RL Carriers tracking

What is R+L Carriers?

R+L Carriers is an American freight transportation company specializing in the movement of goods by road across the United States and North America. Founded in 1965 in Ohio by Ralph L. "Larry" Roberts and Ronald Campbell Jr., this family-owned company began with a single truck used to transport furniture locally. Over several decades, it has transformed into a major player in the North American logistics sector, recognized for its expertise in less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation and its ability to offer comprehensive freight solutions to its professional clients.

The history of R+L Carriers is one of continuous and ambitious growth. After Ronald Campbell Jr. left for personal reasons, Ralph L. Roberts continued the company's development alone. The acquisition of intrastate and interstate transportation authorizations from Mayflower Moving and Storage marked an important milestone, allowing the company to transition from R+L Trucking to R+L Carriers, Inc. The 1980s represented a major turning point with the deregulation of the American trucking industry, giving the company the opportunity to significantly accelerate its expansion.

R+L Carriers' growth strategy combined organic development with targeted acquisitions. In 1989, the purchase of Gator Freightways in Florida strengthened its presence in the southeastern United States. The acquisition of Greenwood Motor Lines in 1992, followed by Herder Truck Lines in Texas in 1996, allowed for progressive expansion into new regions. By the late 1990s, the company already covered much of the Midwest and Southeast. During the 2000s, R+L Carriers continued its deployment toward the West Coast, opening new terminals in Northern and Southern California. In 2007, the company achieved direct coverage of all 48 contiguous American states.

• Founding date: 1965, in Ohio, with a single truck dedicated to furniture transportation
• Founder: Ralph L. "Larry" Roberts I, an American entrepreneur passionate about trucking
• Headquarters: Wilmington, Ohio, United States, the nerve center of administrative and logistics operations
• Status: Private family-owned business, still owned and operated by the Roberts family
• Workforce: Between 10,000 and 18,000 employees according to estimates, including drivers, warehouse workers, and administrative staff
• Estimated annual revenue: Between 2 and 5 billion US dollars annually
• Fleet: More than 21,000 tractors and trailers comprising one of the largest privately-owned LTL fleets in the American industry

R+L Carriers has remained faithful to its family roots throughout its development. After the death of founder Larry Roberts in 2023, the company was placed under the direction of his son Roby Roberts, who now serves as Chief Executive Officer. This family continuity is reflected in the company culture, characterized by a long-term vision and commitment to service quality. R+L Carriers' financial independence as a private, non-publicly traded company allows it to freely reinvest in its technological and infrastructural development without the pressure of quarterly results imposed on publicly traded companies.

The company has been recognized multiple times for excellence in service and work environment. R+L Carriers is notably among the most admired companies in America according to the Newsweek ranking, testifying to its solid reputation in the freight transportation sector. The company is also an active member of the SmartWay program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, demonstrating its commitment to more environmentally responsible logistics practices.

In which countries does R+L Carriers deliver?

R+L Carriers has an exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, serving the entire American territory as well as several international destinations in North America and the Caribbean. This geographic scope represents one of the transporter's major assets, enabling it to meet the logistics needs of clients operating at a continental scale.

In the United States, R+L Carriers serves all 50 states, including continental territories as well as Alaska and Hawaii. The transporter operates a network of nearly 250 service centers distributed across the country, ensuring a local presence in major metropolitan areas as well as in more isolated rural zones. This dense presence guarantees optimized transit times and remarkable operational flexibility. For Alaska and Hawaii destinations, which are not directly accessible by road, R+L Carriers relies on local logistics partners and coordinated maritime or air connections.

