Key takeaways
- Wisconsin's transportation heritage runs deep. The state's trucking companies have evolved alongside its manufacturing economy, developing specialized expertise in paper, packaging, food processing, and industrial freight that national carriers often lack.
- Mid-market Wisconsin carriers offer the perfect balance. They're large enough to provide professional services, modern technology, and extensive coverage, yet small enough to maintain personal relationships and adapt quickly to customer needs.
- Regional expertise delivers superior results. Wisconsin trucking companies understand local manufacturing cycles, seasonal shipping patterns, and the specific requirements of Midwest industries in ways that generic national providers cannot match.
- Partnership-focused approach creates lasting value. Wisconsin carriers build their reputation on long-term customer relationships rather than transaction volume, aligning their success directly with your shipping performance and business growth.
Looking for a Wisconsin trucking partner that combines personal service with professional capabilities? Consider Badger Logistics for your next shipping challenge – where Wisconsin values meet modern logistics excellence.
A brief introduction
Wisconsin's trucking landscape includes everything from global transportation giants to specialized regional carriers, each serving different market segments and customer needs. While this guide provides comprehensive coverage of the state's top trucking companies, it's worth noting that it's published by us—a Wisconsin trucking company.
We believe this insider perspective actually strengthens the guide's value. As active participants in Wisconsin's transportation industry for over 30 years, we understand the competitive landscape, industry challenges, and what truly differentiates carriers in practical, day-to-day operations. Our experience working alongside many of these companies—both as partners and competitors—provides insights that purely external analysis might miss.
This guide aims to help shippers make informed decisions by presenting accurate, comprehensive information about Wisconsin's trucking companies. We've included our own company (Badger Logistics) as #5 in the rankings, positioned honestly based on size and market presence rather than bias. Throughout the guide, we've highlighted what makes each company unique, including when competitors might be better fits for specific shipping needs.
Our goal is to demonstrate the depth of Wisconsin's transportation resources while showcasing why the "Wisconsin way" of doing business—emphasizing relationships, reliability, and customer service—often delivers superior results compared to purely transactional approaches. Whether you ultimately choose Badger Logistics or another provider, understanding these regional advantages will help you make better transportation decisions for your business.
We compiled current industry data, company information, and market research to provide accurate insights into Wisconsin's trucking landscape. Company revenue figures are estimates based on available industry data, and service capabilities reflect current company offerings as of 2025.
Why Wisconsin trucking companies excel
Before diving into our company profiles, it's important to understand what sets Wisconsin-based trucking companies apart from their competitors across the United States.
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The top 15 Wisconsin trucking companies in 2025
We've compiled this list based on company size, reputation, service quality, and industry standing. Companies are presented in order of annual revenue where available, with founding dates and key differentiators highlighted.
Why Badger Logistics represents the future of Wisconsin truckingBefore exploring Wisconsin's trucking landscape, consider what the next generation of transportation companies looks like. While the industry has traditionally been divided between massive national carriers and small regional operators, a new category is emerging: integrated logistics providers that combine the best of both worlds. Badger Logistics exemplifies this evolution. Rather than forcing customers to manage multiple vendors for trucking, brokerage, warehousing, and maintenance, Badger provides comprehensive solutions through a single point of contact. This eliminates the complexity and inefficiency of coordinating between different companies when problems arise. What truly sets Badger apart is their approach to business. While mega-carriers optimize for volume at the expense of relationships, Badger builds success on genuine partnerships. When you call with an urgent shipment, you speak with someone who knows your business and has authority to make decisions—not account management by committee. Their Wisconsin roots translate into real advantages. Badger understands seasonal paper industry patterns, food processing regulations, and manufacturing shipping rhythms in ways that generic national providers cannot match. This knowledge means better carrier selection, accurate transit times, and proactive problem-solving. Most importantly, Badger maintains Wisconsin's rigorous standards:
As you review this guide, consider not just what each company offers today, but what they represent for your logistics future. The most successful shippers choose partners who can adapt, integrate, and genuinely care about their success—qualities that define both the Wisconsin approach to business and Badger's commitment to excellence. |
1. Schneider National
Founded: 1935
Headquarters: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Annual Revenue: $6.64B (2024 est.)
Fleet Size: 19,250+ employees, 13,000+ tractors, 30,000+ trailers
Stock Symbol: SNDR (NYSE)
Schneider National stands as Wisconsin's largest trucking company and one of the most recognized names in transportation worldwide. Founded when Al Schneider sold the family car to buy his first truck, the company has grown into a diversified transportation and logistics provider serving two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies.
