Pitt Ohio tracking

What is Pitt Ohio?

PITT OHIO is a privately owned transportation and supply chain management company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1979 by three brothers, Charles L. "Chuck" Hammel III, Robert F. "Bob" Hammel, and Kenneth W. "Ken" Hammel, the company began under the name Pitt Ohio Express, operating out of a single Pittsburgh terminal with just three trucks, focused exclusively on next-day interstate LTL freight between Pittsburgh and Ohio. The founding family brought considerable industry heritage to the venture, as their grandfather, Charles Hammel Sr., had established Hammel's Express in Pittsburgh in 1919, originally hauling steel for local producer J&L Steel, giving the Hammel family more than six decades of accumulated freight experience before the company's own launch.

Expansion came quickly. By 1983, terminals had opened in Cleveland Baltimore, Norristown, and Charleston, West Virginia, establishing the multi-state regional footprint that would shape the company's character for decades. Revenues grew from $6.9 million in 1984 to $138 million by 1997. By 1998, the network was processing 6,500 shipments daily from 12 terminals, with 800 drivers running nearly 1,700 pieces of equipment across seven Mid-Atlantic states. A 2005 acquisition of truckload carrier ECM Transport gave PITT OHIO its first asset-based full truckload capability, broadening the service portfolio beyond its original LTL focus.

In 2011, the company formally dropped "Express" from its trade name, becoming simply PITT OHIO. This change reflected a deliberate move beyond the original express LTL identity into a broader range of transportation and logistics services. The 2022 acquisition of assets from Teal's Express, a Watertown, New York-based carrier, added direct service into upstate New York without dependence on third-party partners. The most consequential recent development came in 2025, when the PITT OHIO Transportation Group acquired Sutton Transport, a Midwest LTL carrier with 13 terminals and more than 800 employees. Sutton Transport was subsequently merged with sister carrier Dohrn Transfer to form Dohrn LLC, moving the overall group to the 12th largest LTL carrier position in the United States.

• Founded: 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, originally under the name Pitt Ohio Express
• Founders: Brothers Charles L. "Chuck" Hammel III, Robert F. "Bob" Hammel, and Kenneth W. "Ken" Hammel
• Family freight heritage: The Hammel family's history in freight dates to 1919, when Charles Hammel Sr. founded Hammel's Express in Pittsburgh
• Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
• Corporate structure: Privately owned, part of the PITT OHIO Transportation Group under Hammel Co. ownership
• Sister companies: Dohrn Transfer Company, Ross Express, US Cargo, and US Special Delivery
• Industry ranking: 12th largest LTL carrier in the United States following the 2025 Sutton Transport acquisition
• On-time delivery rate: 97%, consistently promoted as the company's primary commercial differentiator
• Claims prevention ratio: 0.5%, one of the lowest published figures in the regional LTL segment
• Hazmat certification: Certified to handle regulated dangerous goods under U.S. Department of Transportation rules

In industry rankings, PITT OHIO has placed among the leading regional LTL carriers in North America for multiple consecutive years. The company ranked 48th on Transport Topics' Top 100 For-Hire Carrier list and 14th on its Top Less-Than-Truckload Carriers list for 2021. In Mastio and Company's LTL Carrier Customer Value and Loyalty Report, PITT OHIO ranked first in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. In 2025, the company earned top honors in the Quest for Quality Awards, which are determined entirely by direct customer feedback on on-time performance, customer service, information technology, and equipment and operations. PITT OHIO positions itself as a premium service carrier competing on reliability rather than price, targeting business customers across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and industrial sectors.

Which countries does Pitt Ohio deliver to?

PITT OHIO's direct service territory covers the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States. The states served through the company's own terminals and drivers include Delaware, the District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Portions of northern Kentucky, the Jamestown region of New York, and the Greater Triad area of North Carolina, covering Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, are also within the direct service footprint. As of 2023, PITT OHIO operated approximately 24 terminals across this territory, enabling next-day or two-day delivery to most origin-destination pairs. Because the company moves freight on its own equipment and drivers within this core region, it retains direct accountability over shipments from pickup through final delivery.

Pittsburgh sits at the geographic center of PITT OHIO's operations, connecting the Mid-Atlantic seaboard markets of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. with the Midwest industrial centers of Cleveland Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis. For shipments moving beyond the direct service footprint, PITT OHIO extends coverage through two sister carriers, Dohrn Transfer covering the Midwest, and Ross Express covering New England. Through these partners, PITT OHIO accesses approximately 50 additional terminals, bringing in states such as Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island Vermont, and Wisconsin. Transit time maps showing day estimates for each terminal pair in the extended network are available through the company's online tracing tools.

