Get answers to frequently asked questions about expedite shipping
Whether you’re new or experienced in shipping expedite freight, there may be some things about the process that aren’t quite clear. Get answers to the most common questions — from when to choose the service to how to make sure your shipment is successful:
1. When should I choose expedite?
The most common reason to ship expedite is when time is of the essence. This is because expedite is designed to get your shipment on the road quickly and can reduce time on the road by using team drivers who can trade off to cover more distance. Although expedite is often more expensive than standard services, it can save you money in situations where deadlines will be missed if your load doesn’t make it to its destination on time. Learn more about when to use expedite shipping.
2. My shipment is not time-sensitive, is expedite an option?
Yes, it is! Even when a shipment isn’t time-sensitive, you can often benefit from cost savings if the size and weight of your shipment make it suitable for smaller equipment types. Cargo vans and straight trucks are excellent options that provide a higher level of service than LTL, but at a fraction of the cost of a full truck for small shipments.
3. My load is high value but not timely. Should I ship expedite?
Expedite shipping comes with many perks besides timely delivery. For high-value freight, expedite carriers will work to protect it to the highest level. This includes insuring your load for the correct amount, providing more detailed tracking information, and even having extra vehicles accompany the trailer for additional security.
4. What information should I have ready when booking expedite?
Just like with any other shipment, it’s crucial to have all the details ready when booking expedite. Details such as origin and destination, size and weight, emergency contacts and any special handling requests will all help your carrier choose the right equipment type and ensure everything goes smoothly.
5. What is the process of expedite shipping?
After deciding that expedite shipping is a good fit for your needs, it becomes a quick process — especially if you’re already working with a trusted expedite carrier. In this case, you’ll simply follow their process for requesting a shipment and talk through the details of your load upfront. Once everything is clear with your partner, they will book a truck through their owned assets or their carrier network and handle the process from there.
Don’t have a relationship established with a provider? Learn what to look for when choosing an expedite carrier.
6. How can I make sure my shipment is successful?
Because expedite is often the most guaranteed service that logistics companies offer, communication is the most important factor for ensuring your shipment happens successfully. Communicate all details to your logistics partner ahead of time, let them know if anything unexpected comes up during the process, and let your partner go to work for you!
Suggested Read: Tips to follow when choosing expedite shipping services
Expedite with ArcBest
ArcBest has the experience and knowledge to ship your time-sensitive loads with ease. Whether you need immediate capacity during an emergency, or simply need to get your freight to its destination quicker and more securely, we have you covered. With a guaranteed delivery time and text alerts at your chosen interval, expedite is the most efficient and guaranteed service we offer. With experience shipping high-value items and for industries including life sciences, automotive and manufacturing, ArcBest can leverage our experience and vast network of equipment to expedite your load.
