Compare LTL Freight Rates and Book
Compare carrier options, choose the right service, and book your pallet shipment in one place.
FreightCenter lets you quote, compare, book, and manage LTL freight through one platform.
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Compare Other Freight Shipping Options
Compare and Book Truckload Freight Services Flatbed Freight Shipping ServicesIs LTL Shipping Right for Your Freight?
LTL shipping works when your shipment needs truck space but not an entire trailer.
Your freight shares trailer space with other shipments moving along the carrier’s network. LTL is a common option for shipments under 15,000 pounds.
LTL may be a good fit when:
- You are shipping one or several pallets.
- Your freight does not need a dedicated trailer.
- You want to compare carrier rates before booking.
- Your shipment can move through an LTL carrier network.
- You need options such as liftgate or residential service.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Businesses Book LTL Shipping With FreightCenter
Compare options without contacting carriers one at a time.
FreightCenter keeps repeat shipping tasks together in one account.
- Compare rates faster: Review available LTL carrier options before choosing a service.
- Reuse shipping details: Save frequent addresses for future bookings.
- Reduce paperwork: Generate your Bill of Lading through the booking process.
- Keep records together: Review shipment history and invoices from your account.
- Get human help: Talk with freight specialists when a shipment needs extra guidance.
What Is LTL Freight Shipping?
LTL freight shipping combines smaller shipments from multiple shippers within one trailer.
You pay for the space and weight your shipment uses.
This service works well when your freight doesn’t need an entire trailer.
What Do You Need Before Requesting a Quote?
Have your route, dimensions, weight, and shipment details ready. Confirm your piece count before booking.
Enter your pickup ZIP code and destination ZIP code first.
Then provide accurate dimensions, weight, and a clear description of your items.
- Measure accurately: Record the packaged length, width, and height.
- Weigh accurately: Use the shipment’s packaged weight.
- Count pieces: Confirm how many pallets, crates, or pieces will move.
- Check locations: Note whether pickup or delivery needs extra services.
How LTL Freight Shipping Works with FreightCenter: A Simple 4-Step Process
At FreightCenter, we believe shipping should be uncomplicated. We have digitized the traditional logistics pipeline to let you run, book, and manage your shipments in four simple steps:
Step 1: Input Your Shipment Details
Start by entering your origin ZIP code, destination ZIP code, and package dimensions into our digital quote tool. Be sure to provide the precise weight and describe the items you are shipping. If your locations do not have a standard loading dock, you will select the residential service or liftgate options at this stage.
Step 2: Compare Instant Rates Side-by-Side
Our platform instantly aggregates real-time rates from our extensive carrier network. You can filter options by the absolute lowest price, the fastest estimated transit time, or individual carrier ratings. This transparency ensures you choose the carrier that aligns perfectly with your customer commitments.
Step 3: Confirm and Generate Your BOL
Once you choose your rate, confirm your booking directly through our secure checkout. The platform automatically generates your legally required shipping paperwork, including your FreightCenter Bill of Lading (BOL). This document must be handed directly to the truck driver at pickup to ensure your pre-negotiated discount rates remain active.
Step 4: Manage Your Logistics Pipeline
With your shipment booked, you can manage transit milestones, view historical invoices, save freight profiles, and schedule repeat pickups directly within your personal account dashboard.
Some shipments need different equipment, timing, or handling. Compare these services when standard LTL does not match the job.
Truckload gives one shipper dedicated trailer space for larger freight. Compare it when your shipment fills substantial space or should not share a trailer with other shippers’ freight during transit.
Liftgate service helps move heavy freight safely between a truck and the ground. Add it when pickup or delivery lacks a loading dock, forklift, or other safe unloading equipment onsite.
Residential freight service supports pickups or deliveries at home addresses. Add the correct location service when standard commercial dock access is unavailable and special delivery planning may be required upfront.
Expedited freight supports time-sensitive shipments when standard timing does not fit. Compare expedited options when pickup or delivery timing is a primary part of your shipping decision and service choice.
How LTL Freight Rates Are Determined
To ensure your up-front quote matches your final carrier invoice, LTL carriers calculate their rates using four main factors:
- Freight Classification (NMFC): Code-based classification based on the density, ease of handling, stowability, and liability of your freight.
- Weight & Dimensions: The physical footprint of your packaged pallet or crate, including the height, width, and length.
