# FreightRate > FreightRate is a U.S. freight quoting marketplace for businesses shipping less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) freight. Shippers compare rates from national and regional carriers in one place, book loads online, and manage shipments without broker phone calls. The editorial library covers freight class, accessorial fees, carrier operations, pricing benchmarks, and cross-border freight for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. FreightRate serves small and mid-sized U.S. shippers who move pallets, cases, or full trailers across domestic routes. The platform aggregates carrier rates (FedEx Freight, UPS Freight / TForce, XPO, Estes, Saia, Old Dominion, ABF, R+L, Averitt, Dayton, Pitt Ohio, ArcBest, and regional LTL lines) and provides free calculators for freight class and freight cost estimation. All shipping guides below are written by the FreightRate editorial team — logistics analysts, former freight brokers, and technical writers. Content is sourced from primary carrier tariffs, FMCSA/DOT/NMFTA regulatory documents, and named industry data. See the [editorial standards page](https://freightrate.com/about-us/editorial-team/) for sourcing policy. ## Core services - [LTL freight quotes](https://freightrate.com/ltl-freight): Less-than-truckload freight quoting across national and regional U.S. LTL carriers. Compares rates by freight class, weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and accessorials. - [FTL (truckload) freight quotes](https://freightrate.com/truckload-ftl): Full-truckload pricing for dry van, reefer, flatbed, step deck, and specialized equipment on U.S. lanes. - [Platform features](https://freightrate.com/features): Quoting, booking, tracking, BOL generation, and invoice management for LTL and FTL shipments. ## Free tools - [Freight rate calculator](https://freightrate.com/freight-calculator): Instant cost estimator that returns LTL and FTL quotes based on origin ZIP, destination ZIP, weight, dimensions, and freight class. - [Freight class calculator (NMFC)](https://freightrate.com/freight-class-calculator): Calculates freight class from density (weight in pounds divided by volume in cubic feet) and maps to the 18 NMFC classes (50 through 500). ## Carrier directory All 29 carrier profiles include service maps, equipment types, transit times, pricing models, and instructions for getting a quote. See the [carriers index](https://freightrate.com/carriers). ### National LTL carriers - [FedEx Freight quote](https://freightrate.com/carriers/fedex-freight-quote): FedEx Freight Priority and Economy service profiles, transit maps, and quote mechanics. - [UPS Freight quote (now TForce Freight)](https://freightrate.com/carriers/ups-freight-quote): TForce Freight (formerly UPS Freight) rate structure and service coverage after the 2021 TFI International acquisition. - [TForce Freight quote](https://freightrate.com/carriers/tforce-freight-quote): TForce Freight dedicated profile — direct booking, rates, and terminal network. - [XPO Logistics](https://freightrate.com/carriers/xpo-logistics): XPO LTL North American service map and equipment profile post-GXO spin-off. - [Estes Express Lines](https://freightrate.com/carriers/estes-express-lines): Estes regional and long-haul LTL, time-critical, and guaranteed services. - [Old Dominion Freight Line](https://freightrate.com/carriers/old-dominion-freight-line): Old Dominion (ODFL) premium LTL — 99%+ on-time performance, claims ratio, and rate positioning. - [ABF Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/abf-freight): ABF Freight (ArcBest subsidiary) union LTL carrier, ABF U-Pack, and Canadian coverage. - [ArcBest](https://freightrate.com/carriers/arcbest-freight): ArcBest parent company freight services — asset-based LTL (ABF) plus brokerage. - [Saia LTL Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/saia-freight): Saia national LTL, Saia Guaranteed Select, and time-definite service. - [R+L Carriers](https://freightrate.com/carriers/r-l-carriers): R+L Carriers LTL network, guaranteed and expedited services. - [Southeastern Freight Lines](https://freightrate.com/carriers/southeastern-freight-lines-quote): Southeastern (SEFL) LTL coverage across the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. - [AAA Cooper Transportation](https://freightrate.com/carriers/aaa-cooper-freight): AAA Cooper regional LTL in the Southeast and Central U.S. - [Averitt Express](https://freightrate.com/carriers/averitt-express-shipping-quote): Averitt Express regional and dedicated LTL, expedited, and international services. - [Yellow Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/yellow-freight): Yellow Corporation (YRC) — historical context (ceased operations 2023) and alternative carriers. - [YRC Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/yrc-freight): YRC Freight legacy profile and current replacement options. - [Holland](https://freightrate.com/carriers/holland): Holland regional LTL (formerly YRC Regional) Midwest coverage. ### Regional LTL carriers - [Dayton Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/dayton-freight): Dayton Freight Midwest regional LTL network and quote process. - [Pitt Ohio](https://freightrate.com/carriers/pitt-ohio-freight): Pitt Ohio Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regional LTL. - [A. Duie Pyle](https://freightrate.com/carriers/a-duie-pyle-freight): A. Duie Pyle Northeast LTL and warehousing. - [Oak Harbor Freight