How much does it cost to ship a pallet?
Here’s how weight, distance and freight class move the number.
Pallet shipping cost estimator
Pick your weight and how far it’s going to see what shippers actually paid.
Cost by weight and distance
Distance and weight explain most of the price. The table shows the typical range (middle 50% of shipments) and median for each combination. “Regional” means a neighboring state or region; “long haul” is cross-country.
| Weight | Within one state | Regional (neighboring states) | Long haul (cross-country) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 lb | $165–$325 median $235 | $230–$480 median $315 | $295–$590 median $400 |
| 500–999 lb | $190–$395 median $265 | $260–$560 median $370 | $365–$780 median $530 |
| 1,000–2,499 lb | $200–$430 median $280 | $295–$650 median $425 | $465–$1,010 median $675 |
| 2,500–4,999 lb | $255–$505 median $345 | $405–$815 median $565 | $650–$1,360 median $895 |
| 5,000–9,999 lb | $325–$560 median $425 | $550–$1,065 median $750 | $900–$1,720 median $1,235 |
Two things stand out. First, distance matters more than most shippers expect: a 500–999 lb shipment ran a median $265 inside one state, $370 regionally and $530 cross-country. Second, weight matters less than you’d think. Going from a 500–999 lb shipment to a 2,500–4,999 lb one regionally raised the median from $370 to $565, even though the freight weighed several times as much. LTL rates fall sharply per pound as shipments get heavier, so consolidating two small shipments into one almost always saves money.
Freight class changes the price at the same weight
Freight class is the other big lever. Dense freight (heavy for its size) gets a low class and a lower rate; light, bulky freight gets a high class. For shipments of 500–999 lb, here’s what each class band typically paid:
| Class band (500–999 lb) | Typical range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Class 50–65 (dense) | $215–$405 | $285 |
| Class 70–92.5 | $250–$485 | $350 |
| Class 100–125 | $285–$655 | $400 |
| Class 150+ (light, bulky) | $430–$855 | $610 |
Since the July 19, 2025 NMFC update, most freight is classed by density on a 13-tier scale. Measure the pallet with our freight density calculator before you quote, and read what freight class is if the numbers are new to you. A wrong class on the bill of lading is the most common reason a pallet invoice comes in higher than the quote.
What else goes into the price
- Accessorials. Liftgate, residential delivery, appointments, inside delivery and limited-access locations (schools, construction sites, storage units) each add a fee. Declare them up front; see the full accessorial list.
- Fuel surcharge. A percentage of the linehaul charge that moves weekly with the national diesel price.
- Lane balance. Carriers charge more to send a truck where it’s hard to find a return load. That’s why the same pallet can cost different amounts in each direction; compare our lane pages.
- Pricing program. Tariff (published) rates, contract discounts, and dynamic or volume quotes for bigger shipments can differ a lot for the same freight. Comparing them side by side is where most savings come from.
How to pay less to ship a pallet
- Measure and weigh accurately, including the pallet itself, so the class on your BOL matches what the carrier finds.
- Stack efficiently. A shorter, denser pallet can drop a class or two.
- Ship dock to dock when you can. Business locations with a dock avoid liftgate and residential fees.
- Consolidate. One 1,200 lb shipment is cheaper than two 600 lb ones.
- Compare carriers every time. The cheapest carrier changes by lane and by week. On average, our customers save about 15% versus published rates. That’s the overall average, and savings range case by case.
New to LTL? The step-by-step guide to shipping a pallet covers packaging, the bill of lading and pickup.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship one pallet?
Most single-pallet LTL shipments in our data cost $255 to $525 all-in, with a median of $360 (September 2025 – August 2026). The median single pallet weighed about 500 lb. Short in-state moves cost less; cross-country moves and residential or liftgate deliveries cost more.
Is it cheaper to ship a pallet by LTL or by parcel?
Once a shipment is over roughly 150 lb or doesn't fit in boxes a parcel carrier will take, LTL is usually cheaper and safer. Palletized freight is handled with forklifts instead of conveyor belts, which also reduces damage.
How much does it cost to ship a pallet across the country?
For a 500–999 lb shipment moving cross-country, the middle half of Armstrong customers paid $365 to $780, median $530. Expect about 4 business days in transit.
Why was my pallet invoice higher than the quote?
Usually a reweigh or reclass (the carrier found a different weight or density than the BOL listed) or an accessorial that wasn't on the quote, such as liftgate, residential or a limited-access location. Our free invoice auditor can check an invoice against the BOL.
Does a pallet's size affect the shipping cost?
Yes. Size and weight together set density, and density sets freight class on most shipments. A tall, light pallet can cost more to ship than a short, heavy one.
Get the real price for your pallet
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Get my free rates →Source: LTL shipments arranged through the Armstrong Transport Group network, September 2025 – August 2026 (97,351 shipments). Ranges are the middle 50% of all-in paid rates, including fuel and accessorials, rounded to $5. Single-pallet figures cover one handling unit weighing 150–2,500 lb. Historical data for budgeting only, not a quote.