Floral Transportation

Transportation in the form of trucking costs, air freight and door-to-door deliveries represents the single largest cost in the floral industry. That's why CalFlowers' aggressive shipping discounts are so valuable to its members. CalFlowers uses its power as a trade association to negotiate discounted shipping rates from top transportation carriers, such as FedEx, GLS and OnTrac as well as a number of major airlines.

Director of Transportation

CalFlowers is the only trade association in the floral industry that employs a full-time Director of Transportation, Chris Johnson. When it comes to shipping flowers, Chris understands the big picture and the small details. He knows that improper handling can result in broken stems or crushed blossoms, and that a late delivery can mean a lost sale. In his role as Director of Transportation, Chris provides both practical advice and shipping alerts to our members. He regularly interfaces with CalFlowers' dedicated service reps at FedEx, GLS and OnTrac. He is a liaison between CalFlowers members and participating carriers. Chris also updates CalFlowers members on the latest airline information and pricing. And he keeps the lines of communication open between Floral members and those trucking companies who are our Associate Service Members.

Discount Shipping

CalFlowers' discounts are applied equally to all qualified members. Small producers that ship a few boxes of flowers every month receive the same benefits as large distributors or wholesalers. One key point bears repeating: There are no annual minimum volume requirements associated with CalFlowers' transportation discounts. If you are a Floral Member, an Ag-Buddy, or a Wholesale or Retail Associate you are eligible to qualify for significant savings through the following transportation programs.

FedEx® Discount Shipping

CalFlowers' contractual agreement with FedEx has been designed to meet the specialized needs of the floral industry. The real beauty of CalFlowers' FedEx program is its simplicity. Qualified CalFlowers members have access to the most popular services offered by FedEx at significantly discounted prices, with FedEx Express® discounts on FedEx Priority Overnight® and FedEx Standard Overnight®. CalFlowers' unique FedEx program allows flower growers and shippers to compete effectively in the national market. In fact, the vast majority of California flowers shipped via FedEx travel one-day air to destinations nationwide.  

Key Benefits of CalFlowers' FedEx Program

  • CalFlowers' exclusive FedEx program offers a wide range of FedEx Express® services with excellent discounts on FedEx Priority Overnight® and FedEx Standard Overnight® rates.
  • Shippers discounts apply to inbound, outbound and 3rd party shipments. Discounted residential delivery is also included.
  • Members enjoy special seasonal benefits such as Saturday pickup and delivery surcharge discounts.
  • CalFlowers' FedEx program includes favorable import and export rates.
  • Members also have access to exclusive discounts on FedEx SameDay®.
  • FedEx Ground® service is also available at a discount, depending on weight.
  • A specifically negotiated DIM Factor enables CalFlowers members to price shipments closer to their actual weight, further reducing costs on FedEx Express.
  • Specialized billing is direct from FedEx and simple to understand.
  • CalFlowers members have special access to dedicated FedEx support / service representatives for knowledgeable and personalized service.
  • Our program offers deep discounts on a variety of other surcharges and fees that help to keep costs low and affordable.

General Logistics Systems

In September 2016 CalFlowers introduced the Overnight Door-to-Door program from General Logistics Systems (GLS). This exciting exclusive shipping option from GLS is available to CalFlowers Floral and Ag members within the GLS delivery service area.  GLS is well known in the industry for consistent, on-time delivery at exceptional prices. This shipping option is a fast, ground-based Overnight Door to Door service that can pick up at your location and deliver to your customer's door by 10:30 am the next day.  GLS services every ZIP code in California and has overnight service to many areas of Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.  No minimums are required and few additional charges or fees are incurred.  Prices are excellent and are lower than the competition.  GLS's  entire network is made up of its employees, which assures continuity, consistency and the extra care and handling that our floral products need. 

Key Benefits of CalFlowers GLS Program

  • Discounts of more than 70% off standard shipping rates.
  • GLS will invoice CalFlowers members directly.
  • GLS offers overnight delivery and services to every ZIP code in California. 
  • GLS provides parcel and freight services throughout the Western U.S. and will expand services to include Colorado in 2021.
  • Pickup Days: Monday through Friday 
  • Delivery Days: Monday through Saturday 
  • Saturday service is available to all ZIP codes in our service area.  Additional fees may occur, and delivery times vary based on ZIP code.
  • Contact Chris Johnson for the full list of benefits.

OnTrac Discount Shipping

OnTrac offers an efficient overnight ground network for key regions of the Western U.S., including California, and major areas of Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Colorado. CalFlowers' exclusive shipping program with OnTrac makes door-to-door pickup and delivery affordable. Qualified CalFlowers members receive discounts of over 70% off standard rates. CalFlowers' longstanding relationship with OnTrac offers several unique benefits. But most importantly, as a regional shipper, OnTrac can pick up shipments later in the day and still guarantee 10:30 AM, next-day delivery throughout California. OnTrac also has the knowledge and experience to appropriately handle perishable floral and agricultural products.

Key Benefits of CalFlowers' OnTrac Program

  • Discounts of more than 70% off the standard shipping rates.
  • Overnight door-to-door delivery within California (and key areas of Nevada and Arizona), guaranteed by 10:30 am next business day.
  • Door-to-door, two-day service to any location within the OnTrac network ( Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Colorado).
  • Shipping days are Monday through Friday. Saturday delivery is available for an additional fee.
  • No minimum volume requirements.
  • No fuel surcharge.
  • The negotiated DIM (dimensional weight) factor is optimized to reduce the cost of floral shipments.
  • Deliveries can be made to commercial or residential addresses.
  • All shipments are billed directly by OnTrac.
  • OnTrac offers a wide range of no charge shipping systems from software to dedicated onsite workstation solutions.

CalFlowers Exclusive Air Rates

CalFlowers works hard to bring our members the lowest air rates possible. Our contracts with major airlines offer rates that provide outstanding value. Please note that, floral transportation rates are continually being updated. CalFlowers provides rate information in the member's only section of this website.  The most current information is available by contacting CalFlowers' Director of Transportation, Chris Johnson at (760) 533-5580.

Below is a list of carriers that offer valuable shipping discounts to our membership.

  • Air Canada Cargo
  • Alaska Airlines Cargo
  • American Airlines Cargo
  • Delta Airlines Cargo
  • Hawaiian Air Cargo
  • Southwest Airlines Cargo
  • Westjet Cargo