Estes Express Lines

Estes is the largest, privately-owned freight shipping company in North America.

We’ve been providing reliable shipping solutions to our customers for ninety years, and have worked hard through the decades to build a robust transportation network, a reputation for dependability, and an award-winning safety record.

As an asset-based freight transportation and custom logistics solutions provider, Estes manages a fleet of more than 7,000 tractors and 30,000 trailers, as well as a network of 260+ terminals. And because our company was built on the solid foundation of financial stability, we have both the skill and resources necessary to stay nimble and responsive to the ever-changing shipping needs of our customers.

At Estes, our mission is to deliver responsive freight solutions so you have more time to focus on what matters most. Our company provides:

Reliable Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight solutions to and from all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
A standard network of nearly 7,000 next-day lanes and over 270-million next-day points
Comprehensive Time Critical solutions, including time-date definite, guaranteed and expedited freight delivery
Asset-based and brokered Volume LTL and Truckload shipping to regional, national, international and offshore destinations
Comprehensive freight forwarding options that make it easy to ship anywhere on the globe with confidence
Residential and commercial non-dock delivery solutions to take your freight the final mile
Custom Shipping and Logistics including dedicated delivery, flatbed, truckload, warehousing, supply chain management, pick and pack, and other special services.

Estes delivers reliable less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping solutions throughout all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. And our nationwide terminal network connects nearly 750 million one- and two-day shipping points, which means our standard transit times can often be as fast as other LTL carriers’ expedited shipping.

Choosing Estes to handle your LTL freight offers many advantages:

Regional shipping throughout the continental U.S. with a standard network of nearly 7,000 next-day lanes and 270 million next-day points
National shipping with timely, long-haul LTL options from coast to coast
International and offshore solutions with seamless, worldwide coverage and reliable freight forwarding options
We back our LTL shipping services with:

90 years of shipping experience
A fleet of more than 7,000 tractors and 30,000 trailers
A network of 260+ terminals in the U.S. and Canada – with multiple regional locations to support heavy volume
A complete North American solution with virtually all-points coverage of Canada and Mexico
Strategic processes that minimize handling, leading to a reduced risk of freight damage
A superior, award-winning safety record

Navigating the Complexities of International Shipping
When you need to ship internationally, trust a provider with flexible options, reliable expertise and extensive reach. Estes offers international freight shipping solutions for virtually any need: exports, imports, consolidated and direct shipments, standard and expedited delivery, and value-added services.

Whether you’re shipping by air, land, or sea, our expertise and international networks ensure a seamless shipping experience to virtually any destination on the globe. We also offer single-invoice shipment handling, single points of contact, and complete tracking from end to end.

In addition to regular expedited services such as Next Flight Out, our airfreight solutions include chartered flights and on-board couriers for hand-carried freight. Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) is connected to a global freight network and is TSA-certified as an indirect air carrier.

Certifications and Affiliations

Licensed NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and Ocean Freight Forwarder) (FMC: 022151NS)
C-TPAT (U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certified
IATA (International Air Transport Association) Endorsed Agent (for tendering cargo direct to airlines)
Nationally licensed customs broker
CCR (Central Contractor Registration) and ORCA (Online Representations and Certifications Applications) registered
CRAF (Civil Reserve Air Fleet) sponsored forwarder
SmartWay® Transport Partner (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
GSA-approved transportation services provider

As a global freight forwarder, we partner with the top ocean cargo carriers to ensure that your freight is given reliable space at a competitive price. Over the oceans, we offer several shipping options:

Full container load (FCL), and less than container load (LCL) shipments, which are merged with freight for more than one consignee or from more than one shipper
Distribution bypass (breaking the container in the port city and distributing to our LTL network for direct delivery to specific points)
Ocean expedite (breaking the container in the port city and loading into a road trailer for direct delivery to consignee, shortening transit time by days)
Multimodal (using a combination of air/ocean/rail/truck to deliver the solution that best satisfies your needs and requirements)