Expedited Carriers Guide 2021
In today’s e-commerce-driven supply chains, speed is practically a given. Whether same-day, next-day, two-day, express, expedited, priority, or standard, consumers want their orders fast. That demand has accelerated even quicker during the pandemic, motivating shippers to find ways to optimize transportation to be fast and affordable.
To help make sense of the expedited shipping options, Inbound Logistics compiled this A-to-Z guide to some leading expedited carriers who can get your shipments where they need to go, as fast as they need to get there.
Amazon Freight
freight.amazon.com | [email protected]
Blends advanced technology with a network of 30,000+ Amazon trailers and carriers to move full truckload freight via GPS-tracked 53-foot dry vans.
Solutions/Features:
Onboard instantly and book 24/7. Simple billing, online payments, and invoicing. Competitive spot and contract rates. Book, manage, and track shipments via web portal. Integrates with existing EDI or API systems. Book loads for next-day pickup or up to 14 days out. Dedicated shipper support and network monitoring 24/7/365.
American Expediting
americanexpediting.com | 412-321-4546
American Expediting Company provides time-critical, mission-critical package delivery services, including cold chain management, next flight out, and managed transportation services.
Solutions/Features:
Customized transportation solutions. Cold chain logistics. Licensed pharma storage and distribution. First- and final-mile same-day couriers. White glove. Animal transportation. Weather and disaster emergency logistics.
ArcBest
arcb.com/panther-premium | 800-610-5544
Through its ground expedite service Panther Premium Logistics, ArcBest delivers time-sensitive, mission-critical and high-value freight quickly and precisely. ArcBest also offers time-critical airfreight solutions, including same-day, second-day, hand-carry, and air charter options.
Solutions/Features:
Geo-fencing technology tracks valuable freight in transit. Humidity control and temperature validation for sensitive shipments. Ground expedite services for freight with strict must-arrive-by dates.
Ascent On-Demand
ascentgl.com/on-demand | 800-614-1348
Ascent Global Logistics helps shippers simplify supply chain management by providing customized domestic, international, and on-demand solutions, premium customer service, and state-of-the-art technology.
Solutions/Features:
Global expedited solutions with access to an on-demand fleet. Bid board provides multiple solutions and just-in-time cost optimization. Real-time shipment visibility. Visibility to market pricing.
Averitt Express
averittexpress.com | 800-283-1995
Averitt delivers customized solutions with a single source of accountability for service offerings that include dedicated, expedited, intermodal, international ocean/air, local customization, less-than-truckload, and more. Centralized call center, strict performance metrics, and an ongoing focus on green/sustainability efforts. Averitt’s technology offerings include a full suite of web-based shipping tools, electronic data interchange, and transportation and operations management systems.
Solutions/Features:
Guaranteed standard LTL and time-critical LTL shipments. Exclusive truck use solutions range from cargo van, straight truck, refrigerated (reefer), and flatbed to high cube, 53-foot dry van, and more. 24/7/365 access to a special ops team.
Continental Expedited Services
continentalexpedited.com | 855-SHIPCES
Continental Expedited Services provides expedited surface solutions, offering door-to-door deliveries covering the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company also offers time-critical airfreight solutions through a network of 200+ airfreight and air charter service providers.
Solutions/Features:
Direct dual driver nonstop transit anywhere in North America. Satellite-tracked vehicles. ETA updates online, by phone, email, or EDI. Pre-Clearance (PARS) and ACI/ACE certified. Emergency freight rescue service. Through-trailer service with no transloading at North American borders. Temperature-controlled transport. Custom packaging.
DHL Express
dhl.com | 800-225-5345
Along with global expedited parcel services through DHL Express, DHL offers expedited over-the-road LTL and truckload solutions for freight in Europe through its DHL Freight division. DHL Door-to-More direct distribution solutions also shorten delivery time to market by bypassing distribution centers/warehouses in destination markets and combining intercontinental transportation capabilities with road freight, courier, or postal networks.
Solutions/Features:
Same-day, time-definite, and day-definite international express delivery. Day-definite LTL service in Europe. Consolidation of air, ocean, and rail shipments at origin including subsequent distribution via over-the-road, courier, or postal network. Direct pickup and delivery service with dedicated vehicles and control tower operations. End-to-end traceability.
