In plain English
Rates are normally weight times a rate per 100 lb. For very light freight that gives a figure too low to cover pickup, handling and delivery, so the carrier sets a floor.
The minimum varies by carrier and by lane, and in practice many small LTL shipments are billed at the minimum.
Why it matters when you ship
If your shipment is under a couple of hundred pounds, check whether a parcel service, a courier or a van is cheaper than the LTL minimum.
Example
A 90 lb box would price at $42 by weight, but the carrier’s minimum on the lane is $120, so the invoice is $120.
Related terms
Learn more
Minimum charge: common questions
Is the minimum charge the same for all carriers?
No. Each carrier publishes its own minimum, and it varies by lane and distance.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Minimum Charge: Meaning in LTL Pricing”, https://transportli.com/glossary/minimum-charge/, updated November 11, 2026.
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