When it comes to quality, some truckload carriers know how to step up to the plate and hit home runs. They'll go the extra distance to make that special delivery happen or keep a promise to meet a delivery window. "When I talk about performance, I count how quickly they respond and when they get here," wrote one reader. "They need to be here on time, when they're supposed to be here."

This year, readers awarded pennants to seven industrial and heavy-haul carriers. Winning praise were Universal Am-Can, Roehl Transport, Melton Truck Lines, Schneider Specialized Carriers, Prime Inc., and Landstar Ranger. Each of these carriers exceeded the benchmark score of 31.97.

In the dry-freight category, the all-star players included Heartland Express, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Landstar Carrier Group, CFI, Covenant Transport, Swift Transport, U.S. Xpress, and National Freight. All nine out-hit the average score of 32.67.

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Nine truckers sped off with honors in the expedited motor carriers category: Vexure, NEMF Today, UPS, FedEx Custom Critical, Averitt Express, CRST Van Expedited, Landstar Express America, Xpress Direct, and USF Expedited. All nine scored above the average of 35.89.

Five vendors picked up quality honors in the household-goods and high-value goods category. MVPs included Paul Arpin Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, Mayflower Transit, Bekins Van Lines, and United Van Lines. Each rode past the 32.37 average score.

Readers applauded only two carriers in the bulk motor carrier class this year: Bulkmatic Transport and Groendyke Transport. Both carriers exceeded the category average of 32.95.