Freight Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment from its weight, rate per pound, fuel surcharge and base charge.
Reviewed by the CalcCafe editorial team · Last updated 1 July 2026 · How we test our tools
Example
A 500 lb shipment at $0.35/lb has a linehaul of $175.00. An 18% fuel surcharge adds $31.50, and with a $45 base charge the total is $251.50 — about $0.503 per pound.
How it works
Total = weight × rate per lb × (1 + fuel surcharge% ÷ 100) + base charge. The fuel surcharge amount is the linehaul (weight × rate) multiplied by the surcharge percent, and cost per lb is the total divided by the weight.
Good to know
The Freight Cost Calculator gives a fast, order-of-magnitude estimate for a less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment using the four numbers you are most likely to have on hand: total weight, a negotiated or published rate per pound, the carrier's current fuel surcharge, and any flat base or minimum charge. As you type, it returns the all-in total, the effective cost per pound, and how many dollars the fuel surcharge alone is adding — a figure that surprises many first-time shippers.
Rate-per-pound pricing is a simplification. Real LTL carriers price by freight class (a 50–500 scale based on density, stowability, handling and liability), by the origin-destination lane, and by dimensional weight when a shipment is light but bulky. The base-charge field stands in for the absolute minimum charge (AMC) that applies to small shipments, while the fuel surcharge is a percentage that carriers reset weekly against a national diesel index. Plug in your own rate and surcharge from a rate sheet to get closer to a real quote.
What this tool does not capture are accessorial fees — liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery, limited-access sites, reweighs and reclassifications — each of which can add $30–$150 or more. It also ignores insurance, detention and re-delivery. Treat the output as a planning number for budgeting and for comparing scenarios, not as a binding rate.
For an actual price, request a quote from a carrier or a freight broker with the exact weight, dimensions, freight class, pickup and delivery ZIP codes, and any needed services. Small changes in class or density can move the number substantially, so confirm before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is an LTL fuel surcharge?
It is a percentage carriers add to the base linehaul charge to offset diesel prices, reset regularly against a national fuel index. In this tool it is applied to weight × rate, so at 18% a $175 linehaul gains $31.50.
Why is my real quote higher than this estimate?
Carriers also price by freight class, dimensions, lane and accessorials such as liftgate or residential delivery. This calculator uses a simple rate per pound plus a base charge, so treat it as a planning figure, not a binding quote.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No — this calculator runs entirely in your browser. Your inputs never leave your device, and it works offline once loaded.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up and no limits.
People also ask
How is freight cost calculated?
A common LTL approach is weight × rate per pound for the linehaul, plus a fuel surcharge percentage, plus a base or minimum charge. This tool computes total = weight × rate × (1 + fuel surcharge%) + base charge.
How do I estimate cost per pound for shipping?
Divide the all-in total cost by the shipment weight. Here a $251.50 total on 500 lb works out to about $0.503 per pound once the fuel surcharge and base charge are included.
What is a base charge in freight?
It represents the carrier's flat minimum or absolute minimum charge that applies regardless of how light the shipment is, ensuring small loads still cover handling costs.
Related calculators
Sources & references
These tools follow our methodology and provide educational estimates only — verify important figures with a qualified professional.