What Everyone Is Typing Into Google Right Now
Before we get into the list of companies, let’s look at what real people are searching for every single day. These aren’t made-up keywords. These are actual questions from business owners, warehouse managers, and shipping coordinators just like you.
| What People Type Into Google | How Many People Search This Every Month |
|---|---|
| trucking companies near me | 90,000 |
| freight companies near me | 22,000 |
| local trucking companies | 8,000 |
| trucking companies in California | 1,900 |
| best trucking companies in Texas | 1,300 |
| regional trucking companies | 2,400 |
| LTL carriers near me | 1,300 |
| freight companies in my area | 2,400 |
| small trucking companies near me | 1,600 |
| truck freight companies | 2,400 |
| freight delivery near me | 1,900 |
| local freight companies | 1,900 |
| trucking companies that hire near me | 8,000 |
| freight shipping companies near me | 880 |
| less than truckload carriers | 1,300 |
| regional LTL carriers | 880 |
| overnight freight delivery | 1,300 |
| next day freight service | 880 |
| freight carriers in Midwest | 880 |
| trucking companies in Georgia | 880 |
| Chicago freight companies | 880 |
| Dallas Fort Worth trucking | 1,000 |
Source: Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, actual search data 2026
What Is a Regional Trucking Company Anyway?
Here’s the simple explanation:
A regional trucking company focuses on one specific part of the country. They don’t try to ship freight from New York to Los Angeles. Instead, they stick to areas like the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, or the West Coast.
Why does this matter to you?
Because when you use a regional carrier, your freight:
- Moves faster – They run direct routes, not through giant national hubs
- Gets handled less – Fewer stops means less chance of damage
- Costs less – Short hauls are cheaper with carriers who specialize in them
- Has fewer problems – They know the local roads, traffic, and delivery challenges
Think of it this way:
National carriers are like big chain restaurants. They’re everywhere, but the food tastes the same and takes forever.
Regional carriers are like the local diner down the street. They know your name, they know what you like, and they get you in and out fast.
When Should You Use a Regional Trucking Company?
Here’s the honest answer:
| Your Shipment | Use Regional If… | Use National If… |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it going? | Within 500-800 miles | Cross-country, over 1,000 miles |
| How fast do you need it? | Tomorrow or the next day | 3-5 days is fine |
| How many pallets? | 1-10 pallets (LTL) or a full truck | Full truckload going far away |
| What are you shipping? | Regular freight, maybe fragile | Anything, but regional is often safer |
| What’s your budget? | You want to save money on short hauls | You need one carrier for the whole move |
Real talk: If your freight is staying in the same region, regional carriers almost always win on price and speed. It’s not even close.
How Do You Find a Good Regional Trucking Company?
Here’s what actually works:
Step 1: Search for “trucking companies near me” but don’t stop there
Google will show you names, but you need to dig deeper. Look at their websites. Where are their terminals? If they don’t have a terminal within 50 miles of your pickup or delivery, keep looking.
Step 2: Check if they’ve won quality awards
Every year, logistics professionals rate carriers on:
- On-time pickup and delivery
- Customer service (do they answer the phone?)
- Technology (can you track your freight?)
- Damage-free delivery
The 2026 quality awards just came out. Carriers like A. Duie Pyle in the Northeast and Southeastern Freight Lines in the Southeast scored near perfect. These are the ones to trust.
Step 3: Ask about their experience with your type of freight
Shipping frozen food? Ask if they have reefers (refrigerated trailers) and temperature monitoring.
Shipping machinery? Ask if they do heavy haul and have the right equipment.
Shipping to a home? Ask about residential delivery and liftgate service.
Step 4: Call them
Seriously. Call and see who answers. If you get a real person who sounds like they know what they’re talking about, that’s a good sign. If you get an automated tree and can’t reach a human, keep looking.
Regional Trucking Companies in the Northeast (Maine to Virginia)
States covered: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia
What makes shipping here hard: Old roads, tight streets in cities like Boston and New York, crazy traffic on I-95, strict delivery windows, and not much parking.
What you need in a carrier: Someone who’s been doing this for decades and knows every loading dock in Manhattan.
| Company Name | Where They’re Based | What They’re Known For | Who Should Use Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Duie Pyle | West Chester, PA | Six-time quality award winner. Family-owned since 1924. Just opened a new hub near the Port of Virginia. Over 2,000 trucks. | Anyone shipping in the Northeast who wants next-day delivery and real customer service. |
| New Penn Motor Express | Harrisburg, PA | Another quality award winner. Strong network connecting the Northeast to the Midwest and Canada. | Shippers who need reliable LTL with expedited options. |
| Pitt Ohio | Pittsburgh, PA | High scores for service. Offers warehousing and logistics too. | Businesses that need more than just trucking. |
| Ward Transport & Logistics | Altoona, PA | Strong in the Mid-Atlantic. Good technology and personal touch. | Shippers who want tracking and a real person to call. |
Real shipper tip: If you’re shipping into New York City, ask about smaller trucks. A 53-foot trailer can’t fit on every street. Good regional carriers have a mix of equipment sizes.
