Statistics from the US Department of Transportation show more than 700,000 registered motor carriers are traversing our highways and roads. These trucks, which can be packed with everything from bricks and stone to dog food and grocery items, keep thousands of American businesses afloat. For business owners shipping these products across the country, precise planning and high-level tracking are required. But with increasing rates and a wide range of delays to overcome, overseeing a shipment of LTL freight is easier said than done.
For overworked business owners, managing multiple shipments can seem impossible in today's freight landscape. But the reality is that many businesses rely on less-than-truckload shipments to keep their doors open. When these shipments are compromised, their business is too. But there's a viable solution: LTL freight brokers in Charlotte, NC like RelyEx provide reliable solutions to common LTL shipment problems, eliminating the stress and worry of LTL shipping.
With more than 30 combined years of LTL experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx is your go-to choice for streamlined, efficient LTL shipping services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's less-than-truckload shipping options, it helps to understand first what LTL shipping is and why it's used.
In the freight industry, LTL stands for "less-than-truckload." It is a widely-used method of transportation for smaller shipments that don't require the space of a full truckload. In an LTL shipment, several customers' loads are placed onto one truck, which helps reduce how much it costs to ship those products.
In fact, if your freight doesn't fill an entire trailer but weighs 150-15,000 lbs., LTL freight shipping in Charlotte, NC, may be the most efficient, cost-conscious way to transport your products. That's because, in an LTL setup, you're only paying for the space your freight takes up. LTL shipping companies like RelyEx optimize LTL loads by choosing the most efficient routes at the best rates so your cargo gets to where it needs to go without any issues.
Business owners often choose LTL freight services in the following circumstances:
When it comes to LTL delivery options, there are a lot to choose from. But not every LTL broker is created equally. Some LTL companies do not have the tools or technology to track your shipments and optimize your routes. In worst-case scenarios, they may not be insured or reliable. If you're looking for an experienced LTL carrier that exceeds expectations with time-tested strategies and innovative technologies, look no further than RelyEx.
With more than two decades of experience in LTL operations, our team utilizes the power of GlobalTranz to compare rates across hundreds of approved carriers in the blink of an eye, while also providing the most cost-effective options for moving your freight. When you choose RelyEx for LTL shipping, you can leverage our expert team to handle your shipments. You can also manage the process yourself via GTZShip, which is Globaltranz's user-friendly management system. With GTZShip, you can access and compare LTL shipping rates, track your shipments, and manage your financials, all from one intuitive platform.
When it comes to LTL freight in Charlotte, NC, clients trust their products with RelyEx for many reasons, including the following:
Because GTZShip keeps outsized freight available, it can negotiate the best LTL rates on your behalf. Our clients can access these extra-low rates in one of two ways:
Regardless of the option you choose, RelyEx's knowledgeable customer care reps will cover all of your LTL shipping options, so you can make an informed shipping and purchasing decision for your freight.
Yes, you read that right - in addition to giving you access to industry-leading rates, RelyEx's partnership with GTZShip gives you full management of your freight. We're talking about access to reporting, tracking, and much more. This extensive visibility is essentially a one-stop shop for everything related to the status of your freight.
Unlike some LTL shipping software, this system requires no contracts or signup fees, making it simple to provide quotes and book immediately when you're ready. Whether you use GTZShip directly or rely on our team to book your freight, your company will always have access to this free technology.
While it's true that RelyEx provides customers with the best rates and technology in the LTL industry, we go above and beyond the normal call of duty. Why? Because we strive to treat your shipment as if it's our most important one. Put simply, we put a lot of time and effort into making sure we do things right the first time around. Our fierce commitment to the customer and to quality protects not only your reputation, but your bottom line by preventing lost customers and sales.
RelyEx excels at LTL shipping because we are:
From dedicated LTL solutions to transactional relationships, RelyEx is here to help. Unlike other LTL companies, we get the job done right with customer-focused service, industry expertise, and Globaltranz's industry-leading Transportation Management System.
Our dedicated team of LTL specialists provides you with the best freight visibility available, whether you need a few shipments a week or you need hundreds. In order to do so, we communicate with carriers throughout the entire shipping process, so you know your items are delivered on time. Though rare, if we spot an issue, we'll provide you with an alternative solution immediately.