• Continental United States: Complete coverage of all 48 contiguous states with direct delivery via the proprietary terminal network
• Alaska: Service provided through logistics partnerships and specialized connections from West Coast ports
• Hawaii: Services available through maritime and air relays from California terminals
• Canada: Extended coverage via 34 terminals serving more than 90% of the Canadian population, in partnership with Day & Ross Freight
• Mexico: Cross-border services with customs management and coordination with local carriers
• Puerto Rico: Regular connections from American terminals to this Caribbean territory
• United States Virgin Islands: Maritime service from the continental United States
• Dominican Republic: Shipment services to this Caribbean destination via the R+L Global Logistics network

The strategic partnership with Day & Ross Freight is a key element of R+L Carriers' Canadian presence. Through this collaboration, the transporter benefits from a network of 34 terminals in Canada, allowing it to effectively serve the country's main economic zones. R+L Carriers has also opened a Canadian gateway in Tacoma, Washington State, facilitating commercial exchanges transiting through Vancouver, British Columbia. This infrastructure dedicated to cross-border traffic significantly simplifies operations for regular shippers between the two countries.

For shipments to Mexico, R+L Carriers offers complete cross-border transportation services, including coordination with Mexican local carriers and management of customs procedures. The R+L Global Logistics division specifically manages these complex operations, ensuring service continuity from origin to final delivery in Mexico. These North American cross-border services meet the growing needs of companies operating within regional trade agreements.

Beyond North America, R+L Carriers extends its reach globally through its R+L Global Logistics division. This entity specialized in international transit organizes shipments to Europe, Asia, Latin America and other destinations worldwide. International shipments are routed by air or sea depending on timing and budget requirements, relying on a network of carefully selected correspondents and local partners. R+L Global Logistics also ensures the customs brokerage services necessary for crossing international borders.

What are the R+L Carriers delivery services and timeframes?

R+L Carriers offers a complete range of transportation services adapted to different shipment volumes, timeframes and specific requirements. From less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation to full truckload shipments, including guaranteed services and integrated logistics solutions, the transporter offers flexible options to meet the varied needs of its professional clientele.

The flagship service of R+L Carriers remains less-than-truckload transportation, commonly called LTL. This historical specialty of the company concerns shipments that do not fill a complete truck, generally between 45 kg and 9 tons. The principle consists of consolidating multiple shipments from different customers in the same vehicle, thus making it possible to offer competitive rates while ensuring efficient routing. This service constitutes the ideal solution for companies regularly shipping pallets or intermediate-sized quantities of goods.

• Standard LTL transportation: Basic service for shipments under 9 tons, with optimized consolidation and pricing by weight or volume
• Full truckload (Truckload) transportation: Truck entirely dedicated to a single customer for large shipments requiring a complete vehicle
• Guaranteed AM Service: Guaranteed delivery before noon on the scheduled delivery day, ideal for urgent morning shipments
• Guaranteed Hourly Window Service: Delivery within a specific time window defined by the customer, for optimal planning
• Guaranteed PM Service: Guaranteed delivery before 5:00 PM on the scheduled day, providing assurance of deadline compliance
• Weekend Express: Service allowing shipment on Friday for guaranteed Monday delivery, avoiding weekend delays
• Expedited services: Faster transit options than standard service for priority shipments
• Intermodal transportation: Rail-truck combination for long distances, offering a good balance between cost and timeframe

Standard transit times at R+L Carriers are determined by the distance traveled between origin and destination. For shipments traveling 800 kilometers or less, the transporter generally ensures next-day delivery. Shipments traveling between 1,600 and 2,400 kilometers are delivered in two business days. Beyond 2,400 kilometers, transit time is three days or less. These estimates correspond to normal routing conditions and may vary depending on weather conditions, seasonal freight volume or exceptional circumstances.

R+L Carriers' Business Critical Solutions division groups all guaranteed and expedited services. With an announced on-time delivery rate of 99.87%, this division meets the requirements of industries requiring maximum reliability in their supply chains. Business Critical services are designed as a multimodal solution, capable of mobilizing road, air or a combination of both depending on urgency and destination. These services are particularly suited to manufacturing, automotive and distribution sectors where supply chain disruptions can have significant economic consequences.

