Domestic Freight Shipping Across the USA
Faster Freight arranges domestic freight shipping by truck and air: less-than-truckload (LTL) for a few pallets, full truckload (FTL) when you need the whole trailer, and domestic air freight for urgent cargo. You get one point of contact from pickup to delivery, plus cross-border trucking to Canada and Mexico.
- LTL shipping
- Full truckload
- Domestic air
- Canada & Mexico
Domestic freight services we arrange
Every shipment is matched to the mode that fits its size, deadline and budget, and booked with vetted carriers.
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LTL shipping
For freight from roughly one to six pallets. Your shipment shares a trailer with other customers, so you only pay for the space you use. Rates depend on weight, distance and freight class.
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Full truckload (FTL) shipping
A dedicated trailer for your freight only. It is loaded once and driven straight to the consignee, with less handling and more predictable timing than LTL.
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Domestic air freight
When ground is too slow, we book space on domestic air services for urgent or high-value cargo. See our air freight forwarding page for how air shipments are priced.
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Cross-border trucking to Canada and Mexico
Truck freight from the USA to Canada or Mexico, coordinated with the export paperwork and customs clearance each border crossing needs.
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The inland leg of your international shipment
Because we are an international freight forwarder, domestic trucking often connects to an ocean freight or air move: delivering imports from the port to your warehouse, or bringing exports to the port in time for the vessel. One company handles both legs, so nothing falls between two providers. For complete pickup-to-delivery moves abroad, see door-to-door shipping.
LTL vs. FTL: which one fits your shipment?
A standard 53-foot dry van holds about 26 standard pallets on the floor. Drag the slider to see where your freight lands.
A rule of thumb, not a quote. Very heavy, fragile or high-value freight can change the answer, and for loads in the middle we price both options.
| LTL (less-than-truckload) | FTL (full truckload) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | About 1 to 6 pallets, usually 150 lb up to around 10,000 lb | About 10 pallets or more, or freight heavy enough to need its own trailer |
| What you pay for | Your share of the trailer, based on weight, distance and freight class | The whole trailer, priced mainly by distance and lane |
| Handling | Moves through carrier terminals and may change trucks along the way | Loaded once and driven directly to delivery |
| Timing | More variable because of terminal stops | Faster and more predictable on the same lane |
| Best for | Small and mid-size businesses shipping a few pallets at a time | Large orders, fragile or high-value goods, and tight deadlines |
Want the longer version? Read our guide to less-than-truckload vs. full truckload shipping.
What affects domestic freight rates
There is no single price per mile. These are the factors carriers use, so accurate details up front mean fewer surprises on the invoice.
- Distance and laneBusy lanes between major cities usually price better than remote origins or destinations.
- Weight and dimensionsCarriers charge on weight and on how much trailer space your freight takes up.
- Freight class (LTL)The NMFC system groups goods into 18 classes from 50 to 500. Dense, durable freight sits in lower classes and costs less to move.
- Accessorial servicesLiftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, limited-access sites and appointment scheduling each add a charge.
- TimingFlexible pickup dates are cheaper than guaranteed or expedited service.
- Fuel and market conditionsFuel surcharges and seasonal truck capacity move rates up and down through the year.
How booking domestic freight works
Request a quote
Send the shipment details using the form below or by phone. We come back with the best option for your freight.
Confirm and schedule
Approve the quote, and we book the carrier and set the pickup window. The bill of lading is prepared for the driver.
Pickup and transit
The carrier collects your freight. You can follow progress on our shipment tracking page or ask your contact for updates.
Delivery
Freight is delivered and signed for. Inspect it and note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing.
Special handling
- Residential and liftgate delivery for addresses without a loading dock. Learn more about residential freight delivery.
- Oversized and heavy cargo such as machinery. See heavy equipment shipping.
- Temperature-controlled and hazardous materials are quoted case by case. Tell us what you are shipping and we will confirm the options.
- Cargo insurance on top of the carrier's limited liability, for high-value goods.
Why ship with Faster Freight
- Arranging freight since 2005, headquartered in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida
- A division of STG Freight Services, Inc., with a public BBB business profile
- Domestic and international freight under one roof, including air, ocean and customs
- One point of contact for your shipment, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm ET
Get a domestic freight quote
Choose ground or air in the form, add your pickup and delivery details, and we will reply with pricing and an estimated transit time. Prefer to talk? Call +1 (888) 310-1917.
Last updated: October 2026
Domestic freight shipping FAQs
Quick answers about LTL, full truckload, costs and paperwork.
What is domestic freight shipping?
Domestic freight shipping is moving commercial goods from one place to another inside the same country, usually by truck, and sometimes by air or rail. In the USA it mostly means LTL or full truckload trucking. Faster Freight arranges domestic shipments by truck and air, plus cross-border trucking to Canada and Mexico.
What is the difference between LTL and FTL?
LTL (less-than-truckload) means your freight shares a trailer with other shipments, and you pay for the space and weight you use. It suits about one to six pallets. FTL (full truckload) gives you a dedicated trailer that goes straight from pickup to delivery. It usually makes sense from about 10 pallets, or for fragile, high-value or urgent freight.
How much does domestic freight shipping cost?
Cost depends on distance and lane, weight and dimensions, freight class for LTL, accessorial services such as liftgate or residential delivery, pickup timing, and fuel surcharges. Because these change shipment by shipment, the most accurate way to get a price is to request a quote with your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, pallet count, weight and ready date.
How long does domestic freight take?
Transit time depends on distance, mode and service level. Full truckload moves directly and is usually faster and more predictable than LTL, which travels through carrier terminals. Domestic air is the fastest option for urgent cargo. We include an estimated transit time with every quote.
What is freight class?
Freight class is a rating from the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) that LTL carriers use to price shipments. There are 18 classes, from 50 to 500. Dense, durable, easy-to-handle freight falls into lower classes and costs less to ship. If you do not know your class, describe the goods and we will help classify them.
Is my domestic freight insured?
Carriers are liable for loss or damage only up to limits set in their tariffs, which are often well below the value of the goods. For high-value freight, ask us to add cargo insurance to your shipment. Always inspect freight at delivery and note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing.
What documents do I need to ship freight in the USA?
A domestic shipment needs a bill of lading, which lists the shipper, consignee, freight description, weight and class. We prepare it when we book your shipment. Cross-border shipments to Canada or Mexico also need a commercial invoice and export and customs paperwork, which we coordinate.
Can you deliver to a home or a business without a loading dock?
Yes. Residential and liftgate delivery can be added to LTL shipments for addresses without a dock or forklift. Mention it when you request a quote so the right truck is booked and the accessorial charges are included up front.