• Core direct service states: Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, plus portions of Kentucky, New York, and North Carolina
• Terminal count: Approximately 24 direct terminals as of 2023, spanning the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest
• Midwest extension: Dohrn Transfer covers Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and other Midwest states
• New England extension: Ross Express covers Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont
• National coverage: All 48 contiguous U.S. states through truckload logistics brokerage and interline partnerships
• Canada: Transborder freight access through truckload logistics arrangements and LTL interline agreements

For full national coverage beyond the federated partner network, PITT OHIO's truckload logistics team arranges freight across all 48 contiguous U.S. states and into Canada through brokered carrier arrangements. The North American LTL Service product, built on the coordinated network of PITT OHIO, Dohrn Transfer, and Ross Express, provides cross-regional freight movement within a single commercial relationship. Shippers working in PITT OHIO's core territory benefit from direct carrier accountability, while those with wider distribution needs can access the full North American footprint without managing multiple separate carrier contracts.

What are the Pitt Ohio services and delivery times?

Less-than-Truckload, or LTL, freight is the foundation of PITT OHIO's business, and the service around which the company built its reputation over more than four decades. In an LTL shipment, multiple shippers share space within the same trailer, with each paying only for the portion their freight occupies. PITT OHIO divides its LTL product into two tiers, a Regional LTL service for shipments within the core Mid-Atlantic and Midwest territory, and a North American Service for coverage extending to the broader U.S. and Canadian market through the sister carrier network. Within the regional service, PITT OHIO delivers to more destinations on a next-day basis than any competing carrier operating in the same geography, a distinction the company has maintained for over 40 years.

• LTL Regional Service: Next-day and two-day less-than-truckload freight within the core Mid-Atlantic and Midwest territory, with tracking available via PRO number, BOL number, or purchase order number
• LTL North American Service: Extended LTL coverage to all 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada through the coordinated Dohrn Transfer and Ross Express partner network
• Truckload (TL) Service: Asset-based full truckload service for routes within approximately 965 km, with a published 99% on-time performance rate and 100% tender acceptance
• Ground Service: Business-to-business parcel and small shipment delivery within the regional footprint, designed for freight below standard LTL dimensions
• Supply Chain and Logistics Service: Drayage, transloading, warehousing, distribution, dedicated fleet management, and international freight forwarding through the PITT OHIO Logistics division
• Expedited LTL: Time-critical freight option available as an add-on for shipments requiring faster movement than the standard schedule provides

Transit times within the core service territory run from one to two days for most origin-destination pairs, and two to three days for shipments reaching the outer edges of the network or points handled through partner carriers. PITT OHIO does not publish clock-time guaranteed delivery windows as a standard LTL feature, as business freight customers typically plan at the day level rather than the hour level. Expedited LTL options are available for shippers requiring tighter time commitments than standard service allows. Truckload shipments within the approximately 600-mile asset-based radius carry a 99% on-time commitment, among the highest figures published in the regional truckload segment.

The truckload service distinguishes between asset-based and non-asset logistics operations. For routes within the roughly 600-mile operating radius, PITT OHIO deploys its own tractors and trailers, which is what allows it to publish the 99% on-time and 97% on-time pickup and delivery figures. For longer routes or destinations outside this radius, the PITT OHIO Logistics team arranges capacity through brokered carriers across all 48 contiguous states and into Canada. The Ground Service product targets businesses shipping smaller packages that do not require full LTL capacity. All LTL shipments can carry service additions including freeze protection for temperature-sensitive goods and hazmat-certified handling for regulated dangerous goods.

What are the Pitt Ohio rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

PITT OHIO uses the density-based and class-based rating model that is standard across the U.S. LTL industry. The price of a given LTL shipment is shaped by several factors, including the freight's classification under the National Motor Freight Classification system, also known as the NMFC, the total shipment weight, the origin-destination lane, the physical dimensions and calculated density of the goods, and any applicable accessorial charges. Accessorial charges cover separately priced services such as residential delivery, liftgate use, freeze protection, inside delivery, and appointment scheduling, each of which adds to the base linehaul rate and must be requested at the time of booking.