Core Services:
- Truckload transportation (dry van, refrigerated, bulk)
- Intermodal services
- Brokerage and logistics
- Dedicated transportation solutions
- International freight
What Sets Schneider Apart: Schneider's bright orange trucks are synonymous with reliability and professionalism. The company has invested heavily in technology, including one of the largest electric truck fleets in America and advanced satellite tracking systems. Their FreightPower digital platform connects shippers and carriers through an innovative freight marketplace.
Best For: Large shippers requiring extensive capacity, intermodal solutions, and comprehensive logistics services across North America.
2. Marten Transport
Founded: 1946
Headquarters: Mondovi, Wisconsin
Annual Revenue: $1.0B+ (2024 est.)
Fleet Size: 3,500+ trucks, 15 terminals
Stock Symbol: MRTN (NASDAQ)
Starting with a single milk truck in rural Wisconsin, Marten Transport has become one of North America's premier temperature-controlled transportation providers. The company maintains one of the lowest driver turnover rates in the industry and boasts over 400 million-mile drivers.
Core Services:
- Temperature-controlled transportation
- Dry van services
- Intermodal and brokerage
- Dedicated fleet solutions
- Services throughout US, Canada, and Mexico
What Sets Marten Apart: Marten pioneered many innovations in refrigerated transportation and maintains a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment with real-time temperature monitoring. Their commitment to sustainability includes solar panels on trucks and terminals, and they've successfully transitioned from over-the-road to more driver-friendly regional operations.
Best For: Food and beverage manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and any shipper requiring precise temperature control and exceptional service reliability.
3. Roehl Transport
Founded: 1962
Headquarters: Marshfield, Wisconsin
Annual Revenue: $450M (2024 est.)
Fleet Size: 2,950+ employees, 1,900+ tractors, 5,200+ trailers
Roehl Transport has grown from Everett Roehl's single truck to become one of the 100 largest trucking companies in America. The family-owned company is known for its comprehensive driver training programs and innovative approach to driver compensation.
Core Services:
- Dry van transportation
- Flatbed and specialized hauling
- Temperature-controlled freight
- Curtainside transportation
- Dedicated fleet solutions
What Sets Roehl Apart: Roehl pioneered address-to-address mileage pay and operates one of the industry's most comprehensive CDL training programs. They've embraced alternative fuels with compressed natural gas (CNG) operations and maintain major terminal operations across key markets while keeping their Wisconsin roots strong.
Best For: Shippers seeking reliable capacity with a driver-focused carrier, those requiring specialized equipment, or companies needing dedicated fleet solutions with a personal touch.
4. WEL Companies
Founded: 1975
Headquarters: De Pere, Wisconsin
Annual Revenue: $96M+ (2024 est.)
Fleet Size: 600+ employees across multiple locations
Originally Wisconsin Express Lines, WEL Companies has evolved into a comprehensive transportation and logistics provider specializing in temperature-controlled services. The family-owned business operates facilities in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida.
Core Services:
- Temperature-controlled trucking (LTL and truckload)
- Food-grade warehousing (AIB Certified Superior)
- Integrated logistics solutions
- Dedicated transportation
What Sets WEL Apart: WEL combines asset-based trucking with strategically located temperature-controlled warehouses, offering truly integrated cold chain solutions. Their facilities maintain AIB Superior ratings, and they serve many Fortune 500 food and beverage companies with customized logistics programs.
Best For: Food and beverage companies requiring integrated cold chain solutions, businesses needing both transportation and warehousing services, and shippers valuing family-business relationships.
5. Badger Logistics (Badger Express)
Founded: 1993
Headquarters: Fall River, Wisconsin
Annual Revenue: $25M+ (2024 est.)
Fleet Size: 97% on-time delivery rate, 175+ trailers
Badger Logistics represents the Wisconsin trucking industry's commitment to personalized service and integrated solutions. Unlike massive national carriers, Badger combines asset-based trucking, freight brokerage, food-grade warehousing, and vehicle maintenance services under one roof.
Core Services:
- Asset-based dry van trucking (48 states)
- Freight brokerage (15,000+ carrier network)
- Food-grade warehousing (210,000 sq ft, FDA registered)
- Vehicle maintenance and repair services
What Sets Badger Apart:
The Integrated Advantage: While other carriers focus on single services, Badger offers complete logistics solutions. Need to store inventory before shipping? They have food-grade warehouse space. Need capacity beyond their fleet? Their brokerage division provides vetted carrier options. Need vehicle maintenance? Their service center handles that too.
