Best Transportation and Logistics Companies in Illinois, United States
The 392 best Transportation and Logistics companies in Illinois, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: Mauser Packaging.
Our analysis of 50 Transportation and Logistics companies
$13.3b in tracked funding; 94% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2025.
Ranked: Best Transportation and Logistics companies in Illinois
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Stage | Employees | Tech stack | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauser Packaging Manufacturer & provider of packaging products & solutions | $955M | 92 mo ago | Acquired | 1,439 1,439 → 3,155 (+119%) | WordPressApple iCloud MailMicrosoft 365+20 | — | 1 job opening |
| 2 | SunCoke Energy Leading independent coke producer providing innovative cokemaking technology and industrial services 69Market top 25%Funding top 27%Fin. health top 28%News top 39% All 9 signals ▾Markettop 25% Fundingtop 27% Fin. healthtop 28% Newstop 39% Talenttop 42% Growthbottom 47% Globalbottom 45% Techbottom 42% Partnersbottom 35% Market: 1,172 employees (top 7% of Trucking) · Revenue ~$892M Funding: Raised $400M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 7 yrs (0.1/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 69/100 | $400M | 82 mo ago | Public | — | Microsoft ASP.NETBootstrapAmazon ALB+11 | — | — |
| 3 | Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company Provider of dredging services for infrastructure and coastal projects | $325M | 109 mo ago | Public | — | WordPressApple iCloud MailMicrosoft 365+28 | — | — |
| 4 | AELF Provider of aircraft and engine leasing and trading services 21Funding top 24%Talent bottom 49%Tech bottom 40%Global bottom 36% All 5 signals ▾Fundingtop 24% Talentbottom 49% Techbottom 40% Globalbottom 36% Marketbottom 16% Funding: Raised $126M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 2 yrs (1.5/yr) Talent: 1 named leader on record · 1 C-suite/founder profile curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 21/100 | $126M | 11 mo ago | Funding Raised | — | WebflowGSAPMicrosoft 365+7 | — | — |
| 5 | Residco Provider of leasing and financial solutions for aviation and rail assets 50Innovation top 20%Funding top 24%Product top 32%Talent top 38% All 7 signals ▾Innovationtop 20% Fundingtop 24% Producttop 32% Talenttop 38% Techbottom 49% Globalbottom 33% Marketbottom 14% Innovation: 4 product lines Funding: Raised $100M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 1 yrs (1.0/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $100M | 0 mo ago | Funding Raised | 21 | WordPressMySQLPHP+22 | — | 1 expansion |
| 6 | ClearFlame Carbon reduction solutions for industrial sectors 40Funding top 26%Talent top 38%Tech top 42%Global bottom 36% All 5 signals ▾Fundingtop 26% Talenttop 38% Techtop 42% Globalbottom 36% Marketbottom 31% Funding: Raised $50.0M across 10 rounds · 10 rounds over 6 yrs (1.7/yr) Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 40/100 | $50M | 39 mo ago | Series B | 41 | WordPress Block EditorWordPressMySQL+26 | — | — |
| 7 | Roadrunner Freight Provider of road based freight forwarding services 45Market top 27%Funding top 32%Product top 38%Tech top 44% All 10 signals ▾Markettop 27% Fundingtop 32% Producttop 38% Techtop 44% Fin. healthtop 45% Newstop 49% Globalbottom 37% Growthbottom 35% Innovationbottom 24% Customersbottom 9% Market: 3,600 employees (top 4% of Trucking) · Revenue ~$1.8B Funding: Raised $50.0M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 5 yrs (0.2/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 45/100 | $50M | 62 mo ago | Acquired | 3,600 | WordPress Block EditorWordPressMySQL+31 | — | 3 job openings |
| 8 | Better Trucks Provider of truck parcel carrier services | $22M | 29 mo ago | Series B | 60 | HubSpot CMS HubLeadfeederLinkedin Insight Tag+17 | — | — |
| 9 | Vertiport Chicago Operator of charted flights | $13M | 154 mo ago | Seed | — | Cart FunctionalitySquarespace CommerceSquarespace+14 | — | — |
| 10 | Global Self Storage Investment company focused on self storage properties | $10M | 89 mo ago | Public | 1 | Node.jsVideoJSVue.js+17 | — | — |
| 11 | HAVI Provider of marketing analytics, packaging, supply chain management and logistics services | $9M | 34 mo ago | Acquired | 4,099 | WordPressApple iCloud MailMySQL+29 | 56 patents Microstructured, high‑temperature food packaging and fluid pouch containers for improved grip and durability. | 2 awards |
