Freight Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare truckload (TL) vs. less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping costs for a single shipment. Use it when choosing the cheapest freight method for a given weight, distance, and fuel surcharge.
About this calculator
Freight shipping costs depend on whether you book a full truckload (TL) or ship less-than-truckload (LTL), where you pay per 100 lbs (a 'hundredweight' or CWT). The truckload cost formula is: TL Cost = truckloadRate × distance × (1 + fuelSurcharge / 100). The LTL cost formula is: LTL Cost = (shipmentWeight / 100) × ltlRate × (1 + fuelSurcharge / 100). The calculator applies both formulas and returns the lower of the two values using: Best Cost = min(TL Cost, LTL Cost). Fuel surcharges, typically 10–30%, are applied as a multiplier to the base rate in both cases. Choosing the wrong mode can mean overpaying by hundreds of dollars per shipment, so comparing both is essential for logistics planning.
How to use
Suppose you are shipping 4,000 lbs over 500 miles. The truckload rate is $2.50/mile, the LTL rate is $18 per 100 lbs, and the fuel surcharge is 20%. TL Cost = $2.50 × 500 × (1 + 20/100) = $1,250 × 1.20 = $1,500 LTL Cost = (4,000 / 100) × $18 × 1.20 = 40 × $18 × 1.20 = $864 The calculator returns $864, meaning LTL is the cheaper option for this shipment. Enter your own values to instantly find the best freight mode.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose truckload over LTL shipping?
Truckload shipping becomes cost-effective when your shipment fills most of a trailer, typically above 10,000–15,000 lbs or 10+ pallets. At that weight range, booking a full truck is usually cheaper per unit than paying LTL hundredweight rates. TL is also preferable when you need faster, direct-route delivery with less handling risk. Use this calculator to find the exact crossover point for your specific rate cards.
What is a fuel surcharge and how does it affect freight costs?
A fuel surcharge is a variable fee carriers add to base freight rates to offset fluctuating diesel prices, usually expressed as a percentage. It is recalculated weekly or monthly based on published fuel indices such as the U.S. Department of Energy diesel price index. Even a 5% difference in the surcharge can add tens of dollars to a shipment. Both TL and LTL costs are multiplied by (1 + surcharge/100), so higher surcharges widen the absolute cost gap between modes.
How is LTL freight cost calculated per 100 lbs?
LTL carriers price freight using a 'hundredweight' (CWT) model, meaning the rate applies to every 100 lbs of shipment weight. The base charge is (weight / 100) × rate per CWT. Additional factors like freight class, dimensional weight, and accessorial fees can modify this base. This calculator uses the pure CWT model with a fuel surcharge multiplier, giving you a clean comparison baseline before negotiating with carriers.