Southeastern Freight Lines tracking

What is Southeastern Freight Lines?

Southeastern Freight Lines, commonly referred to as SEFL, is a privately owned regional less-than-truckload, or LTL, trucking company headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina. Founded in 1950 by William T. "Toby" Cassels, the company began with approximately five to fourteen trucks, twenty employees, and a founding loan of $5,000. Operations were initially confined to South Carolina and portions of Georgia, but SEFL expanded steadily over the following decades into one of the most decorated regional freight carriers in the United States, now running 89 service centers across 13 states and Puerto Rico.

The company has remained entirely family-owned through three generations of the Cassels family. W.T. "Bill" Cassels Jr. assumed the presidency in 1975 and directed SEFL through its formalization and growth in LTL operations, the specialization that became the foundation of the company's identity and competitive position. W.T. "Tobin" Cassels III became President in 2001, having worked at Southeastern since the age of 13, starting in the trailer shop at $1.65 per hour. Under his leadership, the company launched the Final Mile service division, created the subsidiary Southeastern Logistics Solutions, and built a partner network that extends coverage to all 50 U.S. states.

SEFL's standing in the industry is built on a documented performance record. The company has received more than 580 quality awards from customers and trade associations, and has appeared on Logistics Management magazine's Quest for Quality award roster for 23 consecutive years. Its on-time delivery rate in next-day lanes is 99.35% or better, placing it among the highest-performing carriers in the regional LTL sector. During the 2008 economic recession, SEFL maintained its full workforce without layoffs, a decision that became a central element of the company's internal culture. Internal surveys have recorded that 97.9% of employees agreed that working at Southeastern is a good deal for them.

• Founded: 1950, by William T. "Toby" Cassels in Lexington, South Carolina
• Headquarters: 420 Davega Drive, Lexington, SC 29073, USA
• Ownership: Privately held, family-owned through three generations of the Cassels family; not publicly traded
• Primary service type: Regional less-than-truckload (LTL) freight
• Fleet size: Approximately 2,000 tractors and 6,000 trailers, plus more than 350 dedicated Final Mile vehicles
• Service centers: 89 direct service centers across 13 states and Puerto Rico
• On-time performance: 99.35% or better in next-day delivery lanes
• Quality awards: More than 580 received from customers and trade associations
• Annual shipments: More than 10 million per year
• Subsidiary: Southeastern Logistics Solutions (SLS), headquartered in West Columbia, South Carolina

The company's customer base spans manufacturing, retail, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods distribution. SEFL holds EPA SmartWay Transport Partner certification and has been named a Top Green Provider by Food Logistics in 2016, 2017, and 2021. BlueGrace Logistics recognized SEFL as a 2024 LTL Carrier Award winner, and C.H. Robinson named Southeastern its 2023 Carrier of the Year. Major shipper clients that have publicly recognized SEFL for service quality include Yamaha, Lowe's, Moen, and Home Depot.

Which countries does Southeastern Freight Lines deliver to?

Southeastern Freight Lines operates its own direct service network across 13 states in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States, plus Puerto Rico, supported by 89 service centers. This direct service territory is the zone in which SEFL provides next-day delivery in most lanes and where its Guaranteed Service tiers are available. The network is built around a hub-and-spoke structure of break-bulk terminals and local service centers, allowing freight to be sorted, transferred, and dispatched efficiently across the region without unnecessary handling delays.

Beyond its core service territory, SEFL has established a partner carrier network that covers all 37 remaining U.S. states, giving shippers access to all 50 states through a single carrier relationship. Specific partner arrangements also provide service to Canada, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska. For Canada, SEFL operates a dedicated cross-border service with a team based in Toronto. Shipments traveling northbound are channeled through SEFL's Cincinnati, Ohio service center, which functions as the primary interchange gateway. For Mexico, Southeastern works through a partnership with XCF Transportes Carga Consolidata and Fletes México Carga Express, a Mexican LTL carrier with 24 service centers throughout the country.

Shipments moving through the partner network to destinations outside SEFL's direct territory are coordinated by Southeastern but handled in part by the regional partner carrier at destination. Transit times for these movements are longer and vary based on origin, destination, and the partner utilized. Customers can access transit time estimates through SEFL's online routing guide or by contacting a service center directly. For shipments moving to or from Canada, customs paperwork is processed on a 24/7 basis by the Canadian team to prevent delays at the border crossing.

