KLLM Transport Services
KLLM Transport Services is a privately held, Mississippi-based temperature-controlled truckload carrier operating one of the largest refrigerated fleets in North America (2,500 tractors, 3,500 reefers), serving enterprise shippers of perishable food, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce grocery goods across the U.S. and into Mexico.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1962
- HeadquartersRichland, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What KLLM Transport Services does
KLLM Transport Services is a privately held, temperature-controlled truckload carrier headquartered in Richland/Jackson, Mississippi, founded in 1962. The company operates one of the largest refrigerated trucking fleets in North America, comprising 2,500 tractors, 3,500 refrigerated trailers (53' microprocessor-controlled reefers), and approximately 610 intermodal containers, delivering more than 250,000 shipments per year across the 48 contiguous states and into/out of Mexico via its Laredo, TX terminal. KLLM reports a 98% on-time delivery rate and a 0.20 accident frequency per million miles, and was the first nationwide temperature-controlled carrier to deploy fleet-wide satellite communications, with the entire fleet linked through the Omnitracs network.
The company generates revenue through multiple service lines: Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, Dedicated, Expedited Teams, Intermodal, Logistics (brokerage backed by 10,000+ carriers), and Equipment Rental & Sales via sister company Equipment Solutions. Its customer base centers on enterprise shippers of perishable goods across food and beverage (named dedicated accounts include Tyson and Kraft), pharmaceutical cold-chain, and e-commerce grocery. KLLM also operates a captive driver ecosystem through the KLLM Driving Academy (Jackson, MS and Lancaster, TX), a no-down-payment lease-purchase program, a Million Mile loyalty program, and a Veterans program, supported by three major waves of driver compensation increases in 2018, 2020, and 2022 (the last raising OTR company driver CPM by ~33%).
Subsidiaries include Quest Global Inc. (acquired 2022, rebranded KLLM Expedited Services), Frozen Food Express (LTL), and Koolshot Expedited (same-day expedited). The company is led by President & CEO James M. Richards, Jr. (35 years), with a tenured executive bench averaging 25+ years of industry experience. CEO/management-controlled ownership, no disclosed PE/VC backing, and a diversified but asset-heavy operating model position KLLM as a legacy, founder-led specialist in a US refrigerated trucking market projected to grow from $30.77B in 2025 to $44.2B by 2031 (6.23% CAGR).
KLLM Transport Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KLLM Transport Services
- Legal name
- KLLM, Transportation
- Website
- https://kllm.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1962
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- KLLM Transport Services is a privately held, Mississippi-based temperature-controlled truckload carrier operating one of the largest refrigerated fleets in North America (2,500 tractors, 3,500 reefers), serving enterprise shippers of perishable food, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce grocery goods across the U.S. and into Mexico.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KLLM Transport Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Refrigerated Trucking Services
- NAICS
- Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance (484230), Specialized Freight Trucking (4842), Truck Transportation (484), Support Activities for Transportation (488)
- SIC
- Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210), Trucking (No Local) (4213), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Refrigerated (Temp-Controlled) TL Carriers (TLADADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Reefer Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) & Multi-Stop Distribution (TLADAHAB)
Keywords
Where KLLM Transport Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Richland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
KLLM Transport Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Truckload Transportation Services: Core revenue stream from temperature-controlled truckload transportation including OTR, Regional, Dedicated, and Expedited Team services. Revenue generated per mile through company drivers or independent contractors.
- Logistics Services: Third-party logistics services providing additional capacity across multiple modes and equipment types. Leverages extensive carrier network of 10,000+ fleets for truckload, LTL, flatbed, intermodal, and expedited services.
- Equipment Rental & Sales: Trailer leasing and rentals through sister company Equipment Solutions, including dry-vans, reefers, and flatbeds. Also sells used equipment from operating inventory.
- Driver Contracting (Lease Purchase): Independent contractor lease-purchase program where drivers lease trucks with no down payment, no credit check, and $1 buyout at end of lease. Generates revenue through truck payments and contracted services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | OTR Company Driver: 55-65 CPM based on experience with paid earned time off |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | OTR Team Company Driver: 65-70 CPM based on experience |
| Hybrid | Weekly | Southeast Regional Company Driver: $1,700/week guaranteed minimum or 60-80 CPM |
| Hybrid | Weekly | Midwest Regional Company Driver: $1,825/week guaranteed minimum or 60-85 CPM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dedicated Company Driver: 55-60 CPM based on experience |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dedicated (East of I-35): 62-72 CPM based on experience |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Expedited Team Driver Package 1: 82-87 CPM with guaranteed minimum weekly pay |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Expedited Team Driver Package 2: 72-77 CPM with paid earned time off |
| Subscription | Weekly | Local Intermodal Driver: $28.50-$31.50/hour based on shift |
| Subscription | Weekly | Lease Purchase: No down payment, no credit check, $1 buyout |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Driving Academy Training: Free with 12-month contract commitment |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
KLLM Transport Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KLLM Transport Services operates a temperature-controlled (refrigerated) truckload transportation network across the 48 contiguous United States with cross-border service into Mexico via Laredo, TX. Its core services include Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal, Expedited Teams, and Logistics (brokerage) built around a fleet of 2,500 tractors, 3,500 refrigerated trailers, and 610 intermodal containers. KLLM also runs a Class-A CDL Driving Academy, an asset tracking platform, and a sister-company equipment leasing business (Equipment Solutions).
