How does LTL pricing actually work?

The main pricing inputs

### Weight

The carrier rates the actual shipment weight, subject to the applicable tariff and pricing agreement.

### Density and class

NMFTA says freight class is based on four transportation characteristics: density, handling, stowability and liability.

The 2025 NMFC changes made density the primary factor for many more commodities, but the correct NMFC item still matters.

Use the freight density tool for density. Do not use density alone to guess a final freight class.

### Distance and service network

Origin, destination and the carrier's network affect the linehaul portion of the rate.

LTL normally moves through a terminal network rather than on one dedicated truck.

### Handling and stowability

Freight that is difficult to handle, cannot be stacked, is unusually long, or consumes space inefficiently can affect rating through classification or tariff rules.

### Accessorials

Additional services such as liftgate, residential service, appointments, redelivery or detention are separate from the basic movement.

See accessorial charges.

### Minimum charges

LTL tariffs and pricing agreements commonly include a minimum charge or rate floor. That means a very small shipment does not keep getting cheaper forever as weight falls.

Carrier minimums are not universal.

Why LTL can feel less intuitive than truckload

Truckload is often discussed as a lane and truck-capacity problem.

LTL is a network-rating problem. The carrier is combining your shipment with other freight and applying its classification, tariff and operating rules.

That is why accurate shipment data matters so much.

Sources

• https://nmfta.org/standards/classification/
• https://nmfta.org/news/how-shippers-can-prepare-for-the-2025-nmfc-changes/
• https://pittohio.com/myPittOhio/RulesTariff/610-1
• https://www.estes-express.com/resources/frequently-asked-questions