- Lane Distance: The total mileage between your pickup ZIP code and delivery destination terminal.
- Accessorial Services: Any extra equipment or handling steps required beyond basic dock-to-dock transit, such as liftgates or residential pickup.
Using the FreightCenter platform helps you enter these details accurately and match you with carriers whose networks are optimized for your specific freight lane.
Understanding LTL Accessorial Fees: No Surprises, Just Shipping Handled
An accessorial is an extra service performed by a carrier that goes beyond basic dock-to-dock transport. Failing to declare these services during your initial quote is the most common cause of post-delivery billing adjustments. Here are the accessorials you should know before you ship:
- Liftgate Services: Standard LTL semi-trucks do not carry ramps. If your pickup or delivery location lacks a standard freight dock or a forklift, a liftgate-equipped truck is mandatory to safely lower your pallets to ground level.
- Residential Pickup and Delivery: Freight carriers classify residentially-zoned areas—including home-based businesses—differently due to narrow streets and local commercial transit restrictions. Declaring residential pickup or delivery ensures the carrier dispatches an appropriately sized truck.
- Limited Access Locations: This designation applies to facilities with restricted entry protocols, security gates, or challenging loading environments, including schools, construction sites, camps, government buildings, and storage yards.
- Inside Pickup or Inside Delivery: Standard LTL service is curbside only. If you require a carrier driver to cross your threshold or bring pallets past a loading dock’s doors, you must select inside delivery to avoid unannounced adjustment fees.
FreightCenter guides you through these selections during the quoting phase, helping you protect your business margins by factoring all costs into your upfront quote.
The Power of Repeat Shipping: Why Growing Businesses Partner with FreightCenter
For growing e-commerce platforms, manufacturers, and distributors, shipping is not a one-time transaction—it is a continuous operational process. FreightCenter is engineered to act as an extension of your shipping department:
- Address Book Automation: Save frequent vendor and customer addresses to cut your booking times down to seconds.
- Loyalty Points on Every Lane: Our repeat shippers earn points through the FreightCenter Shipping Rewards program. These points stack with every booking, building up credits that reduce your future shipping costs.
- Centralized Financial Tracking: Access, download, and reconcile all freight invoices and past shipping expenses from a single hub, simplifying accounting.
- Consistent Shipping Capacity: Avoid regional carrier shortages. Our deep network integrations ensure you find trailer space even during peak logistics seasons.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
What Affects LTL Freight Shipping Rates?
LTL freight rates depend on shipment details, route distance, service needs, and current carrier options.
Accurate quote information gives you a better starting point for comparing available rates.
- Freight density: Weight and physical size can affect pricing and freight class.
- Shipment weight: Heavier freight can change the rate and available carrier options.
- Lane distance: Pickup and delivery distance affects the shipment price.
- Freight class: Accurate classification helps carriers rate the shipment correctly. Freight classes follow National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) standards.
- Extra services: Liftgates, residential stops, and inside service can affect final costs.
- Fuel surcharges: Fuel-related charges can affect your quoted rate.
Use an instant quote to compare current rates for your shipping lane.
Compare LTL Freight Rates & Save Big!
Why settle for one carrier when you can compare multiple top-rated LTL carriers in seconds? FreightCenter’s powerful rate comparison tool gives you instant access to the best prices, fastest transit times, and top-tier service—all in one place!
LTL Shipping FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Download Our LTL Shipping Guide
Q. What is LTL freight shipping with FreightCenter?
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping with FreightCenter lets you move smaller shipments by sharing space on a truck with other freight. You only pay for the space you use, and you can compare quotes from top LTL carriers instantly on FreightCenter.com.
Q. How do I get an LTL freight quote from FreightCenter?
You can get a free, instant LTL quote by entering your shipment details—origin, destination, weight, and dimensions—into our online quote tool. You’ll immediately see rates from multiple top-rated carriers for easy comparison.
Q. Is FreightCenter a carrier or a broker?
FreightCenter is a licensed third-party logistics (3PL) provider, not a carrier. We partner with trusted LTL carriers, including FedEx Freight, Estes, and XPO, to help you find the best rates and services all in one place.
Q. What LTL carriers does FreightCenter work with?
FreightCenter works with a wide network of national and regional LTL carriers, including FedEx Freight, R+L Carriers, Estes, XPO, SAIA, TForce, and many others, giving you more options and better rates.
