Best 15 Trucking Services in Chicago: Find the Right Freight Partner

Introduction

Chicago has long been considered the beating heart of freight in the United States, owing to its central geography, robust infrastructure, and direct links to both coasts. From dry van carriers managing regional routes to asset-based providers handling nationwide cargo, the trucking companies in Chicago connect industries to vital supply chains.

For businesses, this means access to extensive transportation networks, skilled truck drivers, and specialized carriers capable of delivering goods reliably and on time. Choosing the right trucking company matters, not just for efficient delivery, but for securing dependable partners who can handle loads of varying complexity in the ever-evolving trucking industry.

Top 15 Trucking Services in Chicago: Find the Right Freight Partner

Below are the leading trucking companies in Chicago, each offering distinct services and advantages for businesses.

1. HMD Trucking

Founded in 1998, HMD Trucking has grown into one of the leading carriers in the Chicagoland area. With a strong reputation for safety and consistent fleet maintenance, it provides comprehensive dry van and over-the-road freight solutions.

Key services:

• Over-the-road trucking with modern dry van trailers

• Dedicated freight hauling for long-term business partners

• Driver education programs focused on compliance and safety

• Fleet support and preventive equipment maintenance

Based in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, HMD Trucking operates across the Midwest and nationwide. Its clients include manufacturers and distributors needing reliable capacity and professional drivers for regional and long-haul shipments. For businesses seeking a trucking company with proven reliability and safety-first operations, HMD Trucking is a strong choice.

2. Mayor International Inc

Mayor International Inc. is an active interstate freight carrier based in Chicago. It focuses on transporting general freight and building materials across state lines, operating under both MC789916 and USDOT 2051698 authority.

Key services:

• Interstate freight shipping for diverse cargo

• Specialized handling of building materials

• General trucking services with dedicated capacity

Operating from Chicago, this company is particularly suitable for businesses requiring interstate shipping solutions for general goods and industrial products. While the fleet size is modest, Mayor International’s niche expertise in construction-related freight positions it well for clients involved in the building materials sector.

3. Sparta Transport Inc

Sparta Transport Inc. provides comprehensive shipping services in the Chicago area, with a focus on cargo diversity. It operates a fleet of over 30 trucks and trailers, supported by skilled truck drivers capable of managing different load types.

Key services:

• Dry van shipping for durable goods

• Refrigerated (reefer) services for cold food and produce

• Bulk transport solutions for unpackaged commodities

• Trailer hauling and custom transport arrangements

Sparta Transport is a strong partner for businesses requiring flexibility across freight categories. It is particularly beneficial for food distributors, construction suppliers, and manufacturers that need dry van and reefer loads handled with efficiency and reliability.

4. EF Express of Chicago Inc

EF Express is a small but agile trucking company located in Chicago. Despite operating a limited fleet, it specializes in moving general freight and food-related cargo such as meat and produce.

Key services:

• General freight hauling across state lines

• Temperature-controlled shipments for meat and perishables

• Small-scale specialized delivery with dry vans

With its personalized operations, EF Express is best suited for smaller businesses in Chicago that prioritize flexibility over volume. Its niche in food logistics makes it particularly relevant for grocers, wholesalers, and distributors handling temperature-sensitive cargo.

5. Vanderbilt Flour Co, Inc

Vanderbilt Flour Co. Inc. is a smaller trucking carrier based in Richton Park, Illinois, near Chicago. Despite a limited fleet of tractors and trailers, it maintains an interstate operating authority that enables long-haul services.

Key services:

• Full truckload (FTL) cargo transport

• Potential specialty services for agricultural or food-grade freight

• Dedicated solutions for recurring loads

For businesses seeking carriers with flexibility and localized expertise in Illinois, Vanderbilt Flour Co. provides personalized service. Its smaller fleet allows for closer client relationships and dependable scheduling, especially in the Midwest.

6. Brite Logistics

Brite Logistics is a major asset-based trucking company headquartered in Chicago. It operates an extensive fleet and manages a large warehouse space, making it a comprehensive logistics partner.

Key services:

• Dry van freight shipping

• Cross-docking and rail-connected operations

• Warehousing and storage with 130,000+ sq. ft. of space

• Real-time tracking and technology-driven logistics

Brite Logistics is best suited for mid- to large-sized shippers needing scalable freight and warehousing support in the Chicago area. Its asset-based model ensures capacity availability and direct operational control, which benefits customers seeking reliable and transparent freight delivery.

7. Pacella Trucking

Pacella Trucking Express Inc. focuses on local and regional freight delivery in the Chicago area. With services tailored to urban and suburban distribution, it provides timely and reliable transportation.

Key services:

• Crosstown trucking and carrier services

• Local and regional pickup and delivery

• Shuttle and yard spotting for terminals

• On-time freight services

Pacella Trucking is ideal for businesses operating within Chicago or the Midwest region. Retailers, warehouses, and manufacturers benefit from its efficient local delivery operations, which are crucial for supply chain stability.

