LTL Freight Rate Calculator
Estimate an LTL freight charge from the base rate per cwt, weight breaks, discount, minimum charge, fuel surcharge and accessorials.
LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers price a shipment from a base rate per hundredweight (cwt, 100 lb) that depends on the freight class, the lane and the weight bracket. A negotiated discount comes off that tariff rate, a minimum charge applies, and a fuel surcharge and any accessorials are added on top. This calculator follows those steps, including the deficit-weight check carriers use when rating at the next weight break is cheaper.
How to use this tool
- Enter the shipment weight and the base rate per cwt from the carrier’s tariff.
- Optionally enter the next weight break and its rate for the deficit-weight check.
- Add your discount, the minimum charge and the fuel surcharge percentage.
- Add accessorial charges such as liftgate or residential delivery.
Formula
Gross = weight ÷ 100 × rate per cwt (or next break ÷ 100 × next rate, if lower)
Net linehaul = max(gross × (1 − discount), minimum charge)
Total = net linehaul × (1 + fuel surcharge) + accessorials
Use the commodity’s applicable NMFC listing, including handling, stowability and liability rules where relevant. This estimate applies fuel only to net linehaul and does not round billable weight. Use it only when those assumptions match your tariff; accessorial bases and minimums can differ.
Example
A 1,200 lb shipment rates at $45.00 per cwt: 12 × $45 = $540. Rating it at the 2,000 lb break ($36.50 per cwt) would cost $730, so the actual weight is cheaper. A 70% discount leaves $162, above the $125 minimum. A 28% fuel surcharge adds $45.36 and a liftgate adds $85, for a total of $292.36. At 1,800 lb the break wins: $730 instead of $810 before the discount, for a total of $280.32 without the liftgate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hundredweight (cwt)?
In US freight a hundredweight is 100 lb. A rate of $45 per cwt means $45 for every 100 lb, or $0.45 per pound, before discounts and surcharges.
What is deficit weight?
When billing a shipment at the next, cheaper weight bracket lowers the charge, carriers rate it as if it weighed the break weight. The gap between the actual weight and the break is the deficit weight.
Why are LTL discounts so large?
A discount is relative to one carrier’s base tariff, so its size alone does not measure value. Compare the final charge at the same weight, classification, service and accessorial assumptions.
Last updated: 2026-10-30