Truck shipping costs in the United States

Freight density and classification determine truck shipping rates in the U.S.

Freight density is the primary factor influencing truck shipping costs for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Unlike international ocean or air shipping, there is no standardized density calculation for truck freight in the United States.

How much does it cost to ship one or more pallets by truck across the U.S.?

This guide provides key insights for organizing domestic shipments

Truck freight is divided into two main categories:

• FTL - Full Truckload: Shipping a full truck's capacity.
• LTL - Less than Truckload: Shipping fewer pallets than a full truck capacity.

Density is calculated in pounds per cubic foot:

• 1 Cubic Foot [cft] = 12 x 12 x 12 inches = 1,728 cubic inches
• Converted to centimeters: 1 cft = 30.48 x 30.48 x 30.48 = 28,318 cubic cm

Freight classification system

In the U.S., freight density is categorized into specific classifications, known as Freight Class, to streamline truck shipping cost calculations. The Freight Class index ranges from 50 to 500: the denser the goods, the lower the class and shipping cost, and vice versa.

Freight Class is determined by:

• Stowability: The ease of loading (irregularly shaped goods are harder to stow).
• Handling: The ease of movement (fragile goods require special handling).
• Liability: The risk associated with the goods (perishability, theft risk, etc.).

Note: Freight Classes are published and updated by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).

Examples of Freight Class:

• Class 55: Bricks, concrete, etc. | Density: 35-50 lbs per cubic foot.
• Class 92.5: Computers, monitors, refrigerators, etc. | Density: 10-12 lbs per cubic foot.
• Class 175: Clothing, upholstered furniture, etc. | Density: 5-6 lbs per cubic foot.

We strongly recommend determining the correct Freight Class of your shipment before requesting a truck shipping quote within the U.S. market.