FedEx Freight is a less-than-truckload carrier for businesses

FedEx Freight is the LTL (less-than-truckload) division of FedEx. It moves freight that is too large or heavy for standard parcel services but does not fill an entire truck. If your shipment weighs between 500 pounds and 10,000 pounds, or takes up partial truck space, FedEx Freight consolidates it with other shipments heading the same direction and splits the cost among shippers.

FedEx Freight operates a network of terminals across North America. Your freight goes to a local terminal, gets sorted, travels on a line-haul truck with other shipments, and arrives at a destination terminal for final delivery. The service is designed for businesses shipping pallets, machinery, equipment, or other freight that a standard parcel carrier cannot handle.

This is a business-to-business service. You typically cannot walk into a FedEx Office and ship via FedEx Freight — you arrange pickup and delivery through FedEx Freight's website, phone line, or a freight broker who handles the booking on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • FedEx Freight moves shipments between 500 and 10,000 pounds that do not require a full truck, splitting the cost with other shippers on the same route.
  • You book shipments online, by phone, or through a freight broker; FedEx Freight picks up from your location and delivers to the destination.
  • Transit time depends on distance and service class — standard service typically takes three to seven business days for regional shipments.
  • Freight is classified by weight, dimensions, and commodity type, and rates vary based on these factors plus fuel surcharges and distance.
  • Shipments are tracked through FedEx Freight's system, and you receive proof of delivery when the freight reaches its destination.

How to book a FedEx Freight shipment

Start by gathering information about your shipment: total weight, dimensions (length, width, height), the commodity being shipped, pickup location, and delivery location. FedEx Freight classifies freight by weight and density — a pallet of feathers takes up more space than a pallet of steel, so both dimensions and weight matter for pricing.

You can book online through FedEx.com by selecting the freight option, entering your shipment details, and receiving a quote. You can also call FedEx Freight directly at 1-800-463-3339 to discuss your shipment with a representative, who can answer questions about commodity classification or special handling. A third option is to work with a freight broker — a middleman who handles the booking, negotiates rates, and manages the shipment on your behalf.

Once you book, FedEx Freight schedules a pickup at your location. You do not need to drop the freight off yourself. The driver picks up the shipment, provides a bill of lading (a receipt and contract for the freight), and takes it to the nearest FedEx Freight terminal.

Service classes and transit times

FedEx Freight offers different service levels depending on how quickly you need the shipment to arrive. Standard service is the most common and least expensive option. For regional shipments (within a few states), standard service typically takes three to seven business days. For longer distances, it may take seven to ten business days.

Priority service is faster and costs more. It prioritizes your shipment at each terminal and aims for delivery in two to five business days for regional routes. Economy service is slower and cheaper — it may take ten to fourteen business days but is useful if you have flexibility on timing.

Transit times are not may provide — they are estimates based on distance and current network conditions. Weather, equipment breakdowns, or high volume can delay shipments. FedEx Freight publishes service standards on its website, and you can check them before booking to understand what to expect for your route.

Pricing and what affects your rate

FedEx Freight pricing depends on several factors: the weight and dimensions of your shipment, the commodity class (some items cost more to ship because they are hazardous or require special handling), the distance traveled, and the service level you choose. Rates also include a fuel surcharge that fluctuates with fuel costs — this is added on top of the base rate.

You receive a quote before you book, so you know the total cost upfront. The quote is valid for a set period (usually a few days), and if you book within that window, you lock in that price. If you wait longer, you may need a new quote because rates and surcharges can change.

Some shippers use freight brokers to negotiate better rates, especially if they ship regularly. Brokers have relationships with multiple carriers and can sometimes find lower prices than booking directly. However, you pay the broker a fee for this service, so the savings need to outweigh the commission.

Tracking and delivery confirmation

When you book a FedEx Freight shipment, you receive a tracking number. You can enter this number on FedEx.com to see where your freight is in the network — whether it is at a terminal, in transit, or out for delivery. Tracking updates happen at each major step: pickup, arrival at origin terminal, departure from origin terminal, arrival at destination terminal, and delivery.

The level of detail in tracking is less granular than parcel tracking. You will not see real-time GPS updates like you would with a FedEx Ground package. Instead, you see status updates at terminals and when the shipment is delivered.

When the freight arrives at the destination, the driver obtains a signature or proof of delivery from the recipient. FedEx Freight sends you a delivery confirmation, usually within one business day. If the recipient is not available, the driver leaves a notice, and the shipment may be held at the destination terminal for pickup.

Freight classification and special handling

FedEx Freight uses the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system to categorize freight. Each commodity is assigned a class number from 50 to 500 — lower numbers are denser and more valuable per pound, so they cost less to ship. Higher numbers are bulkier or more fragile, so they cost more.

For example, machinery or metal parts might be class 85, while appliances might be class 100. If you are unsure what class your shipment falls into, FedEx Freight can help you determine it when you book. Misclassifying freight can result in additional charges or delivery delays, so it is worth getting this right.

Some freight requires special handling: hazardous materials need proper documentation and labeling, fragile items may need padding or crating, and oversized items may require special equipment or routing. FedEx Freight can accommodate these needs, but you must declare them when you book so the cost and logistics are accounted for.

Liability and damage claims

FedEx Freight is responsible for your shipment from pickup to delivery, but liability is limited. The standard liability is based on weight — typically 50 cents per pound per article, unless you declare a higher value and pay an additional fee. If your shipment is worth more than the standard liability covers, you should declare the full value when you book.

If freight arrives damaged, you have a window to file a claim — usually 15 days from delivery. You will need to keep the damaged goods and packaging, take photos, and provide documentation of the damage. FedEx Freight investigates the claim and either pays the claim or denies it based on the evidence.

To protect yourself, inspect the shipment when it arrives and note any visible damage on the delivery paperwork before signing. If damage is not visible until you open the freight, document it with photos and contact FedEx Freight within the claim window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum weight for FedEx Freight?

FedEx Freight typically handles shipments of 500 pounds or more. Shipments under 500 pounds are usually more cost-effective through FedEx Ground or another parcel service. If your shipment is close to 500 pounds, get quotes from both services to compare.

Can I ship hazardous materials with FedEx Freight?

Yes, but hazardous materials require proper documentation, labeling, and packaging. You must declare hazardous goods when you book, and FedEx Freight will provide instructions on how to prepare the shipment. Not all hazardous materials can be shipped, so confirm with FedEx Freight before booking.

What happens if my freight is not ready for pickup on the scheduled day?

Contact FedEx Freight as soon as possible to reschedule. Missed pickups may result in a fee, depending on FedEx Freight's policy and how much notice you give. It is better to reschedule early than to miss the appointment.

Can I pick up my freight at a FedEx Freight terminal instead of having it delivered?

Yes. When you book, you can request terminal pickup at the destination instead of door delivery. This is usually cheaper and gives you flexibility on when to collect the shipment, though you are responsible for picking it up within a set window (usually a few days).

How do I know if FedEx Freight serves my area?

FedEx Freight operates across North America with terminals in most major cities and many smaller ones. When you get a quote online or call, FedEx Freight will tell you whether your pickup and delivery locations are serviceable. If one location is not served, they may offer a nearby terminal or refer you to a partner carrier.