When choosing the right LTL expedited freight service, shippers should consider several factors, including the transit time needed, special delivery requirements, and the benefits for both the shipper and consignee. In this article, we compare three of OD's Expedited LTL Services – Must Arrive By Date (MABD), Expedited On Demand, and OD Guaranteed Services – to help you make an informed decision specific to your needs.
Must Arrive by Date (MABD) Service
OD’s MABD Service is for shipments typically delivering to a retail distribution center or consignee that issues either a Must Arrive By Date (MABD), On Time In Full (OTIF) standards, or a Required Arrival Date (RAD). OD’s MABD Service offers 24/7 monitoring and dynamic in-transit upgrades to ensure your shipment meets stringent delivery requirements.
Every MABD shipment at OD is monitored by an appointed MABD Shipment Coordinator who proactively monitors the shipments to prevent issues. All MABD shipments are flagged in our system to show special delivery dates, and the destination OD Service Center receives daily status emails regarding delivery timing while the shipment is in transit. Customers also receive daily updates, preventative issue notifications, and KPI reports to help protect retailer relationships.
OD Advantage:
OD’s strong relationship with major retailers, combined with our premium service and national network of over 260 Service Centers gives our MABD customers an advantage over their competition.
- Avoid Fines and Chargebacks
- Avoid Lost Sales
- Increase Vendor Scorecard
- Improve Shelf Space and Location
Expedited On Demand Service
OD’s Expedited On Demand Service is ideal for urgent or high-priority shipments that need faster-than-standard transit, a weekend delivery, or an appointment time outside normal business hours. Your shipment is guaranteed to be delivered within one hour of the pre-scheduled delivery time, or the freight charges will revert to the standard LTL rate.
Every Expedited On Demand shipment at OD is scheduled with an Expedited Coordinator and notated at the time of pickup. The freight is physically wrapped in our OD Expedited red tape for visibility to ensure it is handled with high priority and is monitored as it moves through the OD network.
OD Advantage:
With nationwide coverage and competitive standard transit times, OD’s service will help you keep your promises to your customers. Our Expedited On Demand service will go even further to ensure that the most demanding shipment schedules are met with customer satisfaction.
- Prevent costly shutdowns and production delays
- Keep weekend operations on schedule
- One call for quote and pickup
- Competitive Pricing
- Customizable delivery specifications
- Available for cross-border shipments
OD Guaranteed Services
OD’s Guaranteed Services or Guaranteed by Noon Service ensures your shipment is delivered on the day of standard transit by 5 PM or 12 PM or the freight charges revert to the standard LTL rate. Every Guaranteed shipment at OD is a simple upgrade that the shipper or driver can do at the time of pickup by notating the BOL and using a Guaranteed PRO label.
The freight is wrapped in our OD Expedited red tape for maximum visibility as it moves throughout our system. When loading the freight, our team knows to keep a careful watch for marked guaranteed freight and take measures to keep it moving, such as loading it on the back of the trailer so it’s unloaded first.
OD Advantage:
With industry-leading on-time delivery and low claims records, OD goes the extra mile to deliver the best customer experience. Our Guaranteed Services are an excellent option for added peace of mind at a minimal cost that your shipment will deliver as expected.
- Custom pricing available
- Book at the time of pickup
- Rate provided online along with standard LTL estimate
- Available for cross-border shipments
- Service Guarantee
Which Service is Right for You?
For logistics managers and freight decision-makers, selecting the right OD service comes down to your specific needs:
Choose MABD if you have fixed delivery dates that are crucial for your business operations. This option helps maintain strong retail partnerships while minimizing the risk of costly penalties and chargebacks, ensuring that your deliveries align perfectly with your retail commitments.
Choose Expedited On Demand if you require flexible, time-specific deliveries that can adapt to changing circumstances. This choice offers competitive rates and personalized service, making it ideal for businesses that value responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
Choose OD Guaranteed Services if speed is of the essence for your shipments. This option provides the assurance that your delivery will arrive within a guaranteed time frame, helping you meet tight deadlines and deliver on your customer’s shipping promises.
You’ve made promises, and it’s our job to help you keep them. Let Old Dominion partner with you to develop the fastest, most efficient strategy to deliver your shipments on time and damage-free. Whether it’s a guaranteed delivery time, reduced transit days, or a retailer’s delivery window, OD Expedited has you covered. High-priority shipments shouldn’t be stressful for you, and at OD, our people do whatever it takes to make sure they’re not.