
Dry bulk trucking companies play a vital role in the US market, transporting goods such as sand, gravel, and cement. The US dry bulk trucking market size was valued at $5.8 billion in 2020.
These companies operate in a highly competitive environment, with the top five companies holding a significant market share. According to recent data, the top five dry bulk trucking companies in the US controlled about 60% of the market share in 2020.
The US dry bulk trucking market is expected to grow at a steady rate, driven by increasing demand for construction materials. This growth is expected to continue through 2025, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
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Companies
If you're looking for top-notch dry bulk trucking companies, you're in luck. Bulkmatic and Oakley Trucking are two of the best options out there.
Bulkmatic and Oakley Trucking are highly regarded in the industry, but there are a few other companies worth considering. A&R Logistics, Transpro Burgener, and Perdido Trucking Service, LLC also make the cut.
Here are some of the top dry bulk trucking companies in the United States:
- Bulkmatic
- Oakley Trucking
- A&R Logistics
- Transpro Burgener
- Perdido Trucking Service, LLC
Quicklook: Best Companies

If you're looking for some of the top dry bulk trucking companies, here's a quick look:
Bulkmatic and Oakley Trucking are two companies that made the list.
A&R Logistics and Transpro Burgener are also notable players in the industry.
Perdido Trucking Service, LLC is another company worth considering.
If you're looking to transport dry bulk goods, it's a good idea to match with these companies.
Here are some of the top dry bulk trucking companies:
- Bulkmatic
- Oakley Trucking
- A&R Logistics
- Transpro Burgener
- Perdido Trucking Service, LLC
Matic
Bulkmatic is a dry bulk carrier with an extensive network of transportation, transloading, and warehousing solutions across the United States and Mexico.
The company has 55 terminal locations in the U.S. and Mexico, with its corporate office situated in Griffith, Indiana.
Bulkmatic specializes in transporting bulk shipments of items such as plastics, dry chemicals, and bulk food grade.
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J&M Tank Lines
J&M Tank Lines is a family-owned company that's been around since 1948. They specialize in dry-bulk transport, specifically in the Southeast region.

Their team is made up of professional drivers and industry experts who are dedicated to providing excellent service and prioritizing safety.
One of the key benefits of working with J&M Tank Lines is their commitment to service and safety. This is reflected in their elite team of drivers and experts.
If you're looking for a reliable dry-bulk transport company in the Southeast, J&M Tank Lines is definitely worth considering.
A&R Logistics
A&R Logistics is a company that specializes in dry bulk transportation and supply chain services. They have a fleet of 1,200 trailers and a nationwide partnership of warehouses and packaging facilities.
Their headquarters is located in Woodlands, Texas, with facilities in 18 states. This extensive network allows them to provide their services to a wide range of clients.
A&R Logistics offers supply chain services to companies in the chemical industry, including dry bulk transportation, warehouse assistance, distribution, and third-party logistics. These services can be a huge help to companies that need to move large quantities of materials.
The company employs between 501 and 1,000 people, which is a significant workforce. If you're interested in learning more about their rates for bulk transport services, you can use their online form.
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Operations
Dry bulk trucking companies have a complex operations process that involves several key steps to ensure the efficient and safe transport of loose materials.
Loading is a critical step, where dry bulk materials are loaded into the truck's cargo hold using specialized equipment like conveyor belts or pneumatic systems. This process typically occurs at a manufacturing facility, mine, or storage silo.
The dry bulk materials must be securely fastened to prevent shifting during transport, which is vital for maintaining stability and safety on the road.
Here are the key steps involved in the dry bulk trucking process:
- Loading
- Securing the Load
- Transport
- Unloading
- Cleaning
- Maintenance
- Documentation
- Safety
- Environmental Considerations
Regular maintenance of the truck and specialized equipment is crucial to prevent breakdowns and ensure safe and efficient operation. Thorough cleaning of the truck's cargo hold after unloading is vital to prevent contamination and maintain the quality of future shipments.
Company Operations
Dry bulk trucking companies rely on specialized tanks to transport goods like sand, clay, and plastic pellets. These tanks are typically metallic and cylinder-like in design.

