Pallet / LTL Freight Cost Estimator
Estimate LTL shipping costs by weight, freight class, and distance for budget planning. Always get a real quote from your carrier or freight broker before booking.
Don't know your class? Calculate it here
Accessorial Fees
How LTL Freight Pricing Works
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight is priced in dollars per hundredweight ($/cwt - per 100 lbs). The rate you pay depends on four main factors: freight class, shipment weight, lane distance, and your negotiated carrier discount. Most shippers with any volume negotiate 50-70% off published tariff rates.
What Drives LTL Costs Up
- Higher freight class: Class 500 freight can cost 5-10x more per pound than Class 50
- Light shipments: LTL minimum charges apply regardless of weight
- Accessorials: Liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, and appointment fees add up fast
- Fuel surcharges: Currently around 25-30% on top of the base rate
- Longer lanes: Cross-country LTL can cost 2-3x a regional move
LTL vs Parcel vs FTL
Use LTL when your shipment is too large for parcel carriers (over ~150 lbs or multiple pallets) but doesn't fill a full trailer. A single pallet typically runs $150-500+ depending on class and lane. At 6-8+ pallets, compare FTL pricing - a full 53-foot trailer often becomes cheaper around 10,000+ lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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