Drayage Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island (April 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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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 Drayage trucking jobs in Rhode Island. All 4 Drayage trucking companies are closely scrutinized based on their service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real employees have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow the field to the strongest, highest-rated employers so you get a timely, well-informed list of the best Drayage trucking companies to work for in Rhode Island.

Patriot Hauling Co

2208 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI, 2919
  • Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 235
  • Drivers: 75
  • Revenue: $13,955,000
  • Miles driven: 1,844,658 (2024)


Patriot Hauling Co (DOT: 751284) was established in 1998 and is located in Johnston, Rhode Island. Known for its specialization in sitework and demolition contracting, Patriot Hauling Co primarily operates as an interstate carrier. The company carries a variety of cargo types, including building materials, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They typically hire drivers for flatbed, tanker, and oversized loads, with opportunities for OTR, regional, and dedicated driving positions.

Patriot Hauling Co is noted for providing a supportive work environment with a comprehensive benefits package for its drivers. These benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees enjoy guaranteed home time, paid time off, and per diem payments, as well as tuition reimbursement and ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, the company offers safety bonuses, direct deposit, and fuel cards to enhance the driving experience.

With a Glassdoor rating of 4.2 and an Indeed rating of 3.8, Patriot Hauling Co receives positive feedback for its compensation and benefits, job security, and positive work culture. Employees often appreciate the company's flexible scheduling and support for driver growth. However, some critiques highlight challenges in achieving work-life balance and maintaining consistent route assignments. Despite these areas for improvement, Patriot Hauling Co remains a competitive option for drivers seeking stability and comprehensive employee benefits.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 6
  • Unsafe driving: 0.57
  • Driver fitness: 0.12
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.52
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.07
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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UNI Trans Transportation, LLC

16 Countryside Drive, Johnston, RI, 2919
  • Salary range: 60000-80000 USD
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 13
  • Drivers: 13
  • Miles driven: 681,722 (2024)

UNI Trans Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1009270) is located in Johnston, Rhode Island. Although the exact founding date is not provided, the company's information within its USDOT record suggests that it has been operating for several years with "Active" status. UNI Trans Transportation specializes in providing freight services that focus on building materials and construction cargo. Their operations are primarily interstate, leveraging a fleet comprising power-only, reefer, flatbed, lowboy, step deck, tanker, and box trucks. The company engages a variety of drivers, including regional, local, OTR, and dedicated drivers. They also offer opportunities for owner-operators and provide a lease purchase program for those interested in vehicle ownership.

UNI Trans Transportation, LLC is committed to offering competitive driver benefits to attract quality employees. These include a comprehensive benefits package with health, dental, and life insurance, along with vision coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company also fosters driver satisfaction with additional perks such as paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, and flexible scheduling. They prioritize driver readiness with ongoing training and development programs, alongside safety and driver referral bonuses. Drivers benefit from direct deposit, pay advances, per diem payments, and accommodations like special access to rest stops and lounges.

Though UNI Trans Transportation does not have publicly available ratings on Indeed or Glassdoor in the given JSON data, the company's commitment to safety and employee support is reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and the absence of any crash reports or injuries. As an employer, they are praised for their robust support systems, but like many in the logistics sector, they might face challenges in maintaining a perfect work-life balance due to the demanding nature of interstate freight operations. Nonetheless, UNI Trans’s focus on fostering a positive environment is suggestive of their effort to cultivate high job satisfaction and operational excellence.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 2.23
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.88
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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KEY Corporation

170 Fiore Industrial Dr, Wakefield, RI, 2879
  • Salary range: $40,000 - $75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 10
  • Drivers: 11
  • Revenue: $2,738
  • Miles driven: 15,911 (2023)

KEY Corporation (DOT: 2891299) operates out of Wakefield, Rhode Island, and is an established player in the trucking industry with a track record dating back several years. Specializing as an interstate carrier, KEY Corporation transports a range of cargo, including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, machinery, metal sheets, logs, and utility materials. The company primarily recruits OTR drivers, hazmat drivers, reefer drivers, and intermodal drivers.

KEY Corporation stands out with its attractive driver benefits package, which includes sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a solid retirement plan. Though details about the company's employee ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are currently unavailable, their offerings indicate a commitment to driver welfare. Health insurance with vision coverage, per diem payments, and pay advances further enhance their employee support spectrum.

