Shipping guide
How to Ship a Pallet
To ship a pallet, measure and weigh it, calculate its freight class, get quotes from LTL carriers, book with a carrier, print the bill of lading, and track the shipment to delivery. Most pallet shipments move as LTL freight and typically cost between $120 and $250 per pallet for regional lanes, depending on weight, class, and distance. These industry ranges are illustrative budgeting estimates, not quotes.
Blake Brunk
COO, FreightCake
Step 1: Measure and weigh your freight
Get three numbers before you quote anything: the full length, width, and height in inches; total weight in pounds; and number of pallets. Measure the pallet plus everything stacked on it, including overhang. Standard US pallets are 48 by 40 inches and weigh about 33 to 48 pounds empty.
Use a scale rather than guessing. Carriers reweigh shipments, and a low estimate can become a reclassification or reweigh adjustment.
Step 2: Calculate your freight class
Freight density is weight divided by volume in cubic feet. Denser freight usually gets a lower, less expensive class, but the applicable NMFC item can also account for handling, stowability, and liability.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Estimated class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 |
| Less than 1 | 400 |
Use the free freight class calculator or density calculator. Confirm the commodity-specific classification before shipping.
Step 3: Get quotes from multiple carriers
LTL pricing varies by lane, weight, class, and fuel surcharge. Side-by-side quotes show which connected carrier fits the shipment instead of assuming one carrier always wins.
Illustrative example only: for two pallets, 1,200 pounds, class 70, Dallas to Chicago, one carrier might show $842 for three-day transit while another shows $967 for two-day transit. Those sample numbers explain the comparison, not a price you can book.
Step 4: Book the carrier
Choose the available quote that fits your budget and deadline. Review the total price, service level, transit estimate, and accessorials before confirming the booking.
Step 5: Print the bill of lading
The bill of lading is the shipment contract and receipt. It lists the shipper, consignee, piece count, weight, class, and accessorials. Accurate details help prevent invoice corrections.
Step 6: Prepare the pallet for pickup
- Stack boxes square and flat with no overhang.
- Wrap the load to the pallet base with stretch film.
- Put the BOL in a pouch on top or hand it to the driver.
- Verify the driver's PRO number before the truck leaves.
Step 7: Track to delivery
LTL freight may scan through several terminals before delivery. Track those events and declare residential service or a liftgate before delivery when the destination lacks a dock or forklift.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Guessing the weight instead of using a scale.
- Using the wrong freight class or skipping commodity-specific NMFC rules.
- Leaving required accessorials off the quote and BOL.
- Tendering a loose or overhanging pallet.
- Letting the truck leave without confirming the PRO number.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship one pallet?
A typical industry budgeting range is $120 to $250 per pallet for regional LTL lanes, or roughly $0.20 to $0.45 per pound. Cross-country lanes and light, bulky freight often cost more. These ranges are illustrative, not quotes; compare live rates for the actual shipment.
How long does LTL pallet shipping take?
Regional lanes often take one to five business days, while long coast-to-coast moves can take up to seven business days. Carrier, lane, and terminal conditions affect transit.
Do I need a freight broker?
No. A multi-carrier shipping platform can let you compare available LTL options and book a shipment without calling a traditional broker.
What if my pallet weighs more than 10,000 pounds?
That can enter truckload territory depending on pallet count, linear feet, lane, and handling needs. Compare LTL against a custom truckload quote.
Can I ship a pallet to a house?
Yes. Declare residential delivery and request a liftgate if there is no dock or forklift. Each service commonly adds an illustrative $75 to $200 industry range.
What is the cheapest day to ship a pallet?
Midweek pickups often move smoothly, but discounts vary by carrier and lane. Compare live quotes instead of relying on a universal cheapest day.