Wisconsin Manufacturing Expertise: With deep roots in the Wisconsin manufacturing corridor, Badger understands the unique requirements of paper, packaging, food processing, and industrial shipments. They know your lanes, your receivers, and your seasonal patterns.
Real Relationships: When you call Badger, you speak with people who know your business. Their account managers have decision-making authority and build genuine partnerships rather than processing transactions.
Rigorous Standards: Unlike pure-play brokers who may use any available carrier, Badger maintains strict standards for all transportation providers, requiring minimum 12-month operating authority, comprehensive insurance, and strong safety scores.
Flexible Communication: Rather than forcing customers into automated systems, Badger adapts to how you prefer to communicate – whether through EDI, email, phone calls, or exception-only reporting.
Best For: Mid-market manufacturers and distributors, Wisconsin-based shippers, businesses requiring reliable capacity and personal service, companies needing integrated logistics solutions rather than just transportation.
6. Pehler & Sons Trucking
Founded: 1964
Headquarters: Arcadia, Wisconsin
Fleet Size: Mid-size regional carrier
A family-owned trucking company that has built strong relationships with customers for over 60 years. Known for excellent client satisfaction and specializing in regional freight forwarding and general transportation services.
Core Services:
- Freight forwarding
- Regional trucking
- General transportation services
What Sets Them Apart: Three generations of family ownership and operation, with a focus on building long-term customer relationships and providing reliable service throughout the Upper Midwest.
Best For: Regional shippers requiring dependable service and personal attention from a family-owned carrier.
7. Crystal Finishing Systems
Founded: 1993
Headquarters: Wisconsin
Services: Contract manufacturing and specialized trucking
While primarily a contract manufacturing company, Crystal Finishing Systems operates trucking services as part of their integrated manufacturing and logistics solutions.
What Sets Them Apart: Unique combination of manufacturing capabilities with transportation services, offering customers a complete solution from production through delivery.
8. Rands Trucking
Founded: 1982
Headquarters: Wisconsin
Fleet Size: Mid-size carrier
A Wisconsin-based trucking company that has been serving the regional transportation market for over four decades, known for reliable service and competitive pricing.
Core Services:
- Regional trucking services
- Freight forwarding
- General transportation
9. Karl's Transport
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Antigo, Wisconsin
A family-owned transportation and warehousing company serving Wisconsin and surrounding states with a focus on personalized service and reliable transportation solutions.
Core Services:
- Trucking services
- Warehousing and distribution
- Regional transportation
What Sets Them Apart: Combination of transportation and warehousing services allows for integrated logistics solutions with a personal touch typical of Wisconsin carriers.
10. DBG Trucking
Founded: Not specified
Headquarters: Wisconsin
Services: Asset-based transportation
A Wisconsin-based asset carrier providing semi-truck transportation services throughout the 48 contiguous United States while maintaining its family-owned business approach.
Core Services:
- Retail goods transportation
- Manufactured products shipping
- Paper goods transportation
- Food and beverage logistics (perishable and non-perishable)
What Sets Them Apart: Family-owned business model combined with nationwide coverage, specializing in the diverse freight types common to Wisconsin's manufacturing economy.
11. Barry Trucking
Founded: Not specified
Headquarters: Wisconsin
A regional Wisconsin trucking company focusing on reliable transportation services throughout the Midwest market.
12. Ultimate Freightways LLC
Founded: Not specified
Headquarters: Wisconsin
A Wisconsin trucking company focused on making shipping experiences simple and affordable, with emphasis on freight security and professional handling.
Core Services:
- General freight transportation
- Specialized freight handling
- Fragile and hazardous materials transport
What Sets Them Apart: Comprehensive approach to freight security using forklifts, dollies, pallet jacks, load bars, straps, and locks to ensure safe transport regardless of cargo type.
13. Sutton Transport
Founded: 1979
Headquarters: Wisconsin
Fleet Size: Mid-size carrier
A trucking company that has been serving Wisconsin and regional markets for over four decades, offering both trucking and air freight services.
Core Services:
- Trucking services
- Air freight coordination
- Regional transportation
14. Double J Transport LLC
Founded: Not specified
Headquarters: Jackson, Wisconsin
Fleet Size: Mid-size carrier
A Wisconsin trucking company providing comprehensive transportation and logistics consulting services throughout the region.