Plus, if you have large quantities that need to be shipped, our team is happy to provide you with customized reporting for free. That way, you can access at-the-moment updates and important shipment documentation with a few clicks or taps.
When your freight is too light for full truckloads but too heavy for basic parcel carriers like UPS, LTL shipping is a great option to consider. When you use an LTL shipping company like RelyEx, you get even more value. We've been over some of the basics associated with LTL freight shipping - now let's touch on some of the biggest benefits of using a company to handle logistics from start to finish.
One of the most common reasons clients use LTL services is because they're able to save money. LTL shipping is much less expensive than the alternative, which is to hire a private driver and truck. When you go in on LTL services with other shippers, you can have your products delivered at a fraction of the cost of going private. In this setup, you pay for space you use, not the space you don't use, which is common in full truckload freight shipping.
As an added benefit, relying on an LTL freight company like RelyEx can lower your warehouse costs since more shipments can be sent at a time. That means you don't have to wait weeks or even months for a trailer to fill up.
When you use a parcel carrier like FedEx, you can only ship up to 150 pounds at a time. That means you'd have to break down your shipment into separate boxes in order to ship. With LTL freight shipping, your packages can be palletized and shrink-wrapped so they're shipped in a single load.
At RelyEx, our team knows how important your shipment is, whether you're sending thousands of pounds of products or a single pallet. That's why we ensure your products are packaged correctly and have security protocols baked into every service we offer. Plus, by keeping your freight together, we decrease the chance of damaging your cargo, which pleases your clients and boosts your customers' satisfaction.
The magic of LTL shipping lies in the fact that we fill fewer trailers with more freight. Doing so reduces global emissions and makes the process much quicker. Imagine using a semi-truck to haul products that only fill a quarter of the trailer. It would waste money, time, and space that could be used for other products. With LTL shipping, you're protecting the environment and reducing the number of partially-filled trucks on the road. This, in turn, saves you money and makes you an eco-friendly company - something you can use as a selling point for your business.
LTL providers like RelyEx use advanced logistics technology to ensure your cargo arrives on time and without damage. By investing in technology like GlobalTranz, we save our clients from doing so themselves. With GlobalTranz, our clients gain access to robust tracking options like real-time freight locations, so you can monitor your shipment's progress. With GlobalTranz, you get more than just a way to book your LTL cargo â you benefit from our qualified network of carriers, expert logistics support, and leading technology features.
It's impossible to say exactly how much your LTL shipping may cost because the NMFC, or National Motor Freight Classification, determines those prices. Using this standard, pricing is dictated for commodities moving in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. Items are grouped into 18 different classes, based on four characteristics:
If you're shipping a product that is more likely to be damaged, stolen, or cause damage to other items, it may affect LTL shipment pricing.
Does your product require specific care or handling instructions? If so, you can probably expect higher prices.
This factor accounts for how much space your item occupies in relation to its weight or the weight per cubic foot for each piece of freight you are shipping.
How easy is it to load and transport your commodity? Can it be loaded and transported with other items?
When combined, these characteristics are used to establish an NMFC code for your LTL cargo. These codes are crucial, as they help your LTL carrier understand the challenges of shipping your products. If the item you need to ship has a high NMFC code, it's because it's more difficult to transport, which usually means it's more expensive to ship.
Depending on where and how often you ship LTL freight, your broker may choose a regional or national LTL carrier. Regional carriers often service a group of states within a region. National carriers have a larger footprint and can often eliminate the need to use several carriers for your shipments. RelyEx has the infrastructure and strategies for all of your LTL shipping - contact our office today to learn more about your options.
Though regional and national carriers are different, they often use similar models for shipping. Two of the most popular types of shipping methods include hub and spoke distribution and LTL consolidation.
In this traditional model, your shipments go through a network of warehouses, terminals, and hub facilities where your products are grouped with other shipments. Your freight then travels to local "spokes" (or terminals), where they are delivered. If you need to ship freight over short distances, this model may be a good choice to consider.
Some common benefits of the hub and spoke model include:
LTL consolidated shipping is a model where LTL carriers bring several shipments from different shippers to a final destination. Instead of using hubs and spokes along the shipping route to bundle freight and move cargo, LTL consolidation works by taking multiple shipments and turning them into a single truckload. This truck then makes multiple stops, where your products are delivered.
