Top LTL Carriers for Retail vs Manufacturing vs Food

Posted On 25th November 2025

When it comes to comparing LTL carriers, retail, manufacturing, and food shippers commonly look for different strengths, perks, and costs.

The manufacturers focus mainly on predictable transit times and flexible freight services, while retailers look for strong customer service and accurate tracking for each LTL shipment. As far as food shippers are concerned, their main priority is refrigerated LTL options and a consistent temperature range, which must remain stable across every mile.

The market includes freight LTL, truckload, and hybrid setups, so this guide will help you compare these options across retail, manufacturing, and food shipments. We’re going to check the top LTL carriers in 2025, inspect a list of LTL freight carriers, and help you choose adequately.

What Type of Model do Most LTL Carriers Use for Their Network

The top LTL carriers rely solely on a hub and spoke structure. This model is moving the freight across the supply chain by sorting shipments by lane, weight, and destination. It supports LTL freight services that depend on a strict and steady pattern.

The greatest advantage of this approach is the predictable cost for each LTL shipper, which helps all LTL freight carriers balance their long hauls.

The Best Refrigerated LTL Carriers for Food Delivery

Food shippers depend on specialized refrigerated LTL freight carriers, LTL reefer carriers, and other types of LTL temperature-controlled carriers.

So, when choosing a refrigerated LTL carrier for food delivery, the main priority should be stable cooling, strict transit control, and a strong handling routine.

Here are the best LTL frozen carriers for food delivery:

Carrier:	Founded:	Notes:
FedEx Freight	2002	Handles high daily volumes and supports temperature-controlled food lanes with steady monitoring.
XPO Logistics	1989	Uses controlled docks and frequent cooling checks across major food corridors.
Lineage	2012	Operates large temperature-controlled networks built for chilled and frozen freight.
Americold	1903	Runs many cold facilities that support frozen and mixed food shipments.
VersaCold	1946	Uses automated thermal controls inside facilities and trailers for stable food transit.
RLS Logistics	1968	Tracks temperature at each stop through detailed logs for chilled and frozen loads.
KAG Logistics	1990	Records temperatures during loading and unloading with structured checks across lanes.

Note: Some of these frozen LTL carriers also offer full truckload freight shipping services, and many of them go beyond temperature-controlled LTL services.

10 Best LTL Carriers for Small Businesses

Small firms focus on steady transit times and simple billing when they choose their LTL partner. Hence, they mainly look for networks that move freight without long delays during peak periods.

Here are the top 10 LTL carriers for small businesses:

#1- FedEx Freight

The FedEx freight network supports any kind of small business that is involved with logistics and moves a variety of mixed pallets every week. Working with FedEx Freight, you get a steady haul and clear pricing that keeps planning simple.

FedEx Freight is undoubtedly ideal for any small business that requires top LTL freight shipping services across short or long routes.

#2 - XPO Logistics

XPO Logistics helps many small organizations with their logistics schedules, offering predictable pickup windows, reliable transit, and competitive pricing. They keep LTL freight carriers moving without delays, making them ideal for any transportation needs.

XPO Logistics is known for its versatility and stable timing, even during the demanding weeks and hours, making it ideal for shippers with uneven weekly demand.

#3 - Estes

Estes' regional footprint shortens transit on common short-haul routes. You will also get flexible pickups that help avoid late cutoffs. Their system helps small teams manage each LTL shipment with less stress and workload balance.

Estes is just perfect for companies that aim for shipping inside nearby states that want fewer transfer points and more direct transit routes.

#4 - Old Dominion (ODFL)

The ODFL handling process protects fragile and boxed parts. You get strong on-time results that keep production schedules steady. The Old Dominion services support LTL shippers that need consistent delivery cycles without potential hiccups.

Old Dominion Freight Line is best for small businesses that move high-value freight and want dependable LTL shipping carriers.

#5 - R+L Carriers

The R+L Carriers network supports seasonal order spikes with balanced routing, so you get updates that help small teams stay organized. Their lanes handle many forms of LTL freight shipment with structured handoffs.

The R+L Carriers is proven to be the best for firms with changing weekly volume that need consistent support.

