After evaluating 13 trucking companies in Duluth, MN, based on pay, benefits, training opportunities, and work-life balance, we found that Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. ranks as the top company to work for in Duluth.
Top Trucking Companies in Duluth, MN
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Duluth:
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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 Duluth. Every Duluth 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 Duluth.
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc.
5739 Old Hwy 61, Duluth, MN, 55810- Salary range: $55,000 - $70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 285
- Drivers: 290
- Revenue: $16,434
- Miles driven: 26,900,000 (2023)
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 593718) is an established trucking company based in an undisclosed location, offering comprehensive transportation services across multiple sectors. Although the exact founding date is not specified, the company has garnered a strong presence in the industry. Kivi Bros Trucking specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, coal, construction equipment, general freight, grain, logs, machinery, metal sheets, motor vehicles, and paper products. They primarily hire flatbed and dry van drivers, as well as regional and OTR drivers, offering opportunities to team drivers and owner-operators.
The company is noted for its competitive benefits and robust training programs designed to foster driver development. Kivi Bros Trucking provides an array of incentives and benefits such as sign-on bonuses, health and dental insurance, life insurance, paid time off, disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Drivers are also supported with a safety bonus, pay advances, and deadhead detention pay. The company emphasizes flexibility with their scheduling and supports ongoing training and development programs to enhance their drivers' skills and ensure safety on the road.
Kivi Bros Trucking enjoys an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.6. Employees frequently commend the company for its solid compensation, benefits, and commitment to driver welfare. However, some employees point out areas for improvement, such as guaranteed home time and work-life balance. Positive feedback often highlights effective management and a supportive work environment, while common critiques mention the occasional disorganization in route assignments. Overall, Kivi Bros Trucking maintains a satisfactory safety rating, reflecting their dedicated efforts to uphold high standards in the industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 29
- Unsafe driving: 1.78
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Lakehead Trucking, Inc.
6035 Lavaque Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000 annually
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 28
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $36,490
- Miles driven: 1,034,120 (2023)
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) was founded in 1950 and is based in Duluth, Minnesota. With over seven decades of experience, the company specializes in carrying a variety of cargo, including building materials, coal, coke, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain, feed, hay, machine parts, and metals like sheets, coils, and rolls. They utilize a fleet consisting of reefer, dump trailer, hot shot, and drayage trucks, operated primarily by flatbed, reefer, and local drivers.
Lakehead Trucking offers a competitive suite of benefits aimed at attracting and retaining top driver talent. Drivers enjoy direct deposit, health and vision insurance, paid time off, safety bonuses, per diem payments, and a retirement plan. There are sign-on bonuses available, and they provide roadside assistance programs and ongoing training and development opportunities. The company actively encourages teamwork and supports team driving opportunities alongside favorable conditions for owner-operators.
Employee satisfaction is high, with a Glassdoor rating of 5.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.5, reflecting positive feedback on aspects like compensation, benefits, and job security. While there are numerous positive comments highlighting supportive management and comprehensive benefits, some employees note that flexible scheduling could be improved. The company's reputation for safety and efficiency is underscored by a satisfactory safety rating.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Halvor Lines, Inc.
217 Grand Avenue, Superior, WI, 54880- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 730
- Drivers: 735
- Revenue: $561,000
- Miles driven: 71,100,000 (2024)
Halvor Lines, Inc. (DOT: 75250) was founded in 2016 and is located in Superior, Wisconsin. The company is involved in trucking, transportation, and logistics services and has amassed a fleet of 730 trucks and 730 power units for interstate operations. Halvor Lines, Inc. specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction supplies, fresh produce, general freight, logs, lumber, machinery, meat, metal sheets, and paper products. They primarily hire regional drivers and offer team driving opportunities.
Halvor Lines, Inc. provides a beneficial work atmosphere with features like paid CDL training and flexible scheduling to suit diverse driver needs. Though the company does not offer sign-on bonuses or driver referral bonuses, drivers are supported with paid time off, health insurance, dental and vision coverage. Additionally, guaranteed home time ensures drivers maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Employee feedback on Indeed rates Halvor Lines, Inc. at 3.6, with employees praising the company for its supportive structure and paid training programs. However, there are areas of improvement, particularly in the extent of driver benefits and comprehensive bonuses that some drivers feel are limited. Nonetheless, the company's commitment to driver development and ongoing training programs are recognized as contributing to an overall satisfactory work environment.
Driver Options
- Regional
- Intermodal
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 56
- Unsafe driving: 1.2
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.3
- Controlled substances: 0.01
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
North Shore Track Services, Inc.
710 South 59th Ave W, Duluth, MN, 55807- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 15
- Drivers: 60
- Revenue: $1,234,000
- Miles driven: 177,678 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
North Shore Track Services, Inc. (DOT: 980294) is a transportation company dedicated to delivering high-quality services since its formation. Though the exact founding date isn't provided, the company operates out of a location in the United States and maintains an active USDOT status. Specializing in interstate operations, North Shore Track Services, Inc. predominantly transports construction materials, general freight, and large machinery. They utilize dry van and flatbed trucks to efficiently handle full truckload and partial truckload services. The company actively recruits over-the-road (OTR) and local flatbed drivers.
