Are you looking for less than truckload (LTL) shipping rates and confused how LTL shipping rates are calculated then this blog post is for you. There are several factors that contribute to a less than truckload (LTL) shipping rate and today we will cover it in detail. When Trucking companies provide Freight Quotes for LTL and Truckload, it has many factors that contribute to the total shipping cost and that’s what we will discuss in this post.
If you have any questions or you have any special products for which you need LTL shipping rates then fill out the form on the right and we will send you the best freight quotes for LTL right away. Generally, an LTL quote will take up less than 12 feet of linear space on a truck.
You may have to spend hours comparing LTL freight quotes from various freight carriers because you do not know how LTL shipping rates are calculated.
Instead of spending hours to save costs, you can simply follow the steps mentioned in our guide to figure out how to calculate LTL shipping rates.
Tip: For heavy or large LTL shipments, it may be cost-effective to consider volume services or partial truckload.
It is important to know about the Federal Regulations on Size and Weight of the commercial vehicles so that you can figure out what carrier to use for your LTL freight shipments.
Regardless of the service you choose, you’ll definitely benefit from this blog post and save hundreds of dollars when it comes to LTL freight shipping quote. LTL carriers across United States generally follow a similar method to calculate freight transportation rates. But it is important that you ask your freight broker for all the available options for freight shipment.
How LTL Shipping Rates are calculated?
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If you are unaware about the truck dimensions then you must know that it equates to 6 standard size pallets, not stacked.
A standard size pallet is typically 48” x 40” and in sometimes it can be of size 48” x 48”.
As mentioned about if your shipment takes up more space than the mentioned dimensions, you should consider volume shipping quote or a Full Truckload quote.
Now that you know what LTL (Less Than Truckload) is, let’s find out how to calculate less than truckload shipping rates.
When calculating LTL freight quotes, these are the four major contributing factors:
- Origin zip code
- destination zip code
- total weight
- freight class
For calculating LTL shipping rates, the above four pieces of information is utmost important. Out of the four, three are self-explanatory but you must be wondering what is freight class.
Freight class is a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in commerce. The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) is published by National Motor Freight Traffic Association but developed and maintained by the Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB).
Also, your freight carrier can help with your freight class. When it comes to freight costs everything depends on your shipping needs and how urgent you need it delivered. Freight companies also provide overnight shipping and expedited freight services for urgent delivery.
Accessorial Charges that adds to LTL Freight Shipping Quotes
Another vital piece of information that’s needed for calculating less than truckload shipping rates is the additional services which you might need.
A standard LTL shipment is business-to-business and dock-to-dock. In case you don’t have a shipping dock or forklift to get the pallets off the truck then you’ll need a liftgate which will cost you some extra bucks.
Shipping at your doorstep will cost you extra, as do several other things which you need to keep into consideration and your freight carrier can help you figure out all the additional costs.
Accessorial charges are also something that can add to your LTL shipping quotes as these are the additional services provided by a carrier depending on your needs.
One of the most common accessorial charges is the fuel surcharge and it is included for every LTL shipment.
Surcharges and Hideen Charges on Shipping Costs
You should remember that fuel prices fluctuate and the prices fall you are not paying more than you should for any shipment. Some shipping companies may have apply surcharges or hidden charges, so always ask for it before booking.
We have created this LTL shipping rates guide to help you acquire some basic knowledge about LTL freight quotes so that your bottom line is not affected due to high shipping rates.
At VJS Logistics, trucking company in New Jersey, we ensure that you always get the best LTL freight shipping quote each time and everytime you book your freight with us. We are known for our On-budget, on-time and reliable shipping services.
Call for the best LTL freights across USA, shipping quote, Shipping Solutions, Refrigerated Trucks, Dry Van, Supply chain solutions and Freight trucking: 201-463-5620 or fill out the form on the right.
Also, providing, Flatbed, Ocean Freight, International shipping, Freight brokerage, Transportation Management, Full Truckload Shipping, intermodal trucking, Large Box shipping, Overnight Freight Shipping and best Air Freight charges in USA.
Suzanne says
Find how LTL shipping rates are calculated and LTL freight shipping quotes are provided by carriers. Call now for the best ltl shipping quotes in USA.