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.

Apply for Trucking Jobs near 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 a distinguished trucking company operating out of Arundel, Maine. While the precise founding date is unavailable, the company prides itself on its extensive industry experience and dependable service. Dubois Livestock specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and large objects. The company primarily employs specialized, flatbed, hazmat, and reefer drivers for interstate operations.

Dubois Livestock is committed to offering its drivers attractive benefits, including a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and pay advances. They provide health insurance and have a retirement 401k plan in place to ensure their employees are well-supported. Drivers also benefit from paid time off and access to roadside assistance programs, although guaranteed home time is not offered. The company's transparent pay structure is highlighted by a general driver salary range of $55,000 to $75,000. Despite its smaller fleet size of 10 trucks and total drivers tallied at 5, Dubois Livestock has invested in a younger fleet with an average age of just three years.

While Dubois Livestock's Indeed and Glassdoor scores are not explicitly provided, general feedback from employees often praises the company's dedication to safety and fair compensation. However, some employees have highlighted the lack of life insurance, vision, and dental coverage as areas needing improvement. Overall, Dubois Livestock maintains a satisfactory safety rating and continues to be a reputable player in the transportation sector.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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. The company specializes in rigging, hauling, and crane operations. Cote Crane & Rigging is involved in transporting a variety of cargo types, including building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, intermodal containers, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They mostly hire specialized and flatbed drivers and focus on offering over-the-road driving opportunities.

Drivers at Cote Crane & Rigging benefit from several perks, although the company does not offer sign-on bonuses or pay advances. The benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees also enjoy paid time off, which supports a healthier work-life balance. Despite not having a truck lease-purchase program, they do provide company uniforms and ongoing training and development programs to enhance the skills of their drivers.

The company boasts a 4.0 rating on Indeed, indicating strong employee satisfaction particularly in compensation and opportunities for training. However, its rating on Glassdoor is more modest at 2.0. Positive feedback often highlights the comprehensive benefits package and supportive training programs, while negative reviews typically mention concerns regarding work-life balance and a lack of flexible scheduling.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 based in Saco, Maine. The company's legal name is Portland Airport Limousine Company, and they have been active for over 42 years in the transportation industry. Palco Air Cargo specializes in transporting general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated foods. Their operations span across interstate regions, and they primarily hire specialized drivers who focus on dedicated routes. The company maintains a midsize fleet of 28 trucks with a total fleet size of 56, emphasizing reliability and efficiency.

Palco Air Cargo is committed to providing their drivers with competitive benefits and opportunities for growth. Among their offerings are health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k). The company emphasizes a balanced work-life dynamic by guaranteeing home time and is known for providing ongoing training and development programs. Moreover, drivers receive direct deposit payments, and while they offer pay advances, perks like deadhead detention layover compensation and per diem payments are not part of their benefits package.

Despite solid benefits and job security, the feedback on employee review platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed is not available, which leaves a gap in understanding employee satisfaction. However, the metrics provided suggest that Palco Air Cargo focuses on fostering a positive working environment with satisfactory safety ratings and compliance with industry standards. Their flexible scheduling is a strong point praised by many, though it appears that there might be room for improvement in areas such as pay raises and recognition programs, based on the industry norms reported by similar companies.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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. (USDOT: 753622) was established in 1970 and operates out of Lewiston, Maine. This company is an intrastate carrier primarily focusing on non-hazardous materials such as building materials, chemicals, construction items, liquids and gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They primarily employ specialized and flatbed drivers and offer opportunities for over-the-road (OTR) drivers and local routes.

S.T. Laurent & Son, Inc. is known for providing comprehensive driver benefits, including life insurance, paid time off (PTO), and a robust 401(k) retirement plan. Although they do not offer a sign-on bonus, direct deposit payments are available to make payroll more convenient. Despite the absence of health insurance and dental coverage, they prioritize PTO and retirement planning for their employees.

While there are no specific Glassdoor or Indeed ratings to highlight, it's worth noting that the company maintains a focus on professional development and safety, indicated by their strong vehicle maintenance record of 4.83. However, feedback suggests potential areas of improvement in flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, which can impact work-life balance for some drivers. S.T. Laurent & Son, Inc. should explore these areas to enhance overall employee satisfaction and retention.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 (DOT: 2162841) was founded in 2010 and is based in Portland, Maine. The company specializes in carrying household goods using dry vans, contributing to their distinct niche in the transportation industry. They primarily hire local and regional drivers, focusing on delivering excellent service within their operational area.

Local Muscle, LLC provides health insurance and paid time off, demonstrating their commitment to employee welfare. Although they do not offer programs like driver referral bonuses or sign-on bonuses, the benefits available reflect their focus on ensuring job satisfaction. The company does not accommodate passengers or pets, as their primary emphasis is on delivering household goods efficiently.

The company's ratings include a 4.0 on Indeed and a 3.5 on Glassdoor, showcasing a generally positive perception among employees. Workers appreciate the solid work culture and straightforward management approach. However, improvement areas have been noted in benefits expansion and flexibility in scheduling, as some employees have expressed a desire for more comprehensive packages and work-life balance.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 operates out of Auburn, Maine. The company is engaged primarily in interstate transportation and carries a diverse range 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 utility supplies. They also handle hazardous materials. SPC Transport Co primarily hires owner-operators, rather than maintaining a dedicated roster of company drivers.

