LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping is for shipments too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill a full truck. Rates are based on freight class, weight, zone, and accessorials.
Enter origin/destination ZIP codes, select freight class, weight, and any accessorials. The estimator calculates zone, applies weight breaks, fuel surcharge, and provides low/mid/high rate ranges.
These estimates are approximate. Actual rates vary by carrier, service level, fuel surcharge, and market conditions. Always request binding quotes from carriers for accurate pricing.
| Freight Class | Zone 1 (Local) | Zone 3 (Regional) | Zone 5 (Cross-country) | Typical Weight Break 1,000–1,999 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 50 | $18/cwt | $24/cwt | $36/cwt | Lowest rates |
| Class 70 | $26/cwt | $35/cwt | $52/cwt | Common consumer goods |
| Class 85 | $34/cwt | $45/cwt | $68/cwt | Electronics, auto parts |
| Class 100 | $42/cwt | $56/cwt | $84/cwt | Furniture, computers |
| Class 125 | $55/cwt | $73/cwt | $110/cwt | Appliances, mattresses |
| Class 150 | $70/cwt | $93/cwt | $140/cwt | Upholstered goods |
| Class 200 | $98/cwt | $130/cwt | $196/cwt | Bulky goods |
| Class 300 | $150/cwt | $200/cwt | $300/cwt | Very light/bulky |
Common questions about LTL freight rates and shipping
LTL rates are calculated using CWT (cost per hundredweight — per 100 lbs) pricing. The formula is: Total Freight Charge = (Weight ÷ 100) × CWT Rate × Class Multiplier + Fuel Surcharge + Accessorials. CWT rates vary by freight class, shipping zone (distance), and weight break. Carriers apply weight breaks: heavier shipments get lower CWT rates, which is why consolidating smaller shipments can lower your per-unit cost.
A freight zone is a distance-based pricing tier used by LTL carriers. Zones 1–8 roughly correspond to shipping distance from origin to destination, with Zone 1 being local/regional (0–250 miles) and Zone 8 being cross-country (2,000+ miles). Most carriers determine zones using a ZIP code-based lookup table. Zone 1 rates are typically 40%–60% of Zone 8 rates for the same freight class.
The LTL fuel surcharge (FSC) is a weekly-adjusted percentage added to base linehaul freight charges. As of March 2026, the FSC ranges from 22%–28% depending on carrier and the current DOE weekly diesel price. For example, on a $400 base freight charge with a 25% FSC, the total freight charge would be $500.
Common LTL accessorial fees in 2026 include: Residential Delivery ($75–$150), Liftgate Pickup ($65–$100), Liftgate Delivery ($65–$100), Limited Access Pickup or Delivery ($75–$150 each), Inside Delivery ($85–$175), Appointment Delivery ($45–$85), and Redelivery ($75–$150). Accessorials can add 15%–40% to the base freight + fuel surcharge total.
The traditional LTL-to-FTL breakeven is 10,000–12,000 lbs for most freight classes. Above this weight, a full truckload (FTL) is often cheaper than LTL. Other factors favoring FTL regardless of weight: fragile or high-value goods (LTL has 3–5× higher damage rates than FTL), time-sensitive delivery (LTL adds 1–3 days at each terminal cross-dock), or cargo requiring special handling.
LTL rate estimates in this tool are within ±15–20% of actual market rates for standard shipments. Actual rates depend on your negotiated carrier discount (typically 50–75% off published tariff for contract shippers), current spot market conditions, specific carrier routing, and any special handling requirements. Always obtain carrier quotes for binding rates on high-value shipments.
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