Free Online Tool
Linear Feet Freight Calculator
Calculate LTL freight linear feet from pallet dimensions and count. Includes VTL threshold check, NMFC freight class, and rough rate estimate. Free, no install, no signup.
Shipment Details
Max 96" (8 ft) for most carriers
Linear Feet (LTL)
12 LF
Small household appliances
Rough LTL Rate Estimate
$180 – $420
$15–$35/LF rough market average — get actual quotes from brokers
Related Calculators
The Hidden Cost of Freight Class: Why Class 85 Costs Double Class 70
NMFC freight class is based on four factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. Density is the primary factor for most commodities, but the others can override it.
For example, a pallet of mirrors and a pallet of rolled steel might have similar density. But mirrors are fragile (high liability) and awkwardly shaped (handling difficulty), landing in Class 200. Steel rolls might qualify for Class 70.
A Class 200 shipment can cost 2–3× more per cwt than Class 70 on the same lane. Repackaging fragile goods to increase density — for example, filling void space in cartons — can drop you from Class 200 to Class 125, saving 30–40% on the freight bill.
Why Two Shippers Pay Different Rates on the Same Lane
LTL pricing is opaque because it's contract-driven. Major carriers publish a "base tariff" (like FedEx Freight's 559 or XPO's 560), then each shipper negotiates a discount off that tariff based on volume and frequency.
Example: 500 lbs, Class 85, Chicago → Dallas
Using a freight broker instead of booking directly with a carrier often saves small businesses 15–25%, because brokers aggregate volume across many shippers to negotiate deeper discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate linear feet for LTL freight?
Linear feet = total trailer floor length your shipment occupies. Two standard 48"×40" pallets fit side by side in a 96-98" wide trailer, so 4 such pallets = 2 rows × 48" = 96" = 8 LF. Formula: linear inches = ceiling(count / pallets_per_row) × pallet_length. Divide by 12 for LF.
What is Volume LTL (VTL) and when does it apply?
VTL applies when a shipment occupies 6–10+ LF but doesn't justify full TL. VTL rates are negotiated directly with carriers and can be 15–25% cheaper than standard LTL per linear foot. Most carriers trigger VTL pricing at 8–12 LF.
What is NMFC freight class and how is it determined?
NMFC freight class ranges from 50 (heaviest/densest) to 500 (lightest). Determined by density (weight ÷ cubic feet). A density of 50+ lbs/cu ft = Class 50; 1–2 lbs/cu ft = Class 400. Lower class = lower rates.
When does LTL vs. truckload shipping make more sense?
LTL makes sense under 10,000–15,000 lbs or under 24 LF. Above that, partial or full TL is usually cheaper. A freight broker can find better pricing than direct carrier rates for non-contract shippers.
Do all carriers use the same linear feet formula?
No — rules vary by carrier. Some count every pallet as its own lane; others allow two standard pallets per row if both are under 48" wide. Always verify the specific carrier's linear feet rules when getting a quote.
Disclaimer
Rate estimates are rough approximations. Actual LTL rates depend on carrier, tariff, discount, accessorials, and current market conditions. Always get quotes from 2–3 carriers or brokers for accurate pricing.