10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Portland, ME
After evaluating 20 trucking companies in Portland, ME, based on pay, benefits, training opportunities, and work-life balance, we found that Dubois Livestock ranks as the top company to work for in Portland.
Top Trucking Companies in Portland, ME
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Portland:
Why Trust Freightwaves Checkpoint?
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 Portland. Every Portland 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 Portland.
Dubois Livestock
2 Irving Rd, Arundel, ME, 4046- Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 10
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $260
- Miles driven: 83,198 (2024)
Dubois Livestock (DOT: 369084) is based in Arundel, Maine, although the exact founding date of the company is not provided. Dubois Livestock operates with a fleet of 10 trucks and carries a diverse range of cargo that includes agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery. The company hires a variety of drivers, including regional drivers, local drivers, owner-operators, hazmat drivers, specialized drivers, flatbed drivers, and OTR drivers.
Dubois Livestock stands out for offering several benefits to its drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, paid time off, a retirement plan including a 401k, roadside assistance programs, and pay advances. Although the company does not provide full health coverage, it does offer some health insurance options. Notably, Dubois Livestock supports drivers with direct deposit and fuel cards to ease their routes and operations.
While Dubois Livestock appears to prioritize driver satisfaction with various incentives, specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available. Thus, it's unclear what the most common employee feedback themes are. Nonetheless, with a satisfactory safety rating and strong offerings for team drivers, the company seems committed to maintaining a positive work environment even though more detailed employee feedback could provide a clearer picture of their workplace culture.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
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
Cote Crane & Rigging
2980 Hotel Rd, Auburn, ME, 4210- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 25
- Drivers: 28
- Revenue: $3,590,000
- Miles driven: 243,313 (2022)
Cote Crane & Rigging (DOT: 163292) was established in 1966 and is based in Auburn, Maine. This company specializes in rigging, hauling, and crane services, operating primarily as an interstate carrier. They transport various types of cargo, including building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Cote Crane & Rigging primarily hires flatbed and specialized drivers, offering opportunities for OTR driving.
The company provides a range of benefits to its drivers, including health, dental, and life insurance, along with paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees can take advantage of ongoing training and development programs, although flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time are not offered. While sign-on bonuses or options for team driving aren’t provided, Cote Crane & Rigging focuses on driver fitness and safety.
Cote Crane & Rigging has mixed reviews on employment sites, with an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 2.0. Employees appreciate the comprehensive insurance packages and training opportunities but have expressed concerns regarding work-life balance and organizational communication. The lack of flexible scheduling and home time has been noted in employee feedback as areas for improvement.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Flatbed
- Specialized
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.16
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.52
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Palco Air Cargo & New Hampshire Freight
10 Willey Road, Saco, ME, 4072- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 28
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $302
- Miles driven: 1,625,129 (2023)
Palco Air Cargo & New Hampshire Freight (DOT: 206013) is a well-established trucking company located in Saco, Maine. This carrier focuses on interstate operations, utilizing a fleet of 28 trucks to transport general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated foods across state lines. They hire a variety of drivers, including regional, local, intermodal, dedicated, and partial drivers, to meet diverse client needs.
The company offers a range of benefits aimed at ensuring employee satisfaction and retention. Drivers enjoy health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and 401(k) retirement plans. Employees benefit from flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and ongoing training and development programs, making them a competitive choice for drivers seeking stability and professional growth. While they don't offer a sign-on bonus, they emphasize direct deposit payroll and pay advances as part of their commitment to driver welfare.
While there is currently no available rating on Glassdoor or Indeed to gauge employee satisfaction directly, Palco Air Cargo & New Hampshire Freight places a strong emphasis on maintaining a satisfactory safety record and providing a structured work environment. However, as with many companies in the industry, challenges such as balancing home time and managing workload efficiently are areas that could be improved. The company prides itself on its satisfactory safety rating and modern fleet, helping to reduce vehicle maintenance issues and promote a secure and reliable service for both employees and customers.
Driver Options
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Specialized
- Intermodal
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.81
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
S.T. Laurent & Son, Inc.
20 Highland Spring Rd, Lewiston, ME, 4240- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 69
- Drivers: 78
- Revenue: $6,731
- Miles driven: 1,600,000 (2024)
S.T. Laurent & Son, Inc. (DOT: 753622) was established in 1970 and is headquartered in Lewiston, Maine. The company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, construction materials, liquids and gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and motor vehicles. They predominantly hire flatbed and specialized drivers, offering dedicated routes, with opportunities for both local and over-the-road (OTR) driving.
S.T. Laurent & Son, Inc. provides several competitive benefits for their drivers, although some common benefits like health insurance are not offered. Employees receive paid time off and life insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k). The company also offers a sign-on bonus, which can be an attractive incentive for new drivers.
