2024 Mastio LTL Carrier Rankings: Who’s on Top and Why It Matters

Every year, the Mastio & Company LTL Carrier Rankings tell us which carriers are doing the job well—and which ones are falling short.?

The 2024 results are in, and this year's rankings give us a look at who’s fast, who’s reliable, and who’s really worth the money…so let’s get into it in this week’s edition of #LetsTalkLogistics!

Here’s the lowdown on the top 5 carriers and what they actually bring to the table.

The Top 5 Ranked Carriers in 2024

1. Daylight Transport – #1 Overall

Daylight Transport may not be a household name like some bigger carriers, but they’ve secured the No. 1 spot overall by being faster and more damage-free than most others.?

They’re a super-regional carrier, meaning they handle shipments in a specific part of the country but do it pretty well. Their biggest strength is speed—if you need something moved quickly across a shorter distance, Daylight’s your go-to.

What They Do Well: Daylight focuses on faster transit times and does a good job keeping damage to a minimum, which is why shippers trust them for urgent freight. But don't expect coast-to-coast expertise; they're better in their specific regions.

Customer Perspective: Shippers like them because they get the job done fast without breaking stuff. They're not flashy, but they hit the target when it comes to speed.

2. Averitt Express – #2 Overall

After winning the top spot last year, Averitt Express has been bumped to second place overall in 2024.?

Averitt is a regional player, primarily focusing on the Southeast, and they’ve made a name for themselves by being dependable in their neck of the woods. They're not breaking any records for speed—but they’re consistent. And that counts for a lot when you’re moving freight.

Why They’re Solid: Averitt is known for being a steady, reliable partner in the Southeast. They show up on time, handle freight with care, and deal with customer problems efficiently. It’s not fancy, but it’s effective.

Customer Perspective: Shippers appreciate that Averitt is flexible when it comes to working with specific needs, but they also know you won't get the fastest service in the world. Averitt wins because they keep things simple and smooth in their regional lane.

3. Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) – #3 Overall (and #1 National Carrier)

ODFL is a big name and has held the top spot as the best National LTL Carrier for 14 years running. Even though they rank third overall, they’re still the go-to for national shipments that need to travel far and wide across the U.S.?

Old Dominion is dependable—if you need something to get from one coast to the other without a lot of hassle, ODFL will get it done.

Strengths: ODFL isn’t winning any speed races, but they’ve nailed the art of reliable, damage-free long-haul delivery. They’re one of the best when it comes to big shipments traveling long distances.

Customer Perspective: Shippers choose ODFL because they know the goods will arrive in one piece. Don’t expect miracles in terms of speed, but you can count on safe, reliable delivery.

4. Peninsula Truck Lines – #4 Overall

Peninsula Truck Lines ranks fourth overall and is a regional carrier known for serving the Pacific Northwest.?

They handle a lot of tricky deliveries in a part of the country where the terrain can be tough, and they do a decent job of getting it done. Peninsula isn’t trying to be the fastest, but they know how to navigate the region’s unique challenges.

Why They’re on the List: Peninsula wins by knowing their backyard well. They deal with rural deliveries, mountain routes, and bad weather better than many competitors, but they’re not much use outside their regional area.

Customer Perspective: Shippers in the Northwest trust Peninsula for handling tough deliveries. They’re not flashy, but they’re dependable if you’re shipping in that part of the country.

5. Dayton Freight – #5 Overall

Dayton Freight closes out the top 5, and they’ve built a solid reputation in the Midwest. They’re not a huge player nationally, but if you need something shipped across the Midwest, Dayton is a strong option.?

They’re reliable, affordable, and don’t tend to screw up the basics, which is more than you can say for some carriers.

What Works for Them: Dayton is good at getting things done right without causing problems. They aren’t trying to be the fastest or the cheapest, but they do their job well, which is enough for most shippers.

Customer Perspective: Midwest shippers like Dayton for their consistent performance and willingness to handle a variety of shipment sizes and needs. They’re not reinventing the wheel, but they don’t need to.

Complete 2024 Rankings

Here’s the full list of the top 10 LTL carriers ranked in Mastio’s 2024 survey:

1. Daylight Transport
2. Averitt Express
3. Old Dominion Freight Line
4. Peninsula Truck Lines
5. Dayton Freight
6. Southeastern Freight Lines
7. R+L Carriers
8. Estes Express Lines
9. XPO Logistics
10. Ward Trucking

What Makes a Carrier Worth It?

The top carriers in this year’s rankings aren’t necessarily the fastest or the cheapest, but they consistently show up when it matters. On-time delivery, low damage rates, and solid customer service are what set them apart.?

If you’re looking for a carrier that won’t overpromise and underdeliver, sticking with any of the top 5 is a safe bet.