ABF Freight tracking

ABF Freight tracking

ABF Freight: Track Your Shipment Across North America

ABF Freight, a trusted ArcBest company, specializes in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping across North America. Track your freight easily online.

Introduction to ABF Freight Tracking

Navigating the world of freight shipping can seem complex, but keeping tabs on your cargo shouldn't be. ABF Freight, a cornerstone of the ArcBest family, is renowned for its reliable Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) services throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Whether you're a business managing regular logistics or an individual sending a large item, knowing where your shipment is provides crucial peace of mind.

While ABF Freight offers its own tracking tools, consolidating your tracking needs simplifies things immensely. That's where Go4Track.com comes in. We provide a seamless, user-friendly platform to monitor your ABF Freight shipments alongside packages from numerous other carriers worldwide. Get real-time delivery updates without juggling multiple websites. Ready to see your shipment's progress? Track your ABF Freight shipment now.

How to Track Your ABF Freight Shipment

Tracking your ABF Freight shipment is straightforward. All you need is your unique tracking identifier and a reliable tool like Go4Track.com.

Where to find your ABF Freight tracking number

ABF Freight primarily uses a PRO number for tracking individual shipments. This number is typically 9 or 10 digits long. Here's where you can usually find it:

  • Bill of Lading (BOL): This essential shipping document will clearly list the PRO number.
  • Shipping Confirmation Email: If you arranged the shipment online or received an electronic confirmation, the PRO number should be included.
  • Receipt or Invoice: Physical or digital receipts related to the shipment often contain the tracking number.
  • From the Shipper: If you are the recipient, the person or company sending the freight should provide you with the PRO number.

ABF's system might also allow tracking via other reference numbers like the Bill of Lading (BOL) number, Purchase Order (PO) number, or a specific Shipper Reference number assigned during booking. However, the PRO number is the most direct way to track.

Step-by-step guide using Go4Track.com

Tracking your ABF Freight package on Go4Track.com is designed to be effortless:

  1. Visit Go4Track.com: Open your web browser and navigate to Go4Track.com.
  2. Locate the Tracking Bar: You'll find a prominent tracking input field on the homepage.
  3. Enter Your Tracking Number: Type or paste your ABF Freight PRO number (or other valid reference number) accurately into the field.
  4. Click 'Track': Hit the track button or press Enter.
  5. View Results: Go4Track will automatically detect the carrier as ABF Freight (or allow you to select it if needed) and display the latest tracking information available, showing the journey of your shipment in an easy-to-understand format.

Common tracking statuses explained

As your shipment moves through the ABF Freight network, its status will update. Here are some common statuses you might see and what they mean:

  • Order Created / Information Received: The shipping information has been entered into ABF's system, but the freight has not yet been picked up.
  • Picked Up: ABF Freight has collected the shipment from the origin location.
  • In Transit: The shipment is moving between ABF terminals en route to the destination. It may show departures and arrivals at various terminals along the way.
  • At Destination Terminal: The freight has arrived at the local ABF terminal that handles deliveries for the final destination area.
  • Out for Delivery: The shipment has been loaded onto a local delivery truck and is scheduled to be delivered today.
  • Delivered: The shipment has reached its final destination and has been signed for (if required).
  • Exception / Alert: There's an unforeseen issue or delay affecting the shipment (e.g., weather delay, address query, damage). Further details are usually provided, or you may need to contact ABF Freight.

ABF Freight Company Overview

ABF Freight System, Inc. has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1923 as OK Transfer in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It later became Arkansas Best Freight and evolved into the highly respected LTL carrier it is today. Now operating under the umbrella of ArcBest Corporation (Nasdaq: ARCB), ABF Freight maintains its headquarters in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

While its roots are deep in the LTL freight sector, ABF Freight, as part of ArcBest, contributes to a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions. Its primary service area covers all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico, making it a major player in North American logistics. They also leverage partnerships within the ArcBest network to offer global shipping capabilities.

