An LTL freight quote tells you what carriers will charge to move your shipment, so you can compare price and transit time before you book. The numbers matter more than most shippers expect. In our own quotes, the same three pallets on the same lane ranged from $938 to $1,981 across 21 carriers. Use the form above to request your quote, and read on to see what drives the price and how to get an accurate one the first time.
How to get an LTL freight quote
- Tell us about the shipment. Start with the pickup and delivery ZIP codes and the total weight in the form above. We carry them into the quote request so you do not type them twice.
- Add the details that set the price. A few short questions cover what you are shipping, pallet count, size, pickup and delivery locations and timing.
- Compare and choose. A freight specialist follows up within 15 minutes during business hours with your quotes, so you can compare price and transit time and pick the carrier that fits.
Start your LTL freight quote
Enter your ZIP codes and weight at the top of this page, or tell us the details and we will compare carriers for you.
Get my LTL quotes →What you need for an accurate quote
Carriers price on what they measure at the terminal. If your quote is built on a wrong weight, size or class, the final bill can change after pickup. Have these ready:
| Detail | Why it matters | Help |
|---|---|---|
| Total weight | Carriers price by weight, and the per-pound cost falls as weight rises. | Weigh the packed shipment, pallet included. |
| Dimensions and pallet count | Size sets the density, and density sets the freight class. | Density calculator |
| Freight class | A higher class costs more. The typical quote was 26% higher at class 100 than at class 70 for the same pallets. | Freight class calculator |
| Pickup and delivery type | A home or a site with no dock needs a liftgate or residential service. | Accessorial charge checker |
| Special freight | Crates, engines and parts have their own rules and weights. | Crate shipping · engines · auto parts |
| Ship date | Rates and capacity move with fuel, season and carrier networks. | Quote close to the date you ship. |
What changes an LTL freight quote
We have tested these on live quotes, not rules of thumb. Each study links to the full data.
- The carrier you pick. On our 143 sample lanes the fifth-cheapest quote was a median of 29% above the cheapest for the same freight, and 21 different carriers were the cheapest on at least one lane. Read the LTL cost study.
- Freight class. Pricing by class meant 16 of 22 carriers charged more as class rose, while 6 charged the same at every class. See the freight class price study.
- Delivery location and extras. A liftgate added about $75 to $108, residential delivery about $99 to $116, and both together about $167 to $190 in our samples. See liftgate delivery.
- Packaging. A crate cost about 6% to 7% more than the same freight on a pallet at the same class, and an 8-foot crate cost 61% to 78% more than a compact one. See crate shipping.
- LTL or truckload. Larger loads can be cheaper on a truck. Compare real quotes in our LTL vs. FTL guide.
Why compare carriers instead of calling one
No carrier is cheapest everywhere. The best price changes with the lane, the weight, the freight class and the date, which is why the same pallets cost $938 from one carrier and $1,981 from another. Six of the 22 carriers in our class test priced the shipment the same whatever class we entered, so a carrier that is cheap on one shipment may not be on the next. A single request that returns many carriers’ prices lets you see that range before you commit, and weigh transit time against price.
Want to see more real quotes? Our LTL state pages list actual quotes by lane, with the carriers and transit times behind each price.
Compare carriers for your shipment
Get your own quotes from vetted LTL carriers. Start with your ZIP codes and weight.
Get my LTL quotes →Who you are getting quotes from
- A freight broker, not a carrier. Transportli matches your shipment with carriers and operates under active FMCSA broker authority. Our credentials are on the about page.
- Vetted carriers. Every carrier is verified for active operating authority, insurance and safety rating before it is shown to you.
- Your information is protected. We do not sell your personal information.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an LTL freight quote?
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes and the total weight in the form at the top of this page, then answer a few short questions about the shipment. A freight specialist follows up within 15 minutes during business hours with your quotes.
What information do I need for an LTL quote?
The pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the total weight, the number of pallets or pieces and their size, the freight class if you know it, the type of pickup and delivery location, and any extras such as a liftgate. Our freight class and density calculators can help if you are unsure.
How much does LTL freight cost?
It depends on weight, distance, class and carrier. On the real quotes from our rate pages, the typical cheapest quote was about $429 for shipments under 150 lb, $368 for 150 to 400 lb, $488 for 400 to 1,000 lb and $673 above 1,000 lb. See our full LTL cost study for the details.
Why do LTL quotes differ between carriers?
Carriers use their own rate tables, freight class rules and minimum charges. For the same 3 pallets and the same lane, our quotes ranged from $938 to $1,981 across 21 carriers. Six of 22 carriers charged the same at every class we tried, while the rest charged more as class rose.
Is an LTL quote the final price?
A quote is based on the details you give. Carriers weigh and measure freight at pickup or at a terminal, and can adjust the bill if the weight, size or class differs from what was quoted. Enter accurate details, and use a class calculator before you book.
What extras can change my LTL quote?
Liftgate delivery, residential delivery, limited-access locations, inside delivery and appointments can all add to the base rate. In our samples a liftgate added about $75 to $108 and residential delivery about $99 to $116. Use the accessorial charge checker to see which apply.
How is an LTL quote different from a truckload quote?
LTL shares a truck with other shippers and is priced by weight and class, while a full truckload rents a whole trailer. Truckload can be cheaper for large loads. Our LTL vs. FTL guide compares real LTL quotes with truckload market rates.
Can I get a quote for crated freight, engines or auto parts?
Yes. Tell us what you are shipping and how it is packed. Packing changes the weight, size and class, so see our guides to crate shipping, engines and auto parts for the numbers.