The tanks have a series of manholes for easy loading of dry bulk goods. Hoppers at the bottom of the tanks make offloading simple.
Drivers transporting dry bulk goods need experience loading and unloading these specialty materials. In some cases, they may require specific training and certifications for hazardous materials.
A dry bulk trucking company must have cleaning practices and equipment to ensure all materials are removed from the pneumatic tank.
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Process
The dry bulk trucking process involves several key steps to ensure efficient and safe transport of loose materials. The process begins with loading dry bulk materials at the source, typically a manufacturing facility, mine, or storage silo.
Specialized equipment like conveyor belts or pneumatic systems loads the materials into the truck's cargo hold. This equipment is designed to handle a variety of materials, from grains to minerals.
To prevent shifting during transport, dry bulk materials must be securely fastened. This is a vital step for maintaining stability and safety on the road.

After loading and securing the materials, the truck starts its journey to the destination. The driver must follow specific routes and adhere to transportation regulations to ensure safety.
Upon arrival, the dry bulk truck is prepared for unloading. The unloading process varies depending on the type of material and the equipment used.
Here are the six key steps in the dry bulk trucking process:
- Loading
- Securing the Load
- Transport
- Unloading
- Cleaning
- Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the truck and specialized equipment is crucial to prevent breakdowns and ensure safe operation. Thorough cleaning of the truck's cargo hold is also vital to prevent contamination and maintain the quality of future shipments.
Equipment
A dry bulk trailer is shaped like a cylinder, which is ideal for storing and transporting dry materials.
The trailer is typically made of metal, providing durability and resistance to rust.
A series of holes on the trailer facilitate the loading and unloading of materials, making the process more efficient.
A vacuum unit, blowers, and hoses are usually fitted to the trailer, aiding in the offloading of materials into silos or other storage compartments.
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Requirements
To find a reliable dry bulk trucking company, you need to consider their requirements.
A legitimate dry bulk trucking company must be licensed to operate in the U.S. This is non-negotiable, as unlicensed companies are not legitimate and should be avoided.
Their geographical coverage is also crucial, as it determines the areas they can serve and the types of cargo they can transport.
Bulk Buying Benefits
Choosing a dedicated dry bulk trucking partner can save you time and money by transporting large quantities of materials like cement and fly ash without packaging them.
Our equipment and expertise ensure that materials can be hauled and delivered with maximum efficiency, thanks to trailers built especially for this purpose.
Working with a reliable partner like this can help you speed up your schedule and save money, which is especially important for projects with tight deadlines.
They take great pride in their abilities and strive to form long-term relationships with clients, giving them the best possible service and becoming an indispensable partner.
Licensing