R+L Carriers also offers extended logistics services through its R+L Global Logistics division. This entity manages international shipments by air and sea, cross-border transit to Canada and Mexico, as well as freight consolidation and deconsolidation services. The offering also includes warehousing and distribution services, allowing temporary storage of goods and inventory management for customers requiring a complete logistics solution. Customs brokerage completes this service package to facilitate administrative procedures related to international shipments.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by R+L Carriers?

Pricing at R+L Carriers is based on several interdependent factors, characteristic of the LTL freight transportation industry. Unlike express delivery services intended for individual consumers, professional freight transportation rates are generally customized according to each shipper's profile and the specific characteristics of each shipment. R+L Carriers offers online tools allowing instant rate quotes, thus facilitating budget planning for shipments.

LTL rate calculation takes into account several fundamental elements. The shipment's weight is the first criterion, determining the applicable rate category. The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) freight class also comes into play, this standardized classification assigning each type of merchandise a code based on its density, ease of handling, liability and value. The distance between origin and destination naturally influences the price, as do any accessorial services required such as residential delivery or the use of a liftgate.

• Minimum LTL weight: Generally applicable from 45 kg to benefit from freight rates
• Maximum LTL weight: Standard LTL rates apply for shipments up to 9 tons
• Maximum LTL length: Shipments must not exceed 6 meters in length to benefit from LTL rates
• Beyond LTL limits: Shipments exceeding 9 tons or 6 meters in length fall under volume or full truckload rates
• Standard enclosed trailer: Interior dimensions of 14.6 to 16.2 meters in length, 2.6 meters in width and 2.6 meters in height
• Flatbed trailer: Length of 14.6 to 16.2 meters, width of 2.6 meters, height of 2.6 meters
• Step deck trailer: Lower section of 11.3 meters in length, width of 2.6 meters, available height of 3 meters

R+L Carriers provides a density calculator on its website and mobile application, allowing shippers to determine their freight density before requesting a quote. Density, expressed in kilograms per cubic meter, directly influences the freight class and therefore the applicable rate. Dense and heavy merchandise for its volume will generally benefit from a more advantageous class than a bulky but light product occupying much space in the trailer.

Negotiated rates are a common practice in the freight transportation industry. Regular shippers with significant volumes can obtain substantial discounts compared to published rates. R+L Carriers encourages companies to establish a customer account and negotiate rate terms adapted to their shipping profile. Freight brokerage platforms partnering with R+L Carriers also allow small and medium-sized businesses to access competitive rates without necessarily having the volumes required to negotiate directly with the transporter.

For shipments exceeding standard LTL limits, R+L Carriers offers volume and full truckload quotes. These prices are established on a case-by-case basis, depending on available capacity at the time of request. Volume quotes are generally valid for two business days, allowing the customer to plan their shipment with full knowledge of costs. For non-standard merchandise, oversized goods or items requiring special equipment, the R+L Global Logistics division with its flatbed and specialized services can offer tailored solutions with personalized pricing.

What are the R+L Carriers delivery options?

R+L Carriers offers a range of delivery options allowing the service to be adapted to the specific constraints of each recipient. These accessorial services, called accessorials in freight transportation terminology, complement the basic service to respond to particular situations such as the absence of a loading dock, delivery in a residential area or the need for prior appointment scheduling.

The liftgate service constitutes one of the most frequently used options. This hydraulic device mounted at the rear of the truck allows goods to be lowered or raised from ground level when the delivery site does not have an unloading dock. This option proves essential for deliveries in many professional contexts without dedicated logistics infrastructure, as well as for certain deliveries in residential environments or on construction sites.

