How Are US Trucking Rates Calculated?
LTL vs FTL — The Complete Breakdown
From freight class to accessorials, from LTL quotes to truckload costs — understand US trucking rates and get real-time multi-carrier comparisons online.
Get LTL Quote Get FTL QuoteLTL vs FTL — Which Should You Choose?
The two modes have entirely different pricing logic — choosing the wrong one can cost 20–40% more
| Dimension | 🔵 LTL Less-Than-Truckload | 🟢 FTL/TL Full Truckload |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | By weight, freight class, and lane | Per truck, regardless of load weight |
| Ideal Cargo Volume | 150 lbs – 15,000 lbs (1–10 pallets) | 15,000+ lbs, or 12+ linear feet |
| Transit Time | 1–7 business days (lane dependent) | Typically faster, direct no-hub |
| Cargo Safety | Shared with others, multiple handling | Exclusive truck, no intermediate transfers |
| Quoting Method | Online instant quote (by NMFC class) | Online instant quote (lane/weight/equipment) |
| Best For | Small-medium batches, regular restocking, multi-drop | High-volume, time-sensitive, fragile/high-value |
LTL Rate Breakdown: 3 Components
Understand every line on your invoice — no surprise charges
Base Rate
Calculated by weight, freight class, and origin-destination lane. Heavier weight and lower class (denser cargo) means lower base rates. This is the largest line item.
55–70% of total costFuel Surcharge
Charged as a percentage of base rate, adjusted weekly based on the EIA diesel fuel index. Typically 20–35%. Higher with peak demand and seasonal spikes.
Weekly floating, ~20–35%Accessorial Charges
Charged based on actual service requirements. Common accessorials:
As needed- Liftgate Delivery$50–$120
- Residential Delivery$40–$100
- Appointment Delivery$50–$80
- Inside Delivery$60–$150
- Limited Access$50–$100
Freight Class Explained
NMFC freight class is the core of LTL pricing — wrong class means post-shipment rebilling
What Is Freight Class?
Freight Class is an industry standard set by NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification), with 18 classes from 50 to 500. Higher class = higher rates. Class is determined by 4 factors:
① Density — lbs/cubic ft, the most important factor
② Stowability — can it be stacked?
③ Handling — ease of handling (shape, hazards)
④ Liability — damage/loss liability risk
Class Range & Common Cargo Examples
Not sure what freight class your cargo is? Use our NMFC lookup tool — search 4,000+ commodity categories and get a recommended class instantly.
NMFC Lookup Tool →6 Key Factors That Affect US Trucking Rates
Understanding these factors helps you make smarter shipping decisions
Distance & Lane
Intrastate is much cheaper than interstate. High-volume lanes (e.g., LA→NYC) are more competitive; remote lanes carry premiums.
Weight & Density
LTL bills by "billable weight" — the higher of actual vs. density-based weight. Denser cargo → lower class → lower rates.
Freight Class
Class 50 is cheapest; Class 500 can be 5–8× more expensive. Incorrect class declarations trigger re-weigh/re-class, and you pay the difference.
Pickup/Delivery Location Type
Residential, limited access (job sites, farms, churches), and dock-free locations all incur surcharges. Commercial dock addresses save money.
Seasonal Capacity
Peak season (Sep–Dec pre-Thanksgiving/Christmas) tightens capacity by 30–50%. Winter storms and summer heat also affect certain lanes.
Fuel Prices
Fuel surcharge adjusts weekly per the EIA diesel index, applied on top of base rate. A 10% oil price increase → ~3–5% higher freight cost.
5 Practical Tips to Lower Your US Trucking Costs
Strategies used by experienced shippers to cut freight spend
Declare Accurate Freight Class to Avoid Rebilling
Under-declaring class leads to re-weigh/re-class fees plus admin charges that often exceed the original difference. Use our NMFC lookup tool to confirm the correct class upfront.
Optimize Pallet Stacking to Increase Density and Lower Class
Higher density (lbs/cu ft) = lower NMFC class. Tighter packing and smaller box dimensions can drop class from 100 to 85 or even 70, saving 10–25%.
Ship Off-Peak to Avoid Seasonal Surcharges
If timing is flexible, avoid peak season (pre-Thanksgiving, Christmas). Peak rates run 30–50% above base. Mid-week (Wed/Thu) pickups are often cheaper than Monday/Friday as carriers need to fill trucks.
Compare Multiple Carriers Simultaneously
The same shipment can vary 20–40% across carriers depending on the lane. ShipMay shows quotes from multiple carriers in our network simultaneously — pick the best price or transit time in one search.
Consolidate Shipments to Qualify for Truckload Savings
When multiple LTL shipments go the same direction, consolidating into one FTL or Volume LTL move can save 20–40%. Businesses shipping regularly to the same customer or warehouse benefit most from fixed weekly consolidation cycles.
Get Your US Trucking Rate Quote Now
Enter your shipment details and get live quotes from multiple carriers in our network in under 30 seconds — automatic best-price comparison.