Regional Trucking Companies in the Southeast (Virginia to Florida to Texas)
States covered: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma
What makes shipping here hard: Atlanta traffic (it’s its own nightmare), hurricane season, summer heat, and massive growth that strains every road.
What you need in a carrier: Someone who can handle heat-sensitive freight, navigate Atlanta, and serve both ports and inland cities.
| Company Name | Where They’re Based | What They’re Known For | Who Should Use Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Freight Lines | Columbia, SC | Top-ranked in the Southeast. Scored 49.30 out of 50 in quality awards. Obsessive about damage-free delivery. | Anyone shipping in the Southeast who wants guaranteed service and no damage. |
| ABF Freight | Fort Smith, AR | Massive operation. $2.5 billion in revenue. National scale with deep Southern roots. | Shippers who need national reach but want Southern reliability. |
| Jetco | Houston, TX | 50 years in business. Dominates Gulf Coast heavy haul – petrochemical, construction, infrastructure. Just added more multi-axle trailers. | Heavy machinery, oversized loads, project freight, cross-border Mexico. |
| Continental Express | Dayton, OH | $154 million company actively expanding into the Southeast in 2026. Scouting new terminal locations now. | Shippers who want growing coverage with asset-based reliability. |
Real shipper tip: Shipping within Florida? Look for intrastate carriers (Florida-only). They often beat national and regional rates because they don’t deal with interstate regulations.
Regional Trucking Companies in the Midwest (Ohio to Kansas)
States covered: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas
What makes shipping here hard: Brutal winters (ice, snow, closed highways), long rural stretches with few services, and just-in-time manufacturing demands.
What you need in a carrier: Someone who runs plows ahead of their trucks, communicates proactively when weather hits, and understands manufacturing schedules.
| Company Name | Where They’re Based | What They’re Known For | Who Should Use Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton Freight Lines | Dayton, OH | Top of the Midwest with a 47.12 quality score. Clean equipment, friendly drivers, reliable service. | Straightforward LTL with a personal touch. |
| Holland | Oakbrook Terrace, IL | Part of the YRC regional network. Nearly $1 billion in revenue. Massive Midwest footprint. | Connecting Midwest origins to national destinations. |
| Zeller Transportation | Hartford, WI | Specialists in frozen food and temperature-controlled. Drivers earn up to $114,000 – meaning they keep the best ones. | Frozen food, multi-temperature loads, heavy and wide loads. |
Real shipper tip: Shipping frozen food? Ask about trailer temperature monitoring. Zeller and other top Midwest carriers offer real-time alerts so you know your product stays frozen the whole way.
Regional Trucking Companies in the West (Pacific to Rockies to Alaska)
States covered: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii
What makes shipping here hard: Real mountains, long stretches with no services, different state regulations, and the distance to Alaska and Hawaii.
What you need in a carrier: Someone who knows which mountain passes close in winter, has equipment rated for steep grades, and understands Western logistics.
| Company Name | Where They’re Based | What They’re Known For | Who Should Use Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynden Transport | Seattle, WA | Top-ranked in the West. Scored 49.80 – one of the highest in the country. Excels at on-time delivery and technology. | Shipping to/from Alaska, multi-modal solutions, time-critical freight. |
| Oak Harbor Freight Lines | Oak Harbor, WA | Strong regional player with a 48.17 quality score. Focused on Pacific Northwest and West Coast. | Consistent LTL with operational excellence. |
| Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) | El Paso, TX | Largest privately-owned fleet in the US. Over $600 million revenue. 2,000+ drivers. | Southwest US and Mexico cross-border. They live and breathe this lane. |
| Reddaway | Wilsonville, OR | Founded in 1928. Deep expertise in Pacific Northwest, California, and Rocky Mountains. | Reliable service in complex Western geography. |
| Sea-Logix | Long Beach, CA | Major player in California dry bulk and intermodal. 140 power units. | Bulk commodities, port drayage, local cartage. |
| Button Transportation | Dixon, CA | Strong California regional carrier. 105 power units. | Agricultural freight and bulk commodities. |
Real shipper tip: Shipping to Alaska? Use Lynden. They’ve been doing it for decades and offer multiple options – barge, truck, even air if you need it fast.