Product overview
KLLM Transport Services operates as a temperature-controlled truckload carrier offering a comprehensive transportation service portfolio. The core offerings include Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, Dedicated, Expedited Teams, Intermodal, and Logistics services, all leveraging their fleet of 2,500 tractors and 3,500 refrigerated trailers. Supporting these core services are specialized programs including KLLM Driving Academy for CDL training, the Asset Tracking System for customer shipment visibility, the Million Mile Program for driver retention, Lease Purchase Program for independent contractors, and KLLM Expedited Services (acquired from Quest Global). The company also operates a merchandise store (KLLM Store) and provides equipment rental and sales through sister-company Equipment Solutions. The integrated service model enables KLLM to offer complete supply chain solutions from truckload to intermodal to dedicated fleet management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KLLM Expedited Services: Expedited, team-driven temperature-controlled shipping services from the Cartersville, GA location formerly operated as Quest Global Inc.
- Frozen Food Express
- Koolshot Expedited
Products and services
- Over-the-Road (OTR) Temperature-Controlled Truckload Temperature-controlled truckload transportation service operating throughout the lower 48 states with service into and out of Mexico via Laredo, TX. Fleet includes 2,500 tractors and 3,500 refrigerated trailers with microprocessor-controlled refrigeration units, targeting enterprise shippers of perishable goods.
- Regional Temperature-Controlled Trucking Regional transportation services with fleets domiciled in Burns Harbor, IN (Chicago) and Cartersville, GA (Atlanta). Provides consistent capacity and on-time deliveries with regional drivers familiar with routing requirements for perishable goods.
- Dedicated Temperature-Controlled Trucking Dedicated fleet services providing predictable transportation costs through fleet management optimization and private fleet conversion. Offers yard management, power-only options, and complete fleet operations including equipment, drivers, and operations staff for large brand owners.
- Expedited Teams Temperature-controlled expedited team service between the Southeast U.S. and West Coast with less than three-day transit times. Provides 24/7 operations, frozen and full temperature-controlled capacity including ice cream, with reliable on-time performance.
- Intermodal Temperature-Controlled Shipping Asset-based intermodal capacity solutions with 3,500 53-foot intermodal trailers and 1,010 containers. Provides frozen and full temperature-controlled shipping competitive with single-driver OTR service, with drayage by KLLM company drivers.
- Logistics Services (Third-Party Brokerage) Logistics services providing additional capacity across multiple modes and equipment types. Leverages an extensive carrier base of more than 10,000 fleets and transportation expertise for truckload, LTL, expedited, and specialized services.
- Equipment Rental & Sales Trailer leasing and rentals nationwide through sister-company Equipment Solutions, including dry-vans, reefers, and flatbeds. Also sells used equipment from operating inventory maintained above industry standards.
- KLLM Driving Academy Fully accredited Class-A CDL training school with locations in Jackson, MS and Lancaster, TX. Offers 22-day Class-A CDL course (18 days for permit holders) and 9-day refresher course with tuition scholarship covering all costs for students who sign a one-year driving contract with KLLM.
- KLLM Expedited Services Expedited, team-driven temperature-controlled shipping operation acquired from Quest Global Inc. Continues to operate from Cartersville, GA, providing nationwide expedited temperature-controlled shipping services.
- Asset Tracking System Customer-facing tool allowing KLLM-affiliated customers to manage orders and preview associated documentation. Provides shipment tracking and documentation access.
- Million Mile Program Driver rewards program for longevity, safety, and loyalty. Million-Milers receive higher pay (additional .02 cents per mile), unique tractors with upgraded packages, satellite TV, microwave, refrigerator, annual banquet recognition, and $2,000 shopping spree in company store.
- Lease Purchase Program Independent contractor program allowing drivers to lease a tractor with no down payment, no credit check, and $1 buyout at end of lease. Features low weekly payments, choice of 2022-2023 Freightliner Cascadia tractors, no mileage penalties, and fuel surcharge on all compensated miles.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% on-time delivery rate
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use KLLM Transport Services
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
KLLM Transport Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature6 records
KLLM Transport Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Quest Global Inc.coreKLLM acquired Quest Global Inc., a refrigerated transporter located in Cartersville, GA. The expedited, team-driven temperature-controlled operation continues to run from Cartersville and is branded as KLLM Expedited Services. This acquisition enhances KLLM's premium service offerings with expedited, temperature-controlled shipping nationwide.
