Why would expedite be a good option for my freight?
Similar to expedite shipping for a package you order online, expedite shipping in the transportation world gives you the same primary benefit — quicker transit times. But that’s not all it means. There are other benefits to expedite shipping that can make it an excellent option for your freight.
Explore the benefits of shipping expedite
1. It can cut transit time in half
As mentioned, the first benefit we all think of is getting freight to its destination faster. If you were to broker a truck from New York City to Los Angeles, for example, it may take about 5 days for your load to arrive at its destination. Expedite shipping typically cuts this transit time by about half. This is possible for a few different reasons, including using smaller vehicles, which have faster average MPH times, and the use of team drivers.
Team drivers explained
Using team drivers (quite literally a pair or team of drivers) allows for a truck to be driven straight through to the destination with short stops for fuel. Because drivers are only legally allowed to drive for a certain number of hours per day/week, having two drivers allows for more total drive time while still staying within regulations.
2. Expedite uses advanced technology
Another reason you may choose to ship expedite is for the advanced technology that generally accompanies this service. This technology allows for accurate tracking, which enables you and your logistics partner to know where your freight is at all times — an important detail when shipping extremely sensitive freight. Another benefit is proactive communication via text or email as often as every 15 minutes throughout transit.
Don’t all trucks have tracking?
Macropoint tracking, which pings to a driver’s cell phone to determine the approximate location of the driver, is available for many solutions, but expedite tracking is in a league of its own. Many expedite services include GPS tracking on the equipment itself, eliminating the question of where your load actually is.
3. It gives you access to dedicated capacity
Depending on the current truckload market, brokering a truck can leave you waiting for capacity. If your freight is urgent, then choosing expedite generally gives you access to dedicated capacity so there’s no need to wait. ArcBest’s Panther Premium Logistics fleet only requires a 90-minute lead time from booking to pick up. You can even schedule a truck for a 15-minute window for both pickup and delivery and remain confident that your freight will be picked up and delivered within that timeframe.
Have urgent freight? ArcBest can help
If you need fast transit for an upcoming shipment or want to know how expedite can fit into your overall transportation strategy, count on ArcBest. Our team can get your freight moving quickly and help analyze your supply chain to ensure freight is moving with the best mode.
Learn more about ArcBest’s expedite service.
