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

Updated weekly

Pick the closest guide

Match the guide to your shipment type — LTL, full truckload, flatbed, reefer, or specialized.

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 shipping runs about $150–$800+ per pallet depending on weight, class, and lane. See 2026 rate ranges, cost drivers, and get an instant multi-carrier quote.

Typical range: $150 - $2,000

Key factors: 3 high-impact

Flatbed Trucking Rates Per Mile

Flatbed trucking rates start around $2.12/mile for long haul, with short-haul premiums up to 25%. Learn what affects flatbed shipping costs.

Typical range: $2.59/mile - $2.50/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

How Much to Ship a Pallet?

Ship a pallet for about $100–$600+ — regional light loads from ~$100, cross-country from ~$300. See 2026 LTL pallet rates and accessorials.

Typical range: $100 - $600+

Key factors: 3 high-impact

Dry Van Trucking Rates Per Mile

Dry van trucking rates start around $1.96/mile for long haul with short-haul premiums up to 20%. Learn what affects dry van shipping costs.

Typical range: $2.31/mile - $2.35/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

Refrigerated Trucking Rates

Reefer trucking rates start around $2.18/mile for long haul, about 10% more than dry van. Learn what affects refrigerated shipping costs.

Typical range: $2.66/mile - $2.60/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

Step Deck Trucking Rates

Step deck trucking rates from about $2.35/mi long haul ($2.87–$3.30/mi short haul). See 2026 per-mile ranges, when to use drop deck vs flatbed, and get a quote.

Typical range: $2.87/mile - $2.80/mile

Key factors: 2 high-impact

Specialized & Heavy Haul Rates

RGN and heavy haul trucking rates start around $3.40/mile. Learn what affects specialized shipping costs for oversized and overweight freight.

Typical range: $4.25/mile - $800/day

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?

Full truckload (FTL) shipping costs $1,150-$6,500+ depending on distance and trailer type. Dry van starts at $1.96/mile, flatbed at $2.12/mile, reefer at $2.18/mile.

Typical range: $1,150 - $6,500

Key factors: 4 high-impact

How Much Does Heavy Equipment Shipping Cost?

Heavy equipment shipping costs $1,000-$15,000+ depending on weight, dimensions, and distance. Typical rates: flatbed $2.12/mile, step deck $2.35/mile, RGN $3.40/mile.

Typical range: $1,250 - $8,000+

Key factors: 4 high-impact

How Much Does Expedited Freight Cost?

Expedited freight costs 30-60% more than standard truckload. Team drivers add ~$0.50/mile + $500 flat. Hot shot box truck rates start at $2.75/mile.

Typical range: $1,600 - $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.