Echo Global Logistics
echo.com/services/specialized | 800-354-7993
Echo provides hot-shot ground and air cargo services for time-sensitive shipments all over the United States, drawing on a network of more than 10,000 expedited carriers. Echo monitors shipments from origin to destination to ensure time-definite delivery.
Solutions/Features:
Air services include exclusive-use charter, next-flight-out, next-day, timed deliveries. Ground solutions include express cargo, sprinter vans, straight trucks, and on-demand team truckload. Expedited LTL services include next-day, second-day, time-definite guaranteed deliveries nationwide.
Estes Forwarding Worldwide
efwnow.com | 855-433-9669
Through a global network of 10,000+ partners, combined with access to the assets of the largest privately owned LTL provider in the United States, Estes Forwarding provides domestic and international trucking and air charter solutions.
Solutions/Features:
Home delivery. Truckload brokerage. Exhibit services, broadcast and media. Warehousing. Air charter. Custom solutions. Supports aerospace, automotive, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and other industries.
FedEx SameDay
fedexsameday.com | 800-399-5999
FedEx SameDay offers door-to-door delivery for urgent shipments in hours, depending on flight availability. The FedEx SameDay Freight service is for shipments weighing more than 150 lbs. and composed of multiple packages or palletized freight. Skids exceeding 2,200 lbs., as well as skids exceeding 70 inches in height, 119 inches in length, or 80 inches in width, require prior approval.
Solutions/Features:
Proactive monitoring and notification. API integration available: E-commerce solutions can incorporate into the shipper’s platform, including shipping and shopping cart software from third-party providers.
Forward Air
forwardair.com | 800-726-6654
Forward Air supplies expedited ground transportation to and from its terminals located close to major North American airports. Its network includes stations and sort centers that reduce overall linehaul miles between points, providing expedited LTL ground transportation. Forward Air also offers truckload services, airport-to-airport moves, and transborder shipping to Canada and Mexico.
Solutions/Features:
Time-definite service. Airport-to-airport service offers late cutoffs, early recovery times, weekend service (select areas), and expedited lanes. Overnight and second-day service available.
Holman Logistics
holmanusa.com/transportation | 253-872-7140
Holman’s transportation services include truckload, LTL, expedited, and same-day delivery. Providing white-glove services, its freight brokerage division offers expedited, night delivery 24/7/365.
Solutions/Features:
National coverage and availability. Refrigerated, frozen, and temp-controlled capacity. Managed shipment tracking and tracing. GPS tractor tracking. On-board driver communication.
Hub Group
hubgroup.com | 800-377-5833
Hub Group leverages multimodal transportation to expedite shipments and meet tight timeline requirements. Hub Group works with shippers to develop an expedited freight strategy, tapping into its network of regional and national carriers and end-to-end technology.
Solutions/Features:
GPS-enabled container fleet. IoT devices and connections provide visibility. Online freight management platform Hub Connect provides shippers 24/7 access, shipment visibility, security updates, and freight management tools.
Landstar System
landstar.com | 877-696-4507
Shippers get instant access to capacity for expedited and emergency shipping needs through the Landstar Express America dynamic business model. Landstar agents help shippers expedite shipments via a dedicated cargo or sprinter van, straight truck, or tractor-trailer, while providing updates throughout the process.
Solutions/Features:
Emergency, disaster, and expedited transportation services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Independent Landstar agents can expedite shipments via air using TSA-approved capacity including commercial cargo aircraft and carriers, as well as air charters at major airports.
Load One
load1.com | 800-957-4698
Load One operates a dedicated expedited operation serving the United States and Ontario, Canada. The division operates primarily sprinters, cube trucks, and straight trucks with both singles and teams. Additionally, the team works with more than 70 expedited carriers in the United States and Canada for critical ground shipments.
Solutions/Features:
24/7/365 availability. Real-time tracking service. GPS-tracked equipment. TSA-approved drivers. In-cab scanning for fast proof of delivery. Hazmat authority.
Lynden Logistics
lynden.com | 800-926-5703
With a network of service centers covering more than 6,000 U.S. cities, Lynden Logistics offers expedited ground freight service. The Lynden staff is experienced with truckload, LTL, and heavy hauls, including hazardous and petroleum products. Lynden Logistics also offers an expedited first-flight-out priority service for critical shipments.