Regional Trucking Companies in Texas (Because Texas Is Its Own World)
Texas is so big and has so much freight that it deserves its own section. Here’s who dominates the Lone Star State:
| Company Name | What They’re Known For | Who Should Use Them |
|---|---|---|
| Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) | $600M+ private fleet. Massive cross-border expertise. | Mexico cross-border. Southwest regional. They know the border crossings. |
| Jetco | Heavy haul. Petrochemical. Port drayage. | Project cargo. Oversize loads. Oil and gas equipment. |
| Central Freight Lines | Historic Texas intrastate LTL. | Freight that starts AND ends in Texas. |
| Southern Counties Express | Strong in Southwest intermodal. | Intermodal, drayage, LTL. |
Real shipper tip: Texas is huge. A carrier based in Dallas might not be the best choice for freight moving between Houston and San Antonio. Look for carriers with terminals in both cities.
Regional vs National: Which One Should You Actually Use?
Here’s the real comparison, no fluff:
| Factor | Regional Carrier | National Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost for short hauls? | Lower. They specialize in this. | Higher. Their pricing is built for long hauls. |
| How fast does it get there? | Next day or two days. Direct routes. | Two to three days. May go through a hub far away. |
| How many times is my freight handled? | Less. Maybe once or twice. | More. Multiple terminals, more sorting. |
| What are the chances of damage? | Lower. Fewer touches. | Higher. More chances for something to go wrong. |
| Can I track my shipment? | Yes, most have good tracking. | Yes, usually excellent tracking. |
| Can I talk to a real person? | Usually yes. Regional reps answer phones. | Sometimes no. Bigger companies have more layers. |
The bottom line: If your freight is staying within 500 miles, regional carriers win on price, speed, and damage prevention. It’s not even close.
How Much Does Regional Trucking Cost in 2026?
Here are real-world ranges based on actual shipments:
| Type of Shipment | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 pallet, short haul (under 200 miles) | $150 – $250 |
| 1 pallet, regional (200-500 miles) | $250 – $400 |
| 2-3 pallets, regional | $350 – $600 |
| 4-6 pallets, regional | $600 – $1,000 |
| Full truckload, regional (under 500 miles) | $800 – $1,800 |
| Residential delivery fee (if needed) | Add $50 – $150 |
| Liftgate fee (if needed) | Add $75 – $150 |
| Inside delivery fee (if needed) | Add $50 – $200 |
What affects your price:
- Weight – Heavier costs more, but cost per pound goes down
- Size – Bulky items cost more because they take up space
- Distance – More miles, more money
- Location – Remote areas cost extra
- Accessorials – Liftgates, residential, inside delivery all add fees
Real talk: Get quotes from at least three carriers. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same shipment.
What Are Accessorial Charges and How Do You Avoid Surprises?
Accessorial charges are extra fees for services beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery. Here are the ones that surprise people most:
| Service | Typical Cost | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Liftgate | $75 – $150 | The pickup or delivery location has no loading dock. |
| Residential delivery | $50 – $150 | You’re shipping to a home, not a business. |
| Inside delivery | $50 – $200 | The driver needs to bring it inside the building. |
| Limited access location | $50 – $100 | Schools, construction sites, farms, prisons. |
| Detention | $50 – $100/hour | The driver has to wait more than 2 hours. |
| Reclassification | Varies | You put the wrong freight class on the paperwork. |
| Reweigh | Varies | You put the wrong weight on the paperwork. |
How to avoid surprise fees:
- Tell the carrier EVERYTHING upfront. Need a liftgate? Say so when you book.
- Weigh your freight accurately. Include the pallet.
- Use the right freight class. Look it up if you’re not sure.
- Be ready when the driver arrives. Don’t make them wait.
How to Save Money on Regional Trucking (What Actually Works)
1. Be honest about what you need
If you need a liftgate, say so. If you’re shipping to a home, say so. Surprises at delivery cost you more than telling them upfront.
2. Ship multiple pallets at once
One shipment with 4 pallets costs way less than four separate shipments with 1 pallet each. Consolidate if you can.
3. Ship Tuesday through Thursday
Friday pickups often mean your freight sits over the weekend. That ties up equipment and sometimes costs extra.
4. Build a relationship with one carrier
Regional carriers actually remember good customers. If you ship consistently, ask about volume discounts. They can say yes at the local level.
5. Check your freight class twice
Under the new 2026 rules, density is everything. Light but bulky items cost more. Measure accurately and include the pallet.
6. Use a freight broker for one-off shipments
If you only ship occasionally, brokers can compare multiple regional carriers and get you the best rate. Just make sure they’re licensed and insured.
How to Check If a Trucking Company Is Legitimate
Before you hand over your freight, do these three things:
1. Check their FMCSA safety rating
Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search for the company. You’ll see:
- Is their insurance active?
- Do they have a satisfactory safety rating?
- Any recent crashes or violations?
2. Look up reviews from real shippers
Search “[company name] reviews” and see what actual customers say. Look for patterns. One bad review happens. Ten bad reviews about the same problem? Run.
