Truck shipping rates in America

How to calculate the cost of shipping goods by truck within the United States

Shipping rates for truck transport in the U.S. vary based on whether the shipment is a full truckload (FTL) or a less than truckload (LTL). ExportUSA has agreements with freight agencies specializing in return loads, allowing us to secure the most competitive market rates and organize shipments—both full and partial loads—to nearly any destination in the United States.

Below is a summary of an internal memo from ExportUSA regarding truck shipments from our Dayton warehouse to various U.S. destinations for a client who has set up a corporation and is considering using our warehousing services. To clarify:

• FTL: Full Truck Load – A dedicated truck for a single shipment.
• LTL: Less than Truck Load – A shipment that shares truck space with other loads.

"I have consulted with our logistics partners specializing in return loads and spoken with the FTL and LTL departments. Here are the details based on their latest data.

FTL – Full Truck Load

Most full truckload shipments use standard trailers, which are typically 53 feet long. The maximum interior height is about 240 cm. This allows for roughly 26 standard pallets per load. The maximum weight capacity is between 43,000 and 44,000 lbs (1 lb = 454 grams).

These trucks usually do not come equipped with a liftgate. As a result, beyond the quoted shipping cost, unloading equipment may be required at the destination. At our Dayton warehouse, we have forklifts and elevated loading docks for efficient truck loading.

LTL – Less Than Truck Load

LTL shipments are ideal for smaller loads that do not require an entire truck. Pricing is based on the weight, dimensions, and distance of the shipment. LTL carriers consolidate multiple shipments from different customers into a single truck, optimizing costs.

Because LTL shipments often pass through multiple distribution hubs, transit times may be longer compared to FTL shipments, and additional handling could be involved.

Example of full truckload shipping costs to California, Texas, and Florida

With our truck shipping agency in America, we secure the best market rates. Below are the costs for full truckload shipments departing from our Dayton warehouse:

• Destination 91001 [*] (CA) $5100
• Destination 75001 (TX) $2400
• Destination 33101 (FL) $2950

Note - [*]: In the U.S., truck shipping rates are based on ZIP codes, the American equivalent of the Italian postal codes. Using the dollar-per-mile ratio, an approximate cost of $2.6 per mile can be estimated for quotes to other U.S. destinations.

Truck shipping prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand at the time of the quote. If a liftgate is required for unloading, the carrier should be notified a few days in advance so we can arrange for a truck equipped with a liftgate or find the necessary unloading equipment.

For shipping quotes and preparation of transport documents to be sent to the warehouse, please contact me.

Important note: our warehouse does not operate trailer trucks

Our warehouse does NOT have trailer trucks and does not use its own trucks for long-haul routes since the implementation of the ELD rule on electronic logging of driving hours. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize that we must handle the booking of shipments and provide the warehouse with the necessary transport documentation to release the load at pickup.

Freight density in partial truckload shipments affects transport rates

Freight density significantly impacts trucking costs in the U.S.

LTL – Less Than Truck Load:

Keep in mind that LTL shipping rates fluctuate daily, but we can secure significant discounts on standard rates through our partner agencies managing return loads.

An LTL shipment, given standard pallet dimensions, is considered LTL up to a maximum of 15 pallets. Beyond this, full truckload (FTL) shipping becomes more cost-effective. Unlike FTL, LTL shipping rates also depend on the Freight Class.

I have estimated the density of a pallet, which is around 2.7, meaning it should fall under Freight Class 300 (possibly 250, depending on height). The pallet dimensions are 150x200 cm, with a volume of 7 cubic meters. Based on these measurements, the estimated height is approximately 233 cm, which translates to 60"x79"x80". Below are the shipping quotes for one pallet based on the destination ZIP code:

• Destination 91001 (CA) $988
• Destination 75001 (TX) $750
• Destination 33101 (FL) $968

Shipping multiple pallets at once results in cost savings. For example, sending two pallets to 91001 reduces the quote to $1400. Shipping four pallets to 33101 costs $2200, making bulk shipments more cost-effective.

I am unable to estimate the impact of cargo insurance without knowing the shipment's value. However, U.S. transport companies typically provide default insurance coverage of $0.10 per pound, calculated on the taxable weight.

Assuming the cargo value is under $20,000, adding insurance would cost approximately $320. Unlike FTL shipments, these quotes include a liftgate, as LTL trucks are generally equipped with one.

For shipping quotes and preparation of transport documents to be sent to the warehouse, please contact me.