I ranked the top flatbed carriers in Cincinnati based on verified broker and shipper reviews from CarrierSource. I looked at every flatbed carrier within 50 miles of the city with at least five verified reviews, then ranked them by star rating and review volume.
Cincinnati sits right at the crossing point of I-75, I-71, and I-70, which makes it one of the busiest flatbed corridors in the Midwest. When a shipper searches for flatbed carriers here, they are usually moving steel, building materials, or machinery on a schedule that does not have much room for error. I built this list with that shipper in mind: carriers who show up with the right tarps and chains, communicate through the trip, and get paperwork back fast.
Below are my top 10 picks, each backed by real reviews and fleet data, or if you'd prefer to browse the full list and filter by your own criteria, you can do that directly on CarrierSource.
"This team is second to none and a great team to work with overall. The numerous times we have worked with this team, they have yet to burn us and are always on point. Great communication to boot!" — Verified Broker, OH
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.93/5 (6 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
31 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Fairfield, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
164040 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Osborne operates as part of the Osborne Logistics Group, running its own trucks and trailers within roughly a 600-mile radius of Greater Cincinnati while leaning on a network of vetted owner-operators for anything beyond that reach. That combination gives shippers the accountability of an asset-based carrier with the flexibility to cover lanes a smaller fleet would have to turn down.
Best for: Regional flatbed freight moving out of the Cincinnati-Dayton corridor where a shipper wants one point of contact who can also flex into national capacity when needed.
"Carrier checked in on time at pickup and delivery. They were responsive via email and phone. We knew where the truck was at all times. Dispatch was professional. Great work by City Dash." — Verified Broker, FL
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.92/5 (10 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
23 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Cincinnati, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
572216 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: City Dash owns its entire fleet outright, and that ownership shows up in the reviews. Brokers consistently mention knowing exactly where a load stands and getting dispatchers who pick up the phone, which is the kind of basic reliability that gets a Cincinnati-based carrier repeat business.
Best for: Shippers who want a local Cincinnati carrier with tight visibility on every load and no third-party equipment to worry about.
"Carrier has been with us for 20 years! Over the time, they have completed some very complex loads for us and have always done superb. Would highly recommend." — Verified Broker, OR
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.91/5 (9 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
106 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Cincinnati, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
3395433 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Gateway Distribution has been operating out of Cincinnati since 1989, growing from a one-truck LTL consolidator into a 106-truck fleet. The reviews point to a carrier that is comfortable handling complex freight and last-minute changes, and one broker specifically noted a 20-year working relationship built on consistency.
Best for: Shippers with irregular flatbed needs or freight that requires a carrier willing to adjust on short notice.
"This team hauled more than a few loads of mulch for us this year and they do a great job! If you are in need of any flatbed work, these are your people." — Verified Broker, OH
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.90/5 (12 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
210 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Cincinnati, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
3139125 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Aravan Cargo runs one of the larger fleets on this list at 210 power units, and its reviews back up that scale with mentions of running over 200 loads for a single broker without an issue. One reviewer called them out by name for flatbed mulch loads, which is a good signal for shippers specifically hunting for flatbed capacity rather than dry van.
Best for: Shippers who need a large fleet that can absorb recurring volume without capacity gaps.
"Trust this carrier with any load I put them on. Never any issue. They're not the cheapest, so we don't win as much business together as I'd like, but when we do, they execute." — Verified Broker, KS
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.89/5 (9 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
168 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Middletown, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
384170 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Ohio Transport has been running since 1988 and operates a national network of drivers and carrier partners out of Middletown, about 24 miles from Cincinnati. The standout review here is refreshingly honest: this broker admits Ohio Transport does not win business on price, but trusts them completely with the loads they do book.
Best for: Shippers who prioritize execution and reliability over chasing the cheapest rate on the lane.
"Carrier has leased on drivers. They get to book their own freight. Usually drivers are very professional and courteous. Sometimes you get some not so great ones in the mix too. Dispatch is always easy to get a hold of and reply back to emails fairly quickly. We would highly recommend." — Verified Broker, OR
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.89/5 (6 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
146 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Cincinnati, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
81361 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Ace Doran traces its roots back to the early 1900s, when it hauled ice and coal around Cincinnati by horse-drawn carriage. Today the fleet is built entirely on owner-operators, which the reviewer above candidly points out means some variation in individual driver polish, but consistently easy dispatch. That is the kind of honest, mixed-but-positive feedback that tells you what to actually expect.