Some of the most common benefits of LTL consolidation include:
At RelyEx, our goal is to expertly manage the movement of your freight so you can focus on your core business. With more than 20 years of combined experience with LTL freight shipping in Charlotte, NC, our team can select the most efficient and cost-effective model for your needs. That way, you can accomplish your day-to-day tasks while we handle the heavy lifting and any logistical challenges.
At RelyEx, we believe that trustworthy, comprehensive, and streamlined LTL shipping options are better for your business. And for us, what's better for your business is better for ours. That's why, when it comes to LTL shipping, we work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your freight experience is embedded excellence. We take this unique approach because our management were once customers like you. They were people who, for one reason or another, had to deal with frustrating and often unsolved shipping and logistics challenges. Today, we take pride in solving those challenges and only partner with carriers who match our high standards.
If you're looking for an LTL company in Charlotte, NC that prioritizes customer service, strong communication, and proactive thinking, we're here to help you avoid delayed shipments and missed expectations.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —Two construction workers are missing after a massive, five-alarm fire at an apartment complex under construction in the South Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina.Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles Thursday morning.Firefighters say it took more than 90 firefighters to fight the flames and 15 construction workers were rescued from the building."It was huge," said Kate Simmons, who lives in South Park. "The pictures were just terrifying."...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
Two construction workers are missing after a massive, five-alarm fire at an apartment complex under construction in the South Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles Thursday morning.
Firefighters say it took more than 90 firefighters to fight the flames and 15 construction workers were rescued from the building.
"It was huge," said Kate Simmons, who lives in South Park. "The pictures were just terrifying."
Video below: Massive fire at construction site in Charlotte near SouthPark
A plume of thick, black smoke took over Charlotte skies Thursday morning, coming from a construction site that caught fire in the South Park area. That's right by South Park Mall.
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"I saw the building in flames," said construction worker Alejandro Quiroja. "I saw the building coming down. It was scary."
Quiroja is one of about 100 construction workers that's been tending to the site since January. He says the first started on the second floor, he was on the first floor at the time.
"They started getting out and screaming, 'Get out, get out!' Because the building was on fire," Quiroja said.
Quiroja said the flames took over quickly. Within an hour, the entire building had caught fire.
"It was just scary," he said.
Video below: More video of the Charlotte fire
Those who live and work nearby could do nothing but watch and wait, hoping and praying for the best.
"We saw a big plume of black smoke around 9:15 this morning, so we started walking over from the office," said Caroline Dollard, who works in the South Park area. "And we saw big, big yellow flames shooting up from this apartment building."
"It's really sad," Simmons said. "I see all these gentlemen sitting out here, and I am just hoping they and all their friends and workers got out safely."
Charlotte Fire Department
Firefighter looks up at flames billowing out of a structure in Charlotte, N.C.
More than 90 firefighters heroically rescued 15 workers from the construction site, including one on a crane at the top.
"We rescued 15 people from the fire," said Charlotte Fire Department Chief Reginald Johnson. "And the men and women of this department put themselves in harm's way and had to call for assistance themselves to get out of this fire. That's how fast it was moving."
Massive fire at a construction site in Charlotte.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Johnson told media crews Thursday there were even several 'maydays' involved in the rescue. That's when crews get trapped or have access issues escaping due to how quickly the fire is moving.
The 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, July 29.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Post Malone is set to embark on his North America with the ‘If Y'all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ Tour and will be making a stop in Charlotte this summer....
The 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, July 29.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Post Malone is set to embark on his North America with the ‘If Y'all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ Tour and will be making a stop in Charlotte this summer.
According to a Live Nation release, the 2023 North America run will give fans his signature exhilarating performance with music from his upcoming album as well as fan favorites in a completely reimagined show.
The 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, July 29.
“I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and do some more shows for y’all. Help me put a baby through college and come on out," Post said to his fans. "Some cool new production, new songs, and a very very handsome man up on stage. Sending love to you and yours."
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 am. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, May 19 at 10 am at livenation.com
Sat Jul 08 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sun Jul 09 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Tue Jul 11 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Wed Jul 12 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Fri Jul 14 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sat Jul 15 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Mon Jul 17 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Wed Jul 19 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Sat Jul 22 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sun Jul 23 – Hartford, CT– XFINITY Theatre
Tue Jul 25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Wed Jul 26 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Sat Jul 29 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Mon Jul 31 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 01 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 03 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 05 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Tue Aug 08 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Thu Aug 10 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sat Aug 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 13 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 15 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 16 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 19 – San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater
Some North Carolina housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, including Charlotte, a new report says.Home prices have continually risen as the spring home-buying season continues, up an estimated 39.5% from February to March, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.According to a...
