LTL (less-than-truckload) freight rate per mile
Priced by weight class and distance, not per mile
National-average reference range (DAT 2026 basis, all-in including fuel surcharge). Reference ranges only, your lane, season, and fuel will move these. Always price your own load. Price your load with the calculator below.
Low end
Varies
High end
Varies
Typical fuel economy
7 mpg
What drives the LTL rate
- Freight class (NMFC 50-500) and actual weight drive the base rate from carrier tariffs.
- LTL is priced by distance zones because freight shares trailer space across multiple stops.
- Accessorial charges (liftgate, residential, inside delivery) stack on top of the base tariff.
- Carrier network density near origin and destination determines how competitive pricing can be.
How to price your LTL load
Determine your freight class using NMFC density rules before requesting carrier quotes. For loads between 5,000 and 10,000 lb, compare LTL against a partial truckload rate to see which prices better.
Open load profit calculatorFrequently asked questions
LTL (less-than-truckload) is priced by weight class and distance, not per mile. Your specific lane, season, and fuel costs will move these numbers significantly in either direction, so always price from your actual lane data before accepting a load.
