What to Expect for LTL Freight Shipping Rates
TL;DR: LTL freight rates hinge on weight, dimensions, density, distance, and fuel. Bigger or low-density freight may price better with volume LTL. To avoid surprises, measure after wrapping, list accessorials, and share receiver rules up front. For an accurate LTL pricing quote, send pickup/delivery ZIPs, pallet count, exact dims, and weight. We’ll return side-by-side options and the lowest landed cost.
If you ship palletized freight, you already know LTL can be the right tool. But what if the invoice doesn’t match the quote or a delivery window slips because an appointment wasn’t set? Shipping LTL is common and comes with many benefits, but the pricing can feel anything but straightforward.
In this guide, we break down pricing and LTL shipping rates. You’ll see when volume LTL rates beat standard, why capacity rules trip up long or low-density freight, and how to prevent reweigh/reclass surprises before they happen.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to send to get an accurate quote the first time and how to choose the option that meets your delivery window at the lowest landed cost.
LTL Freight Rates: What You’re Actually Buying
An LTL rate is simply the price to reserve shared trailer space for your pallets plus the services that move them from dock to dock. The final number reflects your shipment’s weight and footprint, its class or density, the distance between ZIP codes, and a a carrier’s base tariff and discount.
You’re also paying for service controls that make retail and e-commerce work: delivery appointments, notify calls, liftgate or inside delivery when needed, along with tracking and electronic proof of delivery. Rates vary by lane and season, but the basic ingredients don’t change.
LTL Pricing: Weight, Dimensions, Class, Distance
Weight breaks/CWT
LTL is priced per hundredweight (CWT). As total weight grows, you often hit better pricing tiers, so four pallets together may rate better than two separate shipments.
Dimensions & density
Carriers care about pounds per cubic foot because it shows how efficiently your freight uses space. Accurate L×W×H (to the farthest point, including wrap/overhang) and true weight keep the rate you were quoted.
Distance & lane balance
Some origin–destination pairs are expensive because trucks are fuller one way than the other. The same freight can price differently SoCal→Chicago vs Chicago→SoCal.
Base rate & discount
Every carrier has a baseline tariff. Your discount is applied to that base so a “big discount” off a high base can still be worse than a “smaller discount” off a low base.
Fuel surcharge
Most LTL invoices include a fuel line that moves weekly. It’s not a surprise fee; it tracks market fuel indices without rewriting base tariffs.
Pro Tip: Measure after wrapping and banding. Corner boards and film add size, which changes density and sometimes the price tier.
Common Mistake: Guessing dimensions. Reweigh/reclass charges erase savings and slow down billing.
LTL Rate Factors: The Big 8 Drivers
- Shipment size & cube: More space equals more of the trailer you’re reserving so expect the rate to rise accordingly.
- Density/class: Higher density typically lowers class and cost. Very light, long freight can spike the price.
- Distance & lane balance: Long-haul transportation isn’t always pricey, but imbalanced lanes are.
- Accessorials: Appointments, liftgate, residential/inside, and notify calls add time and equipment.
- Capacity rules: Linear-foot and cubic-capacity rules apply to long or low-density freight.
- Seasonality/market: Peak season and tight capacity cause higher rates.
- Fuel surcharge: Moves with market indices; expect weekly changes.
- Packaging/claims profile: Well-packed, stackable freight is easier (and cheaper) to route than fragile, non-stack loads.
How Much Does LTL Shipping Cost?
| Scenario (example lane) | Profile | Typical outcome |
| 2 pallets, compact | Short regional lane | Lowest LTL freight cost; standard service, quick turn |
| 4 pallets, dense | Long haul | Competitive; fuel and lane balance drive variation |
| 6 pallets, low density | Long haul | May trigger space-based charges → compare volume LTL rates |
| Retail/DC appointment | Any lane | Appointment fee usually applies; accurate quotes prevent refusals and chargebacks |
These are directional. Exact quotes depend on dimensions/density, accessorials, and timing. Send complete data to get a precise number.
LTL Shipping Rates for Accessorials
Think of accessorials as the tools and time your delivery needs.
- Liftgate: Required when there’s no dock. Typical surcharge applies; cheaper than a failed delivery.
- Residential/limited access: Extra planning and time at the site.
- Inside delivery: Driver time beyond the curb; confirm site constraints.
