Pricing Guide
How Much Does Freight Shipping Cost? 2025 Pricing Guide
"How much will it cost to ship this?" It's the first question every shipper asks. After years of quoting freight, I'll break down exactly what goes into pricing and how to get the best rates.
Quick Answer: Average Freight Costs
| Shipping Mode | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) | $150 - $1,500 | 1-6 pallets, 150-10,000 lbs |
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,500 - $5,000+ | 10+ pallets, 10,000+ lbs |
| Flatbed | $2.50 - $4.00/mile | Oversized, heavy equipment |
| Refrigerated | $3.00 - $5.00/mile | Temperature-sensitive goods |
From my experience: These are ballpark figures. I've seen LTL shipments cost $200 and I've seen them cost $3,000 for the same weight—the difference comes down to freight class, distance, and market conditions. Always get an actual quote.
What Determines Freight Shipping Cost?
1. Distance
The most obvious factor. Shipping from Dallas to Houston costs less than Dallas to Seattle. But it's not always linear—some lanes are more competitive than others.
2. Weight and Dimensions
Heavier shipments cost more, but so do lightweight shipments that take up a lot of space. Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weight.
3. Freight Class (LTL Only)
LTL shipments are classified from 50 to 500 based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. Class 50 (dense, easy freight) is cheapest; Class 500 (light, fragile) is most expensive. Learn more in our freight class guide.
Real example: I had two customers shipping 1,000 lbs from Chicago to Atlanta. One shipped machine parts (Class 85) for $450. The other shipped ping pong balls (Class 400) for $1,800. Same weight, same lane—4x the price difference because of freight class.
4. Fuel Surcharge
Carriers add a fuel surcharge that fluctuates with diesel prices. When fuel is expensive, expect 20-30% added to your base rate.
5. Accessorial Charges
Extra services cost extra money:
- Liftgate: $75-150 if no loading dock
- Residential delivery: $75-150
- Inside delivery: $100-200
- Appointment scheduling: $50-100
- Detention: $50-100/hour after free time
6. Market Conditions
Freight pricing follows supply and demand. During produce season, rates from California and Florida spike. Before holidays, capacity gets tight everywhere. January is typically the cheapest month to ship.
How to Get the Best Freight Rates
1. Be Flexible on Timing
If you can ship Monday-Wednesday instead of Thursday-Friday, you'll often find better rates. Carriers want to fill trucks early in the week.
2. Accurate Measurements
Underestimating weight or dimensions leads to reweighs and billing adjustments—always more expensive. Measure accurately the first time.
3. Proper Packaging
Freight on standard 48x40 pallets that can be stacked is easier to handle. Odd shapes or fragile items get higher freight classes.
4. Work with a Broker
Freight brokers have volume discounts with multiple carriers. We can often get rates 15-30% lower than going direct, plus we handle all the logistics.
My rule of thumb: Always get at least 3 quotes. Carrier pricing varies wildly depending on their current capacity and lane preferences. What's expensive with one carrier might be cheap with another.
The Bottom Line
Freight costs depend on many factors, and the only way to know your actual cost is to get a quote with your specific shipment details. Ballpark estimates are helpful for budgeting, but don't commit to pricing without real numbers.
Get Your Exact Cost
Submit your shipment details below and I'll get you accurate quotes from multiple carriers within hours.
Written by
Jeff ConboyFreight Logistics Specialist
Freight industry professional with hands-on experience in LTL, FTL, flatbed, and refrigerated shipping. Helping businesses find the right carriers at the right prices.
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