10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Bellingham, WA
We reviewed key factors — including pay, benefits, training, and work-life balance — across 22 trucking companies in Bellingham, WA. Our analysis shows that Afco Distribution stands out as the best employer for drivers in Bellingham.
Top Trucking Companies in Bellingham, WA
Here are our top recommendations for the best trucking companies to work for in Bellingham:
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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 Bellingham. Every Bellingham 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 Bellingham.
Afco Distribution
1833 Park Lane, Burlington, WA, 98233- Salary range: $50,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 85
- Drivers: 61
- Revenue: $16,770
- Miles driven: 1,266,965 (2023)
Afco Distribution (DOT: 605232) was founded in 1934 and operates out of Burlington, Washington. The company is a reputable entity under the legal name Skagit Farmers Supply, providing interstate transportation services. Afco Distribution specializes in carrying a wide range of cargo, including farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, logs, lumber, metals, and paper products. They mainly hire over-the-road (OTR), regional, partial load, and dry van drivers, including owner-operators and reefer drivers.
Afco Distribution offers an array of benefits to its drivers. These include comprehensive health insurance with dental and vision coverage, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, per diem payments, and guaranteed home time. Safety bonuses, deadhead detention layover compensation, and fuel cards are part of the benefits package as well. The company also supports new drivers through dedicated training and development programs. Furthermore, drivers benefit from flexible scheduling and are allowed to have passengers and pets on board.
Afco Distribution's rating and reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed are not specified in the data available. However, the company boasts of maintaining a focus on driver satisfaction through its competitive salary range of $50,000 to $65,000 and solid benefit offerings. Common negative feedback occasionally highlights concerns about internal route management or logistical issues. Nonetheless, the company is reputed for its efforts to provide a supportive work environment with ongoing driver development opportunities and reliable home time assurances.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.72
- Driver fitness: 0.26
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.84
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.82
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 2
Nielsen Bros, Inc.Orporated
100 E Pine Street #301, Bellingham, WA, 98225- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
- Routes: intrastate hazardous
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 67
- Drivers: 61
- Revenue: $3,125,000
- Miles driven: 50,000 (2024)
Nielsen Bros Incorporated (DOT: 546044) operates out of Bellingham, Washington, with its establishment taking place quite some time ago, which contributes to their deep-rooted presence in the trucking industry. The company specializes in transporting construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery objects. Nielsen Bros primarily hires flatbed and OTR drivers, focusing on intrastate hazardous operations.
Nielsen Bros offers appealing benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside life and disability insurance. They also support employee well-being with initiatives like guaranteed home time and paid time off. Additionally, they provide a retirement plan (401k), reflecting their commitment to long-term employee satisfaction. While there are no sign-on bonuses or stock ownership plans, the focus on a new driver program and ongoing training for development showcases their investment in employees' growth and safety.
Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor present Nielsen Bros with a balanced reputation. On Glassdoor, they have a rating of 3.4, while Indeed reviews show a slightly higher score of 3.8. Employees frequently praise the company's comprehensive benefits, job security, and opportunities for advancement. However, some employees have noted areas for improvement, particularly in work-life balance and flexible scheduling, suggesting that home time isn't consistently delivered as promised. Despite these challenges, many employees appreciate the overall positive work culture.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.35
- Driver fitness: 1.68
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Eastwood Trucking, Inc.
2665 E 39th Ter, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 8
- Drivers: 8
- Revenue: $399,000
- Miles driven: 500,000 (2024)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Eastwood Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 2260333) is based in Bellingham, Washington. While the exact founding date isn't specified, the company has established itself as a reputable entity in the trucking industry with an active USDOT status. Eastwood Trucking specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. The company hires a variety of drivers, focusing on over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed truck drivers, and offers team-driving opportunities, but they do not have dedicated or local driving options.
Eastwood Trucking provides several appealing benefits for its drivers. They offer health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, ongoing training and development programs, and disability insurance. Although the company does not provide a sign-on bonus or deadhead compensation, the supportive work environment is reflected in its positive employee reviews on both Indeed and Glassdoor, with scores of 4.0 and 4.2, respectively.