Some North Carolina housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, including Charlotte, a new report says.
Home prices have continually risen as the spring home-buying season continues, up an estimated 39.5% from February to March, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
According to a report from Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University, the city ranked eighth on the list of the top 100 U.S. metro housing markets considered overvalued at 43.2%.
Using data from Zillow and other housing providers, researchers compiled a list of overpriced or underpriced metropolitan cities in the U.S. that highlights the average premium or discounts that homeowners have paid in each metro in recent years.
The findings show that in March, the average home price in Charlotte was $361,080, but the expected price was $252,150.
In addition to Charlotte, Winston, Greensboro, and Durham also ranked among the top 20 overpriced housing markets in the U.S.
Here’s how North Carolina cities compared to other top metros across the country:
Rank | Metro | Percent overvalued |
1 | Atlanta, GA | 49.71% |
2 | Detroit, MI | 45.91% |
3 | Cape Coral, FL | 45.34% |
4 | Tampa, FL | 45.18% |
5 | North Port, FL | 44.63% |
6 | Memphis, TN | 44.15% |
7 | Lakeland, FL | 43.63% |
8 | Charlotte, NC | 43.20% |
9 | Palm Bay, FL | 41.91% |
10 | Jacksonville, FL | 41.58% |
11 | Deltona, FL | 40.62% |
12 | Winston, NC | 40.53% |
13 | Orlando, FL | 40.15% |
14 | Miami, FL | 39.38% |
15 | Las Vegas, NV | 37.90% |
16 | Greensboro, NC | 37.64% |
17 | Knoxville, TN | 37.18% |
18 | Durham, NC | 36.43% |
19 | Grand Rapids, MI | 36.43% |
20 | Phoenix, AZ | 36.28% |
This story was originally published May 15, 2023, 2:37 PM.
A 2.1 magnitude earthquake registered near Pineville on Friday, government seismologists confirmed.The quake struck just before 6 a.m. and was centered 0.7 miles from Pineville and 10 miles south of Charlotte, the USGS reported. Its center was just over 6 miles northeast of Fort Mill, according to the USGS.The earthquake had zero depth, the USGS reported.No injuries or damage were reported.While the...
A 2.1 magnitude earthquake registered near Pineville on Friday, government seismologists confirmed.
The quake struck just before 6 a.m. and was centered 0.7 miles from Pineville and 10 miles south of Charlotte, the USGS reported. Its center was just over 6 miles northeast of Fort Mill, according to the USGS.
The earthquake had zero depth, the USGS reported.
No injuries or damage were reported.
While there’s no single magnitude above which damage occurs, damage typically results when the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5, according to the USGS.
No one has yet reported feeling Friday’s quake, according to the USGS.
The USGS asks that anyone who felt the quake to report it on Earthquake.USGS.gov.
Typically, earthquakes below magnitude 2.0 can be felt if the quake is shallow enough and if people are very close to its epicenter, according to VolcanoDiscovery.com.
On Jan. 28, a 1.8 magnitude earthquake registered in the North Carolina mountains near Virginia, federal seismologists said.
The quake struck was centered about 6 miles miles northwest of West Jefferson and 13 miles west-southwest of Boone, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
The earthquake had a depth of 2.36 miles, according to the USGS.
Jan. 10, a 1.2 magnitude earthquake registered in western Catawba County, the Observer reported at the time.
The quake was centered about 3.7 miles southeast of the community of Mountain View, the USGS reported. The earthquake had a depth of 2.17 miles, according to the USGS.
In May 2022, a 2.2 earthquake struck southeast of the town of Catawba, also in Catawba County.
About three years ago, Sparta, North Carolina, experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that researchers recently discovered left a “rupture” in the ground more than 1.5 miles long, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Major earthquakes are rare in North Carolina, but seismic events can happen any time of the year, according to the N.C. Division of Environmental Quality.
This story was originally published May 12, 2023, 12:49 PM.
