Enter FTL Rate Inputs
The page stays single-column overall. The input grid changes to three, two, or one columns by screen size.
Example Data Table
| Field | Example Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded Distance | 850 mi | Main revenue miles for the shipment. |
| Deadhead Distance | 70 mi | Captures unpaid repositioning miles. |
| Equipment | Reefer | Applies a higher equipment multiplier. |
| Shipment Weight | 38,000 lb | Supports utilization and cost-per-pound analysis. |
| Pallet Count | 22 | Shows trailer space usage. |
| Base Linehaul Rate | $2.45/mi | Starting rate before market and equipment adjustments. |
| Fuel Surcharge | $0.62/mi | Adds a variable fuel component. |
| Tolls + Accessorials | $220.00 | Captures route and service extras. |
| Detention | 2 hr × $75 | Models delay costs at shipper or receiver. |
| Carrier Margin | 8% | Adds profit over operating subtotal. |
| Broker Markup | 6% | Builds the customer-facing quote. |
| Estimated Final Quote | About $4,008.85 | Representative output using the default inputs. |
Formula Used
This calculator models a full truckload quote by combining lane cost, deadhead, fuel, service fees, and pricing layers.
Adjusted linehaul rate = Base rate per mile × Equipment multiplier × (1 + Market adjustment %)
Linehaul cost = Loaded miles × Adjusted linehaul rate
Deadhead cost = Deadhead miles × Deadhead rate per mile
Fuel cost = (Loaded miles + Deadhead miles) × Fuel surcharge per mile
Detention cost = Detention hours × Detention rate
Operating subtotal = Linehaul + Deadhead + Fuel + Tolls + Accessorials + Detention + Permits + Insurance + Misc
Carrier margin amount = Operating subtotal × Carrier margin %
Broker markup amount = (Operating subtotal + Carrier margin) × Broker markup %
Discount amount = (Operating subtotal + Carrier margin + Broker markup) × Discount %
Final quote = Max(Minimum charge, Operating subtotal + Carrier margin + Broker markup − Discount)
Loaded rate per mile = Final quote ÷ Loaded miles
All-in rate per mile = Final quote ÷ Effective miles
The equipment multiplier reflects trailer type complexity. Reefer, flatbed, and step deck often price above standard dry van moves.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter loaded miles and any deadhead miles.
- Select the distance unit and trailer equipment.
- Add shipment weight and pallet count for utilization tracking.
- Enter your base linehaul rate and any market adjustment.
- Add fuel surcharge, tolls, accessorials, detention, permits, insurance, and miscellaneous costs.
- Set carrier margin, broker markup, discount, and minimum charge.
- Press Calculate FTL Rate to see the quote above the form.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the result summary.
FAQs
1) What does FTL mean?
FTL means full truckload. It usually applies when one shipment uses most or all trailer capacity, or when the shipper wants a dedicated truck move.
2) Why are deadhead miles included?
Deadhead miles represent repositioning travel without loaded revenue. Ignoring them can understate the real trip cost and reduce margin on longer or harder lanes.
3) What is the equipment multiplier?
The multiplier adjusts the base linehaul rate for trailer type. Specialized equipment often costs more because of tighter capacity, handling complexity, temperature control, or securement needs.
4) Should fuel surcharge be per mile or fixed?
This version uses a per-mile fuel surcharge because it scales cleanly with route length. You can adapt the code later if your business prefers weekly tables or fuel index formulas.
5) Why use both carrier margin and broker markup?
Some teams separate internal operating profit from customer-facing markup. This approach helps compare procurement cost, sell rate, and negotiated discount without mixing the pricing layers.
6) What happens when the minimum charge is higher?
The calculator uses the higher value. This protects short-haul or low-cost moves from being quoted below your minimum acceptable selling threshold.
7) Can this calculator support kilometers?
Yes. When kilometers are selected, the calculator converts them into miles internally so the rate logic stays consistent with per-mile pricing inputs.
8) What do loaded and all-in rate per mile show?
Loaded rate per mile uses only revenue miles. All-in rate per mile uses loaded plus deadhead miles, giving a clearer profitability view for operational planning.