Pricing Resources

Freight Shipping Cost Guides

Understand what you should expect to pay for freight shipping. Learn about pricing factors, typical rate ranges, and how to save money on your shipments.

What a cost guide answers

Freight pricing isn't a sticker price — it's a function of several moving variables. A cost guide gives you the expected range so you can plan before you quote.

A cost guide answers

"What should I expect to pay?"

Typical rate ranges, the high-impact cost levers for each mode, and where shippers usually overpay. Built for budgeting and planning — not for booking.

A live quote answers

"What will it actually cost today?"

Real-time pricing from real carriers on your specific lane. Reflects current capacity, fuel surcharge, and the carrier's discount level with you.

Get an instant quote

What actually moves your rate

Two shippers moving the "same" pallet 500 miles can pay $200 different rates. Here's why.

Mode

LTL · Partial · Truckload

Distance & lane

Density & deadhead

Weight & class

NMFC freight class

Accessorials

Liftgate · residential

Fuel surcharge

This week, by carrier

Pick the closest guide

Match the guide to your shipment type — LTL, full truckload, flatbed, reefer, or specialized. Not sure which equipment? See the trailer guide.

Read the range & levers

Note the typical range and the high-impact cost factors — those are the variables worth optimizing.

Apply the saving tips

Shift mode, consolidate, or re-class where it makes sense. Then run the shipment through the quote tool.

Plan Ahead

Know what factors affect your shipping cost before you request a quote. Understanding the market helps you make better decisions.

Budget Accurately

Use our rate ranges to estimate costs for planning purposes. Set realistic expectations for your shipping budget.

Save Money

Each guide includes actionable tips to reduce your shipping costs. Small changes can lead to significant savings.

Available Cost Guides

How Much Does LTL Shipping Cost?

LTL runs about $280–$930+ depending on pallet count, weight, class, and lane. See 2026 rate ranges, plus the accessorials and reweighs that move the final bill.

Typical range: $280 - $2,130

Key factors: 3 high-impact

Flatbed Trucking Rates Per Mile

Flatbed rates run about $2.90-$3.80/mile past 700 miles and more per mile on shorter runs, with an $830 minimum. October 2026 prices and what moves them.

Typical range: $2.90-$6.95/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pallet?

One 500 lb pallet, dock to dock, measured October 2026: $280–$350 under 500 miles, $400–$530 coast to coast. What drives your rate and the fees to expect.

Typical range: $280 - $530

Key factors: 3 high-impact

Dry Van Trucking Rates Per Mile

Dry van rates run about $2.20-$3.20/mile past 700 miles and more per mile on shorter runs, with a $700 minimum. October 2026 prices and what moves them.

Typical range: $2.20-$6.35/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

Refrigerated Trucking Rates Per Mile

Reefer rates run about $2.45-$3.50/mile past 700 miles, about 10% more than dry van, with a $775 minimum. October 2026 prices and what moves them.

Typical range: $2.45-$6.85/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

Step Deck Trucking Rates Per Mile

Step deck rates run about $3.25-$4.15/mile past 700 miles, more on short runs, with a $945 minimum. October 2026 prices, step deck vs flatbed, and a quote.

Typical range: $3.25-$7.35/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

Specialized & Heavy Haul Rates

RGN and heavy haul quotes run about $4.40-$5.90/mile past 500 miles, more on short runs, plus permits and escorts. October 2026 prices and what moves them.

Typical range: $4.40-$8.80/mile + permits

Key factors: 3 high-impact

How Much Does Refrigerated LTL Shipping Cost?

Refrigerated LTL shipping costs $775-$2,000+ per pallet depending on temperature requirements, weight, and distance. Learn what affects reefer LTL rates.

Typical range: $775 - $2,800

Key factors: 3 high-impact

How Much Does Truckload Shipping Cost?

A full truckload (FTL) dry van ran about $1,700-$2,750 at 500 miles and $5,500-$7,800 cross-country in October 2026. Rates by trailer and what moves them.

Typical range: $1,700 - $7,800

Key factors: 4 high-impact

How Much Does Heavy Equipment Shipping Cost?

Heavy equipment shipping ran about $2,000-$5,900 for 500 to 1,000 miles in October 2026, more with permits and escorts. Flatbed, step deck and RGN rates.

Typical range: $2,000 - $8,000+

Key factors: 4 high-impact

How Much Does Expedited Freight Cost?

Expedited freight ran about $3,350-$4,350 for a 1,000-mile team-driver van in October 2026 and $2,100-$3,500 for a 500-mile box truck. What moves the price.

Typical range: $2,100 - $9,800

Key factors: 3 high-impact

How Much Does Frozen LTL Shipping Cost?

Frozen LTL shipping costs $800-$2,800+ per shipment depending on pallet count and distance. 15-25% more than chilled LTL due to specialized equipment.

Typical range: $800 - $2,800

Key factors: 3 high-impact

Ready to Get Actual Rates?

Now that you understand pricing factors, get a real quote for your shipment with rates from multiple carriers.

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