LTL Freight Transit Time Estimates
Understand why LTL freight transit times vary and how to manage shipping expectations. Learn about factors like multiple truck transfers, commercial shipping priorities, and weather impacts. Get tips for accurate estimates and timely deliveries. Ship smart with FreightCenter.
Understanding some of the most common reasons why your LTL freight transit time estimates might increase keeps your supply chain running smoothly. When it comes to LTL freight shipping, there are many factors that can change your estimated freight transit time. Nobody likes booking a shipment and the estimated LTL freight transit time they were given ultimately turns out to be off by a day or two.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Multiple Trucks
Your LTL freight shipment will ride on at least three trucks before it’s delivered, which means an even greater chance of a shipment’s transit time being impacted. The truck that initially picks up your freight will take it to the carrier’s closest terminal. Once there, your freight will be unloaded via forklift and loaded onto another truck that will take the freight to the next terminal. This process is repeated until the shipment reaches the destination terminal.
Once your freight reaches the destination terminal, it will again be removed by a forklift and loaded onto the delivery truck, which will make the delivery the next morning. Typically, freight is delivered in the morning and picked up in the afternoon.
What an Online Estimated Transit Time Quote Means
When you get an online quote for shipping freight, the estimated transit time accounts only for the long-haul part of the trip. That means you need to add one day for pickup and another day for delivery to the quoted transit time.
Let’s say you book a shipment on a Wednesday, and the carrier quotes a 3-day LTL freight transit time. Here’s how that timing might work out:
- Wednesday – shipment booked
- Thursday – shipment picked up and taken to the terminal
- Friday – day 1 of long-haul transit
- Saturday and Sunday – freight does not move on the weekend
- Monday – day 2 of long-haul transit
- Tuesday – day 3 of long-haul and freight arrives at the delivery terminal
- Wednesday – freight delivered to destination
As far as the carrier is concerned, the shipment was in transit for three days. But you thought it would arrive on Friday or Saturday, not the following Wednesday. While it seems like the shipment is five days late, it’s considered on time because the carrier transit time was three days. That is why it’s important to add a day for pickup and a day for delivery to the transit time quote. Keep in mind that freight transit times are only counting business days, which could also add to your overall freight transit time.
Commercial Shippers Have Priority
If you’ve booked a shipment that will be picked up at a residential location and delivered to another residential location, you will likely be disappointed to learn the carrier failed to pick up your freight on the appointed afternoon.
In many cases, this happens because the carrier gets a late booking from a commercial shipper, and commercial shippers always have priority over residential shippers. Why? Freight shipping was started and has evolved as a commercial enterprise. When necessary, residential shipments take a back seat to commercial shipments.
Secure Your Next LTL Freight Transit Time Estimates with FreightCenter
Book early. Ship early.
Don’t wait until the last minute to book your shipment and schedule a pickup day. The freight shipping industry has too many variables like the ones described above. Additionally, weather can impact freight transit times. In the case of snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, or other violent weather events, a shipment not arriving on time is nobody’s fault. It’s just part of the freight shipping reality.
So, be proactive and book your shipments as early as possible. Getting ready to ship LTL freight? Let us help. Get an instant quote from multiple carriers to save you money and time, or give us a call at 800.716. 7608.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
