How to Lower LTL Shipping Costs

Less-Than-Truckload shipping is one of the most overcharged areas in freight. LTL carriers price based on freight class, which is determined by density, stowability, handling, and liability. Many shippers overpay because they don't understand how class is calculated or because they're using outdated tariff rates. Here's how to bring LTL costs down.

Know Your Freight Class

Freight class ranges from 50 (cheapest, densest) to 500 (most expensive, least dense). A common mistake is letting the carrier re-class your shipment at the terminal — they'll always round up. Use a density calculator to determine the correct class before booking. If your product is dense and stacks well, you may qualify for a lower class than you've been paying. Accurate NMFC codes and precise dimensions are your best defense against reclassification fees.

Compare Rates Across Multiple Carriers

LTL pricing varies wildly between carriers — the same shipment can differ by 40%+ between the Top 25 LTL providers. No single carrier has the best rate on every lane. Using a TMS that compares rates across 100+ LTL carriers in real-time ensures you always book the cheapest qualified carrier. House of Freight's platform does this automatically, pulling live rates from 120+ LTL partners.

Eliminate Accessorial Charges

Accessorials — liftgate fees, residential delivery, inside delivery, reclassification, redelivery, detention — can add 30–50% to your base LTL rate. Audit your invoices and identify recurring accessorials. If you're paying liftgate fees regularly, negotiate them into your base rate or invest in a loading dock. Provide accurate accessorials at booking to avoid surprise charges.

Use Volume LTL for Heavier Shipments

If your LTL shipment exceeds 5,000 pounds or 6 pallets, a volume LTL quote or partial truckload may be significantly cheaper. Volume LTL is rated differently — by linear footage and weight rather than freight class — and often costs 15–25% less than standard LTL for the same shipment.