How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pallet?
Pallet shipping rates and what affects your cost
Price this pallet shipment
Enter origin, destination, weight, and dimensions for instant LTL pallet rates from multiple carriers.
| Scenario | Low Range | High Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $280 | $350 | Regional |
| 500 to 999 miles | $310 | $370 | A few states away |
| 1,000 to 1,999 miles | $330 | $440 | Long haul |
| 2,000+ miles | $400 | $530 | Coast to coast |
Priced with the LTL carriers we book, on lanes between major US cities, with no liftgate or other extras. Each range is the middle of what the cheapest carriers charged, fuel and our fee included.
Smaller towns, New York City area deliveries and residential stops usually cost more. Your quote prices your exact freight.
Watch: what sets the price of a pallet
The five things that move your price, in 7:07.
What Affects Your Cost?
Pallet Weight
High ImpactWeight is a primary cost driver. LTL rates are based on per-hundred-weight (CWT), with rates generally decreasing as total weight increases. Heavier pallets cost more but have better per-pound economics.
Distance
High ImpactLonger distances cost more, but far less than in proportion: a pallet going 1,500 miles usually costs well under twice what a 500-mile one does, not three times. Regional moves are still the most economical.
Freight Class
High ImpactBased on density and commodity type. Dense, durable goods (Class 50-70) cost less than light, fragile items (Class 150-400). Class can double your shipping cost.
Pallet Dimensions
Medium ImpactStandard 48x40" pallets get best rates. Odd sizes or tall pallets may incur extra charges. Height matters - pallets over 48" reduce stacking ability.
Delivery Requirements
Medium ImpactBusiness with dock = lowest cost. Per stop on our LTL quotes: residential about +$40-270 (commonly $50-165), liftgate about +$35-230 (commonly $50-140), inside delivery about +$50-230, a call before delivery about +$5-110.
Pickup/Delivery Location
Low ImpactMajor metro areas have best rates due to carrier density. Rural areas, construction sites, or limited access locations often have surcharges.
Example Pricing Scenarios
1 pallet, 48x40x48", 600 lbs, Class 85, NYC to Philadelphia (100 miles)
1 pallet, 48x40x40", 900 lbs, Class 70, Detroit to Indianapolis (300 miles)
1 pallet, 48x48x36", 1,200 lbs, Class 65, Houston to Los Angeles (1,500 miles)
1 pallet, 48x40x48", 350 lbs, Class 125, Chicago to Atlanta (700 miles), liftgate
Shipping a pallet, step by step
- 1
Measure and weigh
Length, width, height and total weight, all including the pallet. Carriers reweigh and remeasure, and a mismatch comes back as a corrected invoice.
- 2
Set the freight class
Class comes mainly from density, the weight divided by the cubic feet. Work it out before you quote. Freight class calculator
- 3
Build and wrap it
A sturdy 48 x 40 pallet, heaviest boxes on the bottom, nothing over the edges, stretch-wrapped into one unit and about 72 inches tall or less. Pallet calculator
- 4
Quote it with everything declared
Liftgate, residential delivery and appointments cost less when they are on the quote than when the driver finds them. Instant pallet quote
- 5
Bill of lading and pickup
Print the bill of lading, label the pallet and have it staged for the driver. Track it with the PRO number.
Each step in detail, with packing and accessorial checklists: How to ship a pallet.