#6 - Saia

Saia’s coverage supports mid-distance regional moves with steady timing. You will get helpful transit patterns that match regular outbound work. Their transportation model fits businesses that want clear freight LTL options without extra steps.

Saia is undoubtedly ideal for any small companies that ship multi-state loads each week and need a predictable flow.

#7 - ABF Freight

ABF Freight’s billing stays simple for small teams that manage many orders. You get routing that stays stable across several regions, and their service helps firms understand each LTL freight shipment cost without confusion.

ABF Freight would be best for businesses that ship to multiple regions and are focusing on simple paperwork and fewer delays.

#8 - Southeastern Freight Lines

The Southeastern Freight Line terminals move freight quickly through core Southeastern lanes. You get responsive support when order sizes change, and their timing helps many involved LTL companies keep commitments.

Southeastern Freight Line seems to be the best for small businesses in the Southeast that move frequent short and mid-range loads.

#9 - Averitt

Averitt support teams help small organizations plan weekly schedules clearly. With Averritt, you can count on steady routes across nearby states that match demand cycles. Their system helps small operations track each LTL shipper update easily.

Averitt has proven to be the best for small organizations that ship repeat orders across nearby states with limited staff.

#10 - Holland

Holland’s Midwest focus keeps transit short and reduces handling. You get quick cycles that support regional manufacturing and retail. Their terminals help firms follow each LTL shipping service milestone.

Holland appears to be the best for firms that need fast, short-range service inside the Midwest zones.

Note: Some of these volume LTL carriers are well-known as LTL refrigerated carriers, helping small businesses with food delivery.

The Best LTL Carriers for Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturers look for stable transit, clear schedules, and strong handling. Another important factor is the carrier’s network, and whether it’s capable of moving your freight without hiccups.

Here are the top best LTL carriers for manufacturing companies:

Carrier:	Ideal For:	Advantage:
FedEx Freight	Firms that ship dense parts across multiple regions.	Strong coverage with consistent long-haul timing.
XPO Logistics	Companies with steady palletized components.	Structured linehaul flow that supports predictable routing.
Old Dominion	Organizations that need low damage rates.	Careful handling that protects high-value parts.
Estes	Shippers with mixed freight across short and mid-range lanes.	Regional density that reduces transit time.
Saia	Multi-state shipments are tied to production cycles.	Balanced lanes that keep schedules tight.
ABF Freight	Facilities that move loads across several regions each week.	Clear billing rules and steady schedules.
R+L Carriers	Businesses with seasonal output changes.	Reliable pickups that support week-to-week volume shifts.
Southeastern Freight Lines	Manufacturers in the Southeast with frequent outbound loads.	Features short dwell times at terminals.
Averitt	Firms with repeated cross-state shipments.	Responsive support for routing changes.
Holland	Midwest plants with short-range routes.	Reduced handling for near-market manufacturing freight.

The Best Regional LTL Carriers in 2025

The regional carriers focus on short and mid-range lanes. They keep routes tight, limit handling, and support steady timing for regional LTL loads that move inside a clearly defined service map.

Firms often choose Southeastern Freight Lines, Averitt, and Holland for these zones. Each one supports fast cycles for regional LTL carriers, keeps freight lines stable, and helps you plan LTL freight shipping services without long detours.

Here are the best regional LTL carriers in 2025:

Southeastern Freight Lines
Averitt
Holland
R+L Carriers
Old Dominion
Estes

Note: More mention-worthy regional largest LTL freight companies are Dayton Freight, Dohrn, and Knight-Swift Regional Lines.

How to Choose an LTL Carrier for Your Shipment

To choose the best LTL services for your business, small or large, you need to look for a few critical features that the top LTL freight carriers offer.

You must carefully evaluate timing, coverage, and handling by comparing LTL shipping services and matching them with your goals. We recommend carefully checking our top 10 LTL carriers list earlier in this guide to evaluate support quality, transit patterns, and the true transport costs.

This way, you can identify the cheapest LTL carriers and trucking companies that match your requirements and achieve stability in your business's logistics. Best of luck.

Start Shipping Now