Freight Cost Calculator

How freight cost is built

Freight cost is typically the sum of linehaul, fuel surcharge, and accessorial fees. Linehaul is the base rate charged by the carrier for moving a shipment over distance, often expressed as a per-mile or per-kilometer rate. Fuel surcharge is commonly applied as a percentage of linehaul to reflect fuel price volatility. Accessorial fees include liftgate service, residential delivery, appointment fees, detention, or other special handling. Additional stop fees may be added when a route includes multiple pickups or deliveries.

This calculator provides a structured estimate so logistics teams can compare lanes, model budgets, and test pricing scenarios. The cost per distance output helps normalize lanes of different lengths. Cost per weight helps compare freight efficiency across different shipment sizes or packaging formats. When you track cost per pound or cost per kilogram, you can quickly see how efficiently load space is being used, especially when combined with a load utilization analysis.

Real freight pricing can include tiered rates, minimum charges, and capacity-driven premiums. As a result, this calculator should be used as a planning tool rather than a final quote. It is most useful when you need a quick, consistent estimate across lanes or when you want to explore the impact of changing fuel surcharges, stop counts, or accessorial assumptions. For contract negotiations, plug in the linehaul rates from your carrier agreement and update the surcharge percentage to match current fuel tables.

Because all computation is local, you can use this calculator with sensitive rate data without exposing it to third parties. It is designed to be fast and easy to use during daily planning or budget cycles, and the outputs include a brief interpretation to support quick decision-making.

If you operate in multiple regions, consider aligning currency and unit conventions so comparisons are consistent. For example, use the same distance unit when comparing lanes, and normalize costs to a common currency when reporting to stakeholders. Documenting which accessorials are included in the estimate helps avoid mismatches between planned and invoiced totals.

Formula

Linehaul: Distance * Rate

Fuel surcharge: Linehaul * (Fuel % / 100)

Stop fees: Stops * Stop Fee

Total freight cost: Linehaul + Fuel + Accessorial + Stop Fees

Example calculation

A 520-mile shipment at $2.35 per mile has linehaul cost of 520 * 2.35 = $1,222. With an 18% fuel surcharge, fuel adds $1,222 * 0.18 = $220. Add $45 in accessorial fees and one stop fee of $50 for a total of $1,222 + $220 + $45 + $50 = $1,537. If the shipment weighs 12,000 lb, cost per weight is $1,537 / 12,000 = $0.128 per lb.

FAQs

What is included in freight cost?

Typical freight cost includes linehaul, fuel surcharge, and accessorial or stop fees.

Can I use miles or kilometers?

Yes. Enter distance in miles or kilometers and the calculator will show cost per mile and per kilometer.

Does this replace a carrier quote?

No. It provides an estimate for planning and budgeting; carrier contracts and market conditions can differ.

Is this calculator private?

Yes. All calculations run locally in your browser.

How it works

This calculator builds freight cost from linehaul, fuel surcharge, accessorial fees, and stop charges. All computation is client-side for privacy.

Disclaimer

Freight cost results are estimates for planning purposes. Carrier contracts, lane capacity, and accessorial rules can change actual charges.