How do you compare LTL vs FTL cost?

Model each mode as its own scenario — moves times rate per move times share, plus accessorials — then compare totals. In the example, 6 moves at $420 with $250 in fees totals $2,770, or $461.67 per move.

When is FTL cheaper than LTL?

Generally once you have roughly 6+ pallets or the combined LTL rate plus accessorials approaches a full-truckload linehaul. Run both scenarios here; when the FTL total drops below the LTL total, consolidate.

What is a good cost per shipment for LTL?

It varies by weight, class, and lane, but the effective cost per move — $461.67 in the example — is the number to benchmark. It already folds accessorials into the per-shipment cost, unlike a raw quoted rate.

Why does my cost per move exceed the rate per move?

Accessorials and minimums get spread across the moves. The $420 rate becomes $461.67 per move once $250 in fees is distributed over 6 shipments — a reminder that LTL accessorials can dominate small scenarios.

What accessorials should I include for LTL?

Liftgate, residential, limited access, reclassification, and absolute minimum charges are the usual culprits. Sum them into the accessorials field so the comparison against FTL is honest.

LTL vs FTL — which is faster?

FTL is typically faster and lower-handling because it moves direct, while LTL hits multiple terminals. This tool compares cost, not transit; weigh the total against the service difference before deciding.

Transportation, Freight & Distribution calculator

LTL vs FTL Cost Comparison Calculator

The LTL vs FTL Cost Comparison models the total cost of a shipping scenario — a set of less-than-truckload shipments or full-truckload loads — so you can put the two modes side by side on the same freight. Logistics coordinators and freight buyers use it to find the crossover point where consolidating several LTL shipments into one FTL move gets cheaper, factoring in accessorials and minimums that LTL quietly piles on. By building one scenario at a time, you can run LTL in one pass and FTL in another and compare the totals and the cost per move. It's the calculation behind every 'should we consolidate this?' decision on a busy dock.

What this calculator does

Build a side-by-side planning cost for LTL or truckload moves by combining shipment count, rate per shipment, chargeable share, and fixed accessorials.
Use it when deciding whether several LTL shipments should move as one truckload or remain separate by destination.
It totals a freight scenario as moves times rate per move times scenario share, plus accessorials, and derives cost per move.

Formula used

Variable ltl vs ftl cost comparison = shipments or loads × rate per move × scenario share
Total ltl vs ftl cost comparison = variable ltl vs ftl cost comparison + accessorials and minimums

Inputs explained

Number of LTL shipments or FTL loads:
Freight rate per shipment or load:
Share of freight in this scenario:
Accessorials, minimums, and fees:

How to use the result

Use it when deciding whether to ship LTL or FTL, or when quoting a multi-shipment scenario with fees and minimums.
It models one scenario per run; to truly compare LTL and FTL you build each separately, and it doesn't auto-optimize transit time or capacity.

Current U.S. benchmarks

On-highway diesel averages $4.58 per gallon this week (EIA), trending down over recent periods. Truck tonnage is up 3.4% year over year (ATA via FRED).

Common questions

How do you compare LTL vs FTL cost? Model each mode as its own scenario — moves times rate per move times share, plus accessorials — then compare totals. In the example, 6 moves at $420 with $250 in fees totals $2,770, or $461.67 per move.
When is FTL cheaper than LTL? Generally once you have roughly 6+ pallets or the combined LTL rate plus accessorials approaches a full-truckload linehaul. Run both scenarios here; when the FTL total drops below the LTL total, consolidate.
What is a good cost per shipment for LTL? It varies by weight, class, and lane, but the effective cost per move — $461.67 in the example — is the number to benchmark. It already folds accessorials into the per-shipment cost, unlike a raw quoted rate.
Why does my cost per move exceed the rate per move? Accessorials and minimums get spread across the moves. The $420 rate becomes $461.67 per move once $250 in fees is distributed over 6 shipments — a reminder that LTL accessorials can dominate small scenarios.
What accessorials should I include for LTL? Liftgate, residential, limited access, reclassification, and absolute minimum charges are the usual culprits. Sum them into the accessorials field so the comparison against FTL is honest.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.