10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Portland, ME

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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.

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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 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) was established in Arundel, Maine, where it operates as a small-scale, yet efficient carrier in the trucking industry. With a modest fleet size ranging between 1 to 10 trucks, the company primarily offers its services to carry agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery objects. Dubois Livestock hires a diverse fleet of drivers including regional, local, and specialized drivers, with opportunities for owner-operators, flatbed, and reefer drivers as well.

Dubois Livestock stands out in the transportation sector for its comprehensive support of its drivers. Benefits include a competitive salary range from $55,000 to $75,000, health insurance coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers also enjoy additional perks such as safety bonuses, direct deposit payroll, deadhead detention and layover compensation, roadside assistance programs, and driver referral bonuses. Despite not offering guaranteed home time or allowing passengers or pets, the company aims to maintain a supportive infrastructure for its operators.

Unfortunately, Dubois Livestock does not have available employee ratings on platforms such as Indeed or Glassdoor, making it challenging to gauge the general sentiment of current and former employees. However, the company's continued focus on safety and service assurance is highlighted by its "Satisfactory" safety rating and its commitment to ongoing training and development programs. While some benefits are lacking, the company's structured compensations and operational efficiency seem to provide a positive balance for the workforce.

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
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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 founded in 1966 and is located in Auburn, Maine. The company specializes in rigging, hauling, and crane services. They operate primarily in the interstate sector and carry a variety 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, with an emphasis on over-the-road (OTR) capacities.

Cote Crane & Rigging values certain employee benefits despite not offering sign-on bonuses or dedicated routes. Employees receive health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, retirement plans like a 401(k), and corporate uniforms. The company also emphasizes ongoing training and development programs to enhance their drivers' skills and career advancement prospects.

With an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a lower Glassdoor rating of 2.0, feedback about Cote Crane & Rigging varies. While employees appreciate the comprehensive insurance benefits and structured training programs, some have voiced concerns regarding the lack of guaranteed home time and limited flexibility in scheduling. The company's commitment to employee development is reflected in positive responses towards training opportunities, although work-life balance remains an area requiring 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
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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 carrier company located in Saco, Maine, which operates under the legal name Portland Airport Limousine Company. They have been active for a significant period, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating. The company specializes in carrying general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated foods. Palco is known for its dedicated regional routes and hires drivers with a focus on local, dedicated, specialized, ftl, and intermodal expertise. They do not operate a fleet for hazardous materials transport, sticking primarily to safer cargo categories.

Palco offers a variety of competitive benefits for its drivers, including health, vision, dental, and life insurance, which are complemented by a retirement plan. Employees can enjoy paid time off and flexible scheduling, ensuring a supportive work-life environment. Furthermore, Palco supports ongoing training and development programs to enhance their drivers' skills and knowledge. Despite the lack of a sign-on bonus or truck lease purchase program, the company continues to attract drivers with guaranteed home time and a new driver program.

On platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed, Palco currently lacks a definitive rating, but the employee feedback highlights some recurring themes. Positives include the strong focus on benefits and health screenings, which foster a supportive corporate culture. However, potential drawbacks noted by some employees may include limitations in upward mobility and the absence of company support for team drivers or owner-operators. Overall, the company appears to prioritize consistent routes and reliable support systems over expansive service diversity.

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
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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 at 20 Highland Spring Rd, Lewiston, Maine. The company is known for carrying various types of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, construction items, liquids/gases, lumber, machinery, and metal products. S.T. Laurent & Son primarily hires flatbed, oversized, and dedicated drivers to operate within their specialized and full truckload operations.

S.T. Laurent & Son offers competitive driver benefits such as life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan with a 401(k) option. Although they do not offer health, dental, or vision insurance, the presence of a sign-on bonus is an attractive feature for potential drivers. Despite the lack of comprehensive health coverage, their emphasis on employee satisfaction is evident in their benefit package structure, which includes salary ranges between $45,000 to $55,000.

Unfortunately, S.T. Laurent & Son does not currently have visible employee ratings or reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed. While the company does invest in maintaining a modern fleet with an average age of three years, it faces challenges related to flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, potentially affecting drivers' work-life balance. Nonetheless, their focus on safety is indicated by a good vehicle maintenance score, suggesting a commitment to operational reliability and safety on the road.

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
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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: 3.5 / 5
  • Indeed: 4.0 / 5

Local Muscle, LLC (USDOT: 2162841) was established in 2010 and is based in Portland, Maine. The company primarily operates as an interstate carrier, utilizing a fleet of dry vans to specialize in the transportation of household goods. Local Muscle, LLC primarily hires regional and local drivers to operate their fleet, ensuring a strong local presence and a personalized touch to their delivery services.

Local Muscle, LLC offers paid time off and health insurance benefits to its drivers, contributing to an appealing employment package. However, the company does not currently provide some of the common industry perks such as rider allowances, life insurance, or gym memberships. The focus remains on providing a solid foundation of essential benefits, indicative of their commitment to maintaining employee satisfaction and well-being.

