Logistics calculators

Freight Calculator

Updated Aug 31, 2026 By Jehan Wadia
Rate Formulas
Choose Your Shipping Mode
Live Per-Pallet Rates on Popular Lanes
Route Market Avg Our Rate Savings Volume

Market averages sourced from carrier benchmark data. Rates shown are estimates only.

Shipment Details
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Origin ZIP is required and must be a valid 5-digit US ZIP code.
Chicago, IL, USA
Destination ZIP is required and must be a valid 5-digit US ZIP code.
Pickup date is required.
Weight is required and must be greater than 0.
Weight exceeds the 3,500 lb Cargo Van limit — consider Box Truck or LTL.
Enter total pallet count.
Enter a valid pallet count within the allowed range for this mode.
Unit conversions & pallet reference
1 lb = 0.453 kg  •  1 kg = 2.205 lb
1 in = 2.54 cm  •  1 cm = 0.394 in
1 ft = 12 in
Standard US pallet: 48 × 40 inches.
Pallet Dimensions
Dimensions are per pallet. Default is a standard 48 × 40 × 48 pallet.
Delivery date cannot be earlier than the pickup date.
25 of 70 characters used
Accessorial Services
Estimate Your Freight Class
Freight class affects LTL pricing. This is an estimate — confirm with your carrier for regulated commodities.
Your Shipment Summary
Available Rates
Rate Comparison vs. Market Average
Step-by-Step Solution
Quick Quote
Enter valid 5-digit origin and destination ZIP codes.

Introduction

This free freight calculator helps you find shipping rates fast. Enter your origin, destination, weight, and pallet count to get instant cost estimates for LTL, full truckload, box truck, and cargo van shipments. The tool compares rates from multiple carriers side by side so you can pick the best price. It also shows how much you save compared to the market average. This calculator gives you a clear cost breakdown for shipping one pallet across your state or a full trailer across the country.

How to Use Our Freight Calculator

Enter your shipment details below to get instant freight rate estimates. You will see rates from multiple carriers, savings compared to market averages, and a full cost breakdown.

Shipping Mode: Pick how you want to ship. Choose LTL for 1 to 6 pallets on a shared truck. Choose FTL when you need the whole trailer. Pick Box Truck for up to 12 pallets with no dock needed. Pick Cargo Van for small, fast loads of up to 3 pallets.

From (Origin ZIP): Type the 5-digit ZIP code where your shipment will be picked up.

To (Destination ZIP): Type the 5-digit ZIP code where your shipment needs to go.

Requested Pickup Date: Select the date you want your freight picked up.

Total Shipment Weight: Enter the total weight of your shipment. Use the dropdown next to it to switch between pounds and kilograms. For shipments where the carrier may bill by dimensional weight instead of actual weight, check our volumetric weight calculator to see which number applies.

Number of Pallets: Enter how many pallets you are shipping. The allowed number depends on the shipping mode you picked.

Pallet Dimensions: This shows for LTL shipments only. Enter the length, width, and height of each pallet. The default is a standard 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet. You can switch between inches and centimeters.

Requested Delivery Date: This shows for FTL shipments only. Pick the date you want your load delivered. It must be on or after your pickup date.

Equipment Type: This shows for FTL shipments only. Choose the trailer type you need, such as Van, Flatbed, Reefer, or another option.

What Are You Shipping: This shows for FTL shipments only. Type a short description of your freight, up to 70 characters.

Accessorial Services: This shows for LTL and Box Truck modes. Check any extra services you need, like liftgate pickup, liftgate delivery, residential pickup or delivery, inside pickup or delivery, or appointment scheduling. Each service adds a fee to your total.

HAZMAT: This shows for LTL and FTL modes. Turn this on if your shipment contains hazardous materials. A 20% surcharge will be added to your estimate.

Get My Freight Rates: Click this button to see your results. You will get carrier rates, a savings comparison chart, and a step-by-step breakdown of how your costs were calculated.

Quick Quote: Use the Quick Quote bar at the bottom of the page for a faster estimate. Just enter an origin ZIP, a destination ZIP, and a pickup date, then click "Get Rates" to see results right away.

What Is Freight Shipping?

Freight shipping is how businesses move large or heavy goods from one place to another. Instead of sending a small package through the mail, freight uses trucks and trailers to haul pallets, crates, and bulk items across the country. It is the backbone of how products get from factories and warehouses to stores and customers.

How Freight Shipping Works

There are a few main ways to ship freight. LTL (Less Than Truckload) means your pallets share space on a trailer with other shipments. You only pay for the space you use, which makes it a good pick for smaller loads of 1 to 6 pallets. FTL (Full Truckload) means you book the entire trailer for your shipment. This is best when you have enough cargo to fill most or all of a truck, usually 13 or more pallets. Box trucks and cargo vans are smaller vehicles used for quick, local, or lightweight deliveries that do not need a full-size trailer.

What Affects Freight Rates

Several things change how much you pay for freight. Distance between the pickup and delivery locations is a big factor, since longer routes cost more. Fuel prices along the route also influence carrier surcharges. Weight and number of pallets matter because heavier and larger shipments take up more truck space. For LTL, freight class also plays a role. Freight class is based on density, which is how much your cargo weighs compared to how much space it takes up. You can use the freight class calculator to find the correct NMFC class. Light, bulky items cost more to ship than heavy, compact ones.

Extra services called accessorials can add to the price. These include things like liftgate service when there is no loading dock, residential pickup or delivery, and inside delivery where the driver brings goods past the truck. Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) shipments also carry a surcharge because they require special handling and paperwork.