North Shore Track Services, Inc. advocates for lucrative driver recruitment incentives, notably offering sign-on bonuses. They have a diverse benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with paid time off. Additionally, drivers can earn from a competitive salary range of $60,000 to $70,000. Their commitment to driver satisfaction is evident from the inclusion of safety bonuses, although they do not advertise guaranteed home time or pet and rider policies.
The company has earned favorable employee reviews, boasting a 4.2 rating on Indeed and a 4.0 rating on Glassdoor. Employees praise the compensation and benefits packages, alongside the supportive work culture. However, some feedback highlights challenges relating to scheduling flexibility and a lack of ongoing training and development programs. Despite these areas for improvement, North Shore Track Services, Inc. remains a strong contender in the transportation industry for both employees and clients alike.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- PTO
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.86
- Driver fitness: 0.22
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.31
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.69
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Aj's Lawncare & Landscaping
6386 Hwy 2, Duluth, MN, 55810- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 19
- Drivers: 11
- Miles driven: 86,000 (2022)
Aj's Lawncare & Landscaping (DOT: 1295961) is an active trucking company known for its operations in the transportation industry. While the precise founding year is not provided, the company operates out of a location whose details are missing from the available data. Despite the limited information on its history, Aj's Lawncare & Landscaping is a medium-sized carrier with a fleet size of 11 to 25 vehicles, operating as an interstate carrier. They are primarily involved in transporting construction materials, general freight, and large machinery objects, utilizing a total power unit count of 19 and employing 11 drivers.
The company hires drivers for their fleet primarily without engaging in specialized sectors such as hazardous materials or refrigerated foods. They do not currently offer certain benefits often found in larger or more diversified trucking companies, such as paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, or employee stock ownership plans. However, Aj's Lawncare appears to maintain standard operations and addresses essential transportation needs without expanding into newer avenues like intermodal containers or oversized cargo transport.
There is no available data from platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed to provide insights into employee ratings, satisfaction, or common feedback. This lack of publicly accessible employee reviews or ratings means the perception of their workplace environment and the effectiveness of their management strategies are not verifiable in this summary. Nonetheless, Aj's Lawncare & Landscaping continues to function as a contributor to the freight industry, focusing on material and goods transportation without diversifying into additional service areas at this time.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
United Truck Body Co, Inc.
5219 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN, 55811- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 5
- Drivers: 5
- Revenue: $41,844,000
- Miles driven: 81,020 (2024)
United Truck Body Co, Inc. (DOT: 235685) is a reputable carrier primarily operating in the interstate realm. While the exact founding date and location details are unavailable, the company is recognized for carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, building materials, general freight, grain feed, hay, intermodal containers, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, motor vehicles, and other specialized items. Despite the lack of specific recruitment information, United Truck Body Co, Inc. manages a modest fleet size, ranging between 1 to 10 vehicles, suggesting they may hire a variety of driver types, tailored to their cargo needs.
Although specific driver benefits were not detailed, United Truck Body's commitment to safety is reflected in a satisfactory safety rating, as well as clean records concerning crash fatalities, injuries, and hazardous materials violations. These factors might indicate an encouraging environment for driver welfare and efficiency. While the exact offerings such as health insurance and sign-on bonuses are unclear, the company’s total fleet size of five trucks promises a close-knit operational atmosphere, potentially translating into rigorous operational care and attention to detail.
Employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed are absent, making it challenging to encapsulate the prevailing sentiment towards United Truck Body Co, Inc. However, the absence of negative metrics regarding unsafe driving and controlled substance violations suggests adherence to industry standards, likely earning employee trust. Concerns about work-life balance or company culture are thus speculative, but presumably mitigated through professionalism and a strict safety focus, central to the company’s operations.
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
Northland Constructors Of Duluth, Inc.
4843 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 57
- Trailers: 50
- Drivers: 35
- Revenue: $57,530,000
- Miles driven: 750,000 (2024)
Northland Constructors Of Duluth, Inc. (DOT: 526781) was established in 1970 and operates as a construction-focused trucking company. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, Northland Constructors specializes in transporting a variety of cargo, with emphasis on construction materials, liquids and gases, and large machinery. Their operations are described as interstate, addressing complex logistics and transportation needs with a fleet size of 57 trucks and 50 trailers. As a specialized carrier, they cater to the construction industry and other specified sectors, hiring drivers to manage the transportation of property rather than general freight.
Though the benefits and salary specifics for drivers at Northland Constructors are not detailed in the available data, the company demonstrates a commitment to safety, as evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating. It's important to note that their operations do not currently offer services such as hazmat driving or team driving opportunities, and information regarding health benefits, sign-on bonuses, or specific driver support programs is absent. They do, however, maintain a fleet that suggests a focus on efficiency and capability in handling specific, heavy-duty cargo.