Solutions/Features:
Freight tracking through the EZ Commerce Center. Custom ground transportation plans available to meet time-frame and cost requirements. Proactive monitoring and notification available for urgent shipments.
Magnate Worldwide
magnateworldwide.com | 630-394-1030
Magnate Worldwide is composed of logistics providers focused on expedited domestic transportation and global freight forwarding.
Its Masterpiece Security Group offers expedited cargo handling
and supervision, cargo escorts,
and secure routing through its licensed staff and fleet of tarmac vehicles.
Solutions/Features:
Specialized service levels available for sensitive, time-definite, and high-value shipments. Time-
definite LTL, customized white-glove, airfreight, and other domestic and international expedited services.
Old Dominion Freight Line
odfl.com | 800-432-6335
Old Dominion offers same-day, next-day, or time-specific delivery of expedited freight. From one-time to recurring shipments, Old Dominion provides must-arrive-
by-date and on-time-in-full guarantees.
Solutions/Features:
Customized door-to-door delivery. Friday to Monday service to and from 95% of the continental United States by 5 p.m., or time-specific delivery as requested.
Pegasus Logistics Group
pegasuslogistics.com | 800-997-7226
Pegasus Logistics Group is a global freight forwarder that specializes in expedited ground, air, and ocean services including white-glove delivery, hot shots, specialized equipment, time-critical full truckload, and next-flight-out.
Solutions/Features:
The 3PL manages shipments through 24/7 dedicated account teams and ensures visibility by providing satellite tracking, web services, interactive dashboards, and full-scale reporting.
Pilot Freight Services
pilotdelivers.com | 800-HI-PILOT
Pilot Freight Services provides expedited ground service, offering door-to-door control over goods in transit via a wide range of vehicles including vans, cubes, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers. It offers First Flight, next-day, and two- to three-day delivery services.
Solutions/Features:
First Flight service has no size or weight restrictions when shipping to 25,000+ cities throughout the United States and Canada. Aircraft charter services (direct flight with no cargo transfers) also available.
Purolator
purolator.com | 888-302-8819
Purolator Expedited TL and LTL freight offers fast transit times, on-time performance, and online tracking. For urgent deliveries within Canada, to the United States, or to international destinations, Purolator’s next-flight-out offering gets shipments on the first available plane. Global expedited import service into Canada on approved shipments valued at $2,500 or less.
Solutions/Features:
Shipments can be customized to and from the United States and within Canada. Online tracking gives visibility to all expedited shipments. Special freight services include advance delivery notification/appointments and tailgate (if no dock at the pickup site).
Quick Global
Priority Logistics
quick.aero | 800-488-4400
With a global footprint, Quick actively manages logistics around the world. Relationships with the global airline network allow it to choose the fastest and safest route for customer shipments. Quick understands all local rules and customs regulations, and can help expedite delivery to anywhere in the world. Serving the aviation, biotech/pharma, healthcare industries, among others.
Solutions/Features:
Priority services include next-flight-out, on-board courier, air charter, priority freight, and dangerous goods. Logistics experts team. Time- and temperature-sensitive and mission-critical solutions. Focus on shipment integrity/quality control. Leverages advanced logistics technology.
Saia
saia.com | 800-765-7242
Saia offers regional and interregional LTL, non-asset truckload service, and third-party logistics. With Saia Guaranteed—the company’s reliable guaranteed service backed by an experienced team of logistics professionals—shippers pick the time: 12 p.m. or 5 p.m.
Solutions/Features:
When shipments must arrive before standard delivery, Saia’s Custom Solutions offer expedited shipments across a 48-state area in a shipper’s delivery time frame.
Scan Global Logistics
scangl.com | 45 32 48 00 00
Scan Global Logistics’ user-friendly portal gives shippers easy access to its full range of import and export services, including track and trace, rates, multiple carriers, time in transit, and more. When speed is of the essence, Scan Global’s express service is essential.
Solutions/Features:
Multiple carriers, one system. Expert in complex deliveries. Dedicated customer service. Fast resolution of issues. SGL Priority handles daily departures when shippers require extra security, speed, and flexibility.
