*Estimates only. Actual carrier rates vary by lane, carrier tariff, and specific commodity types.
function calculateLTL() {
// Inputs
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipWeight').value) || 0;
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipLength').value) || 0;
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipWidth').value) || 0;
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipHeight').value) || 0;
var distance = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipDistance').value) || 0;
var discountPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shipDiscount').value) || 0;
// Accessorials
var hasLiftgate = document.getElementById('accLiftgate').checked;
var hasResidential = document.getElementById('accResidential').checked;
var hasInside = document.getElementById('accInside').checked;
// 1. Calculate Volume (Cubic Feet)
// L x W x H / 1728 (inches to cubic feet)
var volumeCF = 0;
if (length > 0 && width > 0 && height > 0) {
volumeCF = (length * width * height) / 1728;
}
// 2. Calculate Density (Pounds per Cubic Foot – PCF)
var density = 0;
if (volumeCF > 0 && weight > 0) {
density = weight / volumeCF;
}
// 3. Estimate Freight Class (Standard NMFC Density Guidelines)
// Simplified logic for estimation
var freightClass = 50; // Default
if (density > 0) {
if (density < 1) freightClass = 400;
else if (density < 2) freightClass = 300;
else if (density < 4) freightClass = 250;
else if (density < 6) freightClass = 175;
else if (density < 8) freightClass = 125;
else if (density < 10) freightClass = 100;
else if (density < 12) freightClass = 92.5;
else if (density < 15) freightClass = 85;
else if (density < 22.5) freightClass = 70;
else if (density < 30) freightClass = 65;
else if (density = 400) classMultiplier = 6.0;
else if (freightClass >= 250) classMultiplier = 4.5;
else if (freightClass >= 125) classMultiplier = 2.5;
else if (freightClass >= 85) classMultiplier = 1.5;
// Base calculation:
// High initial charge + (Weight * Distance Factor)
var baseRate = 0;
if (weight > 0 && distance > 0) {
// Minimum charge simulation
var minCharge = 185.00;
// Rate math: Distance * Weight * Factor
// 1000 miles, 1000 lbs, Class 50 -> approx $250-300
// 1000 miles, 1000 lbs, Class 250 -> approx $800-1000
var ratePerMilePerLb = 0.00025; // Base factor
var rawCost = (distance * weight * ratePerMilePerLb * classMultiplier) + 100; // +100 base handling
// Apply 'economy of scale' for heavier weights (rates get cheaper per lb as weight goes up)
if (weight > 1000) rawCost = rawCost * 0.90;
if (weight > 5000) rawCost = rawCost * 0.80;
baseRate = Math.max(minCharge, rawCost);
}
// 5. Apply User Discount
// Carriers often give 60-80% off base tariffs
// If user enters discount, we apply it. If 0, we assume a "Market Spot Rate" which is already net.
// If user explicitly enters 0, we show high "List Price".
if (discountPercent > 0) {
// Assuming baseRate calculated above is a "Market Rate", we need to inflate it to "List Rate" to show the discount logic,
// OR we assume the calculation above is "List Rate" (which is very high) and apply discount.
// Let's assume calculation above returns a "Standard Tariff" (List Price) which is usually 3x-4x actual cost.
baseRate = baseRate * 3; // Inflate to simulate tariff
baseRate = baseRate * ((100 – discountPercent) / 100);
} else {
// If no discount entered, keep the heuristic "Market Rate" calculated above
}
// 6. Fuel Surcharge
var fuelSurchargePercent = 0.25; // 25% avg
var fuelCost = baseRate * fuelSurchargePercent;
// 7. Accessorials
var accCost = 0;
if (hasLiftgate) accCost += 75;
if (hasResidential) accCost += 95;
if (hasInside) accCost += 60;
// Total
var totalCost = baseRate + fuelCost + accCost;
// Update DOM
document.getElementById('resDensity').innerText = density.toFixed(2) + " pcf";
document.getElementById('resClass').innerText = (weight > 0 && volumeCF > 0) ? freightClass.toString() : "–";
document.getElementById('resBase').innerText = "$" + baseRate.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resFuel').innerText = "$" + fuelCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resAcc').innerText = "$" + accCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerText = "$" + totalCost.toFixed(2);
}
How LTL Shipping Rates Are Calculated
Calculating Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping rates can be complex because, unlike full truckload shipping which is often charged per mile, LTL rates rely heavily on the physical characteristics of the freight. Understanding the variables involved can help shippers optimize their packaging and negotiate better discounts.
1. Freight Class and Density
The most critical factor in LTL rating is the Freight Class. Determined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), classes range from 50 (dense, durable, easy to handle) to 500 (light, fragile, bulky).
Our calculator estimates class based on Density (pounds per cubic foot). Higher density usually means a lower class and a lower rate per pound. Formula: Density = Weight (lbs) / Volume (cubic feet).
2. Dimensional Weight (DIM)
Carriers focus on how much space your cargo occupies in the trailer. Even if a pallet is light, if it takes up two pallet spots, you will be charged for that space. Always measure the Length, Width, and Height of the entire palletized shipment, not just the boxes inside.
3. Fuel Surcharges and Accessorials
The base rate is rarely the final price.
Fuel Surcharge: A percentage added to the base rate, fluctuating weekly based on the national average price of diesel.
Accessorials: Fees for extra services required at pickup or delivery. Common fees include Liftgate service (if no dock is available), Residential delivery, and Inside Delivery.
4. Lane Balances and Distance
While distance affects cost, the "lane" matters more. Shipping into a major hub (like Chicago or Atlanta) is often cheaper than shipping into a remote area (like rural Montana) because carriers need to fill trucks leaving hubs. This calculator uses a distance-based heuristic to estimate these costs, but real-world quotes will vary based on carrier network capacity.