8. Stoller Trucking

Stoller Trucking is based in Illinois and serves the broader Midwest, including Chicago. Known for dry van and tanker services, it provides transportation for both packaged and bulk freight.

Key services:

• Dry van freight shipping

• Non-hazardous liquid tanker services

• Food- and feed-grade transportation

• Agricultural and general commodities

With decades of experience, Stoller Trucking is particularly suited for agribusinesses, feed suppliers, and distributors needing reliable tanker and dry van services across Illinois and neighboring states.

9. Cardenas Trucking Inc

Cardenas Trucking is a family-owned company specializing in steel hauling. Based in Chicago, it has more than two decades of experience serving industrial clients.

Key services:

• Specialized hauling of steel coils, sheets, and heavy materials

• Brokerage services for additional freight capacity

• Local and long-haul freight services

• GPS tracking and shipment monitoring

This trucking company is best suited for construction firms, manufacturers, and industrial suppliers requiring specialized flatbed or steel-focused loads. Its combination of family ownership and professional drivers ensures personalized service and strong safety practices.

10. Simplex Group

Unlike traditional carriers, Simplex Group is a service provider supporting trucking companies nationwide. It offers compliance, permitting, insurance, and freight factoring services, with a strong presence in the Chicago market.

Key services:

• DOT and FMCSA compliance support

• Trucking permits and tax reporting

• Insurance and financial factoring

• Freight planning and ELD solutions

Simplex Group is not a carrier but a partner for trucking businesses seeking operational support. For owner operators and small carriers in Chicago, Simplex provides essential back-office services that allow them to focus on delivering freight safely and efficiently.

11. Wells Road Service Inc

Wells Road Service Inc. specializes in vehicle transportation. With a fleet of seven trucks and a dedicated team of drivers, it caters to automotive clients.

Key services:

• Vehicle drive-away services

• Motor vehicle transport within Illinois and beyond

• Consolidation and shipment planning for auto dealers

Located in central Chicago, Wells Road Service is a reliable choice for businesses in the automotive supply chain. It caters to dealerships, manufacturers, and fleet managers requiring specialized vehicle transport services.

12. Vik Transportation Inc

Though based in Indianapolis, Vik Transportation Inc. provides general freight services to businesses in Chicago. It has an interstate operating authority and an owned fleet of tractors and trailers.

Key services:

• General freight transportation

• Dry van loads for industrial and commercial cargo

• Long-haul interstate trucking

Vik Transportation is a suitable option for Chicago businesses needing flexible general freight support. While not headquartered locally, its access to the Chicago market allows it to serve shippers requiring coverage outside Illinois.

13. White City Logistics

White City Logistics, headquartered in Illinois, operates across all 48 states. It is an asset-based trucking company specializing in expedited and dedicated services.

Key services:

• Expedited full truckload and LTL freight shipping

• Dedicated lane services

• Ground shipping with 24/7 dispatch

• Contract logistics and consulting for clients

White City Logistics is best suited for businesses with time-sensitive shipments. Its ability to manage both large-scale FTL and smaller LTL shipments positions it as a versatile carrier for shippers across industries.

14. Two Juniors Logistics

Two Juniors Logistics is a Chicago-based trucking company providing integrated logistics and freight solutions. With a strong local presence, it emphasizes affordability and customer service.

Key services:

• General freight transport

• Warehousing and inventory management

• Local and regional delivery services

• Logistics planning for businesses

This company is a good fit for small and medium-sized businesses in Chicago that require comprehensive services at competitive rates. Two Juniors Logistics combines regional expertise with customer-focused operations.

15. Top Freight Logistics Inc

Top Freight Logistics Inc., based in Chicago, provides tailored trucking and logistics solutions for businesses. While details vary, it is recognized for efficient operations and reliable services.

Key services:

• Full truckload and less-than-truckload shipping

• Potential specialization in temperature-controlled or bulk cargo

• Freight management and distribution support

Top Freight Logistics is best suited for shippers needing versatile trucking services within the Midwest and beyond. Its role as a logistics-focused carrier makes it an important partner for companies managing complex supply chains.

Closing Remarks: Driving Chicago’s commerce forward

Chicago’s trucking sector is more than just an industry; it is the engine that drives the Midwest’s economic momentum. From family-owned carriers specializing in steel hauling to large-scale logistics firms operating nationwide fleets, these trucking companies embody resilience, adaptability, and professionalism. The money paid for hiring these carrier partners can be the main catalyst in meeting customer expectations, resolving other issues related to shipping, and building a future mission statement based on speedy fulfilment.

For businesses, the choice of a trucking company is not just a transactional matter but a strategic decision shaping the reliability of their supply chains. As technology, safety, and sustainability continue to reshape the trucking landscape, Chicago’s carriers are poised to stay ahead. They are ensuring that goods, people, and opportunities move seamlessly across the nation.