Freight Shipping Calculator
Estimate shipping costs and dimensional weight for LTL and cargo shipments.
166 (Standard Domestic)
139 (International/Standard)
194 (LTL Specific)
Total Cubic Inches:
0
Dimensional Weight (Dim):
0 lbs
Billable Weight (Greater of Actual vs Dim):
0 lbs
Base Freight Cost:
$0.00
Fuel Surcharge Amount:
$0.00
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST:
$0.00
How Freight Shipping Costs Are Calculated
Freight shipping isn't just about how much your pallet weighs on a scale. Carriers use a concept called Dimensional Weight (Dim Weight) to ensure they are compensated for the space a shipment occupies in a truck or plane. If you are shipping a large crate of ping-pong balls, it takes up significant space but weighs very little; the Dim Weight ensures the carrier doesn't lose money on that "dead space."
Understanding Billable Weight
The "Billable Weight" is the number used to determine your final invoice. It is always the higher of these two values:
- Actual Weight: The physical weight of the items plus the pallet or packaging.
- Dimensional Weight: Calculated by multiplying Length x Width x Height and dividing by a "Dim Factor" (commonly 166 for domestic US or 139 for international).
Example Calculation
Suppose you are shipping a pallet with the following specs:
- Dimensions: 48″ x 40″ x 48″
- Actual Weight: 400 lbs
- Rate: $0.50 per lb
- Dim Factor: 166
First, find the cubic inches: 48 x 40 x 48 = 92,160 cubic inches. Next, divide by the Dim Factor: 92,160 / 166 = 555.18 lbs. Since the Dim Weight (555 lbs) is higher than the Actual Weight (400 lbs), the Billable Weight is 555.18 lbs.
Freight Class and LTL
For Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) assigns a "class" to your freight based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. Classes range from 50 (dense, hard to damage like steel) to 500 (light, fragile like gold leaf). Higher classes generally cost more to ship.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the base rate, freight quotes often include:
- Fuel Surcharges: A percentage added to the base rate that fluctuates with national fuel prices.
- Accessorials: Extra charges for services like liftgate delivery, residential pickup, or limited access locations.
- Inside Delivery: If the driver has to bring the freight inside a building rather than leaving it at a dock.