If you’re looking for a reliable less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier in the United States, Averitt Express is one of the most recognized names in regional and nationwide freight shipping. Known for its strong Southeastern U.S. network, flexible freight solutions, and business-friendly shipping services, Averitt Express has become a popular option for manufacturers, retailers, and eCommerce sellers.
In this Averitt Express LTL shipping guide, we’ll explain how Averitt Express freight services work, estimated pricing, transit times, and what you should know before booking a shipment.
What Is Averitt Express?
Averitt Express is a U.S.-based transportation and supply chain company headquartered in Tennessee. The carrier specializes in:
- LTL freight shipping
- Full truckload services
- Dedicated transportation
- Distribution and warehousing
- International freight
- Supply chain management
The company primarily serves businesses across North America and is especially strong in the Southeastern United States.
For companies shipping pallets, crates, or commercial freight that do not require an entire trailer, Averitt Express LTL shipping is one of its most widely used services.
What Is LTL Shipping?
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space on the same trailer. Instead of paying for an entire truck, you only pay for the portion your freight occupies.
LTL shipping is ideal for:
- Small business shipments
- Palletized freight
- Commercial inventory
- Retail replenishment
- Industrial equipment
- eCommerce bulk shipments
Most LTL shipments typically weigh between:
- 150 lbs to 15,000 lbs
Averitt Express LTL Services
Averitt Express offers several freight shipping options depending on delivery urgency and shipment type.
1. Standard LTL Freight
This is the most common service for non-urgent commercial freight shipments.
Best for:
- Routine business deliveries
- Cost-sensitive freight
- Regional pallet shipping
Features:
- Daily pickup services
- Online freight tracking
- Liftgate options
- Residential delivery support
- Freight classification assistance
2. Guaranteed Delivery
For time-sensitive shipments, Averitt offers guaranteed freight delivery services.
Best for:
- Critical inventory
- Manufacturing supply chains
- Retail deadlines
Features:
- Guaranteed delivery windows
- Priority handling
- Reduced transit delays
3. Expedited Freight
Expedited shipping is designed for urgent freight that needs faster transit.
Best for:
- Emergency replacement parts
- Medical equipment
- High-priority commercial freight
Features:
- Faster routing
- Dedicated support
- Reduced handling time
4. Cross-Border Shipping
Averitt also supports shipping between:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
This service includes customs assistance and international freight coordination.
Averitt Express LTL Pricing
LTL shipping rates depend on several factors. Unlike parcel shipping, freight pricing is highly customized.
Main Factors Affecting Averitt Freight Rates
Freight Class
Freight class is determined by:
- Density
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Liability
- Handling difficulty
Common freight classes range from:
- Class 50 (dense freight)
- Class 500 (light or fragile freight)
Lower freight classes generally cost less.
Shipment Weight
Heavier shipments often receive better per-pound pricing.
Example:
- 500 lb shipment → higher cost per pound
- 5,000 lb shipment → lower cost per pound
Distance
Longer shipping distances increase total cost.
Regional Southeastern shipments are often more affordable through Averitt due to its dense regional network.
Accessorial Services
Additional services may increase pricing, including:
- Liftgate pickup/delivery
- Residential delivery
- Inside delivery
- Appointment scheduling
- Limited access locations
Estimated Averitt Express LTL Shipping Costs
Below are rough estimates for standard freight shipments.
| Shipment Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 pallet (500 lbs) regional | $150–$350 |
| 1 pallet cross-country | $350–$700 |
| 2–4 pallets regional | $400–$900 |
| Expedited LTL shipment | Higher premium pricing |
Actual shipping rates vary based on:
- Freight class
- Fuel surcharges
- Seasonal demand
- Pickup location
- Delivery location
Businesses shipping frequently may qualify for negotiated contract pricing.
Averitt Express Transit Times
Transit times depend on shipment distance and service type.
Estimated Delivery Times
| Route Type | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Southeastern U.S. regional | 1–3 business days |
| Midwest to Southeast | 2–4 business days |
| Cross-country freight | 4–7 business days |
| Expedited freight | Faster depending on service |
Weather conditions, freight congestion, and holidays can affect delivery speed.
How to Ship Freight with Averitt Express
Step 1: Prepare Your Freight
Before shipping:
- Palletize your items securely
- Use shrink wrap or straps
- Label each pallet clearly
Proper packaging helps avoid damage during transit.
Step 2: Determine Freight Class
You’ll need:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Commodity type
Incorrect freight classification may lead to reclassification fees.
Step 3: Request a Freight Quote
You can obtain quotes by:
- Using Averitt’s online freight tools
- Contacting a freight representative
- Working with a third-party freight broker
Step 4: Schedule Pickup
Once booked:
- Print your Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Schedule pickup
- Prepare loading access
Step 5: Track Your Shipment
Averitt Express provides online freight tracking updates throughout the shipping process.
Tracking statuses may include:
- Pickup scheduled
- In transit
- Arrived at terminal
- Out for delivery
- Delivered
Pros of Using Averitt Express
Strong Southeastern Coverage
Averitt is especially reliable for freight moving across:
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Florida
- Carolinas
Flexible Freight Services
Businesses can combine:
- LTL shipping
- Warehousing
- Distribution
- Dedicated transportation
under one logistics provider.
Reliable Business Support
Many commercial shippers choose Averitt because of:
- Consistent transit performance
- Dedicated account support
- Freight visibility tools
Potential Drawbacks
Limited Residential Focus
Averitt primarily focuses on commercial freight. Residential freight delivery may involve:
- Extra fees
- Appointment requirements
- Longer scheduling windows
Freight Pricing Complexity
LTL pricing can be confusing for first-time shippers because of:
- Freight classes
- Fuel surcharges
- Accessorial charges
Using accurate freight information is important to avoid unexpected costs.
Tips to Reduce Averitt Freight Shipping Costs
Optimize Packaging
Dense, compact freight usually ships cheaper.
Avoid Extra Accessorials
If possible:
- Ship to commercial addresses
- Avoid liftgate services
- Use dock-to-dock delivery
Consolidate Shipments
Combining multiple pallets into one shipment may lower total cost.
Compare Freight Quotes
Businesses often compare:
- Averitt Express
- FedEx Freight
- Old Dominion
- XPO Logistics
- Estes Express
before booking.
Final Thoughts
Averitt Express is a solid choice for businesses needing reliable LTL freight shipping, especially across the Southeastern United States. Its combination of regional strength, freight expertise, and flexible logistics solutions makes it attractive for commercial shippers of all sizes.
If you frequently ship pallets or business freight, understanding freight classes, transit times, and accessorial charges can help you reduce costs and improve delivery efficiency.
Whether you’re shipping locally or across the country, Averitt Express LTL services provide a dependable option for modern freight transportation.