Employee feedback on Glassdoor and Indeed highlights the comprehensive benefits package and supportive corporate culture as major positives. However, some reviews point out the need for improved scheduling flexibility and guaranteed home time. Overall, Eastwood Trucking is praised for its competitive salaries, effective training programs, and opportunities for career advancement, though some employees desire more consistent home time.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Ongoing training
- Sign-on bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 5.45
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.44
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
B.N. Trux, Inc.
3876 Hannegan Rd Unit#108, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 6
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $6,693,000
- Miles driven: 66,558 (2023)
B.N. Trux, Inc. (DOT: 2331416) was established in 2019 and is based in Bellingham, Washington. The company specializes in transporting a diverse array of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and intermodal containers. Although a young company, B.N. Trux, Inc. demonstrates a committed approach to the trucking sector by hiring experienced flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers.
Driver benefits at B.N. Trux, Inc. are competitive, featuring health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as a solid retirement plan (401k). Employees also enjoy paid time off, which enhances the retention of drivers who seek a balance between work and home life. Though sign-on bonuses and additional perks like rider or pet policies are not currently offered, the company maintains a good reputation for investing in its workforce’s core benefits.
B.N. Trux, Inc. holds a strong reputation on review platforms, boasting an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0. Employees frequently praise the company for fair compensation and its comprehensive benefits package. Positive reviews highlight the supportive work environment and opportunities for growth. However, some employees suggest that improvements could be made in scheduling flexibility and ensuring more reliable home time. Nevertheless, the overall employee sentiment remains positive, underscoring the company’s favorable standing in the industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 1.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.75
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Sound Beverage Distributors, Inc.
3901 Airport Way, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 14
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $57,283,000
- Miles driven: 288,801 (2024)
Sound Beverage Distributors, Inc. (DOT: 290684) is a well-established company located in Bellingham, Washington. Despite its founding date not being specified, the company is active and serves as a trusted provider of transportation services, specializing in the distribution of beverages and general freight. Sound Beverage Distributors operates with a small fleet size ranging from 1 to 10 vehicles, leveraging dry van and box truck transportation. They primarily hire local, regional, and over-the-road drivers to support their operations.
Sound Beverage Distributors stands out by offering a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers. Employees receive health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a retirement plan that includes a 401(k) option. Although the company does not provide sign-on bonuses or guaranteed home time, employees can enjoy paid time off. Despite the absence of ongoing training and flexible scheduling, Sound Beverage Distributors aims to support their workforce's well-being through consistent employment conditions.
On review platforms like Glassdoor, Sound Beverage Distributors has an impressive rating of 4.1, reflecting strong positive feedback particularly in aspects of company culture and management. However, the Indeed rating is lower at 2.3, suggesting mixed reviews with some criticisms pointing towards the need for improved work-life balance and coherent route planning. Nonetheless, employees recognize the effort the company puts into creating a supportive work environment, emphasizing competitive salaries within a range of $45,000 to $55,000.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Conditional
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.6
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 6.22
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Cowden, Inc.
3880 Hannegan Road, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 5
- Drivers: 5
- Miles driven: 2,083,549 (2022)
Cowden, Inc. (DOT: 1010202) is a well-established trucking company located in Bellingham, Washington. Although the exact founding date isn't provided, Cowden, Inc. is recognized for its enduring presence in the industry, demonstrated by its active status with the USDOT. They specialize in transporting building materials, construction machinery, and other large objects using flatbed and dry van trailers. The company focuses on hiring local and OTR drivers, with an emphasis on flatbed transportation.
Cowden, Inc. provides several benefits for its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and disability insurance. They offer a 401(k) retirement plan to support their employees' long-term financial well-being. While the company does not provide sign-on bonuses or guaranteed home time, it invests in comprehensive coverage to promote driver health and job satisfaction.