Best for: Shippers who value a carrier with deep flatbed and specialized-hauling roots and don't mind driver-to-driver variation in exchange for dependable dispatch.
7. Steve Robertson Trucking LLC: Small Fleet, Flexible on Pickup Windows
"Carrier was able to cover a last second load for us and deliver to Indy first thing the next day. The driver texted me directly letting me know that the product was loaded successfully and sent picture of BOL. They submitted POD's within 24hrs of delivery." — Verified Broker, KY
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.78/5 (12 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
12 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Hamilton, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
604692 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: This 12-truck fleet out of Hamilton punches above its size. Reviewers repeatedly mention drivers who show up early, communicate directly by text, and get paperwork back fast, which matters a lot when you are relying on a smaller carrier instead of a large network.
Best for: Shippers with time-sensitive or last-second flatbed loads who want a hands-on, small-fleet carrier that answers directly.
8. 2 B Custom Logistics LLC: Woman-Owned Carrier With Decades of Experience
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.73/5 (5 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
8 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Greendale, IN |
| 📋 DOT Number |
3370079 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: 2 B Custom Logistics is a woman-owned carrier based just across the river in Greendale, Indiana, with more than 40 years of combined experience behind it. CarrierSource shows five approved reviews for this eight-truck fleet, all rated highly, though none currently include written feedback, so this entry leans on their consistent star ratings and long track record in the market rather than a quoted review.
Best for: Shippers near the Ohio-Indiana line looking for a smaller, experienced carrier with a strong rating history.
"Expedited freight was handled correctly. Consistent tracking and great communication. We had no issues during the transit; it was delivered promptly and in great condition." — Verified Broker, IN
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.70/5 (6 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
116 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Cincinnati, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
540855 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Total Package Express has run out of Cincinnati since 1993 and built its network around freight like metal sheets, coils and rolls, building materials, and produce, exactly the kind of commodities that move flatbed. The fleet covers the lower 48 and Ontario through an established terminal network, which gives it more geographic reach than most carriers this size.
Best for: Shippers moving metal, building materials, or produce who need a carrier with a built-out terminal network beyond just Cincinnati.
"I am glad I found this carrier; they were very solid and easy to work with. The driver gave excellent and good with updates, on-time delivery. This is definitely a carrier to use again and again. I hope to use them more soon." — Verified Broker, NH
| ⭐ Star Rating |
4.66/5 (17 reviews) |
| 🚛 Fleet Size |
533 trucks |
| 📍 Headquarters |
Fairfield, OH |
| 📋 DOT Number |
2365671 |
| 🔗 Profile |
View on CarrierSource |
What stands out: Sultan Trans is the largest fleet on this list by far at 533 power units, and most of its 17 reviews describe a responsive, dependable operation handling everything from construction materials to temperature-sensitive freight.
Best for: Shippers who need heavy capacity on construction or perishable freight.
Additional Top-Rated Carriers with Terminals in Cincinnati
These carriers aren't headquartered in Cincinnati, but they operate terminal locations within 50 miles, giving them a strong local presence for pickups and deliveries in the area. They meet the same review and safety thresholds as the ranked carriers above.
| Carrier |
⭐ Rating (out of 5) |
🚛 Fleet Size |
Overview |
| Doug Bradley Trucking Inc |
5.00 (6 reviews) |
100 |
A Kansas-based family carrier running since 1973 with five terminal locations across the Midwest and Great Plains. |
| Dd&S Express Inc |
4.98 (7 reviews) |
105 |
A Maryland carrier specializing in over-dimensional commodities and super loads across the US, Canada, and Mexico. |
| Exxact Transport |
4.97 (7 reviews) |
91 |
A family-owned Florida carrier that recently opened a Dayton, Ohio terminal to extend its Southeast network into the region. |
| Mercer Transportation Company Inc |
4.90 (19 reviews) |
1605 |
One of the nation's largest flatbed, heavy-specialized, and dry van carriers, headquartered in nearby Louisville. |
| ABF Freight System Inc |
4.88 (10 reviews) |
4604 |
A century-old, nationally scaled LTL carrier with over 240 service centers across North America. |
| ITF Group LLC |
4.86 (30 reviews) |
439 |
A Missouri-based logistics carrier built around a hub-and-spoke network for high-volume freight. |
| Eastern Express Inc |
4.70 (14 reviews) |
702 |
An Indiana flatbed specialist with more than 30 years of experience running freight across the US, Canada, and Mexico. |
| Beemac Trucking |
3.91 (11 reviews) |
525 |
A Pennsylvania-based asset carrier offering trucking, logistics, port, and warehousing services across North America. |
How I Picked These Carriers
I started by pulling every flatbed carrier within 50 miles of Cincinnati with at least five verified reviews on CarrierSource, then ranked them by star rating first and review volume as the tiebreaker. That review-count minimum matters: a carrier with a perfect score on two reviews tells you a lot less than one with a 4.9 average across a dozen or more shippers and brokers.