- Hinds Community CollegecorePartnership with Hinds Community College to operate the KLLM Driving Academy in Jackson, MS. The program provides CDL-A training with scholarship coverage and apprenticeship certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. Hinds provides tutors, facilities, and coordination with the Mississippi National Guard for the truck driving apprenticeship program. Students receive CDL-A, DOL certification, and full scholarship upon completion.
- Equipment SolutionscoreKLLM's sister company provides trailer leasing and rentals nationwide, including dry-vans, reefers, and flatbeds. Also sells used equipment from KLLM's operating inventory that has been maintained above industry standards. Provides cost-effective capacity solutions for short-term, seasonal, or long-term transportation needs.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
KLLM Transport Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Schneider National: Schneider National is one of the largest US truckload carriers operating intermodal, dedicated, refrigerated, and logistics services at scale; its reefer division competes directly with KLLM for enterprise cold-chain contracts while serving a much broader freight portfolio.
- Knight-Swift Transportation: Knight-Swift is the largest US truckload carrier with a sizable refrigerated division (via the 2021 AAA Cooper / Midwest Motor Express heritage) that overlaps with KLLM in temperature-controlled LTL and TL freight.
- CRST International: CRST operates one of the largest US TL fleets with dedicated, expedited, and refrigerated service lines, intersecting with KLLM across multiple service offerings and customer segments.
- Heartland Express: Heartland Express and its subsidiary CFI operate irregular route TL capacity including temperature-controlled freight, giving it overlap with KLLM on refrigerated lanes while remaining predominantly a general freight carrier.
- Werner Enterprises: Werner Enterprises is a large publicly traded TL and dedicated carrier with dedicated and temperature-controlled offerings; it competes with KLLM in dedicated and refrigerated capacity while operating far broader dry-van and final-mile services.
Direct peers
- Prime Inc. Prime Inc. is a major private refrigerated and flatbed truckload carrier with a comparable mix of refrigerated and expedited team services plus an in-house driver training program analogous to KLLM's Driving Academy.
- Dart Transit Company: Dart Transit is a privately held refrigerated and flatbed TL carrier with nationwide service and dedicated fleet operations, closely matching KLLM's refrigerated + dedicated positioning.
- Marten Transport: Marten Transport is a publicly traded TL carrier with a significant refrigerated intermodal and OTR reefer business, serving many of the same food and CPG shippers targeted by KLLM.
- Hirschbach Motor Lines: Hirschbach is one of the largest US temperature-controlled truckload carriers, offering refrigerated OTR, dedicated, and intermodal service with a fleet roughly comparable to KLLM's, making it the closest pure-play reefer peer.
- K&B Transportation: K&B Transportation is a large refrigerated truckload carrier focused primarily on reefer OTR and dedicated service, directly overlapping with KLLM's core product set and food-industry customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
KLLM Transport Services social profiles
Digital presenceKLLM Transport Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KLLM Transport Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
KLLM Transport Services subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
KLLM Transport Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KLLM Transport Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KLLM Transport Services
What does KLLM Transport Services do?
KLLM Transport Services operates a temperature-controlled (refrigerated) truckload transportation network across the 48 contiguous United States with cross-border service into Mexico via Laredo, TX. Its core services include Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal, Expedited Teams, and Logistics (brokerage) built around a fleet of 2,500 tractors, 3,500 refrigerated trailers, and 610 intermodal containers. KLLM also runs a Class-A CDL Driving Academy, an asset tracking platform, and a sister-company equipment leasing business (Equipment Solutions).
Is KLLM Transport Services a public or private company?
KLLM Transport Services is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was KLLM Transport Services founded?
KLLM Transport Services was founded in 1962. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is KLLM Transport Services based?
KLLM Transport Services is headquartered in Richland, United States, in the North America region.
How does KLLM Transport Services make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Truckload Transportation Services are the primary driver. The others are logistics Services, equipment Rental & Sales and driver Contracting (Lease Purchase).
Who are KLLM Transport Services's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Schneider National, Knight-Swift Transportation, CRST International, Heartland Express and Werner Enterprises. Direct peers are Prime Inc., Dart Transit Company, Marten Transport, Hirschbach Motor Lines and K&B Transportation.
Does KLLM Transport Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for KLLM Transport Services.
What industry is KLLM Transport Services in?
KLLM Transport Services's product category is Refrigerated Trucking Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLADADAB, Refrigerated (Temp-Controlled) TL Carriers, with a secondary code of TLADAHAB, Reefer Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) & Multi-Stop Distribution. Its NAICS code is 484230 and its SIC code is 4210.