3. Call and ask about their experience
“Have you shipped [your type of freight] before? What’s your on-time percentage?” Good carriers track this and will tell you.
Regional Trucking Companies by State (Quick Reference)
Sometimes you just need to know who operates in your state. Here’s a quick lookup:
| State | Top Regional Carriers in This State |
|---|---|
| California | Lynden, Oak Harbor, Sea-Logix, Button Transportation, MVT |
| Texas | MVT, Jetco, Central Freight, Southeastern (in East Texas) |
| Florida | Southeastern Freight Lines, ABF |
| New York | A. Duie Pyle, New Penn, Pitt Ohio |
| Pennsylvania | A. Duie Pyle, New Penn, Pitt Ohio, Ward Transport |
| Ohio | Dayton Freight, Holland, Continental Express |
| Illinois | Holland, Dayton Freight, ABF |
| Georgia | Southeastern Freight Lines, ABF |
| North Carolina | Southeastern Freight Lines, ABF |
| Virginia | A. Duie Pyle, Southeastern, Ward Transport |
| Washington | Lynden, Oak Harbor, Reddaway |
| Oregon | Lynden, Oak Harbor, Reddaway |
| Colorado | Lynden, Reddaway, MVT |
| Arizona | MVT, Lynden |
| Michigan | Holland, Dayton Freight |
| Wisconsin | Zeller Transportation, Holland |
| Minnesota | Holland, Dayton Freight |
| Missouri | Holland, ABF |
| Tennessee | Southeastern, ABF |
| Louisiana | Southeastern, Jetco, ABF |
| Alabama | Southeastern, ABF |
| South Carolina | Southeastern, ABF |
| Maryland | A. Duie Pyle, Ward Transport, Pitt Ohio |
| Massachusetts | A. Duie Pyle, Pitt Ohio |
| Connecticut | A. Duie Pyle, New Penn |
What’s Changing in Regional Trucking in 2026
More carriers are expanding
A. Duie Pyle is building a new hub near the Port of Virginia. Continental Express is looking for terminal locations in the Southeast. Jetco just added more heavy haul trailers. Regional carriers are growing, but carefully.
Quality is getting better across the board
The 2026 quality awards showed higher scores than ever. Carriers are investing in better tracking, better on-time performance, and better customer service. Competition is good for you.
Specialization is paying off
The carriers doing best in 2026 aren’t generalists. They’re specialists:
- Zeller Transportation owns frozen food in the Midwest
- Jetco owns heavy haul on the Gulf Coast
- Lynden owns Alaska
- MVT owns the Mexico border
Find the specialist for your freight type.
Driver stability means service stability
Regional drivers go home at night. This means regional carriers have lower turnover than national carriers. Lower turnover means more experienced drivers handling your freight and fewer mistakes.
Resources You Can Actually Use
| Resource | What It Does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| FMCSA Company Snapshot | Check if a carrier is licensed and insured. Free. | safer.fmcsa.dot.gov |
| NMFTA Freight Classification | Look up your freight class if you’re unsure. | nmfta.org |
| A. Duie Pyle | Northeast regional carrier. Get a quote. | pyleco.com |
| Southeastern Freight Lines | Southeast regional carrier. Get a quote. | sefl.com |
| Dayton Freight | Midwest regional carrier. Get a quote. | daytonfreight.com |
| Lynden Transport | Western US and Alaska. Get a quote. | lynden.com |
| Mesilla Valley Transportation | Southwest and Mexico. Get a quote. | mvtusa.com |
| Jetco | Gulf Coast heavy haul. Get a quote. | jetco.u |
Your Checklist Before You Ship
Before you call for a quote:
- [ ] Weigh your freight (including the pallet)
- [ ] Measure length, width, height
- [ ] Know your freight class (use the NMFC tool if unsure)
- [ ] Know if you need liftgate, residential, or inside delivery
When you call:
- [ ] Ask about terminal locations near pickup and delivery
- [ ] Confirm they handle your type of freight
- [ ] Get all accessorial charges in writing
- [ ] Ask about their on-time percentage
Before pickup:
- [ ] Have your Bill of Lading ready
- [ ] Stretch wrap your pallet (50% overlap minimum)
- [ ] Be ready during the pickup window
At delivery:
- [ ] Inspect before signing
- [ ] Note any damage on the delivery receipt
- [ ] Take photos if anything looks wrong
- [ ] Get your copy of the signed receipt
Still Have Questions?
This article serves as a detailed companion to our main guide, Top 10 US Trucking Companies in 2026 . If that piece gives you the “big picture” of national industry leaders, this one provides the critical ground-level view of the regional carriers essential for efficient, cost-effective local freight movement.
(Click here). Real questions from real shippers help everyone.
