FTL vs LTL Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare an LTL quote with a full truckload for the same freight: total cost of each, the cheaper option, cost per pallet and the break-even weight.
Once a shipment reaches six or more pallets, an LTL quote and a dedicated truck can land surprisingly close. This calculator prices both from the numbers on your quotes — LTL rate per hundredweight, discount, minimum, fuel surcharge and accessorials against a per-mile truckload rate — and tells you which is cheaper and the weight where the answer flips.
How to use this tool
- Enter the shipment weight and pallet count.
- Enter the LTL tariff rate per 100 lb, your discount, the minimum charge, fuel surcharge percentage and any accessorial fees.
- Enter the truckload miles, linehaul rate per mile and fuel surcharge per mile.
- Compare the totals, the cost per pallet and the break-even weight.
Formula
LTL = max(minimum, weight ÷ 100 × rate × (1 − discount)) × (1 + FSC%) + accessorials
FTL = miles × (linehaul rate + FSC per mile) + accessorials
Break-even weight = (FTL − LTL accessorials) ÷ (1 + FSC%) ÷ net LTL rate per lb
Above the break-even weight the truckload is cheaper, because its price does not grow with weight while LTL does. Most LTL tariffs also step to lower rates at weight breaks; if your quote is for a specific weight break, use that rate.
Example
A 9,000 lb, 8-pallet shipment. LTL: 90 cwt × $45 × (1 − 65%) = $1,417.50, plus a 30% fuel surcharge ($425.25) and $75 liftgate = $1,917.75. Truckload: 800 miles × ($2.10 + $0.55) = $2,120. LTL is cheaper by $202.25, but only just — the break-even is about 9,988 lb, so a slightly heavier load should go on its own truck.
Frequently asked questions
When does FTL usually win?
When the freight fills a large part of the trailer, is heavy, or is fragile. A dedicated truck also means no terminal transfers, which cuts damage risk and transit time.
What about partial truckload?
Partial or volume LTL quotes sit between the two and are often the cheapest choice for roughly 6 to 12 pallets. Ask carriers or a broker for one and compare it here as the FTL option.
Why does my LTL invoice differ from the quote?
Reweighs, reclassification after a density check, and accessorials added at delivery are the usual reasons. Accurate weight, dimensions and class on the bill of lading avoid most of them.
Last updated: 2026-10-30