Freight Cost Calculator
- Linehaul
- Fuel surcharge
Make sure your rate per cwt is for class 100. Rates, fuel and fees vary by carrier and lane, so this is an estimate; your carrier's quote is final.
How the freight cost calculation works
Estimate an LTL freight bill: work out density and freight class from the pallet size and weight, then apply your own rate per hundredweight, fuel surcharge and fees.
Find the density and class
A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet is 53.33 cubic feet. At 500 lb, density is 9.38 lb per cubic foot, which is class 100 on the density table.
Get your rate per hundredweight
Carriers price LTL per 100 lb (cwt), by class and lane. Take the rate from your carrier or broker for class 100 on your route. This example uses $30 per cwt.
Work out the linehaul
500 lb is 5 cwt. 5 × $30 = $150. Take off any discount, and use the minimum charge if it is higher.
Add fuel and fees
A 25% fuel surcharge on $150 is $37.50, for $187.50. Add any accessorial charges, such as a liftgate or residential delivery.
Worked example. One 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb is 53.33 cubic feet, a density of 9.38 lb per cubic foot and class 100. At an example rate of $30 per hundredweight, the linehaul is $150.00. A 25% fuel surcharge adds $37.50, for an estimated $187.50, or $0.375 per pound.
Freight Cost FAQ
How do I calculate freight cost?
Divide the weight by 100 to get hundredweight (cwt), multiply by your rate per cwt, take off any discount and apply the minimum charge. Then add the fuel surcharge and any accessorial fees. 500 lb at $30 per cwt is $150, plus 25% fuel is $187.50.
What is a hundredweight (cwt) in freight?
In US freight a hundredweight is 100 pounds. LTL rates are often quoted per cwt, so a 1,250 lb shipment is 12.5 cwt.
Why does freight class change the cost?
Carriers set different rates for each class. Lower classes, for dense freight, usually cost less per cwt. The class here comes from density only; many items have their own NMFC class, so confirm it before you book.
How much does LTL freight cost?
There is no single price. It depends on the class, weight, distance, lane, your discount and the carrier's fuel surcharge that week. This calculator does not include carrier rates; enter the rate from your own quote or rate agreement.
What are accessorial charges?
Fees for extra services beyond dock-to-dock delivery, such as a liftgate, residential or inside delivery, limited-access sites or delivery appointments. Each carrier sets its own amounts.
How is the fuel surcharge applied?
This calculator applies it as a percentage of the linehaul after any discount and minimum. Carriers set the percentage, usually from the weekly diesel price, and some apply it differently, so check your carrier's rules.
What is the freight cost per pound?
The estimated total divided by the weight. $187.50 for 500 lb is $0.375 per pound, a useful figure for comparing quotes and building shipping into your prices.
Sources: NMFTA: density and class breaks for the 13-sub structure · NMFTA: how the density of a handling unit is calculated · NMFTA: what is a freight class?