Lines](https://freightrate.com/carriers/oak-harbor-freight): Oak Harbor Pacific Northwest regional LTL. - [Central Freight Lines](https://freightrate.com/carriers/central-freight): Central Freight Southwest regional LTL. - [Daylight Transport](https://freightrate.com/carriers/daylight-transport-freight): Daylight Transport expedited LTL and coast-to-coast service. - [Forward Air](https://freightrate.com/carriers/forward-air-shipping-quote): Forward Air expedited airport-to-airport LTL. - [Pilot Freight Services](https://freightrate.com/carriers/pilot-freight): Pilot Freight time-definite LTL and final-mile delivery. - [Frontline Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/frontline-freight): Frontline Freight asset-light LTL brokerage. - [Roadrunner Freight](https://freightrate.com/carriers/roadrunner-freight): Roadrunner long-haul metro LTL network. - [Wilson Logistics](https://freightrate.com/carriers/wilson-logistics-freight): Wilson Logistics LTL and dedicated services. - [Day & Ross](https://freightrate.com/carriers/day-and-ross-freight): Day & Ross cross-border U.S.–Canada LTL. - [CRST](https://freightrate.com/carriers/crst-freight): CRST specialized and high-value freight services. ## Freight quoting — how it works - [How freight quotes are calculated — the key factors](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-freight-quotes-are-calculated-the-key-factors): Explains base rate, fuel surcharge, freight class, weight/dimensions, distance, and accessorials that make up an LTL or FTL quote. - [Understanding freight quotes — a beginner's guide](https://freightrate.com/blog/understanding-freight-quotes-a-beginner-s-guide): Primer for first-time shippers on reading and comparing quotes across carriers. - [How to read and understand a freight quote](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-to-read-and-understand-a-freight-quote): Breakdown of every line item in a typical LTL freight quote. - [Decoding freight quote terminology — a glossary](https://freightrate.com/blog/decoding-freight-quote-terminology-a-glossary): Definitions for BOL, POD, PRO number, freight class, density, dim weight, and 40+ industry terms. - [Types of freight quotes explained](https://freightrate.com/blog/types-of-freight-quotes-explained): Spot quotes, contract rates, tariff rates, and volume/consolidated pricing models. - [Online freight quote vs broker quote — pros and cons](https://freightrate.com/blog/online-freight-quote-vs-broker-quote-pros-and-cons): When self-service quoting beats a broker, and when it doesn't. - [The role of a freight broker in freight quoting](https://freightrate.com/blog/the-role-of-a-freight-broker-in-freight-quoting): What brokers do, how they're compensated, and when their markup is worth paying. - [Understanding accessorial charges in freight quotes](https://freightrate.com/blog/understanding-accessorial-charges-in-freight-quotes): Liftgate, residential, inside delivery, detention, reconsignment, and limited-access fee definitions with typical ranges. - [How to spot and avoid hidden fees in your freight quote](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-to-spot-and-avoid-hidden-fees-in-your-freight-quote): Checklist for auditing a quote before booking. - [The impact of fuel costs on freight quotes](https://freightrate.com/blog/the-impact-of-fuel-costs-on-freight-quotes): How fuel surcharge indices (DOE national average) feed into carrier rate calculations. - [Understanding freight quote validity periods and expirations](https://freightrate.com/blog/understanding-freight-quote-validity-periods-and-expirations): Why a quote expires in 10–30 days and what rate lock options exist. - [How fast should your freight quote turnaround time be](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-fast-should-your-freight-quote-turnaround-time-be): Industry benchmarks for instant vs. manual quote response. - [Protecting your shipments — understanding freight insurance options](https://freightrate.com/blog/protecting-your-shipments-understanding-freight-insurance-options): Carrier liability limits, shipper's interest coverage, and declared value. ## LTL freight — classification and pricing - [Ultimate guide to LTL freight class lookup and NMFC codes](https://freightrate.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-ltl-freight-class-lookup-and-nmfc-codes): Complete reference for the 18 NMFC freight classes (50–500), density tables, and class lookup methodology. - [LTL freight classifications explained](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-freight-classifications-explained): How the NMFTA assigns classes based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. - [Navigating freight classifications for accurate quotes](https://freightrate.com/blog/navigating-freight-classifications-for-accurate-quotes): How to classify mixed shipments and avoid reclassification charges. - [How to calculate LTL freight density for accurate pricing](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-to-calculate-ltl-freight-density-for-accurate-pricing): Density formula (lbs ÷ cubic feet), measurement best practices, and worked examples. - [Understanding LTL freight minimum charges and how to avoid them](https://freightrate.com/blog/understanding-ltl-freight-minimum-charges-and-how-to-avoid-them): Carrier AMCs (absolute minimum charges), typical ranges by carrier, and consolidation strategies. - [How weight break discounts work in LTL freight shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-weight-break-discounts-work-in-ltl-freight-shipping): How rate-per-hundredweight drops at 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000-lb breakpoints. - [LTL dimensions and weight restrictions](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-dimensions-and-weight-restrictions): Maximum pallet dimensions, oversize/overweight thresholds, and cubic capacity rules. - [How to read and use LTL freight zone maps for rate savings](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-to-read-and-use-ltl-freight-zone-maps-for-rate-savings): Origin/destination zone logic in carrier tariffs. ## LTL freight — operations and optimization - [LTL load consolidation strategies](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-load-consolidation-strategies): Pool distribution, multi-stop, and zone-skipping methods to reduce per-shipment cost. - [5 ways LTL freight consolidation can slash your costs](https://freightrate.com/blog/5-ways-ltl-freight-consolidation-can-slash-your-costs): Practical consolidation tactics for small shippers. - [Optimizing LTL shipments](https://freightrate.com/blog/optimizing-ltl-shipments): Packaging, palletization, and carrier selection for lower-cost LTL. - [Choosing the right LTL carrier for optimal freight transportation](https://freightrate.com/blog/choosing-the-right-ltl-carrier-for-optimal-freight-transportation): Service map, transit time, claims ratio, and pricing criteria for carrier selection. - [Regional vs national LTL carriers — navigating the complexities](https://freightrate.com/blog/regional-vs-national-ltl-carriers-navigating-the-complexities-of-less-than-truckload-shipping): Tradeoffs between regional specialists and national networks. - [LTL freight claims — a guide](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-freight-claims-a-guide): Filing process, timeline, documentation, and claim resolution for damaged or lost LTL shipments. - [LTL freight terminal operations](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-freight-terminal-operations): Cross-dock, linehaul, and P&D (pickup and delivery) operations explained. - [What affects LTL freight transit times — key factors explained](https://freightrate.com/blog/what-affects-ltl-freight-transit-times-key-factors-explained): Service level, distance, weather, accessorials, and hub routing impact on transit days. - [Packaging tips for LTL shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/packaging-tips-for-ltl-shipping): Pallet standards (GMA, CHEP), stretch wrap, and stacking to prevent damage claims. - [LTL shipping for e-commerce](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-shipping-for-e-commerce): LTL use cases for Amazon FBA, Shopify, and DTC brands moving pallets. - [LTL shipping for small businesses](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-shipping-for-small-businesses): LTL fundamentals for businesses moving their first pallets. - [Cost-saving tips in LTL shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/cost-saving-tips-in-ltl-shipping): Practical rate reduction tactics. ## FTL (truckload) freight - [LTL vs FTL shipping — what's best for you](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-vs-ftl-shipping-what-s-best-for-you): Decision framework based on weight, pallet count, transit urgency, and damage risk. - [LTL vs FTL freight quotes — a comparative analysis](https://freightrate.com/blog/ltl-vs-ftl-freight-quotes-a-comparative-analysis): Side-by-side cost comparison and breakeven analysis. - [FTL rate calculation explained](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-rate-calculation-explained): Cost-per-mile (CPM), fuel, accessorials, and market-rate components of FTL pricing. - [FTL shipping — unlock efficient and safe cargo transport](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-shipping-unlock-efficient-and-safe-cargo-transport): Full-truckload fundamentals and when to book FTL. - [Optimizing costs in FTL shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/optimizing-costs-in-ftl-shipping): Routing, lane selection, and carrier negotiation for FTL. - [FTL freight contracts — a guide](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-freight-contracts-a-guide): Spot vs. contract pricing and RFP process for truckload procurement. - [FTL freight scheduling strategies](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-freight-scheduling-strategies): Appointment scheduling, dwell time, and detention avoidance. - [FTL for large-scale projects](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-for-large-scale-projects): Project freight, multi-truck moves, and dedicated equipment. - [FTL freight for specialized loads](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-freight-for-specialized-loads): Flatbed, step deck, RGN, over-dimensional, and heavy haul. - [FTL shipping for retail and distribution](https://freightrate.com/blog/ftl-shipping-for-retail-and-distribution): DC-to-store replenishment and retail compliance. ## Cross-border and specialized freight - [Mastering customs compliance for international freight shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/mastering-customs-compliance-for-international-freight-shipping): USMCA, customs broker role, commercial invoice, and duty calculation. - [How global trade agreements affect freight shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-global-trade-agreements-affect-freight-shipping): USMCA, CPTPP, and