function calculateLTLRate() {
// Get Inputs
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipmentWeight').value);
var rateCwt = parseFloat(document.getElementById('baseRateCwt').value);
var discountPct = parseFloat(document.getElementById('discountPercent').value);
var fuelPct = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelSurcharge').value);
var accessorials = parseFloat(document.getElementById('accessorials').value);
var minCharge = parseFloat(document.getElementById('minCharge').value);
// Sanitize Inputs
if (isNaN(weight)) weight = 0;
if (isNaN(rateCwt)) rateCwt = 0;
if (isNaN(discountPct)) discountPct = 0;
if (isNaN(fuelPct)) fuelPct = 0;
if (isNaN(accessorials)) accessorials = 0;
if (isNaN(minCharge)) minCharge = 0;
// 1. Calculate Gross Charge based on CWT (Hundredweight)
// Formula: (Weight / 100) * RatePerCWT
var grossCharge = (weight / 100) * rateCwt;
// 2. Calculate Discount Amount
var discountAmount = grossCharge * (discountPct / 100);
// 3. Calculate Net Freight (Subtotal)
var netFreight = grossCharge – discountAmount;
// 4. Apply Minimum Charge Logic
// If the calculated net freight is below the floor minimum, use the minimum.
// Note: In real scenarios, fuel is applied on top of the minimum.
if (netFreight < minCharge) {
netFreight = minCharge;
// Adjust discount display to reflect that the effective discount was capped
discountAmount = grossCharge – netFreight;
}
// 5. Calculate Fuel Surcharge
// Fuel surcharge is typically applied to the Net Freight Charge (after discount)
var fuelAmount = netFreight * (fuelPct / 100);
// 6. Calculate Total
var totalCost = netFreight + fuelAmount + accessorials;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('displayGross').innerText = '$' + grossCharge.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayDiscount').innerText = '-$' + discountAmount.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayNetFreight').innerText = '$' + netFreight.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayFuel').innerText = '$' + fuelAmount.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayAccessorials').innerText = '$' + accessorials.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayTotal').innerText = '$' + totalCost.toFixed(2);
// Show Results Area
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding CzarLite and LTL Rate Calculation
In the Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping industry, pricing structures can be incredibly complex. The CzarLite base rate system, developed by SMC³, is the industry standard benchmark used by shippers and carriers to establish a neutral starting point for freight negotiations.
Most LTL contracts are not based on flat fees but rather on a formula that starts with a base rate (often CzarLite), applies a negotiated discount, adds fuel surcharges, and accounts for extra services. This calculator helps logistics managers and shippers estimate their final Net Shipping Cost based on these parameters.
Key Components of the Calculation
To accurately estimate your shipping costs using a CzarLite-based contract, you need to understand the following variables:
Base Rate (CWT): This is the gross rate per 100 pounds (Hundredweight) derived from the CzarLite tariff tables. It varies based on origin/destination zip codes, freight class, and shipment weight.
Weight (CWT): LTL rates are calculated per hundredweight. A 1,500 lb shipment is equal to 15 CWT units.
Discount (%): Because base rates are high, carriers offer significant discounts (often 70% to 90%) to shippers based on volume and negotiation leverage.
Fuel Surcharge (%): A variable percentage added to the net freight charge to cover fluctuating diesel prices. This is updated weekly based on the DOE National Average.
Minimum Charge: A floor price usually established in contracts. If the discounted rate falls below this amount, the minimum charge applies.
Note: This tool calculates the mathematical application of rates. To get the specific "Base Rate per CWT" for a specific lane (e.g., Chicago to Atlanta), you must have access to the licensed SMC³ CzarLite data or a carrier's specific tariff sheet.
Example Calculation
Let's look at a typical scenario for a manufacturing company shipping a pallet of goods:
Using a calculator helps verify carrier invoices and audit freight bills. Small discrepancies in the discount percentage or fuel surcharge application can lead to significant cost leakage over hundreds of shipments. By standardizing your math against the CzarLite benchmark, you ensure transparency in your logistics spend.