Shipping guide
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pallet?
Shipping one pallet by LTL typically costs $120 to $250 per pallet, or about $0.20 to $0.45 per pound, on regional lanes. Coast-to-coast lanes, light or bulky freight, and accessorials like liftgate or residential delivery push the price higher. These are illustrative 2026 industry budgeting ranges, not quotes; get a live quote because lane and class matter more than averages.
Blake Brunk
COO, FreightCake
Typical cost ranges
The following are illustrative 2026 industry ranges for regional lanes with class 70 freight. They are not quotes; your price depends on lane, carrier, and current fuel surcharge.
- One pallet, 100–300 lb: $120–$250.
- One pallet, 300–700 lb: $150–$300.
- One pallet, 700–1,500 lb: $200–$400.
- Two pallets, 1,500–3,000 lb: $350–$650.
- Three or more pallets: $500–$1,100.
What accessorials add
Typical industry budgeting ranges, not guaranteed charges:
- Liftgate: $75–$200 when there is no dock or forklift.
- Residential delivery: $75–$200.
- Inside delivery: $75–$150.
- Detention: $50–$100 per hour after carrier free time.
- Fuel surcharge: often 10–30% of base, varying by carrier and week.
- Limited access: $50–$150 for locations such as schools or storage units.
The four factors that move your quote
- Weight and density. Dense freight generally costs less per pound.
- Freight class. Lower classes generally rate lower. Review freight class and density.
- Distance and lane. Regional and well-covered lanes usually cost less than long or thin-coverage lanes.
- Accessorials. Residential and liftgate services can materially change a small shipment's total.
Example: what a quote looks like
Illustrative only, not a real quote: one pallet, 800 pounds, class 70, Salt Lake City to Denver might show carrier options around $265–$310 with one- to two-day transit. Your lane, date, class, and accessorials will produce different prices.
How to lower your pallet cost
- Pack tightly and remove dead space to improve density.
- Consolidate multiple heavy parcel boxes onto a pallet when the math works.
- Compare multiple connected carriers for the same lane.
- Use commercial dock service when it accurately describes the locations.
- Keep the BOL and declared accessorials accurate.
Check the shipment with the freight class calculator and density calculator before requesting rates.
New to pallet freight? Start with the step-by-step guide to shipping a pallet.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating an industry average as a bookable rate.
- Forgetting the weekly fuel surcharge.
- Under-declaring weight or class.
- Leaving required services off the quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to ship a pallet or multiple boxes?
Parcel boxes often win under 150 pounds total. LTL pallets often become competitive between 150 and 500 pounds combined and usually win above that range. Quote both near the crossover.
Do I pay extra for a liftgate?
Yes. A typical illustrative industry range is $75 to $200 per occurrence. Declare it before booking when the location lacks a dock or forklift.
How accurate is an instant quote?
A live carrier quote reflects the details entered and remains subject to actual weight, dimensions, class, accessorials, and the booking terms.
What is the cheapest way to ship a heavy pallet?
Pack densely, verify class, compare multiple carriers, and request only the accessorials the shipment actually needs.
Can I get a same-day pickup?
Many LTL carriers can accept same-day pickup requests before a local cutoff, but availability is not guaranteed.
Do prices change with fuel?
Yes. Carriers commonly update fuel surcharges weekly, so a later booking can differ from an earlier estimate.