National Trucking Companies
Looking for reliable transportation services? Discover the largest national trucking companies in the United States and learn how they can help you with your shipping needs. From FedEx to XPO Logistics, we've got you covered. Find the right carrier for your business and experience top-notch service and reliability.
What To Learn More About National Trucking Companies?
Truckload Freight Common Trucking Industry Terms Artificial Intelligence in Trucking
What To Learn More About National Trucking Companies?
Truckload Freight Services Common Trucking Industry Terms Artificial Intelligence in TruckingFreight doesn’t just move—it flows. It winds through city streets and stretches across highways, riding on the wheels of America’s national trucking companies. These carriers form the connective tissue of our supply chain, ensuring products get from point A to point B, no matter the distance.
At FreightCenter, we work with the most dependable national trucking companies in the U.S., giving your business the reach and reliability it needs to grow. Whether you’re shipping one pallet or fifty, you get access to top carriers, competitive rates, and a team that makes logistics feel manageable.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
What Is a National Trucking Company?
A national trucking company is a freight carrier that operates across the continental U.S. and sometimes beyond. These companies manage large fleets, operate coast-to-coast terminal networks, and provide a broad range of freight services. Their size and infrastructure allow them to deliver consistent, reliable service on a national scale.
Some specialize in LTL shipping. Others focus on full truckload freight. Many offer expedited, white glove, and hazmat services. What ties them together is their ability to move freight quickly and efficiently—with fewer handoffs.
National Carriers We Work With
FreightCenter partners with the best in the business. Here are a few national trucking companies you’ll find in our network:
-
Old Dominion Freight Line – Highly rated for reliability and on-time delivery.
-
R+L Carriers – Family-owned with both national and international capabilities.
-
Estes Express Lines – Large, privately held carrier with extensive coverage.
-
ABF Freight – Offers LTL services and global freight forwarding.
- TForce Freight – Known for consistent service and cross-border reach.
You don’t have to vet these carriers yourself—FreightCenter does the legwork. You compare quotes, transit times, and services, all in one place.
Benefits of Using a National Trucking Company
National trucking companies offer several benefits to businesses transporting goods nationwide. Here are some of the critical advantages of using a national trucking company:
Efficient Transportation
National trucking companies have the equipment, technology, and expertise to transport goods efficiently nationwide. They use modern trucks and trailers designed to handle different types of cargo and optimize fuel efficiency. They also use advanced software and technologies to plan routes, optimize loads, and reduce transportation costs.
Flexibility
National trucking companies offer a range of transportation options to meet the diverse needs of businesses. They can transport small or large quantities of goods, handle different types of cargo, and offer a range of delivery options, including expedited shipping. They can also provide warehousing and distribution services to help businesses store and distribute their products.
Reliability
National trucking companies have a reputation for reliability and on-time delivery. They have strict safety and quality standards to ensure that their customers’ goods arrive at the destination on time and in good condition. They also have insurance policies to protect their customers’ cargo in case of loss or damage during transportation.
Cost-Effective
National trucking companies offer cost-effective transportation solutions that can help businesses save money. They can consolidate shipments from different customers into one trailer, reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency. They can also optimize loads and routes to minimize fuel costs and transportation expenses.
Expertise
National trucking companies have years of experience and expertise in the transportation industry. They have a deep understanding of the regulations and requirements involved in transporting goods across the country and the knowledge and skills to navigate these complexities effectively. They also have a vast network of carriers and shippers, which enables them to provide efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.
National trucking companies play a critical role in the transportation industry, providing efficient, reliable, cost-effective transportation services to businesses nationwide. They offer a range of transportation options, including LTL, FTL, intermodal, and expedited shipping, as well as warehousing, distribution, logistics, and freight brokerage services. Using a national trucking company, businesses can transport their goods efficiently, save money on transportation costs, and improve their supply chain operations.
Types of National Trucking Companies
National trucking companies can be classified based on the type of freight they transport and the mode of transportation used. Here are the most common types of national trucking companies:
LTL carriers specialize in transporting smaller shipments of freight that do not require a full truckload. LTL carriers consolidate multiple shipments from different customers into one trailer, reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency. These companies are ideal for businesses transporting smaller quantities of goods over long distances.
FTL carriers are ideal for businesses transporting large goods over long distances. FTL carriers transport larger shipments that require a full truckload. These companies offer point-to-point transportation services, moving cargo directly from the shipper to the receiver without any stops in between.
Intermodal carriers are ideal for businesses transporting large quantities of goods over long distances. Intermodal carriers use a combination of different transportation modes, such as trucks, trains, and ships, to transport freight across the country. This approach enables them to move cargo over longer distances, reduce transportation costs, and improve efficiency.