| 12 | AIT Worldwide Logistics Provider of shipping and supply chain management for industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer… 64Innovation top 20%Product top 40%Tech top 41%Market top 43% All 9 signals ▾Innovationtop 20% Producttop 40% Techtop 41% Markettop 43% Growthtop 46% Fundingtop 48% Talentbottom 49% Newsbottom 42% Globalbottom 41% Innovation: 12 product lines Product: 0 product launch events in 12 mo · 12 distinct product lines rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $7M | 103 mo ago | Acquired | 774 | Apple iCloud MailFroala EditorBrightEdge+20 | — | 1 expansion |
| 13 | Walkboard Provider of truck transportation services 6Product bottom 48%Talent bottom 45%Funding bottom 39%Global bottom 29% All 6 signals ▾Productbottom 48% Talentbottom 45% Fundingbottom 39% Globalbottom 29% Techbottom 22% Marketbottom 14% Product: 1 published app (7.5k installs) · Company stage: Series A Talent: 1 named leader on record rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 6/100 | $3M | 76 mo ago | Series A | 8 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Lanter Dist Provider of refrigerated and ambient temperature controlled warehousing and distribution services | $3M | 170 mo ago | Early Stage | 208 | PHPApache HTTP ServerjQuery UI+3 | — | — |
| 15 | Gateway Terminals Operator of port | $3M | 177 mo ago | Acquired | 8 | — | — | — |
| 16 | Idle Smart Vehicle engine management solution 45Tech top 29%Growth top 30%Innovation top 50%Product bottom 48% All 7 signals ▾Techtop 29% Growthtop 30% Innovationtop 50% Productbottom 48% Fundingbottom 42% Globalbottom 36% Marketbottom 30% Tech: 53 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Ses, Amazon Web Services Growth: Web rank 50,000,000 → 10,000,000 YoY rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 45/100 | $2M | 91 mo ago | Series A | 24 | WordPressMySQLPHP+30 | — | — |
| 17 | Tusk Logistics Provider of online listing platform, shipping, and logistic services 21Talent top 38%Growth top 45%Tech top 46%Funding bottom 40% All 9 signals ▾Talenttop 38% Growthtop 45% Techtop 46% Fundingbottom 40% Productbottom 39% Globalbottom 29% Innovationbottom 24% Marketbottom 19% Newsbottom 18% Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 21/100 | $2M | 40 mo ago | Seed | 7 | WebflowAmazon Web Servicescore-js+16 | — | 1 internship |
| 18 | Resource Shipping Offers ship based logistics, freight management and finance services | $700K | 148 mo ago | Seed | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Right Track Railroad construction and maintenance contractor based in Northern Illinois, offering services in Rockford… | $240K | 31 mo ago | Early Stage | — | — | — | — |
| 20 | NOTS Logistics Midwest 3PL solutions partner, empowering businesses with strategic supply chain management 69Innovation top 20%Tech top 40%Market top 42%Product top 46% All 7 signals ▾Innovationtop 20% Techtop 40% Markettop 42% Producttop 46% Fundingtop 49% Growthbottom 48% Globalbottom 33% Innovation: 11 product lines Tech: 37 technologies across 4/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 69/100 | $171K | 17 mo ago | Funding Raised | 397 397 → 292 (-26%) | WordPressMySQLPHP+22 | — | 1 award |
| 21 | North American Provider of facilities, marketing and packaging services | $114K | 197 mo ago | Acquired | 424 | DrupalPHPSalesforce+16 | 337 patents Advanced pipe joint sealing and polymer pipe systems for fluid transport infrastructure | — |
Top 12 Transportation and Logistics companies in Illinois
#1
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 1982 · 21 employees$100Mraised▾
Provider of leasing and financial solutions for aviation and rail assets. The company invests in commercial and corporate aircraft, engines, freight cars, and locomotives. Structuring expertise combined with an extensive network of relationships with financial institutions allows new entrants to benefit from experience in joint ventures and structured debt. The company also manages large pools of freight cars, locomotives, and aircraft for other lessors and joint venture partners. Additionally, residual support and derivative structures are provided for the benefit of other investors.
- Jan 2026Conventional Debt$100M
#2
Funding Raised · Chicago, Illinois · founded 2015$126Mraised▾
Provider of aircraft and engine leasing and trading services. This company specializes in mid-to-end-of-life assets, offering customized leasing solutions to meet diverse client needs. These solutions include operating leases, stub leases, power-by-the-hour agreements, sale and leasebacks, and finance leases. The company leverages extensive experience and creative approaches to build long-term relationships with its clients. They also facilitate the sale of surplus aircraft and engine parts.