SEKO
sekologistics.com | 800-228-2711
SEKO’s domestic expedited shipping service uses multiple shipment methods such as exclusive truckload, commercial airlines, charters and hot shots, via cargo van or straight truck, to ensure parcels arrive on time. Dedicated and part-charter flights to handle time-sensitive deliveries. Proactive communication with a personal touch. Express, standard, economy and charter services available.
Solutions/Features:
SEKO Next Flight Out is a time-critical service for situations where even next-day isn’t fast enough.Regular, accurate status and location updates throughout the delivery. All shipments are tracked online 24/7 via MySEKO. No weight restrictions. Also available Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Uber Freight
uber.com/us/en/freight | 877-289-8237
Uber Freight is an app that matches carriers with shippers. Carriers can tap a button and instantly book a load. Prices are fixed, eliminating the need for back-and-forth negotiations.
Solutions/Features:
Clear, upfront pricing and visibility gives shippers the information needed to make informed business decisions. Streamlined workflow. 24/7 support.
UPS
ups.com | 888-742-5877
UPS’ extensive domestic ground and air network can get shipments to more U.S. ZIP codes earlier than other major carriers. For urgent shipments, UPS offers several guaranteed next-day and same-day delivery options, with time-definite next-day delivery by morning, noon, or end-of-day, depending on need. UPS Express Critical service allows for same-day delivery of critical shipments.
Solutions/Features:
UPS offers value-added services such as pickup and delivery options, delivery notification, and special handling to meet each company’s shipping needs.
Ward Transport and Logistics
wardtlc.com/expedited-2 | 800-458-3625
Ward’s Fast ForWARD Expedite Service handles time-sensitive shipments. Available 24/7, Ward provides national and international solutions in land, air, and sea modes. Maintains a network of 20 strategically placed service centers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Solutions/Features:
Guaranteed delivery, pool distribution. Protect from freeze/full-value insurance. LTL consolidation, dedicated spot quotes.
Werner
werner.com/shippers/expedited | 800-228-2240
Werner’s operating area reaches all of North America, via services such as transcontinental, engineered solutions with designated OD pairings, terminal-to-terminal, and lane-based. Suited to small parcel packages, LTL purchase transportation, OEM manufacturing, freight forwarders, retail, and pharmaceutical/technology.
Solutions/Features:
Provides a total team capacity of more than 1,000, delivering best-in-class service for those with team transit needs. Higher than 99% on-time delivery record for time-definite shipments.
WSI Supply Chain Solutions
wsinc.com/service/transportation | 920-830-5000
WSI spans a nationwide distribution network with global logistics reach. Together, WSI’s state-of-the-art transportation network and strategically located distribution centers help expedite shipments worldwide. Within the United States, WSI achieves same-day or next-day delivery to all major cities.
Solutions/Features:
Parcel, LTL, full truckload, same-day, and next-day service.
XPO Logistics
expedite-solutions.xpo.com | 844-742-5976
With more than 30 years of experience in domestic and cross-border solutions, XPO manages time-critical shipments from origin to destination with end-to-end digital visibility. Capable of facilitating time-critical shipments of all sizes. Largest web-based manager of expedite in North America. Quality solo and team transportation providers.
Solutions/Features:
Skilled coordinators are available 24/7/365, with a large network of owner-operators who understand the urgent nature of expedite. Can adjust modes quickly within its transportation range if circumstances change. State-of-the-art digital visibility of freight in transit.
YRC Freight
yrc.com/services/time-critical | 800-610-6500
With YRC’s time-critical service, air and ground modes are coordinated to meet demanding timelines. Specialized equipment—from air cargo to cargo vans, dedicated trailers to liftgate equipment—satisfy virtually all shipping requirements. Comprehensive North America LTL network and cross-border expertise ensure seamless service. Special handling surrounds the shipment from the time it’s scheduled to its final destination. TSA-approved Certified Cargo Screening Facilities and Indirect Air Carrier status maintain shipment integrity and avoid delays.
Solutions/Features:
Time-Critical accommodates customer-defined delivery dates and times, including holidays and weekends. Guaranteed deliveries. Dedicated customer service on call 24/7. Online tracking.