PITT OHIO rolls out express LTL lane to Texas border

Pittsburgh-based less-than-truckload and logistics services provider PITT OHIO announced this week it has introduced what it called a new LTL Express Lane to six Texas-based cross-border cities.

The company said this lane is based around a freight consolidation at Pitt Ohio’s Cincinnati terminal, coupled with shipments routed to Laredo, El Paso, McAllen, Brownsville, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio. And for the final mile delivery to these cities, Pitt Ohio said it will work with its southern U.S. partner carrier Averitt Express.

“This operational setup brings significant improvements over the traditional hub and spoke system utilized by many national carriers,” said Pitt Ohio EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Geoff Muessig, in a statement. “By consolidating freight at a single terminal and dispatching directly to destination cities, we reduce handling, thereby minimizing the risk of damages, shortages, or lost freight. Our streamlined approach ensures faster transit times, offering superior service levels compared to most national carriers.”

The executive told LM that PITT OHIO operates several long-haul express LTL lanes to major metro markets, adding that these express lanes improve transit times while reducing the likelihood of shipment damage. 

“Supply chains continue to evolve and change,” said Muessig. “In recent years many U.S. companies have opted to relocate part of their operations to Mexico. Consequently, PITT OHIO has launched a Cross Border express lane to Laredo and other border crossing towns.  Previously these LTL shipments moved via the PITT OHIO and Averitt partnership with longer transit times.” 

What’s more, the company stated that this new express lane highlights the company’s focus on sustainability, with Muessig noting that through more direct routing and the elimination of unnecessary miles, PITT OHIO is significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“This optimized routing approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances our operational efficiency, aligning with our goal to deliver exceptional service while maintaining environmental responsibility,” he said.

This move follows PITT OHIO's recent acquisition of Sutton Transport, a Midwest LTL carrier, effective January 1. This strategic purchase is part of PITT OHIO's ongoing growth and commitment to excellence in the transportation industry.