Northland Constructors of Duluth maintains a strong operational presence but lacks transparency regarding employee satisfaction and ratings on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed, as these details are not included in the data. As their focus remains on specialized cargo, the company's reputation within the industry is likely built on its longevity and specialized service offering, rather than employee-centric offerings or feedback that is publicly documented. Consequently, potential hires or clients might need to seek additional insights through direct contact or independent review channels to gain a more comprehensive view of the company's work culture and service quality.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
Voyageur Bus Company, Inc.
3941 East Calvary Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 120
- Drivers: 110
- Revenue: $4,774,000
- Miles driven: 2,300,000 (2024)
Voyageur Bus Company, Inc. (DOT: 859547) was established in 1971 and operates out of an unspecified location. As a long-standing company in the transportation sector, Voyageur focuses exclusively on transporting passengers across interstate routes. With a fleet comprising 120 total power units and 119 buses, the company commits to providing reliable passenger transit services.
Voyageur Bus Company primarily employs drivers suited for passenger transport due to their specialized focus on this type of cargo. Despite its longevity and size, the company offers limited driver benefits. They do not provide health, dental, or vision insurance, nor do they offer sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, or a 401(k) retirement plan. There is also no mention of specific recruitment incentives like guaranteed home time, onboard facilities for riders or pets, or compensation for layovers.
Feedback available through platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed for Voyageur Bus Company, Inc. is not detailed, leaving potential insight into employee satisfaction somewhat unclear. Without publicly available employee ratings or reviews, it is challenging to assess the company's work culture, compensation quality, or advancement opportunities as perceived by its workforce. Consequently, potential job seekers are encouraged to consider this limited information in their decision-making process.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.38
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
ELM Lawn Dairy, Inc.
240 Riverwood Dr, Duluth, MN, 55810- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 9
- Drivers: 9
- Miles driven: 488,130 (2024)
ELM Lawn Dairy, Inc. (DOT: 1084037) operates as a carrier primarily focused on the transport of beverages, general freight, and refrigerated foods. Unfortunately, the exact founding date and city and state location of ELM Lawn Dairy, Inc. aren't specified, but they hold an active USDOT status with a total fleet size of 18 vehicles.
ELM Lawn Dairy prioritizes the health of its drivers by offering health insurance as a key driver benefit. However, they do not offer dental or vision insurance, paid time off, or a 401k retirement plan. While they do not currently offer a sign-on bonus or tuition reimbursement, drivers can benefit from the solid infrastructure that supports refrigerated food and beverage transportation, highlighting their specialization in such sensitive cargo.
Unfortunately, the company’s presence on employee review platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor is not available, which limits insights into employee satisfaction ratings or common feedback trends. This lack of visibility poses a challenge in understanding the overall employee experience at ELM Lawn Dairy, Inc. While specific reviews are unavailable, their adherence to safety protocols and maintenance, reflected in a vehicle maintenance score of 8.0, indicates a focus on operational standards.
Driver Options
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.41
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
United Piping, Inc.
4510 Airport Rd, Duluth, MN, 55811- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 40
- Drivers: 41
- Revenue: $7,288,000
- Miles driven: 735,933 (2024)
United Piping, Inc. (DOT: 676883) is a long-established company within the trucking industry. Although the precise founding date is not listed, their significant track record implies an enduring presence. The company is primarily engaged in transporting specialized cargo, including construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and oilfield equipment. As an interstate carrier, United Piping, Inc. hires around 41 drivers, focusing on those adept at managing their fleet for carrying large items and motor vehicles.
Despite not offering direct employee benefits such as health insurance or sign-on bonuses, United Piping, Inc. prioritizes safety, evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating and zero recorded controlled substance violations. The company doesn't appear to have structured benefits like 401k retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, or paid time off, but their relatively low hours of service violation rate and solid safety performance indicate a commitment to maintaining a safe driving environment for their employees.
The company's employee reviews and ratings on Indeed or Glassdoor are not available; however, the lack of feedback might suggest areas for potential improvement in online presence and engagement with current and potential employees. Employees could benefit from enhancements in work-life balance and structured benefit initiatives. With a current operational status marked as "Active," United Piping, Inc. continues to serve the shipping needs with its specialized transport capabilities, focusing on robust operational standards.
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.67
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
What To Look for in Duluth Trucking Companies
A fulfilling and prosperous career in trucking should start with selecting the best employer in Duluth, MN. When comparing companies, take these essential factors into account:
- Pay range & career growth: Beyond starting pay, think about how you can progress. Choose Duluth 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 Duluth 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 Duluth 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 Minnesota and nearby states, offering more home time compared to long-haul work.
- Local: Keeps drivers on familiar daily routes in Duluth and surrounding towns.
- Specialized: Focuses on hauling specific freight types such as tanker loads, refrigerated products, or dry goods in Duluth.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
When choosing the best trucking company in Duluth 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 Duluth, Minnesota, 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 Duluth 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 Duluth. 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 Duluth? 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 Duluth.
- 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 Duluth:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Duluth?
A truck driving career in Duluth 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 Duluth offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Duluth?
Most trucking companies in Duluth 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 Duluth?
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Duluth.