Freight Shipping Cost Estimator
Calculate freight costs for LTL, FTL, and air freight with dimensional weight. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Cost = (Billable Weight × Base Rate × √(Distance/100) × Class Multiplier × Urgency) + Fuel + Accessorials
Billable weight is greater of actual or dimensional (L×W×H/139). Base rate varies by mode. Distance uses square root for economy of scale. Freight class adjusts for cargo type.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Standard LTL Pallet
Problem: 1 pallet: 500 lbs, 48×40×48 inches, Class 85, 1,000 miles, standard delivery.
Solution: Dimensional weight: (48×40×48) / 139 = 662 lbs\nBillable weight: max(500, 662) = 662 lbs\n\nBase rate calculation:\n662 lbs × $0.15 × √(1000/100) × 1.1 (Class 85)\n= 662 × 0.15 × 3.16 × 1.1 = $345\n\nMinimum charge check: $345 > $150 ✓\n\nFuel surcharge (28%): $97\nAccessorials: $90 (liftgate + notify + ins)\n\nTotal: $345 + $97 + $90 = $532\nTransit: 3 days
Result: $532 total | 3 days | $0.80/lb | DIM weight applied
Example 2: Full Truckload
Problem: 20,000 lbs, 500 miles, standard truck dimensions, Class 70.
Solution: FTL pricing is per mile, not weight:\n500 miles × ~$2.50/mile = $1,250 base\n\nFuel surcharge (28%): $350\nTotal: $1,600\n\nCost per lb: $1,600 / 20,000 = $0.08/lb\n\nLTL comparison for same weight:\n20,000 × $0.15 × √5 × 1.0 = $6,708 + fuel\n\nFTL saves: $5,000+ for large shipments\nTransit: 1 day
Result: $1,600 FTL | 1 day | $0.08/lb | 75% cheaper than LTL
Example 3: Expedited Shipment
Problem: 200 lbs, 24×24×24 inches, Class 100, 800 miles, rush delivery.
Solution: DIM: (24×24×24) / 139 = 99 lbs\nBillable: max(200, 99) = 200 lbs\n\nExpedited base:\n200 × $0.25 × √8 × 1.2 × 1.8 (rush)\n= 200 × 0.25 × 2.83 × 1.2 × 1.8 = $305\n\nMinimum: $305 > $300 ✓\nFuel (28%): $85\nAccessorials: $50\n\nTotal: $440\n\nStandard LTL would be: ~$180\nExpedited premium: 2.4x\nTransit: 1 day vs 3 days
Result: $440 expedited | 1 day | 2.4x standard | For urgent needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LTL vs FTL shipping?
LTL (Less Than Truckload): Share truck space with other shipments, pay per pallet/weight. FTL (Full Truckload): Exclusive truck use, flat rate. LTL is cheaper for <10,000 lbs; FTL for larger shipments or time-sensitive freight.
What are freight classes?
NMFC freight classes (50-500) classify goods by density, handling, stowability, and liability. Lower classes = denser, easier to handle = cheaper. Class 50: very dense (gravel). Class 500: very light (ping pong balls). Most goods are 70-125.
How long does freight shipping take?
LTL: 2-5 days (500 mi/day avg). FTL: 1-3 days (600+ mi/day). Expedited: 1-2 days. Air freight: 1-2 days coast-to-coast. Ocean: 2-6 weeks international. Add 1-2 days for pickup/delivery.
How do I reduce shipping costs?
Strategies: consolidate shipments, optimize packaging (reduce DIM weight), ship to commercial addresses, flexible timing, negotiate volume rates, verify freight class, and compare carriers. 10-30% savings typically achievable.
Can I use Freight Shipping Cost Estimator on a mobile device?
Yes. All calculators on NovaCalculator are fully responsive and work on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The layout adapts automatically to your screen size.
What inputs do I need to use Freight Shipping Cost Estimator accurately?
Each field is labelled with the required unit (metric or imperial). Gather your source values before starting — for example, a weight measurement in kilograms, a distance in metres, or a dollar amount — and enter them exactly as measured. The formula section on this page lists every variable and explains what each represents.