Freight Cost Calculator
Calculate Freight Cost step by step: linehaul (with minimum charge) + fuel surcharge + accessorials.
In short
Formula: Linehaul = max(rate × weight or distance, minimum charge). Total = linehaul × (1 + fuel surcharge %) + accessorials.
What this calculator does
Calculate Freight Cost step by step: linehaul (with minimum charge) + fuel surcharge + accessorials. Worked example, questions and limitations included.
Use it to turn Currency (symbol only, never converted), Rate basis, Carrier rate (per weight or distance unit), Shipment weight or distance, and the other shown inputs into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.
The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this logistics calculation.
Inputs and what they mean
- Currency (symbol only, never converted)
- — choice value.
- Rate basis
- — choice value.
- Carrier rate (per weight or distance unit)
- — number value.
- Shipment weight or distance
- — number value.
- Minimum charge (enter 0 if none)
- — number value.
- Fuel surcharge (enter 0 if none)
- — number value.
- Accessorial charges (enter 0 if none)
- — number value.
How to use it
- Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
- Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
- Read the limitations before relying on the result.
Formula
Common carrier tariff structure: linehaul, minimum charge, fuel surcharge and accessorials (ASCM dictionary terms).
Rates are your carrier's — none are built in.
Some carriers apply the surcharge to accessorials too; adjust if so.
Linehaul = max(rate × weight or distance, minimum charge). Total = linehaul × (1 + fuel surcharge %) + accessorials.
Inputs used: Currency (symbol only, never converted), Rate basis, Carrier rate (per weight or distance unit), Shipment weight or distance, Minimum charge (enter 0 if none), Fuel surcharge (enter 0 if none), Accessorial charges (enter 0 if none).
Worked example
LTL shipment
- Linehaul = 300.
- Fuel = 60.
- Total = $435.
Reading the result
The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.
Limitations and assumptions
- Single rate, no tariff classes.
- No discounts.
- No dimensional-weight calculation.
- Results are planning estimates built only from the figures you enter. No prices, rates, demand patterns or service levels are built in, and the results are not supplier quotes or carrier rates.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this freight cost calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Common questions
What are accessorials?
Extra services such as liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery or detention. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real logistics decision.
What about dimensional weight?
If your carrier bills by dimensional weight, enter that billable weight. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real logistics decision.
Where does the surcharge % come from?
Your carrier's published fuel table, usually tied to a diesel price index. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real logistics decision.
How do I use the Freight Cost Calculator?
Enter the required values for Currency (symbol only, never converted), Rate basis, Carrier rate (per weight or distance unit), Shipment weight or distance, Minimum charge (enter 0 if none), and the other fields shown. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.
What formula does the Freight Cost Calculator use?
Linehaul = max(rate × weight or distance, minimum charge). Total = linehaul × (1 + fuel surcharge %) + accessorials. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.
Can the Freight Cost Calculator be used for exact decisions?
Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.
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