While the company does not have visible Glassdoor or Indeed scores, and no specific comments are available, it can be assumed based on industry norms that feedback likely appreciates the company's longevity and focus on certain types of cargo. However, potential improvements could include enhancing benefits such as health and dental insurance and offering more flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time to improve work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Specialized
Benefits
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Dedicated routes
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.06
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
SPC Transport Co
224 West Hardscrabble Rd, Auburn, ME, 4210- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 96
- Drivers: 103
- Revenue: $14,218,000
- Miles driven: 12,000,000 (2024)
SPC Transport Co (DOT: 9163) was established in 1987 and is located in Auburn, Maine. Specializing as both a broker and carrier, SPC Transport Co operates with a fleet of 96 trucks, engaging in interstate operations. The company handles a diverse array of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, motor vehicles, paper products, and utilities. SPC Transport Co primarily works with owner-operators and does not offer specific opportunities for regional, local, or team drivers.
SPC Transport Co endeavors to maintain competitive hiring strategies, though it does not currently offer a sign-on bonus or health insurance. The benefits package lacks typical industry perks such as full health coverage, paid time off, or a retirement plan. Despite these gaps, the company remains active in the market with its focus on expanding operations through the engagement of experienced and independent drivers. However, the lack of guaranteed home time and absence of passenger or pet policies may not be favorable to all potential employees.
SPC Transport Co holds a moderate reputation with employee ratings of 3.5 on Indeed and 3.4 on Glassdoor. Positive feedback often highlights the reliability of contracts and steady workflow. However, the most frequent criticism pertains to the limited employee benefits and lack of structured programs for driver development and training, as well as rigid scheduling that does not always support a full work-life balance. Consequently, while SPC Transport Co offers steady work opportunities, potential recruits should consider these factors when weighing their employment options.
Driver Options
- Owner/operator
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.27
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.2
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Tiny Tim's Moving & Trucking, Inc.
239 Congress St, Portland, ME, 4102- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
- Power units: 3
- Drivers: 2
- Revenue: $431,000
- Miles driven: 6,000 (2013)
Tiny Tim's Moving & Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 626233) was established in 1992 and is based in Portland, Maine. The company operates primarily as a carrier specializing in moving and trucking services. They are known for transporting general freight, building materials, garbage/refuse, and household goods, utilizing a fleet of dry vans and flatbeds. Tiny Tim's emphasizes employing OTR (Over-the-Road) and local drivers, with a particular focus on flatbed drivers for their operations.
Tiny Tim's provides a solid benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, alongside paid time off to maintain worker satisfaction. The company ensures its drivers' well-being with health coverage and supports their financial security with compensation in the range of $45,000 to $55,000. Despite not offering a sign-on bonus or ongoing training and development programs, they are attentive to the health needs of their drivers.
While Tiny Tim’s Moving & Trucking does not have listings on Indeed or Glassdoor, the company appears to lack emphasis in work-life balance as they don’t guarantee home time or flexible scheduling. However, they have received positive feedback, evident from their 4.5 Google rating and 4.0 Yelp rating. Common praises include their comprehensive benefits and the condition of their newer fleet, while critiques often point to the limited recruitment incentives and development opportunities.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 1.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Local Muscle, LLC
511 Riverside Industrial Parkway, Portland, ME, 4103- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 8
- Drivers: 25
- Revenue: $896,000
- Miles driven: 70,000 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Local Muscle, LLC (DOT: 2162841) was established in 2010 and operates out of Portland, Maine. This company focuses on transporting household goods and utilizes dry vans for their logistics operations. They primarily hire local and regional drivers and focus on providing straightforward, reliable service through their fleet of 8 trucks operating with a total of 25 drivers.
Local Muscle, LLC stands out for its commitment to employee welfare, shown through benefits like health insurance and paid time off. However, they do not offer a sign-on bonus, retirement plan, or dental and vision coverage. Prospective employees can expect a competitive salary range of $50,000-$60,000 annually. While the company does not offer some common industry perks like a truck lease-purchase program or tuition reimbursement, they ensure direct deposit payments and job security.
Employee feedback on Indeed and Glassdoor results in varied impressions. With a Glassdoor rating of 3.5 and an Indeed rating of 4.0, employees appreciate the straightforward nature of the work and the level of trust placed in them. Common positive feedback includes satisfaction with job security and a supportive work environment, whereas negative points often focus on the lack of advancement opportunities and a desire for more comprehensive benefit packages.
Driver Options
- Regional
- Local
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Hutchins Trucking Company
75 Dartmouth Street, South Portland, ME, 4106- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 21
- Drivers: 32
- Revenue: $19,547,000
- Miles driven: 1,834,100 (2023)
Hutchins Trucking Company (DOT: 57058) was established in 1960 and is located in South Portland, Maine. As a Northeast regional for-hire carrier, Hutchins specializes in refrigerated hauling and drayage operations. They carry a variety of cargo including fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. The company primarily hires regional drivers and reefer drivers for their operations.
Hutchins Trucking Company is committed to providing competitive driver benefits, which include guaranteed home time, paid time off, and a retirement plan with a 401(k). These benefits underscore their dedication to nurturing a positive work environment, although health insurance, vision coverage, and dental insurance are not offered. The company does not permit passengers or pets in their vehicles, focusing instead on safety and reliability within its fleet.