• Direct service territory: 13 states in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States, plus Puerto Rico, with 89 service centers providing next-day delivery in most lanes
• Partner network - USA: All 50 states covered through a combination of direct service and partner carrier arrangements across the remaining 37 states
• Canada: Door-to-door through service with a dedicated Toronto-based team; northbound freight routed through the Cincinnati, Ohio gateway; 24/7 customs paperwork processing; primary operational strength in Ontario and Quebec
• Mexico: Door-to-door LTL service through the XCF/Fletes México Carga Express partnership; 24 service centers throughout Mexico; single bill of lading from U.S. origin to Mexican delivery
• Puerto Rico: Dedicated SEFL division with a direct service center at Centro Mercantil International in Guaynabo; ocean transport links between the continental U.S. and the island
• Additional territories: U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska served through SEFL International

What are the Southeastern Freight Lines services and delivery times?

The core service offered by Southeastern Freight Lines is regional LTL freight. LTL shipping consolidates freight from multiple customers onto the same trailer, allowing businesses to ship goods without needing a full truckload. SEFL handles shipments weighing less than 20,0 kg under its standard LTL rating structure. Within the company's direct 13-state service territory, next-day delivery is standard in most lanes, and the carrier posts a 99.35% or better on-time performance rate across those lanes. The quality improvement program at SEFL dates to 1985, predating the current era of industry benchmarking by more than a decade.

SEFL offers three tiers of guaranteed delivery service for shipments within its direct service area. The Day Guarantee commits to delivery by 5:00 PM on the normally scheduled transit day. The Noon Guarantee assures delivery by 12:00 PM on the scheduled day for standard LTL shipments up to 10,0 kg, with a Day Guarantee applied automatically if the destination ZIP code does not qualify for the noon commitment. The Hot Shot Guarantee moves a shipment one full business day earlier than the standard transit schedule and is the only SEFL service tier that explicitly supports Saturday delivery for critical freight. If any guaranteed shipment is not delivered on time, the full freight charge is waived.

The Final Mile service division operates more than 350 dedicated vehicles across all 89 service centers, specifically configured for deliveries requiring special access or handling. These vehicles can serve residential addresses, freestanding retail locations without loading docks, strip malls with limited clearance, and commercial addresses requiring ground-level delivery. The service includes 100% real-time tracking, automatic delivery status updates, and API integration for e-commerce platforms. Recipients can be sent an email or SMS link to self-schedule a delivery window, request a pre-arrival call, or pre-authorize delivery without being present.

• Regional LTL: Core service for freight under 20,0 kg; next-day delivery in most lanes within the direct service territory, with a 99.35% or better on-time rate
• Day Guarantee: Delivery committed by 5:00 PM on the standard scheduled transit day; full freight charge waived if the commitment is missed
• Noon Guarantee: Delivery committed by 12:00 PM on the scheduled day for shipments up to 10,0 kg; Day Guarantee applied automatically for ZIP codes that do not qualify
• Hot Shot Guarantee: Delivery one full business day ahead of the standard transit schedule, with Saturday delivery capability; full freight charge waived if the commitment is missed
• Final Mile: Dedicated small-vehicle fleet for residential, dock-free, and ground-level delivery locations; recipient self-scheduling by email or SMS link
• Southeastern Logistics Solutions (SLS): Full truckload and multi-modal services through capacity partnerships, including dry van, temperature-controlled reefer, flatbed, and intermodal or rail transport nationwide
• Assembly and Distribution: SEFL picks up freight from multiple vendors and consolidates it into a single delivery, reducing handling and simplifying inbound logistics for the receiving customer
• Expedited Shipping: Available for time-sensitive freight requiring faster-than-standard transit, complemented by SLS capacity partnerships for nationwide coverage
• International and Cross-Border: Door-to-door service to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska through SEFL International and established partner arrangements

For shipments routed through the partner network beyond SEFL's direct territory, transit times vary by origin, destination, and the specific partner carrier. Standard LTL shipments not enrolled in a guaranteed tier are delivered on the standard scheduled transit day, and tracking status updates may take up to 12 hours after pickup before appearing in the system.

What are the Southeastern Freight Lines rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Southeastern Freight Lines prices its LTL freight using the National Motor Freight Classification, or NMFC, system, which is the standard rating methodology across the U.S. LTL industry. Under this system, the cost of a shipment is determined by a combination of the origin and destination ZIP codes, the total weight, and the freight class of the commodity. Freight class is a designation from 50 to 500 assigned based on the commodity's density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability. Rates are expressed on a per-hundredweight, or CWT, basis, meaning the charge is calculated as a dollar amount per 45.4 kg of freight.

