Question 1

What is a freight cost estimator?

Accepted Answer

A freight cost estimator is a logistics tool that calculates shipping costs for freight shipments including LTL (less than truckload), FTL (full truckload), and parcel services. It estimates base freight charges, fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, insurance costs, and total shipping expenses based on weight, distance, freight class, and service requirements. This helps shippers budget accurately and compare carrier rates.

Question 2

How do you calculate freight shipping costs?

Accepted Answer

Freight costs are calculated using: 1) Base freight rate per mile (varies by shipment type). 2) Weight and distance multiplication. 3) Freight class adjustment (NMFC classification based on density, handling, liability). 4) Fuel surcharge (typically 20-30% of base freight). 5) Accessorial charges (residential delivery, liftgate, limited access, etc.). 6) Insurance (percentage of declared value). Total Cost = Base Freight + Fuel Surcharge + Accessorials + Insurance.

Question 3

What is LTL freight and how is it priced?

Accepted Answer

LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping is for shipments that don't require a full trailer, typically 150-15,000 lbs. LTL pricing is based on freight class (50-500), weight, distance, and pickup/delivery locations. Freight class determines the rate - higher classes (less dense cargo) cost more per pound. LTL rates typically range from $1.50-4.00 per mile depending on class. Minimum charges of $150-250 usually apply.

Question 4

What are freight classes and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Freight classes (NMFC 50-500) categorize cargo based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. Class 50 is densest (steel, bricks) and cheapest per pound. Class 500 is least dense (ping pong balls) and most expensive. Common classes: 50-65 (very dense), 70-85 (standard), 100-150 (light), 175-500 (very light). Misclassifying freight can result in reclassification fees and higher costs, so accurate classification is crucial.

Question 5

What is a fuel surcharge in freight shipping?

Accepted Answer

Fuel surcharges are variable fees added to base freight rates to account for diesel fuel price fluctuations. Typically 20-30% of base freight cost, surcharges adjust weekly based on Department of Energy fuel price indexes. When fuel prices rise, surcharges increase; when prices drop, surcharges decrease. All carriers apply fuel surcharges, and they're calculated as a percentage of the base freight charge, not the total shipment cost.

Question 6

What are accessorial charges in freight shipping?

Accepted Answer

Accessorial charges are additional fees for special services beyond basic pickup and delivery. Common accessorials include: residential delivery ($75-150), liftgate service ($60-100), limited access ($125-200), inside delivery ($85-150), appointment delivery ($50-100), trade show/convention center ($200-300), redelivery ($50-150), storage ($50/day), and special handling. These can add 20-50% to total shipping costs.

Question 7

How is freight density calculated and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Freight density = Weight (lbs) / Volume (cubic feet). Calculate volume: (Length × Width × Height in inches) / 1,728. Example: 1,000 lbs in 48×40×48" pallet = 46.3 cu ft = 21.6 lbs/cu ft density. Density determines freight class: 50+ lbs/cu ft = Class 50, 15-22 = Class 70, 8-10 = Class 100, 4-6 = Class 150, 1-2 = Class 300. Higher density (lower class) = lower shipping cost per pound.

Question 8

What's the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?

Accepted Answer

LTL (Less Than Truckload) shares trailer space with other shipments, typically for 150-15,000 lbs, with multiple stops and 1-5 day transit. Cost: $1.50-4.00/mile depending on class. FTL (Full Truckload) dedicates entire trailer to one shipment, for 10,000-45,000 lbs, direct delivery in 1-3 days. Cost: $2.00-3.00/mile. FTL is more cost-effective for large shipments, LTL is cheaper for smaller loads. FTL offers faster transit and less handling.

Question 9

How long does freight shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Transit times vary by shipment type and distance. LTL: 1-5 business days for 500 miles (500 miles/day average), with multiple stops. FTL: 1-3 days for same distance (600-800 miles/day), direct delivery. Parcel: 1-5 days based on service level. Intermodal: 3-7 days (slower but cheaper). Expedited/hotshot: Same day to 48 hours (premium service). Regional shipments under 500 miles typically deliver next day for FTL, 2-3 days for LTL.

Question 10

How can I reduce my freight shipping costs?

Accepted Answer

Cost reduction strategies: 1) Improve freight density - consolidate shipments and reduce packaging. 2) Classify freight accurately to avoid reclassification fees. 3) Use commercial locations instead of residential. 4) Arrange loading dock access (avoid liftgate). 5) Allow flexible delivery windows (avoid appointments). 6) Ship in volume for better rates. 7) Negotiate carrier contracts for regular shipments. 8) Use freight brokers for competitive quotes. 9) Consider slower transit for non-urgent shipments. 10) Properly package to prevent damage and claims.

Freight Cost Estimator - Shipping Cost Calculator & LTL Freight Calculator

Freight Cost Calculator Types & Shipping Options

Quick Example Result

How Our Freight Cost Estimator Works

Freight Cost Formula

Freight Cost Components Explained

Sources & References

Freight Cost Estimator Examples

Shipment Properties:

Calculation Steps:

Residential Delivery Example

FTL Shipping Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Found This Calculator Helpful?

Related Calculators