Truckload Calculator
How many trucks do you need for your shipment?
Calculate Your Truckload Requirements
Add your shipment items below with dimensions and weight to find out how many trucks you need.
Add items and click Calculate to see results
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many trucks I need?
Add each type of item in your shipment with its quantity, dimensions, and weight. The calculator determines how items fit in the trailer considering stacking and rotation, then calculates the total number of truckloads required.
What is the capacity of a standard 53' trailer?
A standard 53' dry van trailer has interior dimensions of approximately 53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 9 feet tall, providing about 4,000 cubic feet of space. The typical weight capacity is 45,000 lbs.
What's the weight limit for a truckload?
Most truckload shipments are limited to 45,000-48,000 lbs depending on the trailer and route. Some shipments "weigh out" (hit weight limit) before they "cube out" (fill the space).
How does stackable freight affect trucks needed?
Stackable freight can be placed on top of itself, allowing more units to fit in the same floor space. This can significantly reduce the number of trucks required, especially for shorter items.
What's weight-limited vs space-limited?
Weight-limited means you hit the truck's weight capacity before filling the space. Space-limited means you fill the trailer before reaching the weight limit. Dense items like steel weigh out; light bulky items cube out.
Can I mix different sized items?
Yes! Add as many different line items as needed. The calculator considers each item type separately and calculates the total space required.
What if my shipment is less than a full truckload?
If your shipment is less than one truckload, we'll show the percentage of trailer space used. This helps you understand whether LTL or partial truckload pricing might apply.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides estimates based on standard loading patterns. Actual truck requirements may vary based on freight shape, loading dock constraints, and carrier requirements.
Need to calculate a single item type?
Use our Linear Feet Calculator for quick calculations with one item type.