• Standard dock delivery: Deposit of goods on the recipient's unloading dock, basic service included in the main rate
• Liftgate service: Use of a hydraulic liftgate for sites without a dock, charged as a supplement to the base rate
• Residential delivery: Routing to a residential address, with a surcharge applied due to access constraints
• Inside Delivery: The driver transports goods inside the building, beyond the entrance threshold
• Appointment delivery: Prior coordination with the recipient to set a specific delivery time slot
• Prior notification: Telephone call to the recipient before delivery to confirm availability
• Guaranteed time delivery: Commitment to a specific time window subject to an additional charge
• Terminal holding: Possibility to retain the shipment at the R+L Carriers terminal for pickup by the recipient

Residential delivery at R+L Carriers involves particular logistical constraints that the transporter takes into account in its operations. Residential addresses, including home-based businesses, apartment complexes and university residences, are systematically classified as residential according to American postal service criteria. This classification results in a surcharge justified by the need to deploy smaller vehicles adapted to residential neighborhood streets, and by generally longer delivery times in these environments.

The inside delivery service allows goods to be delivered directly to the desired location inside a building, rather than simply being placed on the dock or at the entrance threshold. This option is particularly appreciated for heavy equipment intended to be installed in specific premises, or for deliveries to office buildings where transportation from the reception area to the relevant floor would otherwise be the recipient's responsibility. The service includes travel a reasonable distance inside the premises.

Appointment deliveries and prior notifications meet the needs of recipients wishing to precisely plan their goods reception. These options are particularly used by major retail chains, logistics centers and industrial facilities applying strict receiving procedures. The transporter then coordinates with the recipient to set a delivery time slot compatible with both parties' availability. This planning optimizes dock management and avoids prolonged waiting times for drivers.

R+L Carriers also offers the delivery without signature option for shippers authorizing goods delivery without obtaining a signature. This possibility can prove convenient in certain contexts, for example for materials deposited on a construction site or goods delivered to temporarily unoccupied premises. The shipper then assumes responsibility for this choice and releases the transporter from the usual obligation to document the actual delivery to the recipient.

What should I do if my R+L Carriers package is lost or damaged?

Despite the high quality standards applied by R+L Carriers in the handling and transportation of goods, incidents can occasionally occur. When a shipment arrives damaged or does not reach its destination, the transporter has established a structured claims procedure allowing customers to report problems and obtain appropriate compensation. Responsiveness in reporting and complete documentation of the claim are essential to facilitate claims processing.

The first crucial step is to promptly report any damage or loss discovered. R+L Carriers recommends reporting losses or damage discovered after delivery as soon as possible, ideally immediately upon receipt or within a maximum of five days following receipt of goods. This timeframe allows the transporter to arrange for inspection of the goods and verify the circumstances of the claim. The faster the report, the more the claim resolution will be facilitated.

• Immediate reporting: Notify the driver of any visible damage upon delivery and annotate the delivery receipt accordingly
• Retention of goods: Retain all damaged products and their packaging until complete settlement of the claim
• Photographic documentation: Take photos of damages, packaging and labels to build a file of evidence
• Claims form: Complete the Loss and Damaged Claim Standard Form available on the R+L Carriers website
• Supporting documents: Provide a copy of the original bill of lading, commercial invoice with price and any applicable discounts
• Joint inspection: For hidden damage, request a joint inspection with an R+L Carriers representative documented by an inspection report

Claims can be filed through multiple channels. R+L Carriers has a dedicated online cargo claims portal accessible at cargoclaims.rlcarriers.com. By entering the tracking number (PRO number) of the shipment in question, the claimant can initiate a request or check the status of an existing claim. Claims can also be submitted by email to [email protected] or by fax to 937-283-8958 or 937-283-3721. Finally, paper forms can be mailed to the freight claims department of R+L Carriers in Wilmington, Ohio.

The claims form requires several essential pieces of information to enable file processing. The claimant must provide complete contact information, the amount claimed and the nature of the damage or loss, information about the shipper and recipient, the R+L Carriers bill of lading number, details of the goods involved including their weight and value after deducting applicable commercial discounts. A signature and date must authenticate the request.

All claims are processed in accordance with the principles and practices of freight claims investigation and resolution defined in articles 300100 to 300155 of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). These industry standards govern processing timeframes, parties' responsibilities and settlement terms. R+L Carriers is committed to working with its customers to resolve claims fairly and within reasonable timeframes.

