When I first needed to ship a large palletized order across states, I quickly realized that traditional parcel carriers weren’t the right fit. That’s when I decided to try ABF Freight, a well-known LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping provider. In this article, I’ll walk you through my real first-time experience with ABF Freight—from pickup to final delivery, including what went smoothly, what surprised me, and what you should know before using them.
Why I Chose ABF Freight
I was shipping several bulky items that didn’t require a full truckload but were too large for standard couriers like UPS or FedEx Ground. After comparing a few LTL carriers, I chose ABF Freight because:
- Competitive pricing for medium-sized shipments
- Strong reputation in the U.S. freight industry
- Reliable tracking system
- Flexible pickup scheduling
For a first-time LTL shipment, those factors gave me enough confidence to move forward.
Booking the Shipment
The booking process was simpler than I expected. I went through their online system and provided:
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Pallet dimensions and weight
- Freight class (this part took a bit of research)
- Preferred pickup date
Within minutes, I received a quote and confirmation.
Tip: If you’re new to LTL shipping, understanding freight class is crucial—it directly affects your shipping cost.
Preparing for Pickup
Before the pickup day, I had to properly prepare my shipment:
- Secured items on a pallet
- Wrapped everything tightly with shrink wrap
- Added labels clearly on all sides
- Included the Bill of Lading (BOL)
ABF Freight requires shipments to be ready for forklift loading, so proper palletizing is essential.
Pickup Experience
On the scheduled day, the driver arrived within the estimated time window. The process was surprisingly smooth:
- The driver verified shipment details
- Loaded the pallet using a liftgate
- Provided confirmation paperwork
The entire pickup took less than 20 minutes.
My impression: Professional and efficient. No issues at all.
Tracking the Shipment
Once the shipment was on its way, I started tracking it using the ABF Freight tracking number.
The tracking updates included:
- Pickup confirmation
- Terminal transfers
- “In Transit” status
- Estimated delivery date
While the updates weren’t in real-time like small parcel tracking, they were consistent enough to keep me informed.
Transit Time: What to Expect
My shipment traveled across two states and took about 4 business days to arrive.
This matched the estimated delivery window provided at booking, which was a good sign of reliability.
However, keep in mind:
- LTL shipments often involve multiple stops
- Delays can happen due to consolidation and routing
- Weather and terminal congestion may affect timing
Delivery Experience
Delivery day went just as smoothly as pickup.
- The driver called ahead to confirm arrival
- Used a liftgate to unload the pallet
- Asked for a signature upon delivery
The shipment arrived in perfect condition, with no visible damage.
That was my biggest concern going in—and ABF Freight handled it well.
What I Liked
After my first experience, here are the standout positives:
- ✔ Easy booking process
- ✔ Professional pickup and delivery
- ✔ Reliable transit time
- ✔ Secure handling of palletized goods
What Could Be Improved
No service is perfect. A few minor drawbacks:
- Tracking updates are less detailed than parcel carriers
- Freight class system can be confusing for beginners
- Delivery scheduling windows can be broad
Final Verdict: Would I Use ABF Freight Again?
Yes—I would absolutely use ABF Freight again for LTL shipping.
For businesses or individuals shipping large, palletized goods, ABF Freight offers a solid balance of price, reliability, and service quality.
Key Takeaways for First-Time Users
If you’re planning your first shipment with ABF Freight, keep these tips in mind:
- Prepare your pallet carefully to avoid damage
- Understand freight class before booking
- Don’t expect minute-by-minute tracking updates
- Allow some flexibility in delivery timing