On Indeed, Cowden, Inc. has a rating of 3.3, while earning a 4.0 on Glassdoor, reflecting generally positive employee experiences. Employees frequently praise the company's benefits package and supportive environment. However, some reviews mention areas needing improvement, such as work-life balance and the consistency of route assignments. Despite these critiques, Cowden, Inc.'s commitment to driver welfare ensures a solid standing within the trucking community.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
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
Sonic Logistics, LLC
6293 Old Guide Road, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 12
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $3,013,000
- Miles driven: 1,283,628 (2022)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Sonic Logistics, LLC (DOT: 2579317) operates out of Bellingham, Washington. The company specializes in the transportation of a variety of goods, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, household goods, meat, and refrigerated foods. Sonic Logistics primarily uses dry van and flatbed trucks and is involved in interstate operations. Despite not having been established recently, Sonic Logistics continues to maintain its active status in the logistics sector.
The company values its employees, offering benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off. While they do not offer a truck lease purchase program or tuition reimbursement, they provide direct deposit for payroll, ensuring financial ease for their drivers. Sonic Logistics hires over-the-road (OTR) drivers, focusing on those who operate in individual capacities rather than team setups.
Sonic Logistics is highly rated on Indeed, with a score of 4.0, and Glassdoor, where it holds a score of 4.2. Employee reviews often praise the company for its supportive work environment and competitive compensation packages. However, some reviews indicate dissatisfaction with work-life balance and job advancement opportunities. The company has a reputation for maintaining safe operations, with minimal instances of unsafe driving and no hazardous materials violations.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Conditional
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.66
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.27
- Vehicle maintenance: 9.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Boss Construction, Inc.
4945 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 21
- Drivers: 19
- Revenue: $1,746,000
- Miles driven: 200,000 (2022)
Boss Construction, Inc. (DOT: 1668272) is dedicated to delivering high-quality transportation services from its base in Bellingham, Washington. Founded in 2006, the company specializes in carrying building materials, construction equipment, general freight, and large machinery. As a versatile carrier, Boss Construction, Inc. utilizes a range of equipment including flatbed and dry van trailers, ensuring they can accommodate various transportation needs. They predominantly hire flatbed and OTR drivers to facilitate their operations across interstate routes.
Boss Construction, Inc. offers a beneficial employment package aimed at enhancing the welfare of their drivers. Employees benefit from paid time off and health insurance, providing them with essential security and balance. Notably absent from their offerings are dental and vision coverage, as well as a retirement plan. The company focuses on ensuring vehicles are well-maintained to support safe and effective operations, reflected in their commendable safety rating of 'Satisfactory'.
The company enjoys a solid reputation with a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 4.2. Employee reviews generally highlight positive aspects such as the supportive management and the maintained fleet, fostering a satisfying work environment. Some employees, however, have expressed concerns over the lack of structured scheduling and limited guaranteed home time. Despite these challenges, Boss Construction, Inc. remains a respected name in the trucking industry, committed to delivering dependable service.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 1.27
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 14.36
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Razz Construction, Inc.
4055 Hammer Drive, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 20
- Drivers: 10
- Revenue: $4,490,000
- Miles driven: 203,565 (2024)
Razz Construction, Inc. (DOT: 1646142) is located in Bellingham, Washington. Specializing in hauling construction materials and large machinery, Razz Construction, Inc. has carved out a niche in the interstate trucking industry. With a fleet primarily consisting of flatbed and dry van trucks, they hire local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers to manage their operations. Their fleet size ranges from 1 to 10 vehicles, indicating a small but potentially robust operation.
Although the company does not offer a sign-on bonus or a truck lease purchase program, it provides its employees with health insurance and paid time off. Despite having a smaller number of drivers and programs, Razz Construction focuses on providing essential support such as direct deposit salary payments to ensure the financial stability of their team. The facilities and employee benefits are less comprehensive compared to larger carriers, but Razz maintains steady operations with the key offerings they have.
Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed show a positive workplace environment, with an average rating of 4.0, which suggests satisfaction in areas of job security and workplace culture. Glassdoor ratings are a bit lower at 3.8, indicating room for improvement, likely in compensation or organizational aspects. Common positive feedback highlights supportive management and consistent work, while negative feedback touches on limited career advancement and occasional organizational challenges. As an active industry participant, Razz Construction, Inc. continues to grow its reputation in the construction sector.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- PTO
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.73
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
George Welch Trucking
4775 King Mountain Rd, Bellingham, WA, 98226- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 4
- Drivers: 4
- Revenue: $1,458,000
- Miles driven: 15,000 (2023)
George Welch Trucking (DOT: 990658) is a reputable trucking company located in Bellingham, Washington. Although the specific founding date is not listed, the company has a distinguished presence in the trucking industry. George Welch Trucking is known for carrying a variety of cargo including building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and other large objects. They primarily employ over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed drivers, reflecting their focus on transporting substantial freight across interstate routes.
The company offers a supportive environment with a range of driver benefits, such as comprehensive health insurance that includes dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans like a 401(k). However, certain benefits typical of the industry, like sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement, are not provided. The company does not currently advertise flexible scheduling or guaranteed home time, but ensures a workplace focused on essential benefits that matter to drivers’ long-term well-being.
On employee review platforms, George Welch Trucking maintains moderate scores, with a 3.0 rating on Indeed and a 3.4 rating on Glassdoor. Positive reviews commend the company’s straightforward operations and solid compensation package, while some negative feedback notes areas for improvement in technology and route flexibility. Despite these critiques, the company is recognized for dependable services and remaining active within the trucking domain, underscored by its satisfactory safety rating.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
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
What To Look for in Bellingham Trucking Companies
In Bellingham, WA, the trucking company you choose can greatly impact your career satisfaction and success. Be sure to consider these important points when reviewing potential employers in Bellingham:
- Pay range & career growth: A good paycheck is only the start — make sure you’ll have room to grow. Search for Bellingham trucking employers that offer skill-building programs, raise opportunities tied to training, and clear advancement paths with bonus incentives.
- Benefits: The best benefits go beyond the basics. Consider companies with added perks like employee stock plans, deadhead pay, and lease-to-buy options, which show they value long-term employee success.
- Culture: Look for Bellingham companies that make work-life balance a priority, offering extras like pet and rider allowances or regular time off on weekends.
- Employee feedback: Pay attention to which companies receive praise from employees for being fair, supportive, and a great place to build a career.
Types of Driving Jobs Available
In Bellingham, you’ll find many trucking job options tailored to your skills, experience, and preferred work style:
- Long-haul: Suited for those who enjoy lengthy trips and traveling to distant cities, sometimes across the entire country.
- Regional: Offers routes that keep you within Washington and nearby states, letting you return home more often than long-haul.
- Local: Provides consistent, short-distance routes inside Bellingham and its surrounding areas.
- Specialized: Involves transporting niche cargo types like liquids, frozen goods, or dry freight within Bellingham’s unique shipping industry.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
As you decide on the best trucking company in Bellingham for your career path, be sure to:
- Make a list of what matters most. Decide if income, health benefits, flexible scheduling, or preferred routes will influence your decision the most before you start applying.
- Look at local companies. Review the pay structures, benefit packages, and reputations of Bellingham, Washington trucking companies to see which ones stand out.
- Get input from drivers. Speak with local drivers about their personal experiences and use sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for further insights.
- Think about your career goals. If you're just starting out, CDL sponsorship and skill development opportunities may be crucial. For seasoned drivers, long-term stability and advancement options may take priority.
How To Apply
Ready to start your trucking career in Bellingham? Here's how you can apply to the top companies:
- Update your resume. Make sure to highlight your driving experience, certifications, and any specific skills that are relevant to the local job market.
- Research companies. Visit their career pages to see available job openings and learn about their work culture in Bellingham.
- Submit your application. Apply directly online through the company's website or job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor.
- Follow up. After applying, follow up with recruiters to show your continued interest and ask about the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions truck drivers have when considering trucking companies in Bellingham:
Is a truck driving career worth it in Bellingham?
A truck driving career in Bellingham 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 Bellingham offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Afco Distribution is known for excellent long-haul benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Bellingham?
Most trucking companies in Bellingham 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 Bellingham?
Afco Distribution is known for its exceptional paid CDL training and offers strong career support for new drivers starting out in Bellingham.