Expedited Freight
Same-day pickup. Real people on dispatch 24/7.
We move your freight direct — no hub transfers, no handoffs — from your dock to the destination dock.
Expedited freight is the service for when standard LTL schedules don’t work. Manufacturing lines that go down at midnight. Healthcare specimens that have to be in another city by 9am. Retail dock appointments that can’t slip. That’s what we’re built for.
What it is
We pick up within hours of your call and move the freight direct — no hub transfers, no third-party handoffs. The shipment moves on Lykes equipment, dispatched by Lykes people, from your dock to the destination dock. You get a real-time tracking link and a signed POD at delivery.
Who it’s for
- Manufacturers with production lines that can’t wait on standard transit times
- Healthcare and lab shippers moving time-critical specimens, equipment, or pharmaceuticals
- Freight brokers who need a reliable regional carrier for expedited Texas, Florida, and New Mexico moves
- Retailers and distributors with timed dock appointments and no room for late deliveries
Why Lykes for expedited freight
- 24/7 real dispatch — a person answers the phone at 2am, not a voicemail tree
- 11 terminals, shorter deadheads — our drivers are already near your pickup, which means faster response times
- Single-carrier, dock to dock — no handoffs, no surprises at delivery
FAQ
Common questions.
What is expedited freight?
Expedited freight is cargo that moves on demand — a driver picks up within hours, the freight travels on a single carrier the whole way, and you know where it is and when it arrives. Unlike standard LTL, which moves on hub schedules and can take 3-5 days, expedited freight is built around your timeline, not ours.
How fast can you pick up in [city]?
In most of our 11 terminal cities, we can have a driver at your dock within 2-4 hours of a confirmed booking. Same-day pickup is standard. Call your nearest terminal or submit a quote request and we'll give you an honest time.
What's the difference between exclusive-use and non-exclusive service?
Exclusive-use means a dedicated vehicle and driver for your shipment only — the truck doesn't stop anywhere else. Non-exclusive (shared) means your freight may ride with other compatible cargo, which can reduce cost on lanes where we have regular volume. We'll recommend the right option when you call.
Do you handle freight between Texas and Florida?
Yes. With terminals in both states, we run regular Texas-to-Florida lanes. Call your origin terminal and we'll connect you with the destination team.
What size shipments do you handle?
We handle LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments up through full truckloads. If you have a single pallet or a full trailer, call us and we'll match the right equipment.
Do you provide proof of delivery?
Yes. Every shipment comes with a signed proof of delivery (POD). You can also track your shipment in real time through the customer portal.
