What Is Ups Freight Now Called?

ByDylan Baker

UPS Freight is a trucking and freight shipping company in the United States. UPS Freight was originally founded in 1935 as Overnite Transportation and operated under that name until 2006 when it was acquired by UPS.[1]

After the acquisition, UPS rebranded Overnite Transportation as UPS Freight. For over 15 years, UPS Freight operated as a subsidiary of UPS, providing less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services in North America.

In 2021, UPS announced an agreement to sell UPS Freight to Canadian transportation company TFI International Inc. This sale represented a major strategic shift for UPS as it exited the LTL trucking market to focus on its core small package and logistics businesses.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TForce_Freight

UPS Freight Becomes TForce Freight

In January 2021, UPS announced the sale of UPS Freight to TFI International Inc. for $800 million. As part of the acquisition, UPS Freight was rebranded as TForce Freight.

The announcement came as part of UPS’s strategy to focus on its core package delivery business. UPS had acquired UPS Freight in 2005 but ultimately decided to divest the less-than-truckload shipping unit to concentrate resources on small package and supply chain solutions.

With the rebranding to TForce Freight, UPS Freight adopted a new name and logo while keeping the same management team, customer service, and operations. The transition to the TForce Freight brand was designed to be seamless for existing UPS Freight customers.

Sources:
https://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/tfi_international_buys_ups_freight_for_800_million_rebranding_as_tforce_fre
https://www.tforcefreight.com/downloads/TForce-Freight-Announcement-Letter.pdf

Reasons for the Rebrand

In January 2021, UPS announced the sale of UPS Freight to Canadian transportation company TFI International for $800 million. As part of the acquisition, UPS Freight was rebranded as TForce Freight (Logistics Management). One of the key reasons for the rebrand was to differentiate freight services from UPS’s core small package delivery business.
tforce freight truck on highway after company rebranding from ups freight

UPS Freight, which specialized in less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload freight shipping, was seen as non-core to UPS’s global small package operations. By selling and rebranding UPS Freight as TForce, UPS could focus on its competitive advantage in small package delivery while TForce targets the freight transportation market under new ownership. The rebrand helps distinguish the freight services from UPS as they become two separate companies.

TForce Freight Services

TForce Freight offers a wide variety of freight shipping services including:

  • Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping – For smaller freight shipments that don’t require a full truckload. LTL combines multiple LTL shipments on one truck.
  • Truckload shipping – Full truckload services for larger, dedicated shipments.
  • Intermodal shipping – Utilizes multiple modes of transportation such as rail and truck to offer an economical shipping solution.
  • Air freight – Time-sensitive air freight shipping for critical items.
  • Expedited shipping – Guaranteed expedited delivery with team drivers.
  • Final mile delivery – Local pickup and delivery from distribution centers to end customer locations.
  • Logistics services – End-to-end supply chain solutions including warehousing and distribution.

With cross-border operations, TForce Freight provides NAFTA and other global shipping services to and from Canada, Mexico, and internationally. They specialize in the transport of industrial machinery, auto parts, electronics, oil and gas equipment, plastics and resins, metals, building materials, and more.

Source: https://www.tforcefreight.com/

TForce Freight Network

TForce Freight has an extensive network that provides freight services across North America. The company has over 200 service centers located in all 48 contiguous states in the U.S. as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. This widespread presence allows TForce Freight to offer reliable shipping across major cities and hard-to-reach rural areas (TForce Freight – Locations).

The service centers are strategically located near major highways, ports, railheads and air cargo facilities. This proximity to transport hubs allows for efficient transit and transfer of freight. The facilities are equipped with docks, material handling equipment and warehouse space for freight storage, cross-docking and distribution (TForce Freight – Service Center Directory).

Customers can easily locate the nearest service center on the company’s website and get information on the services offered at each location. The extensive network and facilities provide TForce Freight with the infrastructure to handle a high volume of LTL shipments across diverse geographies.

Technology and Innovation

TForce Freight utilizes the latest technology to provide innovative solutions and improve the customer experience. The company has developed tools like the TForce Freight Density Calculator, which allows customers to accurately determine the density of their shipments. This helps optimize loading and ensure on-time delivery.

TForce Freight also offers the TForce Freight Rating Software which provides easy access to rates and routing information. Customers can get quotes and book shipments directly through this system. Real-time tracking is another key technology that gives customers up-to-date status notifications throughout the delivery process.

By utilizing innovative technology solutions like these, TForce Freight aims to simplify shipping and provide an exceptional customer experience. The focus on technology allows the company to improve services and operate efficiently.

Rates and Pricing

TForce Freight offers competitive less than truckload (LTL) shipping rates for customers. As part of the rebrand to TForce Freight, the company introduced new technology, systems and processes aimed at providing an improved customer experience and competitive pricing (TForce Freight, 2022).

TForce Freight uses a standard rate pricing model that is primarily based on shipment weight, distance traveled, freight class, and additional service charges. Rates are calculated using the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. TForce Freight also offers volume-based discounts for larger shipments exceeding 8,000 pounds or 8 pallets (TForce Freight, 2022). Customers can easily obtain a free instant online quote using the company’s website.

For shippers who also use UPS Ground services, TForce Freight introduced a new pricing tool called UPS Ground with Freight Pricing. This tool allows shippers to compare LTL and UPS Ground rates side-by-side to determine the most cost effective option (TForce Freight, 2022). TForce Freight aims to provide a transparent, simple and competitive cost structure to meet the needs of all customers.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews of TForce Freight are mixed. According to the Better Business Bureau, TForce Freight currently has an average customer review rating of 1.09 out of 5 stars based on 172 reviews.1 Many reviews cite issues with damaged goods, late deliveries, poor communication, and difficulty getting claims resolved. As of January 2023, there have been 251 complaints closed against TForce Freight in the last 3 years according to the BBB.2

On Trustpilot, TForce Freight has a 2 out of 5 star rating based on 246 reviews as of January 2023.3 Positive reviews mention good rates and dependable on-time service. Negative reviews focus on damaged cargo, poor tracking updates, unresponsive customer service, and difficulties obtaining claim reimbursements. Some customers indicate deteriorating service levels since the rebrand from UPS Freight.

Future Outlook

TForce Freight is focused on growth and expansion under its new ownership by TFI International. According to FreightWaves, TFI plans to expand TForce’s market share in the LTL sector through network optimization and cost reductions. Key growth plans include:

  • Opening new service centers and terminals to extend market reach
  • Investing in technology and automation to improve efficiency
  • Leveraging data analytics to optimize routes and pricing
  • Promoting a lean operations culture focused on cost control

TFI’s priority is boosting profitability through lower costs rather than top-line growth. This suggests TForce will take a cautious approach to expansion, focused on maximizing existing infrastructure first. However, analysts expect steady network growth in key underserved regions over time. TForce’s technology and cost focus could make it a disruptor in the LTL sector.

Conclusion

In summary, UPS Freight was rebranded in 2021 as TForce Freight to reflect the company’s focus on technology, innovation, and providing a premium freight shipping experience. The new TForce Freight brand showcases the company’s strengths in reliability, safety, equipment, and logistics technology while preserving its legacy of excellent customer service. With an upgraded fleet, optimized network, and focus on the future, TForce Freight is poised for continued growth and success as a leader in the LTL freight industry. The rebrand ushers in an exciting new chapter for the company as it reinvents itself to meet evolving customer needs.

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