ABF Freight is consistently recognized for its quality service, professional drivers, and strong focus on safety and efficiency within the competitive LTL market. Their extensive network of service centers ensures broad coverage and reliable transit.

ABF Freight Contact Information

If you need to contact ABF Freight directly for specific inquiries about your shipment, service options, or issues not resolved via tracking, here are their primary contact channels:

  • Customer Solutions Phone: 1-800-610-5544 (This is a general number often routed to the appropriate department based on your needs).
  • Official Website: arcb.com (As ABF is part of ArcBest, the main website covers all services, including ABF Freight specific information). You can find detailed service info, tools, and specific contact forms here.
  • Social Media: While ABF Freight itself might not have dedicated social channels, you can often find updates and information via the parent company, ArcBest, on platforms like LinkedIn.
  • Email: Specific email addresses are typically provided for dedicated departments (e.g., billing, claims) via their website or customer service interactions, rather than a single general inquiry email.

For tracking updates, using the Go4Track ABF Freight tracking page is often the quickest method.

Shipping Services Offered by ABF Freight

ABF Freight is primarily known for its excellence in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping. LTL involves transporting freight from multiple shippers on the same truck, offering a cost-effective solution for shipments that don't require a full trailer. Key services include:

  • Standard LTL: Reliable and economical shipping throughout North America with a vast network of service centers.
  • Time Critical / Expedited: For urgent shipments requiring guaranteed delivery by a specific time or day, including options for weekend and holiday service.
  • Trade Show Shipping: Specialized services designed to meet the unique demands of shipping to and from trade shows and conventions.
  • Final Mile Delivery: Handling the crucial last leg of delivery, including options for residential delivery and specialized equipment like liftgates.
  • Retail Logistics: Solutions tailored for retail supply chains, ensuring timely deliveries to distribution centers and stores.
  • Intermodal Services: Combining truck and rail transport for cost-effective, long-distance shipping solutions.
  • Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): Expertise and certification for safely transporting regulated hazardous materials.

Through the broader ArcBest network, customers can also access Truckload, Supply Chain Optimization, Managed Transportation, and International Ocean/Air freight services.

Delivery Time & Tracking Updates

Understanding delivery timelines and tracking update frequency helps manage expectations for your ABF Freight shipment.

Estimated delivery times

ABF Freight provides estimated transit times based on the origin, destination, distance, and selected service level. Standard LTL transit times within the contiguous US typically range from 1 to 5 business days, but longer distances, cross-border shipments (Canada/Mexico), or deliveries to remote areas can take longer. Expedited and Time Critical services offer faster, guaranteed delivery options. Factors like weather, road closures, customs clearance (for cross-border), and peak seasons can impact actual delivery times.

When to expect tracking updates

You can expect ABF Freight tracking updates at key points in the shipment's journey:

  • When the shipment is initially picked up.
  • When it arrives at and departs from origin, intermediate, and destination terminals.
  • When it's loaded onto the final delivery truck ('Out for Delivery').
  • Upon successful delivery.
  • If any 'Exception' or delay occurs.

Updates are generally posted in near real-time as scans occur, but slight delays can happen due to network synchronization. Use Go4Track.com for convenient access to the latest real-time delivery updates.

What to do if tracking is delayed

If your tracking information hasn't updated for an unusual period (e.g., more than 24-48 hours, especially when expected transit time is short):

  1. Recheck Tracking: Ensure you entered the correct PRO number on Go4Track.com.
  2. Be Patient: Sometimes scans are missed, or system updates take time. Wait a few more hours or check again the next business day.
  3. Consider Transit Time: Is the shipment still well within its estimated delivery window? Delays in scanning don't always mean a delivery delay.
  4. Contact the Shipper: If you are the recipient, check with the sender to confirm shipment details.
  5. Contact ABF Freight: If the delay is significant, unexplained, or exceeds the estimated delivery date, contact ABF Customer Solutions at 1-800-610-5544 with your PRO number for direct assistance.

