Top LTL Carriers in the U.S.
In the United States, there are hundreds of LTL shipping companies serving the freight and logistics industry; however, only a handful have stood the test of time. When you choose a professional carrier with years of experience, you’ll save money, time, and a lot of stress. That said, each carrier fits into a specific niche, so you must know what you’re looking for in an LTL company before you book. Below are some of the best less than truckload carriers in the United States and what they offer:
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- UPS Freight: This Virginia-based logistics company operates over six thousand trucks to pull its 22,000 plus trailers. With a surplus of 200 freight terminals serving North America, UPS offers extensive LTL freight coverage.
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- Forward Air: Forward Air Freight is a well-rounded less than truckload carrier with an exceptional reputation in the industry. Forward Air is an excellent addition to any supply chain toolbox, from low damage rates to fantastic customer service.
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- YRC Freight: YRC freight has been around since 1924, heavily specializing in transporting industrial, retail, and commercial goods. Furthermore, YRC offers fantastic LTL shipping solutions for businesses across North America – including the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. They provide many services to fit any business mold, such as expedited shipping, two-day or three-day coast-to-coast, money-back guaranteed windows, and volume pricing.
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- RL Carriers: As a family-owned business, R+L Carriers strives to offers a robust set of core values to ensure lifelong customer satisfaction. Its goals are to deliver on promises, pursue a healthy workplace, serve customers and communities, and treat customers and employees like family. So, if you’re into shipping your freight with a carrier that cares, R+L is for you.
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- Roadrunner Transportation: When you need to ship LTL freight, Roadrunner Transportation is a great choice. It offers straightforward pricing with both national and regional coverage. Roadrunner’s network is expansive, with a footprint of 19 service hubs coupled with many additional partner terminals. As a result, freight is handled less frequently and delivered on time.
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- FedEx Freight: FedEx Freight is one of the biggest LTL carriers around. Its fleet of over 25,000 trucks serves about 370 terminals. As a result, FedEx can easily handle an extreme amount of volume. They pick up and deliver more than 110 thousand crates, pallets, and packages per day.
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- Old Dominion Freight Lines: Old Dominion Freight Line is a world-class LTL carrier with a track record to prove it. Old Dominion has won dozens of awards such as the Mastio Quality Award, U.S. EPS SmartWay Excellence Award, and Inbound Logistics’ Top 100 Truckers Award. In addition, Old Dominion is the official freight carrier of Major League Baseball.
- Pitt Ohio Express: When it comes to professionalism, Pitt Ohio shines. Its reliable drivers score 97% in the on-time delivery category. If that’s not impressive enough, Pitt Ohio also has a claims prevention ratio of .55%. In short, Pitt Ohio offers fast and reliable shipping.
LTL carriers ship cargo from different customers on the same truck going to the same place. Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is an affordable way to ship pallets and crates both regionally and nationally.
uShip is an online platform that connects you with professional LTL carriers. We create and maintain lasting relationships with some of the best freight carriers in the industry. By doing this, we are able to offer you deeply discounted rates.
HOW TO CHOOSE LTL CARRIERS
In a perfect world, every single carrier would be prompt, professional, and careful. However, not all LTL carriers are the same. They each offer different service levels to meet your specific needs. Some carriers focus on customer service and low damage rates, while others focus strictly on price. Important factors to consider when choosing freight companies are:
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- Type of freight: The type of commodity you are shipping is important to consider. Some LTL carriers provide a better service for specific types of freight. For example, you would choose a carrier with a low damage rate for antique furniture shipping.
- Packaging: Your freight will be frequently shifting around during transport. You will want to package your freight accordingly.
- Location: Some LTL carriers will not service certain location types such as trade shows, auctions, or military locations.
- Time: If you need your shipment to arrive within a certain time frame, be sure to select a carrier with a good on-time track record. Additionally, you can select a carrier that offers guaranteed rates.
- Distance: How far will your freight need to travel? This will help determine if you need a regional or national freight company.
- Tracking: If you are shipping freight to a customer, you will want an LTL freight company that offers detailed tracking.
- Volume: If you are shipping multiple pallets, some LTL carriers offer volume discounts.
If you are not sure which less-than-truckload carrier is best for your needs, feel free to contact us. We have experienced freight experts waiting to answer all of your questions.
WHY USHIP?
Not only does uShip provide discounted freight quotes, but we also offer other great benefits, such as:
- Rebill Protection: uShip audits your invoice to ensure no mistakes were made. In addition, if you do not agree with an additional charge, we will assist you in disputing it with your carrier directly.
- Load Your Own Rates: If you have your own rates with LTL carriers, you can load them directly into your uShip portal, allowing you to compare quotes all in one place.
- Customer Specific Rates: We can negotiate pricing with carriers based on your individual volume.
- Referral Program: You will receive shipping credit when you refer a friend.
- Insurance: Did you know LTL carriers do not have full liability insurance? It’s always best to cover your freight with a uShip cargo insurance policy.
From competitive prices to great customer service, it’s clear why so many small businesses prefer obtaining LTL freight quotes from uShip.
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