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:
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 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 is based in Burlington, Washington. They operate across interstate lines, carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, feed, hay, liquids, gases, logs, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. The company primarily hires regional and OTR (Over The Road) drivers, with a focus on reefer and hazard materials drivers.
The company boasts competitive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off. Drivers also benefit from safety bonuses, deadhead detention layover compensation, per diem payments, and fuel cards. Afco Distribution emphasizes driver comfort by offering flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time. Although they don't provide sign-on or referral bonuses, their dedication to foster driver satisfaction is evident through ongoing training and development programs.
While specific employee ratings from Glassdoor or Indeed aren't available, the company appears to maintain a positive work culture by prioritizing job security, comprehensive health benefits, and professional growth opportunities. Common positive feedback likely commends the strong benefits and home time assurance, while negative remarks might involve occasional route scheduling challenges or limited work-life balance for some drivers. However, Afco Distribution continues to be recognized for its substantial contribution to the freight transportation industry.
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 from Bellingham, Washington, where they offer specialized trucking services. Established many years ago, the company focuses on carrying construction materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery objects across the state. Nielsen Bros, Inc., hires mainly local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with opportunities primarily for flatbed drivers. Despite team driving service options, they do not currently offer team driving opportunities.
Nielsen Bros, Inc., provides a supportive working environment with valuable benefits for drivers, including health insurance options, such as dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. They are known for guaranteeing home time and offer deadhead detention and layover compensation, reflecting their dedication to driver satisfaction. The company also invests in ongoing training and development programs, although they do not currently offer sign-on bonuses or CDL training.
Employee reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor give Nielsen Bros, Inc. mixed ratings, with a Glassdoor score of 3.4 and an Indeed rating of 3.8. Positive feedback often highlights the company's competitive compensation and commitment to work stability and job security. However, some critiques point towards the need for improvements in flexible scheduling and overall work-life balance. Despite these challenges, the company's active engagement in driver development reflects its ongoing effort to provide a 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 a trucking carrier headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. The company is committed to providing high-quality transportation services across interstate routes. Eastwood Trucking specializes in carrying a variety of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, construction materials, fresh produce, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams lumber, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They operate dry van, reefer, and flatbed trucks. The company predominantly hires OTR (Over the Road) and regional drivers, specifically for reefer and flatbed operations.
Eastwood Trucking offers its drivers a range of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage with dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a retirement plan with 401(k) options. Paid time off is also part of their benefits package, although guaranteed home time is not explicitly offered. To attract new truck drivers, there is a sign-on bonus available, alongside ongoing training and development programs to ensure constant growth for their employees.
On Glassdoor and Indeed, employees have rated Eastwood Trucking with scores of 4.2 and 4.0, respectively. Positive feedback often highlights Eastwood's supportive work environment, competitive salary ranges between $50,000-$70,000, and robust health insurance offerings. However, some criticisms include the lack of guaranteed home time and the absence of flexible scheduling, which may pose a challenge for some drivers seeking better work-life balance.
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 located in Bellingham, Washington. This trucking company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction equipment, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. They focus on hiring drivers for flatbed and dry van operations, primarily managing interstate routes.
B.N. Trux, Inc. offers a solid benefits package which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan, contributing to a supportive work environment for its drivers. Although they do not provide sign-on bonuses or paid CDL training, the company ensures competitive driver salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
Employees rate B.N. Trux, Inc. highly, with an Indeed rating of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.0, indicating strong satisfaction with compensation, benefits, and job security. Positive feedback commonly highlights the comprehensive health benefits and supportive management. Conversely, some employees express concerns over the lack of guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, which can impact work-life balance.
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. (USDOT: 290684) is a Bellingham, Washington-based beverage distribution company. Known for its reliable service within the trucking industry, the company carries beverages and general freight using dry vans, box trucks, and reefer units. They focus on providing local and regional driving opportunities, with a current fleet size ranging from 10 to 28 vehicles and operating across interstate routes.
Sound Beverage Distributors offers a competitive benefits package for its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off. Although there's no sign-on bonus or driver referral bonuses available, the company emphasizes stability and a straightforward pay structure for drivers, with an average salary range between $45,000 and $55,000 annually.
The company has received mixed reviews on employment platforms, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.1 and an Indeed rating of 2.3. Positive feedback from employees highlights the comprehensive benefits and insurance packages, while common complaints include a lack of guaranteed home time and organizational challenges. Despite these critiques, Sound Beverage Distributors remains well-regarded for its commitment to its service offerings and consistently reliable operations.
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
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 a longstanding player in the trucking industry, based in Bellingham, Washington. As a carrier operating interstate, the company specializes in transporting building materials, construction goods, general freight, and large machinery objects using their dry van and flatbed trucks. They primarily employ over-the-road (OTR) and flatbed drivers, focusing on delivering these commodities efficiently across the region.
While Boss Construction doesn't offer programs like sign-on bonuses or driver referral bonuses, their employee benefits package includes health insurance and paid time off, supporting their commitment to driver well-being. With a total fleet size of 42 and 19 drivers, they maintain a contemporary fleet average age of three years, ensuring reliability on the road. Despite a lack of guaranteed home time and sign-on bonuses, their structured compensation features a general driver salary range between $45,000 and $55,000.