For standard pallet shipments, PITT OHIO defines a standard pallet or skid as freight not exceeding 102 cm by 122 cm by 122 cm, with a maximum allowable weight of 2,226.8 kg per pallet. Shipments that are light or bulky relative to the trailer space they occupy are subject to linear foot pricing rules. Any shipment requiring 12 or more linear feet of trailer length across the usable trailer width of 1.8 m is charged based on either actual weight or a minimum of 226.8 kg per linear foot, whichever is greater. Shipments occupying 20 or more feet of trailer space are charged at a minimum of 20,0 kg or actual weight, and shipments occupying 45 or more feet are charged at a minimum of 40,0 kg or actual weight.

• Standard pallet maximum size: 102 cm by 122 cm by 122 cm
• Standard pallet maximum weight: 2,226.8 kg per pallet
• Linear foot threshold: 12 or more linear feet of trailer space triggers linear foot pricing at a minimum of 226.8 kg per linear foot
• 20-foot rule: Shipments occupying 20 or more feet of trailer space are charged at a minimum of 20,0 kg or actual weight, whichever is greater
• 45-foot rule: Shipments occupying 45 or more feet are charged at a minimum of 40,0 kg or actual weight, whichever is greater
• Over-dimension freight: Items exceeding standard trailer dimensions are subject to additional accessorial charges beyond the base linehaul rate
• Rate quotes: Available through the online Fast Track Quote tool or directly through the sales team; supply chain and dedicated fleet pricing is negotiated by contract

PITT OHIO provides an online density calculator to help shippers determine their freight class before booking a shipment. Freight class under the NMFC system ranges from class 50, for the densest and least fragile goods, to class 500, for the lightest and most fragile, and a misclassified shipment can result in a freight bill adjustment after delivery. Shippers unfamiliar with freight classification are encouraged to use the calculator before generating a quote, as the class assigned can materially affect the final rate. Non-standard or over-dimension freight that exceeds standard trailer dimensions carries additional accessorial charges separate from those applied to conventional palletized shipments.

What are the Pitt Ohio delivery options?

PITT OHIO operates as a business-to-business carrier, and the large majority of its deliveries go to commercial addresses such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and retail receiving docks rather than to residential consumers. Standard LTL deliveries are made to the loading dock or ground level of the consignee's facility during normal business hours, with the driver and receiving staff coordinating the transfer of freight. Because freight moves on PITT OHIO's own equipment within the core service territory, the company retains direct visibility over each shipment from pickup through to final delivery confirmation.

• Standard dock delivery: Freight delivered to commercial loading docks during business hours, coordinated between the PITT OHIO driver and the consignee's receiving staff
• Liftgate delivery: Hydraulic liftgate service for locations without standard dock access, lowering freight from the trailer floor to ground level
• Inside delivery: Freight carried beyond the building entrance threshold at the consignee's location
• Appointment delivery: Delivery within a pre-scheduled time window rather than on the carrier's standard daily route sequence
• Freeze protection: Temperature management service for cold-sensitive goods shipped during low-temperature conditions
• Delivery Track: Real-time GPS-based truck location and dynamic ETA updates, activated when a shipment reaches "Out for Delivery" status

For shipments destined for residential addresses or commercial locations without standard dock facilities, liftgate delivery is available as an accessorial service. A hydraulic liftgate on the delivery truck lowers the freight from the trailer floor to ground level, allowing receipt at sites where a loading dock is not present. Inside delivery extends this further, moving freight beyond the building threshold for consignees who need goods placed within the facility. Appointment delivery allows a consignee to book a specific time window, giving warehouse and receiving staff predictability rather than an open-ended delivery day on the standard route.

PITT OHIO launched its Delivery Track feature in 2019, bringing real-time visibility to commercial freight delivery in a way previously associated mainly with consumer parcel services. When a shipment reaches "Out for Delivery" status, a Delivery Track link becomes active in the online tracing tool, showing the delivery truck's GPS position on its route and providing an estimated arrival time that updates dynamically as the driver progresses through earlier stops. This feature reduces the need for consignees to call the destination terminal for arrival estimates and allows receiving operations to be planned around a progressively more accurate predicted delivery window.

What should I do if my Pitt Ohio parcel is lost or damaged?

Freight loss and damage claims can be filed online through PITT OHIO's LTL Claims Tool, which allows claimants to submit documentation electronically and track the progress of their claim through an online portal. Once a claim is submitted, the system generates an email acknowledgment containing a unique claim identification number and a direct link for correspondence with the claims auditor assigned to the file. Claims can also be submitted by mail to PITT OHIO's Claims Department at 15 27th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or by fax to 412-360-7033. The claims team is reachable by phone at 1-800-366-7488 for questions at any stage of the process.

