Freight Quote Generator FAQ

Our proprietary software instantly generates full truckload and partial truckload freight quotes. Simply enter your origin and destination zip codes, select the type of equipment you need, the estimated length and total weight of the load. Your quote is then instantly generated showing 3 tiers of service offerings.

Rate quotes are calculated using a combination of historic lane information, DAT analytics and Truckstop.com market indices. These benchmarks are updated frequently so check back often for updated numbers. These estimates don't account for sudden market changes caused by increased spot demand, fuel cost spikes, short lanes or specialized loading and equipment requirements. Please contact us to speak directly with our experienced transportation professionals to clarify your quote.

Your freight quote is generated instantly...as soon as your load details are entered and you click the calculate button. No registration, no login, no waiting...just an instant quote based on real-time information. If your request requires additional assistance or if you are ready to move forward with your quote, reach out to us and our experienced, professional staff will respond via phone, email or text.

Full truckloads are those that typically take up most of the truck's carrying capacity in terms of deckspace and/or weight. For example, your load may only need 10' of open deckspace but if it weighs 40,000 lbs, a carrier would almost certainly consider it a full or dedicated truckload. Your load may only weigh 5,000 lbs but if it's 40' long, most carriers would also consider this a full truckload.

For the purposes of this calculator, partial truckloads (PTL) are generally those that take up less than 30' of available deckspace and weigh less than 20,000 lbs. The rates for these types of shipments are calculated as a percentage of the carrier's capacity and the size of your load among other factors.

Deep discounts for partial truckloads can often be achieved by careful load planning without sacrificing safety or timely service. Please contact us directly to learn more and clarify your quote!

The calculator accepts shipments up to 48,000 lbs, which is the standard legal load limit for most common trailer types. Shipments over 48,000 lbs may require permits and specialized equipment - please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Yes, every quote calculated from the generator includes the current average fuel surcharge. The rate that appears is all-inclusive of estimated line haul and fuel surcharges.

A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee added to freight rates to account for fluctuating diesel prices. Carriers calculate it as a percentage of the base rate using the DOE weekly national average diesel price. When diesel prices rise, the surcharge increases; when prices fall, it decreases. On a typical lane the FSC adds 15–25% to the base linehaul rate. This calculator applies the current FSC automatically so your estimate is all-in.

The quote generated includes line haul and fuel surcharges only. Depending on your service requirements, there may be additional fees for permits, escorts, detention, layover or other charges. Please contact us for a more precise quote on your next shipment.

A spot rate is a one-time, market-driven price negotiated for a single shipment based on current supply and demand on that lane. A contract rate is a pre-negotiated price agreed upon for a set volume of shipments over a defined period, usually 6–12 months. Spot rates are more volatile and can be significantly higher or lower than contract rates depending on market conditions. This calculator reflects current spot market conditions.

The calculator covers ten equipment types: Dry Van, Reefer, Insulated Van, Flatbed, Step Deck, Conestoga, Specialized, Hot Shot, Power Only, and Tanker. Each type carries its own rate multiplier based on historical market premiums relative to dry van. For oversize or permitted loads that exceed standard dimensions, the estimate will flag the cargo as oversize and recommend getting a specialized quote.

A dry van is an enclosed, weather-protected trailer without temperature control — the most common freight trailer in North America. Use a dry van for general commodities that do not require refrigeration or open-air exposure: packaged goods, electronics, retail merchandise, paper products, and most manufactured goods. Dry van capacity is typically 53 ft long, 102 in wide, and 110 in tall, with a max payload of around 44,000–45,000 lbs.

Use a reefer when your freight must be kept within a specific temperature range throughout transit — typically 34°F to 65°F for fresh produce, meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals, or floral shipments. Reefers cost 15–25% more than dry van rates due to the fuel cost of running the refrigeration unit and the smaller fleet. Some shippers also use reefers in summer to protect heat-sensitive cargo without active cooling, known as a "protect from heat" move.

A flatbed is an open, flat platform trailer with no sides or roof. It is used for cargo that is too large, heavy, or oddly shaped to fit in an enclosed trailer, or freight that must be loaded from the side or top by crane or forklift. Common flatbed freight includes steel coils, lumber, machinery, pipes, construction equipment, and oversized manufactured components. Standard flatbed dimensions are 48–53 ft long with a deck height of about 60 inches.

A step deck (also called a drop deck) has two deck levels: a shorter upper deck and a longer lower deck closer to the ground. The lower deck provides an extra 10–12 inches of height clearance compared to a standard flatbed, making it ideal for freight that exceeds the 8.5-foot height limit for flatbeds but does not require a lowboy. Common step deck freight includes tall machinery, vehicles, construction equipment, and large industrial components.

A conestoga is a flatbed trailer fitted with a retractable tarp system on a rolling frame that completely encloses the cargo. It provides the weather protection of a dry van with the side-loading accessibility of a flatbed. Conestogas are used for steel, coated or painted materials, and sensitive machinery that needs protection from the elements but must be loaded from the side. They carry a 15–20% rate premium over standard flatbed due to the specialized equipment and smaller fleet.

A freight rate per mile is the total line-haul cost divided by the route distance. For example, a $2,400 rate on a 1,200-mile lane equals $2.00/mile. The per-mile rate varies by equipment type, lane demand, fuel price, and load characteristics. Dry van rates on high-volume lanes (e.g., Dallas to Atlanta) tend to be lower per mile than thin lanes or backhaul markets. The calculator shows per-mile figures in the rate breakdown so you can benchmark against market norms.

The load-to-truck ratio (LTR) measures how many available loads exist for every available truck on a given lane, as reported by spot market boards like DAT and Truckstop.com. An LTR above 3.0 indicates a tight market where carriers have pricing power and rates rise. An LTR below 1.5 indicates a soft market with more trucks than loads, where shippers can negotiate lower rates. The calculator's market-tier spread (economy vs. standard vs. premium) reflects current LTR conditions on typical lanes.

Deadhead mileage is the distance a carrier drives without a loaded trailer — typically between delivering one load and picking up the next. Carriers price lanes partly based on expected deadhead: if a driver delivers in a remote market with few outbound loads, they will charge more on the inbound leg to offset likely empty miles on the way home. Lanes into major freight hubs like Chicago, Dallas, or Atlanta typically have lower deadhead and therefore lower rates than remote destinations.

Not directly, this tool generates an estimated quote for budgeting and planning purposes. You will need to contact our professional transportation team for booking.

After you submit your quote request, our experienced transportation team will contact you within a few hours to review the details of your shipment. We'll confirm availability, refine your quote based on your specific requirements, and answer any questions you may have — ensuring you have complete clarity before making a commitment.

For the best rate and carrier selection, book FTL shipments 2–5 business days before the desired pickup date. Last-minute loads (same day or next day) can be covered but typically carry a 15–30% spot market premium because carriers have less time to plan their routes. During peak freight seasons (pre-holiday retail surge in October–November, spring agricultural season) add 1–2 additional days of lead time to avoid premium pricing.