On employee review platforms, Boss Construction scores a 4.2 on Indeed and a 4.0 on Glassdoor, indicating generally positive employee sentiments. Employees appreciate the safety rating of "Satisfactory" and the supportive work environment facilitated by modern equipment. However, some critiques point to the absence of flexible scheduling and home time guarantees as areas for improvement. Their focus appears to remain primarily on maintaining a solid operational standard rather than offering a broad range of extra incentives or bonuses.
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
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 trucking company based in Bellingham, Washington. Established over two decades ago, Cowden, Inc. has built a reputation for transporting building materials, construction machinery, large objects, and other specialty cargo. The company primarily employs flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, offering these opportunities in a solo driving capacity.
Cowden, Inc. provides a competitive benefits package for its drivers, including health insurance with dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. Although they do not offer sign-on bonuses or a truck lease purchase program, their salaries are competitive within the $45,000-$55,000 range. Drivers also benefit from disability insurance, and the company is noted for its focus on compliance and safety standards.
On Glassdoor, Cowden, Inc. holds a solid reputation with a rating of 4.0, while Indeed reflects a moderate score of 3.3. Positive employee feedback highlights the comprehensive benefits and supportive work environment. However, some reviews suggest improvements are needed in areas like work-life balance and the provision of guaranteed home time. These insights reflect the company's ongoing efforts to enhance employee satisfaction while balancing operational demands.
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
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 an established company located in Bellingham, Washington. Though the precise founding date is unavailable, the company has demonstrated active operations as a carrier. They specialize in transporting construction materials and large machinery, utilizing a fleet size of 1 to 10 trucks and primarily employing flatbed and dry van drivers. Razz Construction primarily operates in an interstate capacity.
Despite a compact fleet, Razz Construction offers drivers significant job advantages, including health insurance and paid time off. However, they do not provide sign-on bonuses, guaranteed home time, or a 401k retirement plan. The company emphasizes full truckload and less-than-truckload services but does not extend benefits such as rider or pet allowances or ongoing training development programs. Their focus remains on career satisfaction by ensuring that their drivers are well-insured and compensated, with a salary range of $45,000 to $55,000.
Razz Construction boasts an Indeed rating of 4.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8, with employees praising the company's compensation and benefits. While the overall work environment is viewed positively, some employees have expressed concerns about the lack of career advancement opportunities and insufficient work-life balance, pointing to scheduling inflexibilities and limited home time as areas of improvement. Nonetheless, the company maintains a strong reputation for reliability and employee satisfaction. Additionally, their Google rating stands at an impressive 4.5.
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
L.P. Transport, LLC
3407 Alderwood Ave, Bellingham, WA, 98225- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Power units: 20
- Drivers: 18
- Revenue: $399,000
- Miles driven: 1,038,235 (2023)
L.P. Transport, LLC (DOT: 2209719) was founded in 2019 and is based in Bellingham, Washington. Despite its recent establishment, the company has carved out a niche in the trucking industry. L.P. Transport, LLC specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, fresh produce, general freight, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. The company utilizes a fleet of dry vans and flatbed trucks for transport. They primarily hire flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers and offer opportunities for local and team driving roles.
The company's benefits package includes comprehensive health coverage with dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. They offer guaranteed home time to their drivers, emphasizing their commitment to a work-life balance. While they do not provide sign-on bonuses or driver referral bonuses, their salary range is competitive, spanning from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Additionally, L.P. Transport, LLC allows riders or pets, appealing to drivers who prefer company on the road.
L.P. Transport, LLC is yet to establish a strong presence on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, as data regarding their ratings and employee feedback is currently unavailable. However, with a Google rating of 4.5 and a Yelp rating of 4.0, there is a positive indication of their carrier reputation among customers. The lack of detailed employee reviews means that a comprehensive view of the employee experience is limited, but the available resources indicate a dedication to safety and service quality.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 2.6
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.58
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.84
- 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 distinguished company based in Bellingham, Washington. Although the exact founding date is not specified, the company is an active entity in the trucking industry with a focus on hauling via dry van and flatbed trucks. They specialize in transporting a variety of cargo types, including building materials, general freight, machinery, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. The company hires primarily local and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, with a particular emphasis on flatbed operations.
George Welch Trucking offers a comprehensive array of benefits for its drivers, including full health insurance coverage with dental and vision care, paid time off, and a retirement 401(k) plan. Additionally, the company provides life and disability insurance, ensuring their employees have financial security and peace of mind. Their compensation package typically falls within the $45,000 to $55,000 range, although sign-on bonuses and other financial incentives are not currently offered. The company does not offer dedicated routes or guaranteed home time, but it focuses on maintaining a satisfactory safety rating.
On review platforms, George Welch Trucking holds an Indeed rating of 3.0 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4. Employees frequently praise the company for its solid benefits package and supportive work environment. However, some critiques point to a lack of guaranteed home time and occasionally disorganized route assignments. Despite these challenges, the company's commitment to safety and quality customer service remains a consistent area of employee satisfaction, underpinning its overall reputation 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: 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.