Long Distance Rate Calculator

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Long Distance Rate Calculator

Calculation Summary

Mileage Charges: $0.00
Weight Charges: $0.00
Fuel Surcharge: $0.00
Total Estimated Rate: $0.00
function calculateLongDistanceRate() { var dist = parseFloat(document.getElementById('distance').value); var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weight').value); var mRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mileRate').value); var cwtRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('cwtRate').value); var fuelPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelSurcharge').value); if (isNaN(dist) || isNaN(weight) || isNaN(mRate) || isNaN(cwtRate)) { alert('Please enter valid numbers for distance, weight, and rates.'); return; } if (isNaN(fuelPercent)) { fuelPercent = 0; } var mileageCharges = dist * mRate; var weightCharges = (weight / 100) * cwtRate; var subtotal = mileageCharges + weightCharges; var fuelCharges = subtotal * (fuelPercent / 100); var totalRate = subtotal + fuelCharges; document.getElementById('mileageChargeDisplay').innerText = '$' + mileageCharges.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('weightChargeDisplay').innerText = '$' + weightCharges.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('fuelChargeDisplay').innerText = '$' + fuelCharges.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('totalRateDisplay').innerText = '$' + totalRate.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('ld-results').style.display = 'block'; }

Understanding Long Distance Freight Rates

Calculating long-distance rates for shipping or moving involves several variables that go beyond simple mileage. Whether you are a logistics manager or planning a cross-country move, understanding how these components interact is crucial for budgeting accurately.

Key Components of Long Distance Rates

  • Linehaul Mileage Rate: This is the base cost per mile traveled. It covers the operational costs of the vehicle, including driver wages and maintenance. For long-distance transport, this rate often decreases as the distance increases.
  • Weight (CWT) Rating: Most long-distance freight is charged based on weight. "CWT" stands for "centum weight" or per hundred pounds. Carriers use this to determine the impact of your cargo on the vehicle's capacity.
  • Fuel Surcharge: Fuel prices fluctuate constantly. To protect themselves from price spikes, carriers apply a percentage-based surcharge on top of the base linehaul and weight charges.

Long Distance Rate Example

Imagine you are shipping 8,000 lbs of cargo over a distance of 1,200 miles. Your carrier quotes a mileage rate of $2.00/mile and a weight rate of $12.00 per CWT, with a 15% fuel surcharge.

  1. Mileage Cost: 1,200 miles × $2.00 = $2,400
  2. Weight Cost: (8,000 lbs / 100) × $12.00 = $960
  3. Subtotal: $2,400 + $960 = $3,360
  4. Fuel Surcharge: $3,360 × 0.15 = $504
  5. Total Rate: $3,360 + $504 = $3,864

Tips for Lowering Your Long Distance Shipping Costs

To secure the best long-distance rates, consider consolidating shipments to reach higher weight brackets, which often come with lower CWT rates. Additionally, booking in advance and being flexible with pickup and delivery dates can help you avoid "expedited" surcharges. Always verify if there are accessorial charges for residential deliveries, lift-gates, or inside pickups, as these are typically added on top of the calculated rate.

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