If you’re running a small business or managing logistics, choosing the right freight carrier can make or break your operations. Recently, I used ABF Freight for an LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipment for my business—and here’s my honest, no-nonsense review.
This article covers everything from booking and pickup to transit time, tracking, and final delivery—so you can decide whether ABF Freight is the right choice for your shipping needs.
📦 Why I Chose ABF Freight
I needed to ship three pallets of packaged goods from Illinois to Texas. The shipment wasn’t urgent, but reliability and cost were critical.
After comparing several carriers like FedEx Freight and Old Dominion, I chose ABF Freight for a few reasons:
- Competitive LTL pricing
- Strong reputation in the U.S. freight market
- Flexible pickup scheduling
- Easy online tracking system
ABF Freight is part of ArcBest, a well-established logistics company, which gave me additional confidence.
📝 Booking and Scheduling: Smooth but Not Perfect
The booking process was mostly straightforward.
I requested a quote online, entered shipment details (weight, dimensions, freight class), and received a rate within minutes. However, here’s where things got slightly tricky:
- Freight class selection wasn’t beginner-friendly
- Limited guidance for first-time shippers
- Extra charges (like liftgate service) weren’t clearly explained upfront
💡 Tip: If you’re new to LTL shipping, double-check your freight class to avoid unexpected fees.
Once booked, scheduling a pickup was easy, and I got a confirmation within a few hours.
🚚 Pickup Experience: Professional and On Time
The pickup experience was one of the highlights.
- The driver arrived within the scheduled window
- He was professional and efficient
- Used proper equipment to handle the pallets safely
Since I requested a liftgate, the process was smooth even without a loading dock.
No damage occurred during pickup, and the Bill of Lading (BOL) was handled correctly.
⏱️ Transit Time: Slight Delay but Acceptable
The estimated transit time was 3–4 business days.
Actual delivery took 5 business days, which was slightly longer than expected.
Reasons (based on tracking updates):
- “In Transit” status lasted longer than expected
- One day delay at a regional hub
While delays can be frustrating, this is not uncommon in LTL shipping, where freight is consolidated and routed through multiple terminals.
🔍 Tracking Experience: Reliable but Basic
ABF Freight’s tracking system works—but don’t expect Amazon-level detail.
Here’s what I liked:
- Easy to access with PRO number
- Status updates were accurate
- Milestones like “Picked Up,” “In Transit,” and “Delivered” were clearly shown
What could be improved:
- No real-time GPS tracking
- Limited detail between terminals
- Updates were sometimes delayed
Overall, it’s functional but basic.
📍 Delivery Experience: Safe and Secure
Delivery went smoothly despite the slight delay.
- The driver called ahead before arrival
- Freight arrived in excellent condition
- All pallets were intact, with no visible damage
The unloading process was efficient, and paperwork was completed without issues.
For a business shipment, this reliability matters more than speed.
💰 Pricing: Good Value for Money
ABF Freight wasn’t the cheapest option—but it offered solid value.
What influenced the cost:
- Freight class
- Distance
- Additional services (liftgate, residential delivery)
Compared to competitors:
- Slightly cheaper than FedEx Freight
- Comparable to regional LTL carriers
- Better pricing transparency than some smaller providers
👍 Pros and 👎 Cons
✅ Pros
- Reliable and professional service
- Competitive LTL pricing
- Safe handling of freight
- Easy booking and scheduling
❌ Cons
- Tracking system is basic
- Transit time can vary
- Freight class system is confusing for beginners
- Extra fees not always clearly explained
🧠 Final Verdict: Is ABF Freight Worth It?
Yes—ABF Freight is a solid choice for business shipments, especially if you value reliability over speed.
If your shipment is not extremely time-sensitive and you want a dependable LTL carrier with fair pricing, ABF Freight is worth considering.
📌 Who Should Use ABF Freight?
ABF Freight is ideal for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- Non-urgent LTL shipments
- Shipments requiring careful handling
- Businesses looking for a balance between cost and reliability
🚀 Final Tip
Before booking any LTL shipment:
- Double-check your freight class
- Measure pallets accurately
- Understand accessorial charges
A little preparation can save you time, money, and headaches.