Ltl Freight Calculator

LTL Freight Cost Estimator

Accessorial Services:

Origin:

Destination:

Freight Class:

Total Weight:

Total Volume:

Estimated Density:

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$${baseFreightCharge.toFixed(2)}

-$${discountAmount.toFixed(2)}

$${subtotalAfterDiscount.toFixed(2)}

+$${fuelSurchargeAmount.toFixed(2)}

+$${totalAccessorialCharges.toFixed(2)}

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Total Estimated LTL Cost: $${totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2)}

This is an estimate. Actual costs may vary based on carrier, specific lane rates, and additional services.

Understanding LTL Freight Shipping Costs

Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight shipping is a cost-effective solution for businesses that need to transport goods that don't fill an entire truck. Unlike Full Truckload (FTL) shipping, LTL allows multiple shippers to share space on the same truck, paying only for the portion of the trailer their freight occupies. However, calculating LTL costs can be complex due to various factors.

Key Factors Influencing LTL Freight Costs

Several elements come into play when determining the final price of an LTL shipment:

1. Freight Class (NMFC): This is perhaps the most significant factor. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns a freight class (from 50 to 500) to commodities based on four characteristics:
   • Density: The weight of an item in relation to its volume (pounds per cubic foot). Denser items typically have lower freight classes.
   • Stowability: How easily the freight can be loaded and transported with other goods. Hazardous materials or oddly shaped items might be less stowable.
   • Handling: The ease of handling the freight. Fragile, perishable, or extremely heavy items might require special handling.
   • Liability: The likelihood of theft, damage, or spoilage, and the value per pound. High-value or easily damaged goods increase liability.
   Lower freight classes (e.g., Class 50) are for dense, durable, and easily handled goods, resulting in lower rates. Higher classes (e.g., Class 500) are for light, bulky, fragile, or high-value items, leading to higher rates.
2. Weight: The total weight of your shipment is a direct driver of cost. LTL carriers typically price based on "per hundredweight" (CWT), meaning a rate is applied for every 100 pounds of freight.
3. Dimensions & Volume: The length, width, and height of your pallets or packages determine the total cubic feet your shipment occupies. This is crucial for calculating density and ensuring the correct freight class is applied. Oversized items, even if light, can incur additional charges due to taking up excessive space.
4. Distance (Lane): The mileage between the origin and destination zip codes directly impacts the base rate. Longer distances generally mean higher costs. Specific lanes (e.g., high-demand routes) can also influence pricing.
5. Base Rate per CWT: This is the fundamental rate charged by the carrier for a specific lane and freight class, usually expressed as a dollar amount per 100 pounds. This rate can vary significantly between carriers and is often subject to negotiation.
6. Discounts: Many LTL carriers offer discounts off their published tariff rates, especially to frequent shippers or those with high volume. These discounts can range from 50% to over 80%.
7. Fuel Surcharge (FSC): This is a variable fee added to the base rate to account for fluctuating fuel prices. It's typically calculated as a percentage of the base freight charge (after discounts).
8. Accessorial Services: These are additional services beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery and can add significant costs. Common accessorials include:
   • Liftgate Service: Required if the pickup or delivery location doesn't have a loading dock.
   • Residential Delivery/Pickup: Delivering to or picking up from a residential area.
   • Limited Access Delivery/Pickup: For locations like schools, construction sites, military bases, or remote areas.
   • Appointment Required: When a specific delivery or pickup time needs to be scheduled.
   • Inside Delivery/Pickup: When freight needs to be moved beyond the immediate loading dock area.
   • Hazardous Materials: Special handling and documentation for dangerous goods.

How to Use the LTL Freight Cost Estimator

Our LTL Freight Cost Estimator helps you get a quick idea of potential shipping expenses. Here's how to use it:

1. Enter Origin & Destination Zip Codes: While not directly used in this simplified calculation, these are crucial for real-world quotes and help you visualize the lane.
2. Select Freight Class: Choose the appropriate NMFC freight class for your commodity. If unsure, you might need to calculate density or consult a freight class guide.
3. Input Total Weight: Enter the total weight of your shipment in pounds.
4. Provide Pallet Details: Specify the number of pallets and their average length, width, and height in inches. This helps calculate the total volume and density.
5. Enter Base Rate per CWT: This is a critical input. If you have a negotiated rate with a carrier or a general idea of market rates for your freight class and lane, enter it here. Otherwise, you might need to get a quote from a carrier first to establish a baseline.
6. Apply Discount Percentage: If you receive a discount from your carrier, enter the percentage.
7. Input Fuel Surcharge Percentage: Enter the current fuel surcharge percentage, which can often be found on carrier websites or freight indices.
8. Select Accessorial Services: Check any additional services your shipment requires.
9. Click "Calculate LTL Cost": The estimator will then provide a breakdown and a total estimated cost.

Important Considerations

This calculator provides an estimate. Actual LTL freight costs can vary based on:

• The specific carrier chosen.
• Current market conditions and capacity.
• Exact dimensions and weight verified by the carrier.
• Any unforeseen circumstances or additional services required during transit.

Always obtain a direct quote from your chosen LTL carrier for the most accurate pricing.