- Notify/call-ahead: Keeps consignees ready and reduces redeliveries.
- Appointment (retail/DC): Small fee that delivers in-window and helps avoid refusals/chargebacks.
- Detention/redelivery: Kicks in when the schedule slips or the site isn’t ready.
Pro Tip: List accessorials at tender so the invoice matches the quote.
Volume LTL Rates: When Mid-Size Wins Over Standard LTL
Some shipments are too big or too airy for class-rated LTL to make sense. That’s where volume LTL rates come in: you’re quoted on space (linear feet) and weight, not just class. It’s ideal when you’re creeping toward half a trailer, shipping long pieces, or getting flagged by capacity rules.
The routing is often lower-touch than standard LTL, which reduces handling risk while bringing the total price back in line. As a rule, if you’re beyond 4 compact pallets or your pieces run long, price volume LTL alongside standard LTL. Then compare rates.
How to Prevent Surprises for Your LTL Freight Cost
Most “surprises” are preventable. Reweigh/reclass happens when dimensions or weight don’t match the paperwork. Measuring to the farthest point after the freight is fully wrapped solves that issue.
Linear-foot and cubic-capacity rules can affect long, light freight. If that’s your load profile, get a volume LTL or partial truckload comparison before you book. Missed appointments and redeliveries add cost fast. Also, lock the DC window early and share routing-guide references so receiving knows what’s coming. When the shipment is clearly described and the receiver is set up for success, the quote you approved is the invoice you pay.
Quote Checklist: What to Send for Accurate LTL Pricing
- Pickup and delivery ZIPs + windows
- Pallet count; exact L×W×H to the farthest point; total weight; stackability
- NMFC or density (if known)
- Accessorials needed (liftgate, residential/inside, appointments, notify)
- Receiver rules (hours, dock limits, routing-guide references)
Tip: One clear email or form with everything above gets you a faster quote and a cleaner invoice.
Compare Modes
Growing beyond 4 pallets: Quote LTL freight rates side-by-side with volume LTL rates. You may save money and reduce touches.
Long or low-density freight: Standard LTL can trigger capacity rules. Compare standard LTL vs volume LTL, and partial truckload vs volume LTL.
Date-certain retail delivery: LTL with an appointment works but if the window is very tight, shared truckload may be faster.
Get an Accurate LTL Quote
Ready for a clean, apples-to-apples number? Share pickup and delivery ZIPs, pallet count, exact dimensions, total weight, and any accessorials. You’ll get accurate LTL freight shipping rates plus a recommendation for the lowest landed cost that still hits your date.
Call (888) 533-4086 or request an LTL quote today.
FAQs
Which rate will be lower for my shipment: LTL or Volume LTL?
Standard LTL is best for small, compact shipments, about 1–4 pallets. Volume LTL is often better when you’re shipping more pallets, long pieces, or light (low-density) freight that starts to occupy a big chunk of the trailer. Rule of thumb: if you’re nearing half a trailer or have long or awkward freight, price volume LTL rates alongside LTL freight rates and pick the lowest landed cost that still meets your date.
How much does LTL shipping cost?
There isn’t one number. Two pallets on a short regional lane may be your cheapest option all week; six low-density pallets going cross-country could be more expensive than pricing volume LTL on the same lane. Expect the quote to reflect your size and density, where you’re shipping, your timing window, and any extras like liftgate or an appointment.
Why did my LTL quote change?
Usually because something about the freight changed on paper versus the dock: dimensions, weight, stackability, or an accessorial that wasn’t requested at tender (e.g., “needs liftgate”). To avoid this, measure after wrapping, match the BOL to what’s on the floor, and list accessorials up front.
How do I lower my LTL pricing?
Accuracy comes first: exact dims, true weight, and clear stackability. If you can, offer a reasonable pickup or delivery window so planners can route more efficiently. Pack and label so freight can be stacked and handled with fewer risks. Finally, compare ltl pricing to volume ltl rates when you’re near the crossover; the “space buy” often wins for larger or long pieces.
Do guaranteed or expedited options exist?
Yes. Day-definite and expedited LTL are available when delivery dates are firm. They carry a premium and require exact cutoffs and paperwork. If the deadline is truly tight and damage risk is a concern, ask for an STL or PTL comparison as well.