Why Compare Freight Rates

Freight rates change based on the carrier, the route, and current demand. Comparing quotes from multiple carriers helps you find the best price and fastest transit time for your shipment. Even small savings per pallet add up fast when you ship often. Use the calculator above to get instant rate estimates and see how much you can save compared to market averages.

Formulas used

Estimated Lane Distance from ZIP Codes
D = 120 + \frac{|\text{ZIP}_{\text{origin}} - \text{ZIP}_{\text{dest}}|}{28} \quad (\text{miles, clamped to } 35\text{–}3000)
Total Cubic Volume (LTL)
V = \frac{L \times W \times H}{1728} \times N_{\text{pallets}} \quad (\text{ft}^3)
Freight Density
\rho = \frac{W_{\text{lbs}}}{V_{\text{ft}^3}} \quad (\text{PCF, used to determine NMFC class})
LTL Base Rate per Pallet
R_{\text{pallet}} = 40 + 0.13 \times D + 0.012 \times \frac{W_{\text{lbs}}}{N_{\text{pallets}}} + 0.75 \times (C_{\text{class}} - 50)
LTL Total Shipment Cost
\text{Total} = R_{\text{pallet}} \times m \times N_{\text{pallets}} \times (1 + H) + A
FTL / Box Truck / Cargo Van Per-Load Rate
R_{\text{load}} = F_{\text{base}} + r_{\text{mile}} \times D + E_{\text{equip}} + p \times N_{\text{pallets}} + S_{\text{weight}}

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between LTL and FTL?

LTL (Less Than Truckload) means your pallets share trailer space with other shippers. You pay per pallet. It works best for 1 to 6 pallets. FTL (Full Truckload) means you book the whole trailer just for your freight. It works best for 13 or more pallets or loads over 20,000 lbs. FTL usually costs more total but less per pound on large shipments.

When should I choose a box truck or cargo van?

Pick a box truck when you have up to 12 pallets and the pickup or delivery location does not have a loading dock. Pick a cargo van for very small, time-sensitive loads of up to 3 pallets or 3,500 lbs. Both are good for local and regional deliveries.

What is freight class and why does it matter?

Freight class is a number from 50 to 500 that describes how easy or hard your cargo is to ship. It is based on density, which is weight divided by volume. A low class like 50 means heavy, compact freight that is cheap to ship. A high class like 400 means light, bulky freight that costs more. LTL carriers use freight class to set their prices.

How is density calculated?

Density equals the total weight of your shipment divided by its total cubic volume. The calculator finds the volume of each pallet using the length, width, and height you enter, then multiplies by the number of pallets. The result is shown in pounds per cubic foot (PCF).

What are accessorial services?

Accessorials are extra services that cost more on top of the base freight rate. Common ones include liftgate pickup or delivery, residential pickup or delivery, inside pickup or delivery, and appointment scheduling. Check only the ones you need to keep your cost down.

What does liftgate service mean?

A liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the back of a truck. It raises and lowers freight between the ground and the truck bed. You need liftgate service when the pickup or delivery location does not have a loading dock or forklift.

What counts as a residential pickup or delivery?

Any address that is a home, apartment, or location in a residential neighborhood counts as residential. Carriers charge extra for residential stops because the streets are often narrow and there is usually no loading dock.

What is a HAZMAT shipment?

HAZMAT stands for hazardous materials. It includes items like chemicals, flammable liquids, batteries, and compressed gases. HAZMAT shipments need special labels, paperwork, and trained drivers. This calculator adds a 20% surcharge to the estimate when you mark a shipment as HAZMAT.

What does the market average rate mean?

The market average is the typical price other shippers pay for the same lane based on carrier benchmark data. The calculator shows it so you can see how much you save compared to the going rate. Our quoted rates are usually below the market average.

What are the default pallet dimensions?

The default is a standard U.S. pallet at 48 inches long, 40 inches wide, and 48 inches tall. If your pallets are a different size, change the numbers to match your actual dimensions for a more accurate quote.

What equipment types are available for FTL?

The calculator offers Van, Flatbed, Reefer (refrigerated), Drayage, Intermodal, Lowboy, Ocean, Power-only, Sprinter Van, Straight Truck, and Other. If you are not sure which one you need, select I don't know and a freight specialist can help you choose.

How many pallets can I ship with each mode?

Cargo Van: up to 3 pallets. Box Truck: up to 12 pallets. LTL: typically 1 to 6 pallets, but higher counts are allowed. FTL: the pallet field is not used because you book the whole trailer.

What is the weight limit for a cargo van?

Cargo vans typically hold up to 3,500 lbs. If your shipment weight exceeds this limit, the calculator will show a warning and suggest using a box truck or LTL instead.

What does all-inclusive mean on the rate cards?

All-inclusive means the quoted price includes the base freight charge, any fuel surcharges, and standard fees. There are no hidden costs added after you see the quote. Accessorial services you select are already included in the total shown.

What does transit time mean?

Transit time is the number of business days it takes for your freight to travel from the origin to the destination. It does not include weekends or holidays. Each carrier card shows an estimated transit window, such as 3–4 business days.

Why do different carriers show different prices for the same lane?

Each carrier has its own pricing structure, network, and capacity. Some carriers are cheaper on certain routes because they already have trucks running that lane. Others may charge more but offer faster transit. That is why comparing quotes helps you find the best deal.

Do I need a loading dock for LTL shipments?

Most LTL carriers prefer a loading dock, but it is not required. If there is no dock at pickup or delivery, check the Liftgate Pickup or Liftgate Delivery boxes. This adds a small fee but lets the driver load or unload without a dock.

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