Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Trucking & Logistics Solutions
Since 1971, JA Frate has been a leader in transportation and logistics, delivering dependable solutions for complex shipping needs. Our team combines decades of industry experience with a commitment to quality improvement and 24/7 customer support. We specialize in less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), flatbed transport, warehousing, and fleet maintenance services across North America. Our proven processes and state-of-the-art technology ensure timely, secure deliveries while maintaining transparency through real-time tracking.Recognized with awards like the Uline Carrier of the Year, we uphold core values of integrity, customer focus, and community service, as demonstrated by our memorial trailers honoring fallen heroes. With facilities in McHenry and Crystal Lake, Illinois, we provide scalable solutions tailored to diverse industries.
Services
LTL Shipping
Truckload Services
Flatbed Transport
Warehousing Solutions
Fleet Maintenance
Specialized Freight
Expedited Delivery
Hazardous Materials
Distribution Services
Cross-Docking
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer over 52 years of experience in transportation logistics since 1971
- Our 24/7 LIVE customer support ensures immediate assistance for urgent needs
- We guarantee next-day delivery by 5 PM within Chicago and Wisconsin metro areas
- Our quality improvement process tracks 99% on-time delivery performance metrics
- We maintain TSA and Hazmat-certified drivers for secure freight handling
What people say
Extremely satisfied
Impressively responsive
Absolute lifesaver
Deep understanding
Seamlessly handle overflow
Services
LTL Shipping
Our LTL shipping service combines cost-efficiency with reliability for shipments under 15,000 lbs. TSA-certified drivers and secure facilities ensure cargo safety while our tracking system provides real-time updates. With coverage across North America, we handle everything from standard freight to hazardous materials, maintaining 99% on-time performance in Midwest routes.
Warehousing Solutions
Our 300,000 sq ft of climate-controlled warehouse space offers scalable storage with advanced security features. The WMS system enables real-time inventory tracking while our cross-docking capabilities streamline order fulfillment. Located in northern Illinois, our facilities support FDA, TSA, and DEA-regulated products with 24/7 monitoring and alarmed systems.
Flatbed Transport
Specializing in oversized and irregular cargo, our flatbed service handles equipment up to 48 and 45 feet. Tarped trailers protect against weather damage while our experienced team manages permits and routing for out-of-gauge shipments. With 24-hour equipment availability notice, we serve construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors across the Midwest.
Fleet Maintenance
Our DOT-certified mechanics provide comprehensive maintenance for all major truck brands. Services include preventive maintenance, engine diagnostics, and emergency repairs using OEM parts. Located in Chicago's collar counties, we minimize downtime with scheduled service programs and 24/7 support for commercial fleets operating across the Midwest region.
Specialized Freight
We handle complex shipping requirements including hazardous materials, time-critical deliveries, and equipment without receiving docks. Our GPS-tracked fleet includes lift-gate trailers and straight trucks for challenging locations. For urgent needs, we partner with expedited carriers to guarantee delivery timelines across North America.
People
Doug Jennings
Founder
Founded JA Frate in 1971 after identifying a need for reliable same-day freight service. Led the company with integrity until his passing in 2022, establishing its core values and community-focused approach.
Jill Jennings-Dinsmore
President
Succeeded Joe Alger as President in 2012, bringing 15 years of experience in risk and compliance. Focuses on maintaining safety standards while expanding the company's warehousing and logistics capabilities.
Joe Alger
Former President
Served as President from 1996 until 2012, growing the company's national reach through strategic carrier partnerships while maintaining its customer-first culture.
Tim Gieseke
Logistics Coordinator
Demonstrated exceptional customer service by resolving urgent shipping needs, including arranging emergency deliveries while maintaining cost-effectiveness for clients.
John Baumstark
Driver
Exemplified the company's 'team before self' value by creatively solving delivery challenges, including improvising appropriate work attire to complete a critical customer delivery.
Questions
What transportation services does JA Frate offer?
We provide LTL, FTL, flatbed, specialized freight, warehousing, and fleet maintenance services across North America with customized solutions for unique shipping needs.
Do you handle hazardous materials shipping?
Yes, all our drivers are Hazmat-certified with HM-endorsed licenses to transport hazardous materials safely and compliantly across North America.
What are your Midwest delivery guarantees?
We guarantee next-day delivery by 5 PM within Chicago suburbs, Milwaukee, and Madison with 99% on-time performance in our Midwest service area.
How can I track my shipment?
Use our online portal to track shipments in real-time with live updates, historical data, and automated reporting accessible 24/7 from any device.
Do you offer warehousing solutions?
Yes, we have 300,000 sq ft of secure warehouse space with climate control, real-time inventory tracking, and cross-docking capabilities in northern Illinois.
What fleet maintenance services are available?
Our DOT-certified mechanics provide preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs for all major truck brands in Chicago's collar counties with 24/7 support.
Reviews (3)
Adrian Bichis
Oct 23, 2018
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Very impressed, it was the first time for me here and I was treated like royalty. They offered me a coffe and offered to take my coat. Excellent! I highly recommend this place!
Sara B.
Feb 09, 2017
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We are used to seeing JA Frate make deliveries into our facility, and we have an occasional delivery that we call them for as well. They have always provided us with exceptional service. Last month, we had a specialized pick-up. The driver arrived at our customers pickup location, and, although the freight was ready, it was not in the condition that we expected. The driver never complained, and helped load the truck in order to make the delivery back to our facility. When he came to our location to drop the goods off - he was great! He offered to help unload the truck - as it was approaching closing
Ryan S.
Jan 03, 2017
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I had the displeasure of meeting one of Jafrates drivers this morning. He had blocked the entrance of a full parking lot at a commercial building, preventing all cars from entering and exiting. He could have parked 20 ft. back and not blocked it, but he chose otherwise. Thats not why I am leaving this review. I am writing this due to the interaction I had with the driver of truck 199 on 1/3/17. Upon realizing he had blocked everyone in, I approached the truck to find him in the rear compartment. I politely asked him how much longer he'd be parked here. His response was "I don't know
