Choosing the Right Expedite Freight Service

Businesses often turn to expedited shipping services for emergency orders, freight rescues and last-minute cargo transport when any kind of delay might threaten daily operations.

As opposed to standard shipping, which can include ambiguous delivery windows or lack necessary services specific to a particular form of cargo (such as fragile, high-value or HAZMAT items), expedite services offer a more precise shipping arrangement.

There are all different types of expedited shipping; here’s our quick look at the advantages, approximate shipping speeds and costs associated with each major expedite mode.

Expedited Ground Freight

The need for expedited ground services often stems from interference within a supply chain’s early stages. Trucks hauling raw materials to a factory for processing might be held up by poor road conditions; likewise, a single truck’s mechanical failure could leave food and beverage manufacturers waiting on shipments of ingredients before they can start production.

Normally raw materials and other general cargo might be trusted to standard freight services, but when business is at risk of grinding to a halt, ground expedite enters as a speedier (and, compared to shutting down production, a cost-saving) alternative.

Ground expedite services generally involve a tightly-coordinated effort to source, track and route cargo. Some premium services might guarantee direct delivery (no side-deliveries along the route) and/or round-the-clock team driving to keep especially time-critical freight moving without breaching a driver’s Hours of Service.

Expedited Air Freight

For freight on a strict deadline, there’s no faster method of delivery than expedited air; consequently, it’s also the costliest mode of expedite you’ll find. Depending on the degree of urgency (and aircraft availability), emergency shipments of medical supplies, machinery and other top-priority essentials can be shipped overnight, same-day or “NFO” (next flight out).

Expedited air shipping includes commercial services (shipping goods on regular flights), cargo services (aircraft dedicated strictly for freight) and charter services (aircraft dedicated strictly to your freight). Naturally, charters are typically reserved for only the most urgent or highest-value shipments.

Hotshot Shipping

Medium-duty trucks or trucks with flatbed or gooseneck trailers are sometimes leveraged as more maneuverable expedite options, particularly in areas where larger rigs either aren’t allowed or would have a tough time navigating.

“Hotshot” truckers can move LTL loads quickly, and their familiarity with local routes provides some added flexibility in the event of busy traffic or road closures. They are also among the most flexible of any expedited shipping modality.

Temp-Controlled Expedite

Temperature-controlled vehicles are the de facto expedite option for perishable shipments requiring urgent delivery and specific climate conditions in transit. Outfitted with climate control systems to keep goods in specific temperature and humidity ranges, these are ideal for produce, cosmetics, medicine and other heat-sensitive cargo.

Refrigerated trucks and trailers are the most common mode for moving temperature-sensitive goods, though climate control or special packaging materials (like dry ice) can also facilitate air, rail and overseas transport.

HAZMAT Expedite

Shipping hazardous materials naturally has its own set of rules, which apply even to expedited shipments so as to keep both drivers and the general public safe.

These shipments require special care, and can only be handled by those trained to safely do so (there are several levels of HAZMAT, each with their own handling instructions). Expertise is critical when moving anything flammable, corrosive, explosive, radioactive or otherwise hazardous (thus, the name).

It’s worth noting that expedited HAZMAT needs aren’t limited to meeting manufacturing deadlines. HAZMAT shipments are often subject to time-sensitive handling and delivery regulations, or in need of emergency relocation as a result of local flooding or fires.

High Value or High Security

While speed is generally the driving force behind expedited freight, security also plays a role in cases of high value cargo. Luxury goods, sensitive electronics and specialty equipment (components bound for space shuttles or military use, for example) all pose an elevated risk of theft.

For these items, less time on the road and extra precautions limit the potential loss of especially hard-to-replace cargo. Such precautions might include dedicated vehicles (guaranteeing no spare stops along the route), team driving (no parking somewhere remote overnight) and real-time tracking tech providing updates on the shipment’s location.

Partial Load & LTL Expedite

Expedited shipping comes at a cost — but some of that cost can be mitigated if shippers avoid reserving an entire truck for a partial or less-than-truckload delivery.

Expedited PTL and LTL options benefit those in urgent need of moving smaller shipments as a more budget-friendly method of rapid delivery. Experienced carriers will also provide freight tracking and up-to-date ETAs to keep businesses updated on their cargo’s progress, as these shipments are often part of a route containing multiple stops.

White Glove & Inside Delivery

Some delivery services go far beyond simply unloading goods at a dock. For large, fragile goods (think of a hotel lobby’s baby grand piano or a hospital’s new CT scanner), inside delivery can be as crucial to the shipping process as the cargo’s transport itself.

White glove services encompass all the logistics of moving such items, from special packaging and loading by those experienced in moving particularly fragile or valuable freight, to assembly and placement in its new home. If the item is replacing an older version, these services might also entail disassembling and removing the old one.

Cross-Border Expedite

Every international shipment goes through customs before reaching its destination. Customs can be tricky, particularly for carriers inexperienced in the paperwork and language skills needed to navigate it quickly. Cross-border expedite shipping offers the ability to quickly clear customs and keep emergency shipments moving.

Being familiar with legal border-crossing procedures (and updated on frequent procedural changes), as well as the various options for handing off cargo at the border, makes cross-border expedite indispensable for shippers engaged in international business and/or nearshoring strategies.

Final Mile Expedite

Efficient final mile strategies are a common focus for shippers looking to trim down their shipping costs. Final mile expedite serves businesses in need of goods stored (or stuck) somewhere in their immediate area — in some cases, these services may be classified as “freight rescues.”

Final mile vehicles can range from cargo and sprinter vans to straight trucks and even full-size trailers. Carriers offering expedited final mile services can also provide key unloading equipment like lift gates, dollies and ramps to ensure a smooth delivery.

Expedite Your Next Load with First Call FAST

For businesses moving especially valuable, hazardous or time-sensitive cargo, speed and security are the two most important elements a logistics partner can provide.

Experience in all forms of B2B and B2C freight transport allows First Call’s supply chain experts to quickly resolve partners’ expedited shipping needs, with our integrated tracking tech providing status updates every step of the way. Connect with the First Call team today; let’s get your freight moving!