Enter Shipment Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Weight | Density | Class | Distance | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail replenishment | 1,200 lb | 12.96 lb/ft³ | 77.5 | 850 miles | $537.40 |
| Industrial parts | 2,800 lb | 24.50 lb/ft³ | 65 | 640 miles | $701.85 |
| Light bulky goods | 900 lb | 5.80 lb/ft³ | 150 | 1,100 miles | $744.60 |
| Residential delivery | 1,500 lb | 9.40 lb/ft³ | 100 | 430 miles | $486.25 |
Formula Used
Cubic Feet = (Length × Width × Height × Pallets) ÷ 1728
Density = Shipment Weight ÷ Total Cubic Feet
Linehaul Base = (Weight ÷ 100) × Base Rate per CWT
Adjusted Freight = Linehaul Base × Class Factor × Distance Factor
Net Freight = max(Minimum Charge, Adjusted Freight − Discount)
Total Cost = Net Freight + Fuel Surcharge + Insurance + Accessorial Fees
This calculator uses a practical density-to-class approximation, distance weighting, discount handling, minimum charge protection, and common accessorial fees to create a planning-grade estimate.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter lane distance, shipment weight, pallet count, and dimensions.
- Provide a base rate per CWT and expected carrier discount.
- Choose whether class should be automatic or manually overridden.
- Add fuel surcharge, insurance rate, and declared cargo value.
- Select pickup, delivery, and service accessorial options.
- Submit the form to view total cost and cost breakdown.
- Review the chart, compare charges, and export CSV or PDF.
FAQs
1) What does LTL mean in freight shipping?
LTL means less-than-truckload. It is used when your shipment does not need a full trailer, so multiple shippers share trailer space and transportation cost.
2) Why does density affect freight class?
Density helps carriers estimate how efficiently freight uses trailer space. Denser shipments usually receive lower classes and lower cost multipliers than light, bulky freight.
3) Is this calculator a final carrier quote?
No. It is an estimate for budgeting and comparison. Actual charges can change with carrier tariffs, lane contracts, reweighs, inspections, and service exceptions.
4) What is a minimum charge?
A minimum charge is the lowest carrier amount allowed for a shipment. If discounts reduce freight below that threshold, the minimum charge becomes billable.
5) When should I use a manual freight class?
Use a manual class when you already know the NMFC class from product documentation, prior bills, or a carrier-confirmed classification decision.
6) What are accessorial charges?
Accessorials are extra fees for special services, such as liftgate handling, residential delivery, appointments, hazmat processing, inside delivery, or detention time.
7) Why can residential delivery increase transit time?
Residential deliveries often require tighter scheduling, local dispatch coordination, or appointments. Those service steps can add handling complexity and sometimes extra transit time.
8) What should I compare besides total price?
Compare class assumptions, transit days, minimum charges, fuel basis, accessorial exposure, claims coverage, and whether the quote includes guaranteed or standard service.