Common Issues and FAQs

Even with reliable carriers like ABF Freight, occasional questions or issues can arise during the shipping process.

Tracking number not working

If your ABF Freight PRO number isn't showing any results on Go4Track.com or the official site:

  • Check for Typos: Double-check that you've entered the 9 or 10-digit number correctly.
  • Timing: It can take a few hours (sometimes up to 24 hours) after the shipment information is created for the tracking number to become active in the system, especially right after pickup.
  • Wrong Number Type: Ensure you're using the PRO number and not another internal reference unless you know ABF's system accepts it for tracking (like a BOL number).
  • Contact Shipper/ABF: If it still doesn't work after a reasonable time, verify the number with the shipper or contact ABF Freight directly.

Meaning of common statuses like 'In Transit', 'Out for Delivery'

  • 'In Transit': This is a broad status indicating the shipment is moving within the ABF network. It could be travelling between terminals on a long-haul truck or moving across town. Check for accompanying details like "Departed Terminal X" or "Arrived at Terminal Y" for more specific location information.
  • 'Out for Delivery': This is a positive sign! It means your freight has reached the local destination terminal, has been loaded onto the final delivery truck, and is expected to be delivered during the current business day.

How to change delivery address

Changing the delivery address after a shipment is already in transit with ABF Freight can be challenging and is not always possible. It often requires:

  • Direct Contact: You (or the original shipper) must contact ABF Freight Customer Solutions directly.
  • Verification: Security checks will be performed to verify the requestor's identity and authority to change the address.
  • Potential Fees: Address correction or re-consignment fees often apply.
  • Possible Delays: Rerouting the shipment will likely cause delivery delays.

It's always best to confirm the delivery address is 100% correct when initially booking the shipment.

Conclusion

ABF Freight stands out as a reliable choice for LTL shipping across North America, backed by the extensive resources of ArcBest. While they provide robust services, keeping track of your valuable freight shouldn't add complexity to your day.

Go4Track.com simplifies ABF Freight tracking by offering a centralized, easy-to-use platform. Get quick access to real-time delivery updates, understand tracking statuses, and manage expectations for your shipment's arrival. Eliminate the need to visit multiple carrier websites and enjoy the convenience of tracking all your shipments in one place.

Why wait? Experience hassle-free tracking today. Track your ABF Freight shipment now and see how simple logistics tracking can be!

FAQs

What is an ABF Freight PRO number?
An ABF Freight PRO number is a unique 9 or 10-digit tracking identifier assigned to each LTL shipment. It's the primary number used to monitor the shipment's progress through the ABF network via tools like Go4Track.com or the official ABF/ArcBest website.
How long does ABF Freight take to deliver?
Delivery times vary based on the service selected, distance, and specific origin/destination points. Standard LTL within the contiguous US typically takes 1-5 business days. Cross-border shipments or deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico take longer. ABF provides estimated transit times during quoting and booking.
Can I track my ABF Freight shipment without a PRO number?
While the PRO number is the most reliable way, ABF's system sometimes allows tracking using other reference numbers like the Bill of Lading (BOL) number, Purchase Order (PO) number, or a specific Shipper Reference number associated with the shipment. Check Go4Track.com or ABF's site to see if these alternatives work for your shipment.
What does 'Exception' mean in ABF Freight tracking?
An 'Exception' status indicates an unexpected event or delay has occurred with the shipment. This could be due to various reasons like weather delays, road closures, issues with the delivery address, customs holds (for cross-border), or potential damage requiring inspection. The tracking details often provide more context, or you may need to contact ABF Freight for clarification.
Does Go4Track provide real-time ABF Freight updates?
Yes, Go4Track connects directly with ABF Freight's tracking systems to provide the latest available updates. As ABF scans your shipment at different points (pickup, terminals, delivery), Go4Track reflects these updates, offering near real-time delivery updates for your convenience.