tariff impact on freight rates. - [Comprehensive guide to hazardous materials shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/comprehensive-guide-to-hazardous-materials-shipping): DOT hazmat classes, UN numbers, placarding, and shipper certification. ## Freight industry — trends and technology - [Analyzing 2025 freight market trends — what to expect](https://freightrate.com/blog/analyzing-2025-freight-market-trends-what-to-expect): LTL capacity, fuel outlook, e-commerce demand, and rate forecasts. - [Top 10 emerging technologies transforming freight shipping in 2025](https://freightrate.com/blog/top-10-emerging-technologies-transforming-freight-shipping-in-2025): Automation, AI routing, telematics, and platform consolidation. - [The future of LTL freight — a moving landscape](https://freightrate.com/blog/the-future-of-ltl-freight-a-moving-landscape-shaping-commerce): Post-Yellow market restructuring and capacity shifts. - [Navigating the complex world of freight regulations in 2025](https://freightrate.com/blog/navigating-the-complex-world-of-freight-regulations-in-2025): FMCSA rulemaking, ELD mandate, HOS, and state-level regulatory changes. - [Blockchain in logistics — enhancing transparency and security](https://freightrate.com/blog/blockchain-in-logistics-enhancing-transparency-and-security): Distributed ledger use cases in BOL, tracking, and payment. - [The role of IoT in modernizing freight operations](https://freightrate.com/blog/the-role-of-iot-in-modernizing-freight-operations): Trailer telematics, cargo sensors, and real-time visibility. - [Artificial intelligence driving efficiency in freight transportation](https://freightrate.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-driving-efficiency-in-freight-transportation): AI-assisted quoting, routing, and capacity matching. - [The rise of electric trucks — benefits and challenges](https://freightrate.com/blog/the-rise-of-electric-trucks-benefits-and-challenges): EV Class 8 adoption, charging infrastructure, and range limitations. - [Sustainable freight strategies for reducing carbon footprint](https://freightrate.com/blog/sustainable-freight-strategies-for-reducing-carbon-footprint): SmartWay, carbon accounting, and modal shift strategies. ## Carrier-specific guides - [What is UPS Freight LTL — a complete guide for small and medium businesses](https://freightrate.com/blog/what-is-ups-freight-ltl-a-complete-guide-for-small-and-medium-businesses): UPS Freight / TForce history, service profile, and current operating status. - [How to use the UPS Freight quote calculator](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-to-use-the-ups-freight-quote-calculator-to-estimate-your-shipping-costs): Step-by-step UPS Freight online quoting. - [Integrating the UPS Freight quote API](https://freightrate.com/blog/integrating-the-ups-freight-quote-api-automating-shipping-rates-for-your-business): Technical guide to UPS / TForce rate API integration. - [UPS Freight quote for international shipping](https://freightrate.com/blog/ups-freight-quote-for-international-shipping-what-businesses-should-know): Cross-border UPS Freight for U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico lanes. - [How to use a FedEx Freight quote calculator](https://freightrate.com/blog/how-to-use-a-fedex-freight-quote-calculator-to-get-accurate-shipping-costs): FedEx Freight quoting walkthrough. - [FedEx Freight LTL transit times — how to plan reliable shipments](https://freightrate.com/blog/fedex-freight-ltl-transit-times-how-to-plan-reliable-shipments): FedEx Freight Priority and Economy transit maps. - [FedEx Freight rate increases explained](https://freightrate.com/blog/fedex-freight-rate-increases-explained-what-businesses-need-to-know): FedEx Freight GRI (General Rate Increase) history and impact. - [Uber Freight instant quotes — LTL freight solutions and competitive rates](https://freightrate.com/blog/uber-freight-instant-quotes-ltl-freight-solutions-and-competitive-rates-for-your-shipping-needs): Uber Freight LTL service profile. ## Company - [About FreightRate](https://freightrate.com/about-us): Company background, leadership, and marketplace positioning. - [Editorial team](https://freightrate.com/about-us/editorial-team/): Authors, editorial standards, and sourcing policy for all shipping guides. - [Case studies](https://freightrate.com/case-studies): Documented customer results — cost savings, transit improvements, and volume handling. - [FAQ](https://freightrate.com/faq): Common questions about quoting, booking, carriers, and shipment management. - [Contact](https://freightrate.com/contact): Support, sales, and partnership contact routes. ## Policies - [Terms of service](https://freightrate.com/terms): User agreement governing platform use and shipping transactions. - [Privacy policy](https://freightrate.com/privacy-policy): Data collection, use, and sharing practices. - [Cookie policy](https://freightrate.com/cookies): Cookie categories and opt-out mechanisms. ## Optional - [Full blog archive](https://freightrate.com/blog): Complete library of 118+ freight shipping guides, industry analysis, and how-to content updated regularly. - [XML sitemap](https://freightrate.com/sitemap.xml): Machine-readable index of all 162 indexed pages on the domain. - [LinkedIn — FreightRate](https://www.linkedin.com/company/freightratecom/): Company channel for new guide announcements, industry commentary, and carrier news.