How much does freight shipping cost?

Start with the transportation mode

Each mode prices on different logic.

• LTL — your freight shares a trailer and moves through terminals. Price depends on origin and destination, weight, dimensions and density, class where it applies, the number and type of handling units, accessorials and the carrier chosen. Two pallets of the same weight can price differently if one takes far more space. See how LTL pricing works.
• Partial truckload — between LTL and a dedicated truck. Price leans on the lane, trailer space or linear feet used, weight, stackability, equipment and how well the freight rides with other cargo. See partial truckload.
• Full truckload — mostly a lane-and-equipment problem, not a per-pallet sum: origin and destination, pickup date, equipment, market capacity, loaded miles, deadhead, windows, stops and handling. A 20-pallet load does not cost twice a 10-pallet load if both need the same truck. See how truckload rates are calculated.
• Refrigerated — the right reefer, its setpoint and operating mode, the commodity and reefer capacity on the lane.
• Flatbed and open deck — loaded dimensions, weight, loading method, trailer type, tarping, securement, any permits and escorts, and how much open-deck equipment the lane has. The trailer the freight needs can matter more than the miles.

What changes the price most?

• Origin and destination — capacity into and out of each market matters, which is why a lane can cost more in one direction than the other. See headhaul vs backhaul.
• Date and lead time — a load that has to move today has fewer trucks to choose from. See why last-minute freight costs more.
• Equipment — dry van, reefer, flatbed, step deck, RGN and box truck differ in availability and cost to run.
• Size and weight — dimensions decide fit and space; weight affects payload, axles, LTL rating and whether special equipment is needed.
• Pickup and delivery conditions — liftgate, residential, inside delivery, driver assist, a job site, a strict appointment, a crane or special receiving instructions. Say so before a truck is dispatched.

What charges can appear besides the linehaul?

Depending on the shipment and the carrier's terms: fuel surcharge, detention, layover, TONU, lumper, liftgate, residential or limited-access service, appointment or redelivery charges, extra stops, reconsignment, specialised equipment, tarping, permits, escorts, border services, and charges from corrected dimensions, weight or service. See accessorial charges and fuel surcharges.

Why can a freight quote change?

Because the market moved, or because the shipment did: the pickup date moved, the weight went up, the dimensions were wrong, the load needs a different trailer, the receiver needs an undisclosed service, a stop was added, the window changed, or the rate expired before booking. See why freight quotes change.

How should I compare freight quotes?

Not by the bottom-line number alone. Check that each quote prices the same equipment, the same pickup and delivery requirements, the same dimensions and weight and the same date; whether fuel and known accessorials are included or separate; whether one assumes a service another excludes; and whether the service expectation is the same. A cheaper quote built on missing information can simply become a more expensive invoice. For why a broker's quote can differ from a posted rate, see quote vs load-board rate.

How much does it cost to ship one pallet?

There is no universal one-pallet rate. For LTL it moves with the pallet's dimensions, weight, density and class, both ZIP codes, whether either end is residential, liftgate need, limited access, appointments and the carrier and service chosen. Send the actual pallet details rather than relying on a national per-pallet average. The Load Planner's pallet page helps describe it.

Can I estimate freight cost before I am ready for a quote?

For planning, yes, but treat an estimate as an estimate. Build the best description you can from known dimensions, weight, lane and services, then replace every assumption with real information before booking. An estimate is not a price, and an unknown cost is not a zero cost.

What should I send for a real freight quote?

Pickup and delivery city and ZIP or full address, pickup date, commodity, pallet or piece count, dimensions, total weight, equipment if known, dock, forklift or liftgate needs, appointment requirements and any unusual handling. If you do not know the equipment, send the freight details instead of guessing. See what information do you need for a freight quote?