Q. How does FreightCenter help me save on LTL shipping?
We leverage our volume discounts and long-standing carrier relationships to offer lower rates than you’d typically get by going directly. Additionally, our technology enables you to find the optimal balance of price and service tailored to your specific needs.
Q. Can I track my LTL shipment through FreightCenter?
Yes! All LTL shipments booked through FreightCenter include real-time tracking via your dashboard. You can also receive notifications by email, SMS or speak with your dedicated shipping agent for updates.
Q. How do I book an LTL shipment on FreightCenter.com?
After receiving a quote, select your preferred carrier, add any necessary accessories (such as liftgate or residential delivery), and follow the prompts to book online. You’ll receive your bill of lading (BOL) and confirmation instantly. Book a shipment
Q. What is included in FreightCenter’s LTL quote?
Your LTL quote includes base rate, fuel surcharges, transit estimate, and any accessorials you choose. What you see is what you pay—no surprise fees if your shipment details are accurate.
Q. Can FreightCenter help me choose the right LTL carrier?
Absolutely. If you’re unsure which carrier to choose, our shipping experts are available by phone or live chat to guide you based on factors such as price, speed, service area, or reliability.
Q. Does FreightCenter handle claims for damaged LTL freight?
Yes. If your LTL shipment is lost or damaged, FreightCenter’s claims department will help you file and manage the claim with the carrier, making the process faster and less stressful.
Q. What accessorial services can I add when shipping LTL with FreightCenter?
FreightCenter offers a full range of LTL accessorials, including liftgate service, residential delivery, inside pickup/delivery, limited access locations, and appointment scheduling—all selectable during checkout.
Q. How do I know if I need a liftgate service through FreightCenter?
If the pickup or delivery location does not have a loading dock or forklift, you’ll need to request liftgate service when booking. This ensures your freight can be safely loaded and unloaded at the curbside.
Q. Does FreightCenter support LTL freight shipping to residential addresses?
Yes, we offer residential LTL delivery and pickup, complete with liftgate and appointment scheduling options to ensure a smooth delivery experience for home-based businesses or individual customers.
Q. Can FreightCenter ship LTL freight internationally?
Yes! FreightCenter offers LTL shipping to and from Canada and Mexico, along with cross-border expertise to help you manage customs, documentation, and compliance.
Q. What payment options are available through FreightCenter?
You can pay for your shipment using major credit cards, ACH transfers, or prepaid accounts. Business customers can also apply for credit terms with an approved credit.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer volume LTL discounts for frequent shippers?
Yes. We offer custom pricing programs and dedicated account managers for businesses that ship frequently or in high volumes. Contact us for a tailored shipping solution.
Q. What freight types can I ship LTL through FreightCenter?
FreightCenter can handle nearly any palletized or crated freight, including retail goods, e-commerce inventory, machinery, furniture, appliances, auto parts, and more. Some restricted or hazardous materials (Hazmat) items may require special handling.
Q. How does FreightCenter ensure my freight is handled safely?
We only work with reputable, insured carriers, and our platform helps you select the right services for secure pickup, transit, and delivery. We also offer guidance on packaging best practices to reduce the risk of damage.
Q. Can I ship hazmat LTL freight with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter can assist with hazmat shipments, although only qualified carriers are authorized to handle those loads. Be sure to indicate that your freight is hazardous during the quote process.
Q. Why do businesses choose FreightCenter for LTL freight?
Businesses choose FreightCenter for our easy-to-use platform, expert support, competitive pricing, and trusted carrier network. Whether you’re new to LTL or a seasoned shipper, we simplify freight from quote to delivery.
3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About LTL Freight Shipping
One Pallet Can Move Through Several Terminals
LTL freight can move through a hub-based network before reaching its destination. Strong packaging helps protect freight during handling and transfers.
Accurate Dimensions Help Protect Your Quote
Small measurement errors can affect the final LTL rating. Measure the packaged shipment, including wrapping, pallet height, and any overhang.
A Free Account Helps Repeat Shippers Earn Rewards
Create a free FreightCenter account to manage repeat shipments and earn Shipping Rewards. Eligible paid shipments earn points that can lower future freight invoices. Your account also keeps key shipping tools and records in one place, making repeat bookings faster and easier.