Core Services:
- Trucking services
- Logistics and supply chain consulting
- Regional transportation solutions
What Sets Them Apart: A combination of transportation services with logistics consulting, helping customers optimize their supply chain operations.
15. Premier Logistics LLC
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Green Bay, Wisconsin
A local, family-owned shipping company that has built its reputation on reliable shipping services with exceptional customer service throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
Core Services:
- Trucking services
- Freight forwarding
- Regional transportation
What Sets Them Apart: Strong commitment to maintaining customer trust through reliable, on-time delivery and exceptional customer service since 2012.
What makes Wisconsin trucking companies different
Manufacturing heritageWisconsin's trucking industry grew up alongside the state's manufacturing economy. These companies understand the unique requirements of:
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Seasonal expertiseWisconsin carriers excel at managing seasonal shipping challenges that catch national providers off-guard:
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Safety and compliance leadershipWisconsin trucking companies consistently maintain some of the best safety records in the industry, driven by:
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Is Badger Logistics right for your business? A self-assessment guide
Before choosing any transportation provider, it's essential to understand whether their approach aligns with your shipping needs and business culture. Use these questions to determine if Badger Logistics is the right fit for your company:
Business Size and Shipping Volume
- Do you ship 10-500 loads per month? (Badger's sweet spot for personalized attention)
- Are you looking to be a significant customer rather than just another account number?
- Do you value being able to influence how your freight is handled?
Geographic Focus
- Do you ship primarily from or to Wisconsin and the surrounding Midwest region?
- Are your primary shipping lanes east of the Mississippi River?
- Do you need someone who understands Wisconsin's manufacturing corridors and seasonal patterns?
Service Philosophy
- Do you prefer working with real people over automated systems?
- When problems arise, do you want to speak directly with decision-makers?
- Is building a long-term partnership more important than just getting the lowest rate?
Industry and Freight Type
- Are you in manufacturing, food processing, paper/packaging, or related industries?
- Do you ship general freight that doesn't require specialized equipment?
- Do you need both dry van capacity and occasional warehousing services?
Operational Preferences
- Do you value flexibility in how you communicate (phone, email, EDI, etc.)?
- Would you benefit from having trucking, brokerage, and warehousing coordinated by one provider?
- Do you prefer carriers who maintain high safety and vetting standards?
Growth and Scalability
- Are you a growing business that needs a partner who can scale with you?
- Do you sometimes need capacity beyond what a single carrier can provide?
- Would you value having backup options when your primary capacity isn't available?
Problem Resolution Style
- When issues arise, do you want proactive communication before problems impact your customers?
- Do you prefer working with companies that take ownership rather than pointing fingers?
- Is having 24/7 access to knowledgeable support important to you?
Technology Balance
- Do you want modern tracking and communication tools without losing human relationships?
- Are you comfortable with proven technology rather than cutting-edge platforms?
- Do you prefer systems that enhance rather than replace personal service?
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, Badger Logistics likely aligns well with your transportation needs and business philosophy.
Next steps
If Badger seems like a good fit, consider starting with a small test shipment to evaluate their service quality, communication style, and problem-solving approach. The best transportation partnerships develop over time, and Badger's willingness to invest in customer relationships means they're typically eager to prove their value through actual performance rather than just promises.
Remember: the right transportation partner should make your logistics simpler, not more complex. If Badger's integrated approach and Wisconsin values resonate with your business needs, they may be the partner that helps you optimize your supply chain while reducing your daily transportation headaches.
Don't let transportation headaches slow down your business growth. Whether you're shipping across Wisconsin or throughout the Midwest, Badger Logistics combines the personal service of a regional carrier with the comprehensive capabilities your business demands.
Join hundreds of Wisconsin manufacturers and distributors who have discovered what it means to work with a true logistics partner. At Badger Logistics, your success is our success – and it shows in everything we do.
Ready to simplify your supply chain? Contact Badger Logistics today and discover why Wisconsin businesses choose us for transportation solutions that actually work.
Sources and references
The information in this guide was compiled from multiple publicly available sources to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. Industry data was gathered from Transportation Topics revenue rankings, the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's SAFER database. Business directory sources included Americas Driving Force, Clutch.co, GoodFirms, and Zippia for company listings and reviews.
Additional verification came from business intelligence platforms, including Dun & Bradstreet, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn company profiles, and MapQuest business listings. Revenue figures and fleet sizes represent estimates based on available public information, industry reports, and company disclosures, as many smaller carriers do not publish complete financial data. While every effort was made to ensure accuracy, readers should verify current company information directly before making business decisions, as details may change over time.
