HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHIP LTL FREIGHT?

See recent LTL transport costs and discover how much it would cost to ship your freight

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  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jason

    “My truck was delivered in pristine condition, and I easily released payment to shipper via uShip's website and that was it! So easy.”

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jaime

    “In every interaction with the team members they have gone above and beyond to ensure I was satisfied with the results.”

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Tony

    "The delivery went without a hitch and I cannot say enough good things about the shipper!"

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Sheleigh

    "Super easy and quick! Very pleased! I will certainly use this platform again."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Scott

    “Shipment was without issue and handled with extreme care. Would highly recommend!!”

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Brian

    "I can find that hard to deliver item a dependable driver and research their past feedbacks on the platform."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Alaina

    "Wonderful service!!!!! Felt safe and comfortable with how they do payments too! Shipment went better and quicker than expected!!"

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jim

    "We have been working with uShip since 2013 and have always been satisfied with the results."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Liz

    "It was relatively easy to find a shipper and payment was pretty seamless."

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HOW TO GET THE BEST QUOTE FOR SHIPPING LTL FREIGHT

1. Provide Accurate Details
List exact weight and dimensions (with packaging). Carriers charge extra for incorrect info.

2. Use the Right Freight Class
Freight class affects your rate. Use a class calculator or check the NMFC to avoid reclassification fees.

3. Consolidate Shipments
Combine items on fewer pallets when possible to reduce costs.

4. Limit Extra Services
Only request liftgate, inside delivery, or residential services if necessary—these add fees.

5. Compare Carriers
Use marketplaces or brokers (like uShip) to quickly compare rates from multiple carriers.

6. Avoid Peak Times
Rates rise at the month’s end or around holidays. Ship mid-week for better pricing.

7. Offer Flexible Pickup/Delivery
More flexibility helps carriers optimize routes and lowers your cost.

8. Check Insurance Options
Make sure coverage matches your shipment’s value. Add cargo insurance if needed.

HOW DOES LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING WITH USHIP WORK?

Shipping LTL freight with uShip is a fast and easy process. Here's how it works:

  • 1 | Create a Listing:

    Start by entering the details of your LTL shipment on uShip, including dimensions, weight, pickup and delivery locations, and any special handling needs. The more accurate your information, the better your shipping options.

  • 2 | Compare Quotes:

    Once your listing is live, top LTL carriers from uShip’s trusted network will provide quotes. You can compare prices, transit times, and customer reviews to find the best fit for your budget and timeline.

  • 3 | Book + Track Your Shipment:

    After selecting a carrier, book your shipment directly through uShip. You’ll get confirmation details and be able to track your freight from pickup to delivery, all in one place.

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Average LTL Freight Shipping Rates by Distance

LTL rates vary based on weight, dimensions, freight class, and accessorials, but here’s a general estimate by distance:

  • 0–150 miles: $1.50–$2.50 per mile Local or same-day shipments; often higher per mile due to short-haul efficiency limits.
  • 151–500 miles: $1.00–$2.00 per mile Common for regional shipments; pricing varies by service level and location type.
  • 501–1,000 miles: $0.75–$1.50 per mile Typical for multi-state or zone-to-zone moves.
  • 1,001–1,500 miles: $0.60–$1.25 per mile Longer hauls across major shipping lanes tend to be more cost-effective per mile.
  • 1,500+ miles: $0.50–$1.00 per mile National shipments, often consolidated across multiple carriers or hubs.

Note: Rates are estimates and can vary based on shipment size, freight class, fuel costs, and carrier availability.

What Factors Affect the Cost of LTL Freight Shipping?

  • Freight Class

    Based on density, handling, and liability. Lower classes generally cost less to ship.

  • Weight and Dimensions

    Heavier or larger freight takes up more space and adds cost. Accuracy prevents extra fees.

  • Distance and Route

    Longer hauls cost more overall, though the cost-per-mile may drop. Rural routes can increase rates.

  • Pickup and Delivery Type

    Residential or limited-access locations, like construction sites, often come with added fees.

  • Accessorial Services

    Extras like liftgate delivery, inside pickup, or scheduled appointments increase the total cost.

  • Fuel and Market Demand

    Fuel surcharges and seasonal demand shifts (e.g., holidays, end of the month) can raise prices.

How Seasonal Changes Affect LTL Freight Shipping Prices

Freight shipping rates can fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonal demand and weather-related challenges. Here’s how each season can impact LTL freight pricing and service:

Winter: Weather Delays and Reduced Capacity
Snowstorms, icy roads, and frigid temperatures can slow down transit times and reduce available capacity. Carriers may reroute or delay shipments due to safety concerns, which can lead to higher rates and less flexibility, especially in the Midwest and Northeast. Fuel surcharges may also rise due to harsher driving conditions.

Spring: Increased Volume from Key Industries
As construction, agriculture, and retail industries ramp up, LTL networks often see a spike in freight volume. This increased demand can tighten carrier availability and result in moderate price increases. However, spring typically offers more reliable weather, helping improve on-time performance.

Summer: Peak Moving and Produce Season
The summer months bring peak season surcharges, driven by high shipping demand from residential moves and agricultural shipments. With more freight competing for limited truck space, LTL prices can climb. Extreme heat may also impact the transport of sensitive goods, requiring special handling that could increase costs.

Fall: Holiday Prep and Tight Capacity
As retailers gear up for the holiday season, freight volumes surge. Carriers often prioritize full truckload shipments for large retailers, tightening capacity for LTL freight. This shift drives up rates and can result in longer transit times, especially in the lead-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING?

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