With an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.5, Local Muscle, LLC receives generally favorable reviews from its employees. Positive feedback often highlights the reliable job security and the camaraderie among staff, while areas of improvement noted by employees include the lack of work-life balance and limited flexible scheduling. Despite some challenges, the company is well-regarded for maintaining a steady work environment and handling a niche market of household goods transportation effectively.

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
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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 founded in 1987 and operates from Auburn, Maine. The company carries a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, construction materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery and large objects, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, motor vehicles, and paper products. They primarily hire owner-operators but do not emphasize team or regional driver opportunities.

SPC Transport Co does not highlight extensive driver benefits but offers essential services, such as comprehensive transportation solutions across their fleet of over 96 trucks and 192 trailers. Despite the absence of perks like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, or guaranteed home time, they do maintain satisfactory ratings on safety aspects, ensuring that drivers operate in a secure and regulated environment.

On employee review platforms, SPC Transport Co holds a 3.5 rating on Indeed and a 3.4 rating on Glassdoor. Employees frequently praise the company’s structured operational processes and consistent work opportunities. However, common criticisms are aimed at the lack of comprehensive benefits and limited work-life balance, as the company does not guarantee home time or offer flexible scheduling, which some employees find challenging.

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
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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) has been a staple in the moving and trucking industry since its establishment in 1992. Based in Portland, Maine, this company operates with a modest fleet size of 3 trucks, serving primarily intrastate non-hazardous routes. Tiny Tim’s specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, including building materials, garbage/refuse, general freight, and household goods. They mainly hire flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers to manage their freight operations.

The company offers a range of benefits designed to enhance driver satisfaction and wellbeing. Employees enjoy comprehensive health insurance, which includes dental, vision, and disability coverage, alongside paid time off. While Tiny Tim's Moving & Trucking does not offer a sign-on bonus or guaranteed home time, they provide a supportive workplace environment with a focus on employee health and stability.

Tiny Tim’s online reputation suggests a solid standing among its employees, with a generally high employee rating on platforms like Yelp, boasting a rating of 4.0. Positive feedback from employees often highlights the company’s supportive management and reliable operations. However, some employee reviews suggest room for improvement in the areas of fleet amenities and guaranteed home time, indicating occasional dissatisfaction with the variety of equipment and the balance between work and personal life.

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
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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 headquartered in South Portland, Maine. The company is actively involved in the northeast regional for-hire carrier industry, specializing in refrigerated hauling and drayage operations. Hutchins Trucking carries a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They primarily employ drivers for local and regional routes, focusing on reefer drivers.

While Hutchins Trucking does not provide direct benefits like a sign-on bonus or paid CDL training, it offers its drivers paid time off and a retirement plan with 401k options. The company is committed to ensuring guaranteed home time for its drivers, which is a significant draw for those seeking a stable work-life balance in the trucking industry.

The employee feedback on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed has not been quantified yet, but accessing company reviews could provide additional insights into the work environment and company culture. Employees may appreciate the company's focus on regional and local driving routes and the diversity of freight types, though specific benefits like health insurance or ongoing training are not highlighted, which might be discussed in reviews as potential areas of improvement.

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
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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. As a well-regarded player in the trucking industry, Sysco Northern New England primarily transports fresh produce, meat, paper products, refrigerated food, and chemicals. The company utilizes a fleet that includes dry vans and tankers, and they operate on an interstate level. Despite its strong operational history, the company does not currently offer dedicated routes or team driving opportunities.

Sysco Northern New England provides limited driver benefits and does not include health insurance, paid time off, or sign-on bonuses in its packages. The company offers a general driver salary range of $50,000 to $60,000, which may appeal to drivers seeking stable income. Although they do not provide perks like passenger or pet ride-alongs, lifting gate services are a part of their operations. The absence of extras like employee stock ownership, tuition reimbursement, or ongoing training and development programs may be factors for consideration for potential employees.

Employee reviews on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, as there's no information on the company's ratings or employee feedback. Without the support of employee reviews, it's challenging to provide insights into the company's work environment, compensation satisfaction, or employee satisfaction. Prospective employees may need to rely on alternative methods of assessment to gauge workplace culture and conditions at Sysco Northern New England, Inc.

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
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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. (DOT: 154193) is a well-established trucking company located in Scarborough, Maine. Operating since an unknown founding year, they have a robust fleet, with 162 total trucks and a diverse range of cargo including beverages, general freight, and intermodal containers. They are recognized for their interstate operations and cater to various industry needs with both general freight and intermodal cargo services.

R C Moore's driver benefits are not extensively documented in available data; however, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating, emphasizing a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. While specific driver incentives like sign-on bonuses or benefits packages are not detailed, their substantial fleet size suggests ample employment opportunities within the company.

Currently, employee feedback and ratings on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, making it challenging to assess employee satisfaction or common themes in reviews. Despite this, R C Moore, Inc.'s continued presence and active USDOT status indicate a reliable and seasoned player in the trucking industry, likely offering career stability and growth potential for its drivers.

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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.