow your search.
- Look at local companies. Check the trucking companies in Bellingham, Washington, to see how they stack up in terms of pay, benefits, and industry reputation.
- Get input from drivers. Ask local drivers about their experiences with different companies in Bellingham and check online employment sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for anonymous reviews.
- Think about your career goals. If you are more interested in getting your foot in the door, paid CDL training and ongoing education may be key to choosing a company to work for in Bellingham. If you prefer staying with a company long-term, look for career advancement opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and strong benefits packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Bellingham:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Bellingham?
A truck driving career in Bellingham can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movement in the area. Drivers can earn competitive wages, enjoy job security, and find plenty of opportunities for career growth in the local trucking industry.
Which company in Bellingham offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Afco Distribution is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Bellingham?
Most trucking companies in Bellingham are hiring for regional and local driving positions, with some also offering specialized roles for more experienced drivers.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Bellingham?
Afco Distribution is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Bellingham.
How To Apply
Ready to start your trucking career in Bellingham? Here’s how you can apply to the top companies:
- Update your resume. Make sure to highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specific skills relevant to the local job market.
- Research companies. Visit their career pages to see available job openings and learn about their work culture in Bellingham.
- Submit your application. Apply directly online through the company’s website or job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with recruiters to show your continued interest and ask about the next steps.