In plain English
Expedited shipping is for time-critical freight: a part that stops a production line, a trade show shipment or an urgent job-site order. The driver takes the freight straight to its destination, often within hours of booking.
It costs more than LTL because you are paying for the vehicle and the driver, not just the space.
Why it matters when you ship
Use it when the cost of waiting is higher than the premium, or when the freight is too fragile for terminal handling. For routine pallet freight that is not urgent, LTL is cheaper.
Example
A factory needs a replacement bearing in another state by tomorrow. A van driver picks it up within the hour and drives it directly.
Related terms
Learn more
Expedited freight: common questions
What is the difference between expedited and LTL?
Expedited freight rides on its own vehicle directly to the destination. LTL shares a trailer and passes through terminals, so it is cheaper and slower.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Expedited Freight: Meaning and How It Works”, https://transportli.com/glossary/expedited-freight/, updated November 11, 2026.
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