Perhaps no one realized, at the moment, how apt the metaphor was.Carolina Panthers leadership was hosting quarterback Bryce Young for dinner during the pre-draft process when offensive coordinator Thomas Brown posed a seemingly straightforward question.“You finish Saturday night, you guys play a big game,” Brown said. “Take me through ...
Perhaps no one realized, at the moment, how apt the metaphor was.
Carolina Panthers leadership was hosting quarterback Bryce Young for dinner during the pre-draft process when offensive coordinator Thomas Brown posed a seemingly straightforward question.
“You finish Saturday night, you guys play a big game,” Brown said. “Take me through Sunday, through the next game.”
Brown expected a standard five-minute summary.
Young began with Sunday, before explaining his wakeup and meeting rhythm on Monday, and then clarifying which parts of the game plan he would study then and which on Tuesday, and then—
“We’re 17 minutes in and it’s Wednesday,” Brown laughed. “And I said, ‘Hey. Stop, dog. I’m good. I appreciate the detail.’”
The questions have changed and the job interview has evolved into a collegial partnership, but halfway through May, the Panthers are still asking the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft to embrace the mindset he (over)detailed at dinner: one day at a time.
“It’s a day-by-day process,” Young said last weekend at minicamp. “We’ve talked a lot about that as a team.”
“From a day-to-day standpoint,” Brown echoed this week, “obviously Andy [Dalton]’s our starter right now. … But what’s today, Tuesday? Tomorrow’s another day. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Before Panthers fans know it, Young will be under center.
Rookie minicamp delivered the expected, if premature, hype.
Coaches and teammates lauded Young’s decision-making, accuracy and timing. They praised how the notoriously 5-foot-10 quarterback recited plays from memory, engineered a clean operation and found his targets.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner who started 27 games at Alabama and won 23 says he’s primarily concerned with developing comfort in the system, absorbing coaching and committing verbiage to memory. But Panthers practice film study reviews showed more than Young’s mechanics and release.
“You watch the film back and you see how he manipulates zone defenders with his eyes and subtle arm twitches to open up a huge window,” one source told Yahoo Sports on condition of anonymity. “And you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s not normal for a rookie and really advanced.’”
Less flashy but as impressive to Panthers brass was Young avoiding fumbled snaps despite the transition from playing out of the shotgun in college to lining up under center.
Rookie minicamp, by definition, breeds growing pains.
Panthers senior assistant Jim Caldwell, whose NFL coaching résumé includes seven years as a head coach and two more at offensive coordinator, told Brown this was the first time he remembered a rookie minicamp without balls on the ground — "which is a huge deal,” Caldwell said.
Another huge deal awaits.
Because with nearly four months remaining until the Panthers begin their regular-season slate against the Atlanta Falcons, the 12-year veteran Dalton remains their starter in name.
Still, even cautious coaches can’t help but tip what’s imminent and obvious.
Panthers head coach and play-caller Frank Reich said Dalton will begin offseason activities this week as the club’s first-team quarterback.
Young will work with the second team.
And yet …
“Bryce is going to get a lot of reps — likely even get a few more than Andy as the new guy,” Reich said. “We’ll focus on getting Bryce, as the younger player, as many reps as he can.”
Brown then said “Andy’s our starter right now” but “Bryce is getting a lot of reps with the ones [first team] and twos [second].”
Dalton’s nine years quarterbacking the Cincinnati Bengals give the Panthers an easy explanation for why he doesn’t need as many foundational snaps at practice; his three years since spending a season each with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints offer an easy excuse for why the player whom Reich described as a “savvy veteran” will be just fine adjusting to a new scheme.
Young will welcome the chance to learn.
“Feeling out how routes are supposed to be, how things are supposed to be read, understanding the system,” he said. “I’m learning the system and watching film and seeing how things operate and learning so much from the coaches. I want to do everything that they ask of me. I want my signature to be executing the plays, whatever the coaches call.”
How soon will they call for the Panthers’ de facto starter to also assume the mantle as starter in name? Before Week 1, as long as he’s healthy, undoubtedly. By training camp, too, is a fair guess.
As for the next few weeks of offseason practice? The plan remains a mystery but also is already in motion. As long as Young gets the reps, his teammates will understand his position. And the more he gets reps, the more ready he’ll be to officially earn his NFL starting role.
“When he’s ready, when it’s best for the team,” Reich said. “That’s when we’ll look to make that transition.”