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2017 Top Agriculture & Food Processing Carriers

2017 Essential Financial and Operating Information for the 100 largest Private Carriers in North America

Up Front

Find out how some corporations are using private fleets as a proving ground for technology.

Find out where the carriers are by regions in North America.

Check out this timeline on the history of Anheuser Busch.

Rankings

Current Rank Company Tractors
1
Agrium Inc.
4,239
2
Tyson Foods
2,380
3
Dean Foods
2,073
4
CHS Inc.
1,781
5
Frito-Lay North America
1,431
6
Darling Ingredients
1,066
7
Prairie Farms Dairy
769
8
Kellogg Snacks/Godfrey Transport
710
9
JBS Carriers
627
10
ADM Logistics
602
11
Mondelēz International
582
12
Nestle Transportation Co.
581
13
Foster Farms
545
14
Valley Proteins
482
15
Sanderson Farms
456
16
Bimbo Bakeries
386
17
J.R. Simplot Co.
377
18
RWI Transportation
373
19
Wilbur-Ellis Co.
364
20
Gilster-Mary Lee Corp.
347
21
McKee Foods Corp.
346
22
Pinnacle Agriculture Distribution
331
23
Borden Dairy
305
24
Boise Cascade
241
25
International Paper Co.
219
26
Cargill Meat Solutions
215
27
Wayne Farms
203
28
Goya Foods
178
29
American Proteins Inc.
157
30
Dairy Farmers of America
138
31
Franz Family Bakery
123
32
BCT Inc.
120
33
Upstate Niagara Cooperative
91
34
Co-Alliance
80
35
MFPS Transport
72
36
Umpqua Dairy Products Co.
68
37
Perdue Farms Inc.
65
38
National Food Corp.
64
39
Land O'Lakes Inc.
50
40
Brakebush Transportation
38
41
Golden Flake Snack Foods
35
42
Giorgio Foods
31
43
Mid-South Baking
25
44
Mennel Milling
24
45
ConAgra Foods
23
45
Hillyard Inc.
23

Extras

Learn more about Transport Topics' Top 100 Private Carriers
104

On the Bubble

J.R. Simplot Co. (377 tractors), has major operations in areas such as ranching, food processing, mining, retail, and fertilizer production in several states.
If your company appears in the 2017 list, you have a few ways to announce it! Visit our logo library to get web- and print-ready graphics.

Private Carrier News

GovernmentBusinessFuelLogisticsGlobal FreightPrivate

Amazon Adds 3.5% Surcharge as War Drives Up Fuel Prices

Amazon’s fuel and logistics-related surcharge will apply to U.S. and Canadian sellers using its Fulfillment by Amazon option, effective April 17.

April 3, 2026
BusinessPrivate

Sysco to Acquire Restaurant Depot in $29 Billion Deal

The acquisition would create a closer link between Sysco and customers that rely on Restaurant Depot for supplies needed quickly in a high-margin industry segment.

March 30, 2026
GovernmentBusinessLogisticsPrivate

Strike Continues for Third Week at JBS Meatpacking Plant

JBS said March 27 that it's operating the plant at limited capacity and has shifted beef production elsewhere to meet its customers needs.

March 27, 2026
GovernmentBusinessFuelPrivate

US Finalizes Higher Biofuels Quota to Boost Domestic Demand

The rule requires refiners to mix a record 25.82 billion gallons of biofuels into conventional diesel and gasoline this year, EPA says.

March 27, 2026
GovernmentBusinessEquipmentFor-HirePrivate

What Comes Next for Class 8 Orders?

Order season for North American original equipment manufacturers typically kicks off in September, but this past fall and winter saw a lag in commitments.

March 25, 2026
BusinessTechnologyLogisticsGlobal FreightPrivateTop 50Top 100

Amazon Buys Fauna Robotics in Push Toward Consumer Humanoids

Amazon.com acquired New York-based startup Fauna Robotics, becoming the latest technology giant to step into the burgeoning consumer humanoid market.

March 25, 2026
BusinessPrivate

Dollar General Selects JJ Fleeman as Next CEO

JJ Fleeman, who will assume the role in January from Todd Vasos, has deep experience in the grocery category, most recently at Ahold Delhaize.

March 24, 2026
GovernmentBusinessTechnologyLogisticsAutonomousPrivate

Wing Drones to Start Silicon Valley Deliveries This Year

This is the first time that consumers in the company’s home market will be able to try out the technology.

March 23, 2026
BusinessTechnologyLogisticsGlobal FreightPrivate

Amazon Offers 1-Hour and 3-Hour Deliveries for Extra Charge

The Seattle-based company said it started testing the express delivery service late last year and expanding it this month.

March 17, 2026
GovernmentBusinessLogisticsPrivate

3,800 Workers Strike at JBS Meatpacking Plant in Colorado

The strike follows accusations from union officials that owner JBS USA retaliated against workers and committed other unfair labor practices amid contract negotiations. 

March 16, 2026