- Jul 2025Conventional Debt$31M
- Jun 2025Conventional Debt$55M
- May 2024Conventional Debt$40M
#3
Acquired · Oak Brook, Illinois · founded 1929 · 1439 employees$954.9Mraised▾
Manufacturer & provider of packaging products & solutions
- Sep 2018Conventional Debt$954.9M
- Mar 2010Conventional Debt—
#4
Series B · Geneva, Illinois · founded 2016 · 41 employees$50Mraised▾
Carbon reduction solutions for industrial sectors
- Mar 2023Series B$30M
- Nov 2021Series A$17M
- Jun 2021Seed$2.5M
- Jun 2021Grant (prize money)$4.5M
#5
Series B · Downers Grove, Illinois · founded 2019 · 60 employees$22.2Mraised▾
Provider of truck parcel carrier services
- Dec 2023Series B$10.8M
- Nov 2022Series B$15M
#6
Public · Lisle, Illinois · founded 1960$400Mraised▾
Leading independent coke producer providing innovative cokemaking technology and industrial services. The company specializes in advanced cokemaking technology, producing larger, stronger coke for various industrial applications. They offer comprehensive industrial services, including logistics solutions. Focused on environmental responsibility, health, and safety, the company operates with a commitment to sustainability and ethical business conduct. They serve long-term coke contracts and provide essential materials for steel production.
- Aug 2019Conventional Debt$400M
#7
Public · Oak Brook, Illinois · founded 1890$325Mraised▾
Provider of dredging services for infrastructure and coastal projects. It offers services encompassing port deepening, channel maintenance, beach restoration, reservoir capacity restoration, and barrier island development. The company utilizes a diverse fleet of dredging equipment, including hopper, mechanical, and hydraulic dredges, and support vessels. Its expertise extends to various project types, from maintaining existing waterways to creating new infrastructure. The focus is on delivering efficient and responsible solutions for clients.
- May 2017Conventional Debt$325M
#8
Acquired · Downers Grove, Illinois · founded 1974 · 4099 employees$8.6Mraised▾
Provider of marketing analytics, packaging, supply chain management and logistics services
- Aug 2023Grant (prize money)$791K
- Jan 2022Grant (prize money)$7.8M
- Feb 2017Grant (prize money)$2.6K
#9
Acquired · Downers Grove, Illinois · founded 1984 · 3600 employees$50Mraised▾
Provider of road based freight forwarding services
- Mar 2021Post IPO$50M
#10
Funding Raised · Nashville, Illinois · founded 2004 · 397 employees$171.3Kraised▾
Midwest 3PL solutions partner, empowering businesses with strategic supply chain management. They offer comprehensive B2B logistics services, including warehousing, B2B fulfillment, B2B delivery, and workforce management. They provide tailored solutions to streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance efficiency. Their services include public and contract warehouse space, distribution services, and transportation management. They optimize workforce to improve operations and bottom line. They focus on customer success, integrity, and community service. They offer a dynamic and empathetic alternative to traditional in-house logistics, facilitating the entire movement process. They provide strategic geographic advantage, customized services, and empower clients to focus on their core competencies.
- Jan 2025Grant (prize money)$171.3K
#11
Seed · Chicago, Illinois · founded 2021 · 7 employees$1.6Mraised▾
Provider of online listing platform, shipping, and logistic services
- Feb 2023Seed$1.6M
#12
Public · Bolingbrook, Illinois · founded 1983 · 1 employees$10Mraised▾
Global Self Storage is an investment company focused on self-storage facilities. It is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust that focuses on the ownership, operation, acquisition, development, and redevelopment of facilities throughout the U.S. The company through wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates eleven self-storage properties located in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and South Carolina.
- Dec 2018Conventional Debt$10M
Funding & investor landscape
Notable founders
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Transportation and Logistics coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising
What Illinois researches in logistics supply chain
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and peers optimistically advance biofuel bioconversion and forest biomass logistics, with breakthrough-leaning research slightly outpacing practical supply-chain concern.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign8
- Northern Illinois University2
- Illinois State University2
- University of Illinois Chicago2
- Western Illinois University1
Common questions
Riya reads income statements for fun. She covers the real money in a sector — revenue, growth, who actually earns — and never met a vague claim she didn't want a number for.