Frequently Asked Questions
General
What areas do you serve?
Southline Freight is based in Tampa, Florida and serves businesses throughout the state of Florida. We also extend service into the Southeast on a case-by-case basis for time-critical and specialty loads. Contact us to discuss your specific route.
Are you a freight broker or a carrier?
We are an asset-based carrier, not a broker. We own our trucks and employ our drivers, and our team handles your shipment from pickup to delivery. On specific contracts that call for extra capacity, we supplement with carefully vetted, approved independent drivers held to the same Southline standards. Your freight is never posted to a load board, and Southline stays accountable for every load.
How do I get a quote?
Fill out the quote request form on our Contact page or call us at 813-446-2250. We'll respond promptly with pricing and availability.
Do you offer real-time tracking?
Yes. Real-time shipment tracking is available through our dispatch team and third-party tracking tools. You'll receive updates throughout the delivery process.
What types of freight do you handle?
We handle a wide range of freight including trade show exhibits, palletized cargo, time-critical shipments, air cargo, final mile deliveries, and more. See our Services page for the full list.
Do you handle residential deliveries?
Yes. Our liftgate service makes residential and non-dock deliveries possible for locations without loading equipment.
Services
What is white glove delivery?
White glove delivery is a premium service that includes careful handling, placement at the destination, and setup assistance where required. It is designed for sensitive, high-value, or oversized items that require extra care.
What is hot shot trucking?
Hot shot trucking is dedicated, expedited transport for critical or emergency loads that need immediate pickup and rapid delivery. It is typically used for construction materials, equipment, and time-sensitive freight.
What is liftgate service?
A liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the back of the truck that lowers freight from the truck bed to ground level. It is used at locations without a loading dock or forklift, including retail locations, job sites, trade show venues, and residences.
What is the difference between LTL and FTL?
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) is for smaller shipments that don't fill an entire truck. Your freight shares space with other shipments, making it more cost-effective for smaller loads. FTL (Full Truckload) gives you exclusive use of the entire truck, which is better for larger shipments or freight requiring dedicated capacity and reduced handling.
Can you handle trade show logistics?
Yes. We specialize in trade show freight, including pickup, transport, delivery, and on-site coordination of exhibits, displays, and event equipment.
Pricing & Process
How is freight priced?
Freight pricing depends on factors including shipment size and weight, origin and destination, service type, and timeline. Contact us for a custom quote.
How far in advance should I book?
For standard shipments, we recommend booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance. For time-critical or hot shot loads, contact us immediately. We are built to respond fast.
What information do I need to provide for a quote?
Pickup and delivery locations, freight type and description, dimensions and weight if known, and your required delivery timeline.
Is there a minimum shipment size?
No. We handle everything from single pallets to full truckloads.