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How LTL PRO numbers work

A PRO number is the tracking number on an LTL freight shipment. Here's what it is, how the format works, and why the same number can confuse you across carriers.

Look up a PRO number

What a PRO number is

PRO stands for "progressive" number. When an LTL carrier picks up a shipment, it assigns a PRO number that identifies the freight bill and is used to trace the shipment from pickup to delivery. It's usually printed on the bill of lading and the shipping label.

The format

Most PRO numbers are 7 to 11 digits, with 9 digits being the most common. Some carriers pad with leading zeros, some write a 3-digit terminal code and a dash (like 123-456789), and some add a check digit after a dash (like 77161154-8). LTL Tracking handles all of these โ€” it ignores dashes, spaces, and letters, so you can paste the number however it's written.

The catch: PRO numbers are not unique across carriers. A bare 9-digit number could belong to any of a dozen carriers. That's why guessing from the format alone isn't enough โ€” you have to ask the carriers. Paste your PRO number here and we'll check them for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PRO number?

A PRO (progressive) number is the tracking number an LTL freight carrier assigns to a shipment. It's typically 7 to 11 digits and identifies the freight bill for tracing.

How many digits is a PRO number?

Most LTL PRO numbers are 7 to 11 digits. 9-digit numbers are the most common, but lengths vary by carrier.

What is a check digit on a PRO number?

Some carriers add a check digit โ€” an extra digit calculated from the others to catch typos. It's often written after a dash, like 77161154-8, where 8 is the check digit.

Can two carriers have the same PRO number?

Yes. PRO numbers are not globally unique, so the same digits can exist at more than one carrier. Checking the carrier's own system is the only way to be sure who has your shipment.

Browse carriers

Old Dominion Freight Line
ODFL
XPO
CNWY
Estes Express Lines
EXLA
FedEx Freight
FXFE
ABF Freight (ArcBest)
ABFS
Saia LTL Freight
SAIA
R+L Carriers
RLCA
Southeastern Freight Lines
SEFL
LTL Tracking identifies the freight carrier behind a PRO number by checking carriers' own tracking systems. Not affiliated with any carrier. ยท Look up a PRO number ยท All carriers