Calculate full truckload shipping costs using rate per mile, distance, fuel surcharge, and accessorial charges. Estimate total FTL freight expenses.
Full truckload (FTL) shipping is the most efficient way to move large quantities of freight. Unlike LTL, where you share trailer space with other shippers, FTL dedicates an entire trailer to your shipment. FTL pricing is primarily based on the rate per mile multiplied by the total distance, plus fuel surcharges and any accessorial fees.
FTL rates vary significantly by lane, season, equipment type, and market conditions. Dry van rates differ from refrigerated (reefer) and flatbed rates. Spot market rates can swing 20-40% from contracted rates during peak seasons or capacity crunches.
This calculator helps you estimate the total cost of an FTL shipment by combining the per-mile rate, distance, fuel surcharge, and accessorials. Use it to compare contract rates against spot quotes and budget for your truckload freight spend.
Supply-chain managers, warehouse operators, and shipping coordinators rely on precise ftl freight cost data to maintain efficiency and control costs across complex distribution networks. Revisit this calculator whenever conditions change to keep your logistics plans aligned with real-world performance.
FTL shipping costs are a major expense for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Understanding the cost components and how they interact helps you negotiate better rates, choose between contract and spot market, and optimize your shipping network for cost efficiency. Real-time recalculation lets you model different scenarios quickly, ensuring your logistics decisions are backed by accurate, up-to-date numbers.
Line Haul = Rate per Mile × Distance Fuel Surcharge = Line Haul × FSC % Total FTL Cost = Line Haul + Fuel Surcharge + Accessorials
Result: Total FTL Cost = $2,900.00
Line Haul = $2.75 × 800 = $2,200. Fuel Surcharge = $2,200 × 0.25 = $550. Accessorials = $150. Total = $2,200 + $550 + $150 = $2,900.
FTL rates are driven by supply and demand in the trucking market. When capacity is tight (fewer available trucks), rates rise. When capacity is loose, rates fall. Major factors include seasonal produce movements, holiday shipping peaks, weather events, and regulatory changes like Hours of Service rules.
Contract rates are negotiated annually or quarterly with carriers and provide rate stability. Spot market rates fluctuate daily based on current supply and demand. Most shippers use a primary/backup strategy: route 80% of freight through contracted carriers and use the spot market for overflow or non-contract lanes.
Key strategies include lane consolidation (concentrate volume on fewer lanes for better rates), continuous moves (link pickup to delivery to reduce deadhead miles), and load optimization (maximize trailer utilization to avoid paying for unused space). Data-driven lane analysis identifies your highest-cost lanes for targeted improvement.
Dry van rates typically range from $2.00 to $3.50 per mile depending on lane, season, and market conditions. Reefer rates are $0.20-$0.50 per mile higher. Flatbed rates vary more widely based on equipment requirements.
FTL is generally more cost-effective when your shipment weighs over 10,000-15,000 lbs or fills more than half a trailer. The break-even point depends on the specific lane, freight class, and available rates.
Detention is a charge for keeping a driver waiting beyond the allotted free time (usually 2 hours) at pickup or delivery. Typical detention rates are $50-$100 per hour and can add $200-$500 to a load.
FTL fuel surcharges are typically calculated as a per-mile add-on indexed to the DOE diesel price, or as a percentage of the line haul charge. The specific formula varies by carrier and contract terms.
The main equipment types are dry van (enclosed, general cargo), refrigerated (temperature-controlled), flatbed (open, oversized), step deck, and specialized trailers. Each has different rate structures based on availability and demand.
TONU stands for Truck Ordered, Not Used. It's a fee charged when a carrier dispatches a truck to your facility but the load is cancelled or not ready. TONU fees typically range from $150 to $500.