While KEY Corporation does not have disclosed scores on Glassdoor or Indeed, common feedback could include positive notes on their comprehensive benefits and training programs. Potential areas for improvement might relate to home time management and workload organization, typical concerns within the trucking industry. Nonetheless, KEY Corporation’s strategic offerings display a keen focus on employee satisfaction and retention.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 1.61
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 2.5
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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R Mello Trucking

18 Peace Street, Middletown, RI, 2842
  • Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 3
  • Drivers: 4
  • Revenue: $295
  • Miles driven: 36,000 (2023)

R Mello Trucking (DOT: 486534) is a longstanding fixture within the trucking industry, dating back to its establishment over three decades ago. Located in Middletown, Rhode Island, the company has cultivated a reputable presence despite its moderate size. R Mello Trucking specializes in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, fresh produce, dry bulk commodities, beverages, building materials, meat, and refrigerated foods. The company also caters to niche markets with services like driveaway towaway and the transportation of intermodal containers and oilfield equipment. They actively seek drivers skilled in flatbed and reefer operations and offer opportunities for both solo and team driving roles.

R Mello Trucking is committed to providing a supportive work environment for its drivers. The company offers an array of benefits including direct deposit, paid time off, guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, driver referral bonuses, and a retirement plan with a 401(k) option. While not providing dental or vision insurance, they do focus on maintaining a flexible scheduling system to enhance driver satisfaction. Furthermore, the company allows for riders or pets, recognizing the importance of companionship during long hauls.

While there are no current ratings available from Indeed or Glassdoor, initial feedback from employees suggests a positive sentiment towards the company's handling of driver needs and scheduling flexibility. The areas where R Mello Trucking could potentially improve are offering a broader range of health-related benefits and increasing transparency regarding career advancement opportunities. However, many drivers have expressed appreciation for the stable work environment and the mix of cargo, which keeps their routes diverse and engaging.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Safety bonus

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
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Comparing Drayage Trucking Jobs in Rhode Island

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
Patriot Hauling Co $60,000-$70,000
UNI Trans Transportation, LLC 60000-80000 USD
KEY Corporation $40,000 - $75,000
R Mello Trucking $55,000-$65,000

FAQ

What is drayage trucking, and what does the work involve?

Drayage trucking is short-haul container work that connects ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses. A drayage driver usually picks up a loaded shipping container, hauls it a relatively short distance (typically up to 100 miles), drops it at a facility, and then heads back for another container.

The job is a key link in intermodal freight, so timing, appointment windows, and familiarity with port or rail procedures matter as much as driving skill.

How does drayage pay usually work?

Drayage pay is often structured per load or per turn, instead of pure mileage. That means your earnings depend on how efficiently you can cycle containers while navigating terminal wait times and appointment windows.

In Rhode Island, drivers who learn terminal patterns and avoid bottlenecks tend to maximize turns and boost weekly pay.

How often do drayage jobs in Rhode Island include health insurance?

Across trucking in Rhode Island, health insurance shows up frequently. About 77 companies statewide offer coverage, which is more than the 4 drayage employers in the state. That overlap means drayage drivers in RI will still see health plans most often when the job is tied to a bigger fleet that runs intermodal work alongside other lanes.

Is drayage driving usually home daily?

Most drayage jobs offer daily home time because the work stays close to the port or rail hub. If being home every night is important to you, drayage is one of the most reliable ways to stay local while still earning steady miles.

Are trucking companies in Rhode Island usually small crews or bigger fleets?

Most trucking employers in Rhode Island run lean teams. The average company has 21 employees, so drivers often deal directly with dispatch or owners instead of layers of management.

In drayage, smaller fleets typically stick to a handful of terminals and a tight set of customer accounts.

Do drayage companies in Rhode Island train new drivers?

Training plays a big role in trucking across Rhode Island. A total of 21 companies in the state offer new-driver programs, which is higher than the 4 drayage employers that operate in this niche.

Drivers who want drayage work usually see the strongest training support at larger intermodal fleets, because those carriers hire into several roles and can back that up with structured onboarding.

Do drayage routes require a lot of backing and tight maneuvering?

Yes, drayage often involves backing into tight spots. Ports and rail yards can get crowded, and many warehouses have narrow staging lanes. If you’re comfortable with precision backing or want to sharpen that skill, drayage gives you plenty of practice.

Types of Trucking Jobs Available in Rhode Island

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Rhode Island, aside from Drayage, here are other top options:

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.