The standard LTL threshold at SEFL applies to shipments weighing less than 20,0 kg. Freight at or above this weight is typically evaluated as volume or truckload freight rather than standard LTL. Rate quotes are available through SEFL's online quoting tool, the MySEFL secure customer portal, the Web Connect API for customers with integrated systems, or by phone at 800-637-7335. Guaranteed service options carry flat-fee add-ons above the base freight rate, with the Day Guarantee at the lowest premium, the Noon Guarantee at a higher level, and the Hot Shot Guarantee at the highest. If a guaranteed shipment is not delivered on time, the entire freight charge is waived.

Accessorial fees apply to services that fall outside standard dock-to-dock delivery. Liftgate pickup or delivery, inside delivery, residential delivery, and hazardous materials handling all carry additional charges. These fees are governed by SEFL's published Rules and Special Services Tariff, referred to as Tariff RT-1090. For customers shipping hazardous materials, SEFL provides guidance documentation aligned with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, covering commodity descriptions, labeling, placarding, and packaging standards required under applicable regulations.

• Rating system: National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC); rates quoted on a per-hundredweight (CWT) basis
• Standard LTL weight limit: Shipments weighing less than 20,0 kg; freight at or above this threshold is assessed as volume or truckload freight
• Freight class range: Class 50 to Class 500, assigned based on density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability of the commodity
• Rate quote options: Online quoting tool, MySEFL portal, Web Connect API integration, or by phone at (800) 637-7335
• Guaranteed service pricing: Flat-fee add-ons above the base rate for each guaranteed tier; full freight charge waived if a commitment is not met
• Accessorial charges: Additional fees for liftgate service, inside delivery, residential delivery, and hazmat handling, governed by Tariff RT-1090

What are the Southeastern Freight Lines delivery options?

Southeastern Freight Lines is primarily a commercial freight carrier. The majority of its deliveries are made to business addresses with loading dock access, where consignees are expected to have personnel available to receive freight and sign the delivery receipt during normal business hours. The driver produces a freight receipt at the point of delivery, and the consignee's signature serves as the formal record of transfer of custody between the carrier and the receiving party. For locations without a dock, SEFL offers liftgate service as an accessorial, allowing freight to be lowered from the truck bed to ground level.

The Final Mile service handles deliveries to residential addresses and commercial locations that lack standard dock access. More than 350 dedicated vehicles are deployed across all 89 service centers for this purpose, sized for residential streets and locations with limited clearance. The Final Mile system includes a self-scheduling feature that sends recipients an email or SMS link to choose a preferred delivery window, request a call before the driver arrives, or grant permission for delivery without being present. Inside delivery is also available as a separate accessorial for shipments that need to be placed beyond the dock threshold or receiving area.

Proof of delivery is available electronically for all completed shipments. The record includes the name of the individual who signed the delivery receipt, providing a verifiable document for both shipper and consignee. If a delivery cannot be completed due to a closed location, an address problem, or another issue at the time of the attempt, the shipment will reflect an Exception status in the tracking system. SEFL then contacts the relevant parties to arrange re-delivery or determine an alternative disposition for the freight.

• Commercial dock delivery: Standard service for business addresses with loading dock access; consignee signature required at time of receipt
• Liftgate service: Accessorial for ground-level pickup or delivery at locations without a loading dock
• Inside delivery: Accessorial for shipments that need to be placed inside a building beyond the dock or receiving threshold
• Residential delivery: Handled through the Final Mile division with dedicated smaller vehicles; self-scheduling by email or SMS, pre-arrival notification option, and permission for unattended delivery
• Outbound pickup: Freight pickup requests submitted by phone, online through the MySEFL portal, or via EDI; airport pickup can be arranged in advance with the local service center
• Proof of delivery: Electronic copy of the signed delivery receipt including the recipient's name, accessible through the MySEFL portal

What should I do if my Southeastern Freight Lines parcel is lost or damaged?

Southeastern Freight Lines accepts cargo claims for loss or damage filed within nine months from the date of delivery, in accordance with the Carmack Amendment, which governs domestic freight claims in the United States. The process begins at the point of delivery. Consignees are strongly advised to inspect all freight before signing the delivery receipt. If visible damage or shortage is identified, the specific nature and extent should be noted directly on the receipt, and the driver should acknowledge the notation. Photographic documentation taken at the time of delivery will support any subsequent claim considerably.

To file a cargo claim, the shipper or consignee must assemble supporting documentation that includes the PRO number, the shipment date, a description of the damaged or missing items, a copy of the commercial invoice showing the goods' value, the original freight bill, and any photographs or supplemental paperwork. Claims can be submitted through SEFL's online Claims portal, via the Cargo Claims REST API for customers with integrated systems, by fax, by email, or by mailing a printed claim form to the Cargo Claim Department at the Lexington, South Carolina headquarters. A simplified claim form is available for download from the carrier's website.

