LTL vs FTL Shipping Cost Calculator
Below a certain weight, sharing a truck (LTL) is cheaper; above it, reserving the whole truck (FTL) wins. This finds your cost either way and the breakpoint.
LTL: less-than-truckload shares the trailer — you pay a rate per hundredweight (cwt) × (weight ÷ 100), plus accessorials (liftgate, residential, appointment, inside delivery). FTL: full-truckload reserves the whole trailer for a flat rate — cheaper per pound when you have enough weight to fill it. Breakpoint: FTL becomes cheaper when the flat rate is below the LTL charge, roughly above 10,000-15,000 lb depending on rates. Gotchas: LTL charges by weight class and adds reweigh fees; FTL has fuel surcharges and minimums. These are editable example rates — get real quotes.
FAQ
When is FTL cheaper than LTL?
Generally above 10,000-15,000 lb, when the flat truck rate beats the per-hundredweight LTL charge. The exact breakpoint depends on your rates — this calculator finds it.
What is an LTL accessorial?
Extra charges beyond the base rate: liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, appointment scheduling, and reweigh fees. They add up quickly — model them into the rate.
What weight class is my shipment?
LTL pricing uses NMFC classes (density-based, 50-500) that set the per-cwt rate. Higher density = lower class = cheaper rate. This calculator takes the resulting rate as input.
Figures are editable example defaults for modeling, not quotes or advice. Financial, tax, and medical outcomes vary with your situation — verify with a qualified professional (CFP, CPA, tax advisor, or veterinarian).