When I needed to ship several pallets of commercial equipment across multiple states, I decided to try Averitt Express for the first time. I had seen the company’s trucks on the road for years, but I had never personally used their freight services before. Since freight shipping can be expensive and risky, I wanted a carrier that was reasonably priced, professional, and reliable.
Here’s my honest experience using Averitt Express — including what went smoothly, what surprised me, and whether I would use them again.
Why I Chose Averitt Express
Before booking the shipment, I compared several LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight carriers, including:
- FedEx Freight
- Old Dominion
- XPO Logistics
- Estes
- Averitt Express
Averitt Express stood out for a few reasons:
- Competitive freight rates
- Strong regional coverage in the Southeast
- Positive customer reviews about customer service
- Easy online shipment tracking
- Flexible pickup scheduling
I was shipping heavy commercial items that didn’t require full truckload service, so LTL shipping was the most cost-effective option.
Booking the Shipment
The booking process was easier than I expected.
I requested a freight quote online, entered the shipment dimensions and weight, and received pricing fairly quickly. The website was straightforward, and I didn’t feel overwhelmed even though I don’t arrange freight shipments every day.
After confirming the quote, I scheduled a pickup.
What I Liked During Booking
- The website was simple to navigate
- Pickup windows were flexible
- Customer support answered questions quickly
- BOL (Bill of Lading) instructions were clear
One thing I appreciated was that Averitt Express provided clear communication about pallet preparation and labeling requirements. That helped avoid delays later.
Pickup Experience
The pickup happened on time.
The driver arrived during the scheduled window, inspected the pallets briefly, and loaded everything professionally. The process only took about 20 minutes.
The driver was polite and experienced, which immediately gave me confidence that the shipment was being handled correctly.
This may sound minor, but professional drivers make a huge difference in freight shipping.
Tracking the Shipment
One of my biggest concerns with freight carriers is shipment visibility. Some LTL carriers provide very limited tracking updates.
Fortunately, Averitt Express tracking was fairly detailed.
I could see updates like:
- Pickup confirmation
- Terminal arrivals
- In transit scans
- Estimated delivery timing
- Final delivery confirmation
The tracking updates were not “real-time GPS” like Amazon or FedEx small-package tracking, but they were accurate enough to understand where the freight was moving.
Did Tracking Ever Stop Updating?
Yes — briefly.
There was about a 24-hour period where the shipment status did not change. At first, I thought something had gone wrong.
However, after contacting customer support, I learned the freight was simply moving between terminals and had not yet received another scan.
This seems fairly common with LTL freight shipping.
Delivery Time: Was Averitt Express Fast?
The estimated transit time was 4 business days.
The shipment actually arrived in 5 business days.
While it was technically delayed by one day, I didn’t consider it a major issue because:
- Weather conditions affected regional freight traffic
- The delivery still arrived within the adjusted estimate
- The freight arrived without damage
Compared to some other LTL experiences I’ve had in the past, a one-day delay is honestly pretty normal.
Condition of the Freight Upon Arrival
This was the most important part for me.
Thankfully, everything arrived in good condition.
There were:
- No broken pallets
- No crushed packaging
- No missing items
- No visible handling damage
The receiver signed for the shipment without filing any damage claims.
For freight shipping, that’s a major win.
Customer Service Experience
I contacted Averitt Express customer support twice during the shipment:
- Once to confirm pickup details
- Once to ask about the temporary tracking delay
Both times, I was connected to a real person fairly quickly.
The representatives were professional and helpful, which honestly surprised me because many freight companies are difficult to reach.
What Stood Out
- Minimal hold times
- Helpful explanations
- Friendly communication
- Accurate shipment information
Good customer service matters even more in freight shipping because delays and confusion can become expensive very quickly.
The Downsides I Experienced
No shipping company is perfect, and Averitt Express had a few small issues too.
Tracking Updates Could Be Faster
The biggest weakness was scan frequency.
Sometimes the shipment appeared inactive even though it was still moving through the network.
Transit Time Was Slightly Longer Than Expected
Although only delayed by one day, businesses with strict deadlines may need to plan extra buffer time.
Freight Shipping Is Still Complicated for Beginners
This isn’t entirely Averitt’s fault, but LTL shipping in general involves:
- Freight classes
- Pallet requirements
- Liftgate services
- Appointment deliveries
- Accessorial fees
First-time shippers should read the shipping requirements carefully.
Is Averitt Express Reliable?
Based on my personal experience, yes — Averitt Express was reliable.
Here’s my overall impression:
| Category | My Experience |
|---|---|
| Pickup Reliability | Excellent |
| Shipment Tracking | Good |
| Delivery Speed | Good |
| Freight Condition | Excellent |
| Customer Service | Excellent |
| Pricing | Competitive |
Would I use them again?
Yes, especially for regional freight shipments within the United States.
Tips If You Plan to Use Averitt Express
If you’re considering shipping with Averitt Express, here are a few things I learned:
1. Package Freight Properly
Use sturdy pallets and secure wrapping. Proper packaging prevents most freight damage.
2. Double-Check Freight Class
Incorrect freight classification can lead to billing adjustments later.
3. Expect Limited Scan Frequency
LTL tracking is different from parcel delivery tracking.
4. Build in Extra Transit Time
If delivery deadlines are strict, allow an extra day or two just in case.
5. Save All Shipping Documents
Keep your:
- BOL
- Freight quote
- Tracking number
- Delivery receipt
These documents help if any issues arise.
Final Thoughts
After using Averitt Express for freight shipping, I understand why many businesses continue using them for regional and LTL transportation.
The company may not offer ultra-fast delivery or perfect real-time tracking, but in my experience, they delivered what mattered most:
- Safe freight handling
- Reliable pickup
- Professional customer service
- Reasonable pricing
For businesses and individuals shipping palletized freight across the U.S., Averitt Express is a solid option worth considering.
If your shipment is time-sensitive, I’d recommend building in a little extra delivery buffer. But overall, my experience was positive, and I would comfortably use Averitt Express again for future freight shipments.