• Online claims filing: Available through the LTL Claims Tool on the company website, with electronic document submission and online status tracking
• Claims team phone: 1-800-366-7488
• Fax: (412) 360-7033
• Mailing address: PITT OHIO Claims Department, 15 27th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Required at filing: PITT OHIO PRO number and consignee zip code to locate the shipment record
• Supporting documentation: Original bill of lading, freight invoice, proof of value such as a commercial invoice, and photographs or inspection reports documenting the damage or shortage
• Resolution timeline: 30 to 45 days, compared to the 120-day maximum permitted under federal Carmack Amendment regulations
• Claims prevention ratio: 0.5%, reflecting fewer than one claim per 200 shipments across the network

When filing a claim, having the PITT OHIO PRO number and the consignee zip code available speeds up the process, as these are used to locate the shipment record. Required documentation typically includes the original bill of lading, the freight invoice, proof of value such as a commercial invoice for the goods, and photographs or inspection reports documenting the damage or shortage. Federal rules under the Carmack Amendment give carriers up to 120 days to resolve cargo claims. PITT OHIO commits to resolving claims within 30 to 45 days, considerably faster than the regulatory maximum.

PITT OHIO promotes its 0.5% claims prevention ratio as a primary measure of freight handling quality throughout its network, meaning fewer than one in every 200 shipments results in a claim. For freight received with visible damage, the consignee should note the damage clearly on the delivery receipt before signing, as an unconditioned signature can complicate the claims process later. Photographs taken at the moment of delivery, before moving the freight, provide the strongest documentary evidence if a claim is subsequently filed. Active claims prevention programs throughout the terminal network, including driver training and load securement standards, contribute to this low ratio.

Does Pitt Ohio handle international shipments and customs formalities?

PITT OHIO is primarily a domestic U.S. carrier, but it offers international freight forwarding services through its PITT OHIO Logistics division. This service is designed to help businesses move goods across international borders, covering carrier selection for each leg of the journey, the required customs documentation, Incoterms interpretation, and coordination between domestic and international transport stages. The offering is positioned as a managed, advisory-oriented service for business customers rather than a transactional product where a shipper hands over a package and a carrier handles everything automatically without input from the client.

• International freight forwarding: Managed service for cross-border import and export shipments, offered through the PITT OHIO Logistics division
• Customs documentation support: Assistance with commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and Incoterms determination for each destination
• Transborder North America: Truckload logistics coverage to all 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada, manageable within a single commercial relationship
• Canadian LTL access: Extended LTL service into Canadian markets through the coordinated sister carrier network and interline agreements
• Hazmat certification: PITT OHIO holds domestic hazmat carrier certification for regulated dangerous goods under U.S. DOT rules, applicable to cross-border movements involving controlled commodities

For shippers using the international forwarding service, PITT OHIO's logistics team assists in identifying what customs documentation is required for each destination, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. The team also helps customers understand how Incoterms allocate responsibility between buyer and seller for duties, taxes, and risk at each transit stage. Prohibited and restricted items for international movements follow standard international trade regulations and vary by destination country, and the logistics team can advise on whether a given commodity is admissible before shipment is arranged.

For North American cross-border freight, PITT OHIO's truckload logistics team manages transborder shipments to and from Canada across all 48 contiguous states. The North American LTL Service, operated through the coordinated PITT OHIO and sister carrier network, also provides access to Canadian markets through interline agreements. For most business shippers, this means cross-border North American freight can be arranged within a single commercial relationship, reducing the coordination complexity that would otherwise come from managing separate domestic and transborder carrier contracts independently.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a PITT OHIO shipment through the company's online tracing tool, a series of status updates appears as the freight moves through the network. These statuses correspond to specific physical events in the shipment's journey, from the initial collection at the shipper's facility through to final delivery confirmation. PITT OHIO's LTL tracing tool accepts PRO numbers, typically 9 to 11 digits structured as a 3-digit terminal code followed by a 6 to 8-digit sequence, along with Bill of Lading numbers and Purchase Order numbers, giving shippers multiple ways to locate a shipment. Up to 10 PRO numbers or 10 BOL numbers can be entered at once for batch tracing. The table below lists the main statuses that appear and explains what each one means in the context of the shipment's progress.