For any assistance regarding a claim, customers can contact the dedicated service by telephone at 800-799-5856. Claims department representatives are available to guide claimants in building their file and answering questions concerning claim processing progress. R+L Carriers affirms that making claim resolution a priority, the objective being that claims are never necessary thanks to high handling standards, but that their processing is efficient and satisfactory when they do occur.

Does R+L Carriers handle international shipments and customs procedures?

R+L Carriers has developed significant expertise in international transportation and customs management through its specialized division R+L Global Logistics. This entity dedicated to international operations offers a comprehensive range of services allowing companies to ship their goods across borders while benefiting from professional support for the often complex administrative and regulatory aspects of international trade.

The customs brokerage service of R+L Global Logistics is a central element of the international offering. A team of customs specialists assists importers and exporters with their procedures before American authorities, particularly the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With an established relationship with government agencies involved in goods control, R+L Global Logistics facilitates customs clearance of shipments by ensuring documentary and regulatory compliance. This service prevents delays and complications that can arise when procedures are not properly anticipated.

• Import customs brokerage: Complete support for import procedures to the United States, including tariff classification and declarations
• Export customs brokerage: Management of export procedures, required licenses and regulatory documentation
• International air freight: Shipments by plane to worldwide destinations with integrated tracking and document management
• International ocean freight: Container transport for full or less-than-container loads for ocean shipments
• Mexico cross-border services: Complete management of shipments to and from Mexico with customs coordination
• Canada cross-border services: Smooth transit between United States and Canada via the partner terminal network
• International documentation: Preparation of shipping documents, commercial invoices, certificates of origin and other required forms

Documents necessary for international shipments are available for download on the R+L Carriers and R+L Global Logistics websites. The transporter provides international bills of lading, customs declaration forms, government certificates and all standard commercial documents required for cross-border transport. This document library facilitates shipment preparation and ensures the use of current and compliant forms meeting regulatory requirements.

For shipments to Canada, R+L Carriers benefits from its partnership with Day & Ross Freight which ensures local distribution across Canadian territory. The clearance process at the Canada-US border is handled smoothly, with both transporters coordinating operations to minimize cross-border transit delays. The Canadian gateway terminal in Tacoma, Washington, specifically optimizes flows transiting through Vancouver, British Columbia.

Shipments to Mexico receive specific handling taking into account the regulatory and logistics particularities of this commercial corridor. R+L Global Logistics coordinates with partner Mexican carriers to ensure service continuity south of the border. Mexican customs procedures, required documentation and tax aspects are handled by specialized teams, allowing shippers to entrust the entire logistics chain to a single contact.

Beyond North America, R+L Global Logistics organizes shipments to worldwide destinations relying on a network of international partners. Air freight allows rapid delivery to destinations in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, while ocean transportation suits large volumes and less urgent shipments. In all cases, R+L Global Logistics ensures coordination between the different links in the chain, from loading at the shipper to final delivery to the international recipient, including main transit and customs procedures on import.

To access international services and track the progress of cross-border shipments, customers can create a MyRLG account on the R+L Global Logistics platform. This portal allows consultation of customs statuses, documents associated with shipments, invoices and all information relating to current international shipments. The dedicated number for international services is 877-510-9133.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an R+L Carriers shipment online, different statuses may appear as your goods are transported. These statuses reflect the successive stages of transportation, from initial pickup to final delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meanings:

Tracking R+L Carriers shipments is done primarily through the transporter's website or the MyRLC customer portal. By entering the PRO tracking number assigned to the shipment, you access the complete history of transit events with dates and times. Email or SMS notifications can be configured to automatically receive status change alerts, notices of imminent delivery or exception notifications requiring your attention.

For international shipments handled by R+L Global Logistics, specific tracking is available on the dedicated platform, including customs statuses and information relating to air or ocean freight. The MyRLG portal offers complete visibility over the entire international logistics chain, associated documents and progress of administrative procedures.