How long does freight shipping take?
Transit depends on distance, mode, and conditions. As a guideline, truckload covers roughly 500 miles per day. LTL can take longer due to terminal transfers and is quoted in business days. Pickup day, weekends, and holidays usually do not count. International ocean moves can take 2 to 4 weeks port-to-port plus clearance and drayage, while air freight may take 1 to 3 days airport-to-airport plus pickup, delivery, and clearance. Weather, routing, and inspections can add time, so build in cushion when delivery dates matter.
Can I get a guaranteed delivery date or expedited shipping for freight?
Standard services are estimates only. Many carriers offer guaranteed LTL options for an added fee, with conditions. Expedited options include faster LTL routing, team drivers for truckload, or air freight for urgent shipments. Even with guarantees, pickup day typically does not count, and only business days are used. If timing is critical, request guaranteed or expedited service when quoting.
How long does ocean vs air take internationally?
Typical door-to-door: air 3–10 days depending on distance and handling; ocean 25–45 days depending on lane, port congestion, and inland drayage.