Updated September 2026 · 6 min read
Short answer: LTL (less-than-truckload) freight is a way to ship one or a few pallets by sharing trailer space with other shippers, so you pay only for the space and weight you use. Your price depends mostly on weight, distance, freight class, and extra services, so accurate measurements and simple deliveries are the best ways to avoid overpaying.
With LTL freight explained in plain terms, you’ll see why it’s the go-to method for wholesale orders that are too big for parcel shipping but nowhere near a full truck. Whether you’re receiving a few pallets from a supplier or shipping orders to stores, understanding how LTL is priced can save you real money.
This guide covers how LTL works, how freight class and density affect your rate, the extra fees to watch for, and practical ways to cut costs.
LTL freight explained: how does it work?
An LTL carrier picks up your pallets, takes them to a local terminal, and loads them onto a trailer with freight from other shippers. The trailer moves between terminals, and your freight is unloaded and put on a local truck for delivery. Because the truck is shared, you pay less than you would for a whole truck.
The trade-off is more handling and less predictable timing. Freight may be moved several times along the way, which is why good packaging matters.
| Method | Best for | Typical size (rule of thumb) | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parcel | Small boxes | Individual boxes up to about 150 lb | Gets expensive for many heavy boxes |
| LTL | 1 to about 6 pallets | About 150 to 15,000 lb | More handling, transit times vary |
| Full truckload (FTL) | Large orders | Most or all of a trailer | You pay for the whole truck |
These ranges are common guidelines, not hard rules. Carriers set their own limits.
What affects the price of LTL freight?
- Weight. Heavier shipments cost more in total, but often less per pound.
- Distance and lane. Where it ships from and to, and how busy that route is.
- Freight class. A rating from 50 to 500 based on how dense and easy to handle your freight is.
- Accessorial charges. Fees for extra services like liftgates or residential delivery.
- Fuel surcharge. A percentage that moves with fuel prices.
- Minimum charge. Very small shipments may hit a carrier’s floor price.
What is freight class, and why does it matter?
Freight class comes from the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Classes run from 50 to 500. Lower classes are for dense freight that’s easy to handle and stow, and they usually cost less. Higher classes are for light, bulky, fragile, or hard-to-handle freight.
NMFTA looks at four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability. In July 2025, NMFTA moved many products to a density-based system with a 13-tier density scale, which extends density-based classes down to 50 for very dense freight. That makes your measurements and weight more important than ever.
How to calculate freight density
Density (pounds per cubic foot) = weight ÷ (length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728)
Example: One pallet of boxed goods measures 48 × 40 × 50 inches and weighs 600 lb.
Cubic feet = 48 × 40 × 50 ÷ 1,728 = 96,000 ÷ 1,728 = 55.6 cubic feet.
Density = 600 ÷ 55.6 = about 10.8 pounds per cubic foot. Your carrier or broker uses this to find the class.
Always measure the full pallet, including the pallet itself and any overhang. If you’re not sure how to build a pallet that measures well, see our guide to standard pallet size and weight.
What extra fees come with LTL shipping?
Accessorial charges are where many small shippers overpay. Some of the most common:
| Accessorial | What it means | How to avoid or reduce it |
|---|---|---|
| Liftgate | A truck lift lowers freight when there’s no dock | Ship to a location with a loading dock |
| Residential delivery | Delivery to a home or home-based business | Ship to a commercial address if you can |
| Limited access | Schools, storage units, construction sites, and similar | Pick a standard business address |
| Inside delivery | Driver brings freight past the door | Unload it yourself at the door |
| Appointment or notify | Carrier calls or books a time before delivery | Only request if you really need it |
| Reweigh or reclass | Carrier finds different weight, size, or class | Measure and describe freight accurately |
Fees vary by carrier. Ask for them when you get a quote, and make sure the quote includes every service you’ll need.
How can you avoid overpaying for LTL freight?
At a glance: Cutting LTL costs
1
Measure accurately. Weigh and measure every pallet so you aren’t reclassed later.
2
Pack for density. Use standard pallets, square stacks, and no overhang.
3
Skip extras. Use docks and commercial addresses to avoid add-on fees.
4
Compare quotes. Get several quotes and ask about discounts and fuel surcharges.
Checklist: Before you book an LTL shipment
- ✅ Exact weight, dimensions, and number of pallets
- ✅ Clear product description for the freight class
- ✅ Pickup and delivery addresses, with dock or no dock noted
- ✅ Any needed accessorials listed on the quote
- ✅ Pallets wrapped, labeled, and stackable if possible
- ✅ Bill of lading filled out to match the quote
- ✅ Declared value or extra coverage for high-value freight
The bill of lading is your shipping contract, so its details need to match the freight. Our guide on how to read a bill of lading walks through each field.
Carriers, brokers, and forwarders
You can book directly with an LTL carrier or use a freight broker who compares carriers for you. For international shipments, a freight forwarder usually handles the handoffs. See what a freight forwarder does if you’re importing. Before you hire a carrier or broker, you can look up its registration on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) company snapshot tool.
What happens if LTL freight arrives damaged?
Inspect every shipment before the driver leaves. Count pallets, look for crushed or torn packaging, and write any problems on the delivery receipt. Take photos. Then contact the carrier or your broker right away.
Carrier liability is often limited, sometimes to a set amount per pound under the carrier’s tariff. If your goods are high-value, ask about declared value or cargo insurance before you ship. Federal law generally gives you at least nine months to file a claim with an interstate carrier, but filing quickly makes the process easier. This is general information, not legal advice.
50–500
Range of NMFC freight classes
1,728
Cubic inches in one cubic foot, used in density math
13
Tiers in the density scale NMFTA adopted in 2025
FAQ
How is LTL freight different from full truckload?
LTL shares a trailer with other shippers and moves through terminals. Full truckload uses a whole trailer for one shipper and usually goes straight to the destination.
How do I get a cheaper LTL freight quote?
Give accurate weight and dimensions, ship dock to dock, avoid unnecessary accessorials, and compare several carriers or brokers.
What is a reclass fee in LTL shipping?
It’s a charge added when the carrier finds your freight’s class, weight, or size is different from what you listed. Accurate measurements prevent it.
How many pallets count as LTL freight?
Many carriers treat roughly 1 to 6 pallets as LTL. Bigger shipments may qualify for volume LTL or partial truckload pricing, so ask for both quotes.
Bottom line
LTL freight lets you ship pallets without paying for a whole truck. Your rate depends on weight, distance, freight class, and extra services. Measure accurately, build dense and stackable pallets, ship dock to dock when you can, and get every fee in writing before you book.
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