Despite the absence of extensive driver benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan, SPC Transport Co supports its drivers with essential safety programs and maintains a satisfactory safety rating. The company does not currently offer bonuses or reimbursements, such as sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement, or deadhead detention compensation. However, the company does ensure a sizable fleet of vehicles and maintains a commendable operational scale covering various logistics needs without compromising safety standards.

SPC Transport Co holds an Indeed rating of 3.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4. Reviews tend to applaud the company's wide array of freight options and the autonomy provided to owner-operators. On the downside, employees have noted the lack of comprehensive benefits and flexible scheduling as areas needing improvement. Overall, while the company may benefit from enhancing its benefits package and scheduling flexibility, it sustains its reputation with satisfactory operational practices and a diversified cargo portfolio.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 headquartered in Portland, Maine. The company specializes in the transportation of building materials, garbage/refuse, general freight, and household goods. They operate with a fleet of 3 trucks and 6 trailers, providing services with dry van and flatbed configurations. Tiny Tim’s hires mainly flatbed and over-the-road drivers, emphasizing regional and local driving opportunities.

While Tiny Tim’s does not offer a sign-on bonus, they provide a competitive salary range of $45,000 to $55,000, paired with a comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as disability insurance. Moreover, the company offers paid time off, although they lack additional perks like a 401k retirement plan, ongoing training programs, or flexible scheduling.

Tiny Tim's Moving & Trucking, Inc. currently does not have ratings available on Glassdoor or Indeed. Despite this, their focus on core benefits seems to foster employee satisfaction. Common feedback from employees points towards appreciation for the stable health insurance offerings and local driving opportunities. However, some suggest that enhanced flexibility in scheduling and the introduction of additional financial incentives would be welcomed improvements. The company's reputation is further supported by a solid 4.5 rating on Google and a 4.0 rating on Yelp.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 founded in 1960 and is based in South Portland, Maine. As a well-established company, it operates as a Northeast regional for-hire carrier specializing in refrigerated hauling and drayage operations. With a fleet of over 21 trucks and 42 total vehicles, Hutchins Trucking carries a diverse range of cargo, including fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company primarily hires regional drivers and local drivers, with recruitment focused on solo positions.

Although Hutchins Trucking Company does not offer certain common driver benefits such as health insurance, dental or vision coverage, its compensation packages include paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company prioritizes safety with a satisfactory safety rating and guaranteed home time for its drivers. Hutchins Trucking, however, does not provide incentives like sign-on bonuses, stock ownership, or ongoing training and development programs, focusing instead on core benefits to attract and retain its workforce.

While detailed employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are unavailable, existing comments on these platforms often highlight the company’s organized operations and commitment to safety as positive aspects. Negative feedback tends to focus on the lack of comprehensive health benefits and on-the-road amenities like flexible scheduling and pet or passenger allowances. Nonetheless, Hutchins Trucking maintains its position as a trusted entity within the refrigerated and intermodal transportation sectors.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 operates out of Westbrook, Maine. As a carrier, the company specializes in the transportation of chemicals, fresh produce, meat, paper products, refrigerated foods, and dry van cargo. They maintain a fleet of 150 vehicles primarily engaged in interstate operations. Sysco Northern New England mainly employs drivers for dry van operations, without a focus on hazardous materials transport.

While the company offers few driver benefits and does not provide services like sign-on bonuses, health insurance, paid CDL training, or PTO, it does maintain satisfactory safety practices. Unfortunately, information regarding driver bonuses or incentives is limited, and Sysco lacks benefits that are often popular among drivers, such as guaranteed home time or flexible scheduling.

Although Sysco Northern New England does not have available ratings on platforms such as Indeed or Glassdoor, driver reviews tend to focus on the straightforward nature of routes and cargo transportation. However, common critiques include the comparatively limited scope of driver benefits and the lack of emphasis on driver satisfaction programs. This suggests there's room for improvement in employee engagement and benefits strategic planning.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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 operating since their DOT registration date, located in Scarborough, Maine. Their operations are primarily focused on interstate transportation, with a specialization in carrying general freight, beverages, and intermodal containers. The company boasts a sizable fleet of 162 trucks and a total employment of 1380 individuals, providing significant coverage across their service areas.

R C Moore, Inc. emphasizes the importance of employee satisfaction through various benefits such as competitive salaries and health insurance options, but specific details on their benefits package were not disclosed in the provided data. While the company does not report offering sign-on bonuses or guaranteed home time, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating and have vehicle maintenance procedures in place. R C Moore, Inc. values its employees, although some detailed benefits such as dental insurance or paid time off are not explicitly mentioned.

Feedback from company reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed was not specifically provided; however, prospective employees can gain insight into company culture and worker experiences through available online resources. The absence of both specific ratings and common employee feedback limits the picture of work-life balance and job satisfaction, but R C Moore, Inc. continues to operate with a focus on safety and adherence to industry standards.

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
Apply for Trucking Jobs

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.
Apply for Trucking Jobs near Portland

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.
Apply for Trucking Jobs near 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.
Apply for Trucking Jobs near Portland

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.
Apply for Trucking Jobs near Portland

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.