Once submitted, the status of a pending claim can be checked in real time using the Claims Inquiry feature, accessible through the SEFL website or the MySEFL portal. The inquiry accepts either the PRO number or the assigned claim number and returns the approved payment amount, the check number, the applicable date, or, if the claim was denied, the stated reason. For Guaranteed Service shipments that are not delivered on time, the full freight charge is waived without requiring a separate claims process for that billing element.

• Filing deadline: Nine months from the date of delivery, per the Carmack Amendment
• Documentation required: PRO number, shipment date, description of damage or loss, commercial invoice, original freight bill, and any available photographs
• Submission methods: Online Claims portal, Cargo Claims REST API, fax, email, or mailed claim form to the Lexington, SC headquarters
• Claim status inquiry: Available through the Claims Inquiry feature using the PRO number or assigned claim number; returns payment amount, check number, or denial reason
• Guaranteed service failures: Full freight charge waived automatically when a guaranteed commitment is not met; no separate claim required for the freight charge
• Customer service: Main line at (800) 637-7335; dedicated Guaranteed Service facilitator line at 1-866-733-5733

Does Southeastern Freight Lines handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Southeastern Freight Lines offers cross-border and international freight services under the SEFL International brand. Coverage includes Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska. For Canada, SEFL provides door-to-door through service between its U.S. direct service territory and all points in Canada, with particular operational strength in Ontario and Quebec. Shipments move on Southeastern's own freight bill, meaning customers manage a single carrier relationship rather than coordinating multiple handoffs between different operators at the border crossing.

The Cincinnati, Ohio service center serves as the primary interchange gateway for northbound Canadian freight. A dedicated Canadian team in Toronto processes all customs paperwork on a 24/7 basis to prevent delays at the border. Customs documentation requirements follow Canada Border Services Agency regulations, and the SEFL Canada team handles paperwork preparation as part of the through-service. For Mexico, Southeastern works through its established partnership with XCF Transportes Carga Consolidata and Fletes México Carga Express, a Mexican LTL carrier with 24 service centers throughout the country. Shipments travel under a coordinated billing arrangement from the U.S. origin to Mexican delivery on a single bill of lading, with customs clearance at the U.S.-Mexico border handled as part of the cross-border service.

Puerto Rico is served through a dedicated SEFL division with a service center at Centro Mercantil International in Guaynabo, PR 00969. The service includes ocean transport links to the island and is designed for large-volume LTL shipments between the continental United States and Puerto Rico. U.S. Virgin Islands service is available through SEFL International. For shipments containing hazardous materials, SEFL provides guidance documents aligned with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, covering proper paperwork completion, commodity descriptions, labeling, placarding, and packaging standards depending on the mode of transport. Shippers are responsible for verifying that their freight complies with all applicable regulations before tendering to the carrier.

• Canada service: Door-to-door through service; dedicated Toronto team processing customs paperwork 24/7; northbound freight routed through the Cincinnati, Ohio gateway; primary strength in Ontario and Quebec
• Mexico service: Door-to-door LTL through the XCF/Fletes México Carga Express partnership; 24 service centers in Mexico; single bill of lading from U.S. origin to Mexican delivery
• Puerto Rico: Dedicated SEFL division with a direct service center in Guaynabo; ocean transport links between the continental U.S. and the island
• Additional international territories: U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska served through SEFL International
• Hazardous materials: DOT-aligned guidance documentation provided by SEFL; shippers are responsible for full regulatory compliance before tendering

Understanding tracking statuses

Southeastern Freight Lines uses a PRO number, also known as Progressive Number, as the primary tracking identifier for each shipment. The PRO number is assigned by the driver at the time of pickup and serves as the unique reference throughout the freight's journey from collection to final delivery. PRO numbers are typically seven or nine digits in length. Terminal codes and dashes should be removed before entering a number into the tracking system. Alternative reference numbers accepted for tracing include the Bill of Lading number and the consignee's Purchase Order number, depending on the tracking method used.

Tracking is available through the SEFL online tracing tool, which accepts up to ten tracking numbers simultaneously, through the MySEFL secure customer portal, the SEFL mobile app, or via the Web Connect API for customers with integrated systems. For customers requiring automated updates, SEFL's Tracing Push Notifications service sends automated callbacks each time a shipment's status changes, removing the need to poll for updates manually. New shipments may take up to 12 hours after pickup before the first tracking update appears in the system. The table below describes the main statuses that appear during the tracking process and what each one indicates.