Shipping large or heavy items across the United States can feel complicated, especially if you’ve never arranged freight shipping before. Averitt Express is one of the well-known freight carriers in North America, offering Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), full truckload, distribution, and supply chain services for businesses and individuals.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to ship freight with Averitt Express, including preparing your shipment, getting a quote, packaging freight correctly, scheduling pickup, and tracking delivery.
Whether you’re shipping commercial products, pallets, machinery, or oversized goods, this step-by-step guide will help you avoid delays and extra charges.
What Is Averitt Express?
Averitt Express is a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Tennessee. The carrier mainly focuses on:
- LTL freight shipping
- Full truckload services
- Regional and nationwide freight transportation
- Distribution and warehousing
- International shipping support
- Supply chain logistics
The company is especially popular in the southeastern United States but also offers nationwide freight coverage through its network and partners.
What Types of Freight Can You Ship with Averitt Express?
Before creating a shipment, make sure your freight fits Averitt Express shipping requirements.
Common freight types include:
- Palletized products
- Industrial equipment
- Retail inventory
- Automotive parts
- Furniture
- Construction materials
- Commercial supplies
Freight Usually Requires:
- Pallets or crates
- Secure packaging
- Freight labels
- Weight and dimensions
- Freight classification (NMFC class)
Hazardous materials may require additional documentation and special handling.
Step 1: Determine Your Freight Details
The first step in freight shipping is collecting accurate shipment information.
You’ll usually need:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Shipment weight | 850 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48” × 40” × 60” |
| Number of pallets | 2 pallets |
| Pickup ZIP code | 30301 |
| Delivery ZIP code | 75201 |
| Freight class | Class 70 |
| Packaging type | Palletized |
Why Accuracy Matters
Incorrect dimensions or weight can lead to:
- Reweigh fees
- Freight reclassification charges
- Delivery delays
- Additional billing adjustments
Always measure carefully before booking freight shipping.
Step 2: Choose the Right Freight Service
Averitt Express offers different freight solutions depending on shipment size and urgency.
LTL Freight (Less-Than-Truckload)
LTL is the most common option for small-to-medium freight shipments.
Best for:
- 1–6 pallets
- Shipments under 15,000 lbs
- Lower shipping costs
With LTL shipping, your freight shares trailer space with other shipments.
Full Truckload (FTL)
FTL works best when:
- You need an entire trailer
- Freight is oversized
- Faster direct transportation is required
Expedited Freight
If time-sensitive delivery is important, expedited freight may reduce transit time.
Step 3: Get an Averitt Express Freight Quote
Before shipping, you’ll want a freight rate estimate.
Information Needed for a Quote
Most freight quotes require:
- Origin and destination ZIP codes
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Freight class
- Residential or commercial delivery
- Liftgate requirements
Extra Services May Increase Cost
Additional accessorial charges may apply for:
- Residential pickup/delivery
- Liftgate service
- Inside delivery
- Limited access locations
- Appointment delivery
Providing accurate information upfront helps avoid surprise fees later.
Step 4: Properly Package Your Freight
Freight packaging is one of the most important parts of the shipping process.
Poor packaging can cause:
- Product damage
- Shipment refusal
- Claims disputes
- Delivery delays
Best Practices for Freight Packaging
Use Strong Pallets
Choose durable pallets that:
- Support the shipment weight
- Allow forklift access
- Prevent overhang
Secure the Shipment
Use:
- Stretch wrap
- Heavy-duty straps
- Shrink wrap
- Corner protectors
Label Clearly
Attach shipping labels on multiple sides of the pallet.
Labels should include:
- Tracking number
- Delivery address
- Contact information
Step 5: Prepare the Bill of Lading (BOL)
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the main freight shipping document.
It acts as:
- A shipping receipt
- A transportation contract
- Freight shipment instructions
Information Included on a BOL
Typical details include:
- Shipper information
- Consignee information
- Freight description
- NMFC freight class
- Weight and dimensions
- Special instructions
Incorrect BOL information can create billing issues and transit delays.
Step 6: Schedule Freight Pickup
Once your shipment is ready, schedule pickup with Averitt Express.
Pickup options may include:
- Business pickups
- Dock pickups
- Liftgate pickups
Before the Driver Arrives
Make sure:
- Freight is packaged
- Labels are attached
- Pallets are accessible
- Documentation is ready
If the shipment is not ready during pickup, additional fees may apply.
Step 7: Track Your Averitt Express Freight Shipment
After pickup, you can monitor shipment progress using freight tracking tools.
Tracking updates may include:
- Pickup confirmation
- Terminal arrival
- In transit status
- Out for delivery
- Delivered
Tracking visibility helps businesses plan inventory and customer deliveries more efficiently.
Common Averitt Express Freight Tracking Statuses
Here are some common shipment updates you may see:
| Tracking Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Picked Up | Freight was collected |
| In Transit | Shipment is moving through the network |
| Arrived at Terminal | Freight reached a sorting facility |
| Out for Delivery | Shipment is on local delivery truck |
| Delivered | Freight has been delivered |
Some updates may pause temporarily during weekends or terminal transfers.
How Long Does Averitt Express Freight Shipping Take?
Transit time depends on:
- Distance
- Freight type
- Service level
- Weather conditions
- Delivery region
Estimated Freight Transit Times
| Shipping Distance | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| Regional shipments | 1–3 business days |
| Cross-country freight | 4–7 business days |
| Expedited freight | Faster depending on service |
Rural or limited-access locations may require additional transit time.
Tips to Avoid Freight Shipping Problems
Freight shipping mistakes can become expensive quickly. Here are some practical tips:
Measure Everything Correctly
Incorrect dimensions are one of the biggest causes of billing adjustments.
Use Proper Freight Classifications
Freight class affects pricing significantly.
Avoid Pallet Overhang
Boxes hanging off pallets increase damage risk.
Double-Check Delivery Addresses
Incorrect addresses can delay delivery and trigger correction fees.
Keep Shipment Photos
Photos can help support damage claims if needed.
What Happens If Freight Is Damaged?
If your freight arrives damaged:
- Inspect the shipment before signing
- Note visible damage on the delivery receipt
- Take photos immediately
- Keep original packaging
- Contact Averitt Express promptly
Proper documentation is critical for freight claims.
Is Averitt Express Good for Freight Shipping?
Averitt Express is often chosen for:
- Regional freight reliability
- LTL transportation
- Business freight services
- Southeast U.S. coverage
- Supply chain support
The carrier is especially useful for businesses shipping palletized freight regularly.
However, shipping costs and delivery speed can vary depending on route and service type.
Final Thoughts
Shipping freight with Averitt Express becomes much easier once you understand the process. The key steps include:
- Gather accurate shipment details
- Choose the right freight service
- Get a shipping quote
- Package freight securely
- Prepare the Bill of Lading
- Schedule pickup
- Track your shipment until delivery
Careful preparation helps reduce delays, damage risks, and unexpected freight charges.
If you frequently ship large items or palletized goods, learning proper freight procedures can save both time and money over the long term.