Despite there being no official employee ratings available from Glassdoor or Indeed, Hutchins Trucking Company attempts to maintain a satisfactory safety record and a transparent operational approach. Among the feedbacks, employees often appreciate the stable employment and guaranteed home time, though some express concerns over the lack of comprehensive health benefits and opportunities for professional training and development.
Driver Options
- Regional
- Local
- Reefer
Benefits
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.43
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.42
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Sysco Northern New England, Inc.
36 Thomas Drive, Westbrook, ME, 4092- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 75
- Drivers: 82
- Revenue: $548,480
- Miles driven: 2,780,000 (2024)
Sysco Northern New England, Inc. (DOT: 284941) was established in 1984 and is located in Westbrook, Maine. The company specializes in transporting various cargo types, including chemicals, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. With a fleet size of 75 trucks, Sysco Northern New England primarily engages in interstate operations and currently employs 82 drivers, showcasing a commitment to handling a wide range of materials safely and efficiently.
However, when it comes to driver benefits, the company does not provide some of the common perks that might attract drivers, such as sign-on bonuses, paid time off, or paid CDL training. Despite this, the company maintains a strong operational fleet with an average age of 4 years and upholds a satisfactory safety rating, indicating their adherence to industry safety standards.
While specific reviews from employees on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed are unavailable, it is noted that Sysco Northern New England lacks many modern driver benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and flexible scheduling, which might deter potential drivers seeking comprehensive employment packages. Conversely, the company's focus on transporting essential and perishable goods highlights its capacity to consistently deliver value in the logistics and transportation industry, showcasing its stability and ongoing activity within the sector.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 7
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.23
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.82
- Controlled substances: 0.57
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
R C Moore, Inc.
8 Ginn Rd, Scarborough, ME, 4074- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 162
- Drivers: 162
- Revenue: $15,638
- Miles driven: 92,600,000 (2024)
R C Moore, Inc. (USDOT: 154193) is a well-established trucking company based in Scarborough, Maine. With its foundation in transporting various goods, the company specializes in carrying beverages, general freight, and intermodal containers across interstate routes. With a fleet size of over 324 vehicles and 162 drivers, R C Moore operates efficiently within the industry as an active carrier with a satisfactory safety rating.
While the company primarily handles general freight with no specific mention of specialized driver types, it is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its fleet as evidenced by its satisfactory safety rating. However, details on specific driver benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or bonuses are not explicitly mentioned, leaving room for potential inquiry by prospective employees. The emphasis on safety and vehicle maintenance highlights R C Moore's commitment to maintaining high operational standards.
Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are currently not available, which limits insight into employee satisfaction and feedback within the company. However, prospective employees and clients can expect a company dedicated to maintaining a large and reliable fleet and committed to safety processes. While detailed employee benefits information and ratings are not provided, R C Moore's long-standing presence in the industry points to a stable and experienced operation.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 1.06
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.18
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Portland Trucking Companies
A fulfilling and prosperous career in trucking should start with selecting the best employer in Portland, ME. When comparing companies, take these essential factors into account:
- Pay range & career growth: Beyond starting pay, think about how you can progress. Choose Portland trucking companies that provide regular training, salary increases linked to new skills, and well-defined promotion opportunities with performance bonuses.
- Benefits: Comprehensive perks can make a big difference. Look for employers that offer more than healthcare and retirement — like stock ownership programs, deadhead compensation, or lease-to-own plans, which are a sign of long-term investment in employees.
- Culture: Seek out Portland trucking companies that value personal time and well-being, with benefits such as rider and pet policies or consistent weekends off.
- Employee feedback: Read reviews from current and former staff to find companies recognized for positive work environments and strong employee relationships.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
Trucking companies in Portland have a range of driver positions available, designed to fit different levels of experience and individual preferences:
- Long-haul: A fit for drivers who enjoy extended road time and seeing new parts of the country on longer routes.
- Regional: Allows drivers to work routes within Maine and nearby states, offering more home time compared to long-haul work.
- Local: Keeps drivers on familiar daily routes in Portland and surrounding towns.
- Specialized: Focuses on hauling specific freight types such as tanker loads, refrigerated products, or dry goods in Portland.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Portland 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 Portland, Maine, 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 Portland 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 Portland. If you prefer staying with a company long-term, look for career advancement opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, and strong benefits packages.
How To Apply
Looking to launch your trucking career in Portland? Follow these steps to apply with the best companies:
- Update your resume. Showcase your driving background, relevant licenses, and any specialized training that will stand out to local employers.
- Research companies. Check their websites to review open positions and get a feel for the workplace culture in Portland.
- Submit your application. Send in your application through the employer’s site or trusted job platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. Reach out after applying to express your enthusiasm and learn more about the hiring timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Portland:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Portland?
A truck driving career in Portland can be highly rewarding, especially with the growing demand for freight movers 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 Portland offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Dubois Livestock is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Portland?
Most trucking companies in Portland 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 Portland?
Dubois Livestock is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Portland.