Expedited carriers specialize in time-sensitive freight that needs to be delivered quickly. These companies use specialized equipment and offer expedited delivery options to ensure that their customers' shipment arrives at their destination on time. Expedited carriers are ideal for businesses transporting perishable goods or time-sensitive products.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
How FreightCenter Connects You With the Best in National Trucking
When your freight is traveling hundreds or thousands of miles, the quality of your carrier matters. That’s why FreightCenter only partners with the most reputable national trucking companies — the ones that consistently deliver reliability, safety, and excellent service.
We take our vetting process seriously. Here’s how we ensure every carrier in our network meets high standards:
A Rigorous Carrier Approval Process
Before a trucking company joins our network, it goes through a comprehensive evaluation. We verify:
-
Valid operating authority
-
Up-to-date insurance
-
Clean safety and compliance records
-
Adherence to federal and industry regulations
Only carriers who meet these requirements are approved to move freight under the FreightCenter name.
Commitment to Customer Service
We expect national trucking companies in our network to match our commitment to customer care. That means being responsive, transparent, and helpful from quote to delivery.
Deep Industry Know-How
Shipping across the country isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our team brings decades of logistics experience to the table and works only with carriers who understand the unique challenges of long-haul and multi-regional freight.
The result: When you ship with FreightCenter, you’re backed by a curated network of trusted national carriers — each one selected for their safety, service, and dependability. It’s freight done right, from the first mile to the last.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Trucking Companies
Q. What are national trucking companies?
National trucking companies are carriers that operate across state lines and provide freight shipping services throughout the continental U.S. They typically offer a wide range of services like LTL, FTL, and expedited shipping.
Q. How do I choose the best national trucking company for my business?
Look for companies with strong safety records, consistent on-time delivery, nationwide coverage, and reliable customer service. FreightCenter helps by vetting carriers and showing you side-by-side rate comparisons.
Q. What services do national freight carriers offer?
Most national carriers offer Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), expedited shipping, white glove delivery, hazmat transport, and intermodal services.
Q. How does FreightCenter work with national trucking companies?
FreightCenter partners with top-rated national carriers, giving you access to competitive rates, real-time tracking, and expert logistics support for coast-to-coast shipments.
Q. What’s the difference between a national and a regional trucking company?
National carriers operate across the entire U.S., while regional carriers typically serve specific zones. National trucking companies are better for long-haul, multi-state shipments.
Q. Are national trucking companies more expensive than local carriers?
Not always. While national carriers may charge more for specialized services, their scale and route optimization can make them more cost-effective for long-distance freight.
Q. Can national trucking companies handle time-sensitive shipments?
Yes, many national carriers offer expedited freight options, including same-day or next-day delivery, depending on distance and availability.
Q. What are the benefits of using national LTL carriers?
National LTL carriers provide wide coverage, reliable transit times, consolidated shipments, and tracking visibility across longer distances.
Q. How do I get a freight quote from a national trucking company?
Use FreightCenter’s online quote tool to compare rates from multiple national carriers, or call one of our freight experts for personalized support.
Q. What types of freight can national trucking companies handle?
From palletized goods to oversized equipment and temperature-sensitive products, national carriers are equipped to handle a wide range of freight types.
Q. Do national freight companies offer insurance or liability coverage?
Yes. Most national carriers provide standard liability coverage, and FreightCenter can help you secure additional cargo insurance for added protection.
Q. Can I track my shipment with a national trucking company?
Absolutely. FreightCenter provides real-time tracking and status updates through our platform, so you always know where your shipment is.
Q. How long does it take to ship freight across the country?
Transit time depends on the origin, destination, and service level. Most national LTL shipments take 2–6 business days, while FTL may be faster.
Q. What industries use national trucking companies?
Retail, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, automotive, and e-commerce businesses often rely on national freight carriers for consistent long-haul shipping.
Q. Why should I use FreightCenter to book national trucking services?
FreightCenter gives you access to a vetted network of top national trucking companies, transparent pricing, expert support, and tools to manage your shipments easily — all in one place.
National Trucking Companies by the Numbers
They Move Over 70% of All Freight in the U.S.
National trucking companies are responsible for hauling more than 11 billion tons of freight every year — over 70% of the nation’s total freight by weight. If you bought it, a truck likely brought it.
The Combined Mileage of U.S. Truck Drivers Could Circle the Earth Millions of Times
The average long-haul trucker drives 100,000+ miles a year. With millions of active drivers, the total annual mileage of U.S. national trucking companies is enough to circle the Earth tens of millions of times — and then some.
Trucking Is One of the Largest Employers in America
National and regional trucking companies combined employ nearly 8 million people, including 3.5 million truck drivers. That makes trucking one of the largest and most essential workforces in the U.S. economy.