From there, I read through the actual review text for each carrier rather than just the aggregate score, looking specifically for feedback tied to flatbed work like tarping, securement, and heavy or oversized freight. Where a carrier's reviews were mostly about dry van or reefer service, I still included them if their flatbed rating and fleet data held up, but I noted that in the write-up so you know what the reviews are actually describing.
I also ran a separate search for carriers headquartered outside the 50-mile radius but with a terminal location inside it, since those carriers still have real operational presence in the Cincinnati market even though their home office is elsewhere. That's the additional table below the main rankings.
FAQ
What should I look for in a flatbed carrier in Cincinnati?
The most important factors are equipment condition, securement expertise, and communication. A flatbed carrier needs enough tarps, chains, straps, and edge protectors on hand to run the load correctly the first time, and the driver should be comfortable with the specific securement method your freight requires, whether that is steel, machinery, building materials, or oversized equipment. Cincinnati sits at the crossing point of I-75, I-71, and I-70, so carriers based in or near the city typically have easy access to lanes running north, south, and east to west, which matters for on-time pickup. Look for a carrier with a track record of consistent tracking updates and fast paperwork turnaround, since flatbed freight often has tighter delivery windows tied to construction schedules or production lines.
Do flatbed carriers provide their own tarps and securement equipment?
Most established flatbed carriers supply their own tarps, chains, straps, and load bars as part of standard service, but the coverage and quantity can vary by carrier and by load type. Oversized or irregularly shaped freight sometimes requires specialty tarps or additional securement points that not every carrier stocks. It is worth confirming tarp availability and securement capability before booking, especially for loads that need lumber tarps, machinery tarps, or coil racks, since a carrier showing up without the right equipment can turn into a costly delay.
How does winter weather affect flatbed capacity around Cincinnati?
Flatbed freight is more exposed to weather delays than van or reefer freight because tarping and securement take longer in snow, ice, or high winds, and drivers need extra time to safely check and re-tighten straps during a trip. Capacity around Cincinnati tends to tighten from late fall through early spring as carriers slow down for weather and as construction-driven freight volumes shift. Shippers moving flatbed loads in winter months should build in extra lead time when booking and confirm a carrier's comfort level with cold-weather securement before the freight is on the dock.
What kinds of freight typically move flatbed instead of dry van?
Flatbed trailers are used for freight that is too large, too heavy, or too irregularly shaped to load through the back doors of a dry van, or that needs to be loaded and unloaded from the side or top with a crane or forklift. Common examples include steel coils and beams, lumber and building materials, construction and agricultural equipment, pipe, and palletized freight that exceeds standard van height or width limits. Freight that needs to stay dry or temperature controlled, or that consists of loose or small parcels, is generally better suited to a dry van or reefer trailer instead.
What should I ask before booking a new flatbed carrier for the first time?
Ask about the specific equipment they will bring for your load type, how many trucks they can commit to your lane, and how they handle tracking and check calls during transit. It also helps to ask directly about experience with your commodity, since securing steel coils is a different skill set than tarping lumber or hauling oversized machinery. Confirming insurance coverage, expected transit time, and paperwork turnaround up front reduces the chance of surprises once the freight is moving.
What should I expect to pay for flatbed freight out of Cincinnati?
Flatbed rates out of Cincinnati generally run higher than dry van rates on the same lane because of the added securement work, specialized equipment, and typically smaller pool of available trucks. Rates fluctuate with fuel costs, seasonal construction demand, and how far the freight is traveling from the region's major interstate corridors. Getting a handful of quotes from carriers with real flatbed experience on your specific commodity is the most reliable way to gauge a fair market rate for your lane.
Find the Right Carrier for Your Lane
These 10 carriers are a strong starting point if you're moving flatbed freight into or out of Cincinnati, but they aren't the only options in the market. If your lane, commodity, or timeline calls for something more specific, you can search CarrierSource's full directory and filter by exactly what you need.
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