Licensing is a crucial aspect of a dry bulk trucking company's legitimacy. A company must be licensed to operate in the U.S. to ensure it meets the necessary standards.
In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for issuing licenses to dry bulk trucking companies. Without proper licensing, a company is not legitimate and should be avoided.
A legitimate dry bulk trucking company will have a valid USDOT number and a Motor Carrier Number. These numbers are essential for compliance with federal regulations.
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Safety and Insurance
Safety and Insurance is a top priority when working with dry bulk trucking companies. A clean driving history and good safety record provide certainty about their ability to safely transport cargo.
Dry bulk trucking companies should carry liability insurance to protect against damage to property or people. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires most transportation companies to carry liability insurance, with coverage ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000 per truck, depending on the type of dry bulk being transported.
Cargo insurance is also essential to protect the value of what is being shipped. The FMCSA requires a minimum of $5,000 in freight coverage per vehicle, but you should ensure that the cargo coverage is enough to cover the value of your actual shipment.
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Safety Record
A good safety record is crucial when it comes to dry bulk trucking companies. This will give you certainty about their ability to safely transport cargo.
Having a clean driving history is essential, as it shows that the company's drivers are responsible and careful on the road. A good safety record is also a sign of a well-managed company that prioritizes the safety of its drivers and the public.
A company with a poor safety record may be more likely to have accidents, which can lead to costly claims and damage to your reputation. This can have long-term consequences for your business.
Dry bulk trucking companies with a good safety record often have lower insurance premiums, as they are seen as a lower risk. This can save you money in the long run.
Insurance
Insurance is a crucial aspect of dry bulk trucking, and it's essential to ensure that your chosen carrier has the necessary coverage.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires most transportation companies to carry liability insurance, with coverage ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000 per truck, depending on the type of dry bulk being transported.
A dry bulk trucking company should also carry cargo insurance to protect the value of what is being shipped. The FMCSA requires a minimum of $5,000 in freight coverage per vehicle.
You must ensure that the cargo coverage is enough to cover the value of your actual shipment.
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Customer Service
When choosing a dry bulk trucking company, it's essential to look for a company that prioritizes responsiveness and high-quality services. This can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
A company with a history of prioritizing responsiveness and high-quality services is likely to have a team that is attentive to your needs and concerns. They will be able to address any issues that arise in a timely and effective manner.

Look for companies that have a reputation for being reliable and dependable, with a proven track record of meeting their commitments. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your cargo is in good hands.
A company that prioritizes quality services is also likely to have a well-maintained fleet of trucks, which can reduce the risk of delays or damage to your cargo.
Challenges and Considerations
Dry bulk trucking companies face unique challenges that require extra attention to detail. Contamination is a major concern, as even small traces of a previous cargo can render an entire shipment unusable or unsafe.
Rigorous cleaning procedures between hauls and strict adherence to loading and unloading protocols are essential to prevent contamination. Specialized equipment, such as vacuum systems and blowers, are critical in keeping the tank clean.
Securing the right equipment for specific materials can be challenging due to the limited availability of specialized containers like hopper trailers for solids or pneumatic tankers for powders. These containers are expensive and less common than standard freight trailers.
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Challenges of

Dry bulk trucking presents several challenges that drivers and companies in this industry must address. One of the biggest challenges is the danger of contamination, which can render an entire shipment unusable or unsafe.
Preventing contamination requires rigorous cleaning procedures between hauls and strict adherence to loading and unloading protocols. This is crucial because even small traces of a previous cargo can be problematic.
Securing the right equipment for specific materials can be challenging due to the limited availability of dry bulk hauling containers. These specialized containers are expensive and less common than standard freight trailers.
Dry bulk drivers must be familiar with the unique handling characteristics of different materials and safety procedures for loading, unloading, and preventing contamination. This requires specialized training and knowledge.
The type of equipment needed for dry bulk transport depends on the material being hauled, which can be solids, powders, liquids, or gases. Acquiring and maintaining this specialized equipment can be costly.
Things to Consider

Dry bulk cargo is a unique challenge, and it's essential to consider the potential for contamination. Dry bulk goods are identical and unwrapped, making them prone to mixing with other goods.
Contamination can be costly and render the entire load worthless, so it's crucial to avoid it at all costs. Dry bulk trucking companies need to take extra precautions to ensure tanks are completely cleaned after each transport.
Specialized equipment, like vacuum systems and blowers, is critical for keeping tanks clean. These pieces of equipment make it possible to keep the tank clean and prevent contamination.
Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in dry bulk trucking, requiring specialized skills and knowledge to handle loose materials safely and efficiently.
Drivers should be skilled in the management of equipment found on pneumatic trailers, which is essential for transporting dry bulk goods.
Loading dry bulk goods evenly is critical to prevent damage and ensure a smooth transportation process.
Some loads may require drivers to ensure that the trailer is pressurized correctly to prevent the product from clogging the vehicle's pipes.
Hauling chemicals or other hazardous substances requires the completion of specific training courses and various certifications to ensure safety and compliance.
Sources
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