Shipping Cost Estimator | Estimate Freight + Accessorials

Inputs

USD · miles · lbs

Shipping mode (cost model)

This estimator uses a simple, auditable model for planning. Final charges depend on carrier tariffs, zones, reweigh/reclass, DIM rules, and contract terms.

Distance (miles)

Use approximate route miles for planning.

Billable weight (lb)

Use carrier billable weight if known. For parcel, this may be DIM weight.

Freight class (optional)

Class is used only as a simple multiplier in this estimator, not a tariff lookup.

Minimum charge (USD)

Common in LTL contracts: base charge cannot drop below this value.

Base rate assumptions

Packlyt estimates a base charge using a simple formula: Base = stop fee + (miles × $/mile) + (weight × $/lb) then applies fuel and accessorials. Replace defaults with your contract rates when available.

Base stop / pickup fee (USD)

Rate per mile (USD/mile)

Rate per lb (USD/lb)

Fuel surcharge (%)

Applied to base charge only (common approach). Contracts may differ.

Common accessorials

Toggle typical add-ons. Use your negotiated fees where possible.

Liftgate required

Common for deliveries without a dock.

Liftgate fee (USD)

Residential delivery

Common in parcel and some LTL scenarios.

Residential fee (USD)

Delivery appointment

Appointment / call-ahead / scheduled delivery.

Appointment fee (USD)

Inside delivery

Driver brings freight beyond first threshold.

Inside delivery fee (USD)

Limited access location

E.g., schools, churches, farms, construction sites (definitions vary by carrier).

Limited access fee (USD)

Results

Estimate · Planning only

Estimated total shipping cost

$—

—

Cost per lb

$—

based on billable weight

Base charge

$—

—

Fuel surcharge

$—

—

Accessorials

$—

—

Mode

—

This estimator is designed to be auditable. If you have contract rates, plug them in above to get a closer estimate. Carrier invoices may differ due to DIM rules, minimum charges, reweigh/reclass, zones, and negotiated exceptions.

What this estimator is

The Shipping Cost Estimator helps you approximate total shipping cost using a simple cost breakdown: base charge + fuel surcharge + accessorial fees. It’s useful for early-stage planning, quote support, and scenario comparison across lanes and service requirements.

How it works

Packlyt uses a transparent cost model you can audit and adapt:

Base charge = stop fee + (distance × rate per mile) + (billable weight × rate per lb)
Minimum charge (optional, LTL mode) enforces a floor if base charge is too low
Fuel surcharge = base charge × fuel %
Accessorials = sum of selected add-ons (liftgate, residential, appointment, inside, limited access)

LTL freight class (if selected) applies a simple multiplier to the weight component only. It is not a tariff lookup. For site-wide conventions and how Packlyt treats conservative assumptions, see Methodology.

Input definitions

Shipping mode: selects a planning model (LTL-style vs parcel-style). The math is the same; defaults differ.
Distance (miles): approximate route miles used to estimate linehaul portion.
Billable weight (lb): carrier-billed weight (may be actual or dimensional weight depending on mode and contract).
Freight class (optional): a planning multiplier that approximates how class can influence LTL pricing.
Stop fee: pickup/handling fee portion of the base charge.
Rate per mile / per lb: adjustable parameters to match contract or lane assumptions.
Fuel surcharge %: percentage applied to base charge (contracts vary).
Accessorial toggles + fees: common add-on charges that can materially change total cost.

Output definitions

Estimated total shipping cost: base + fuel + accessorials.
Base charge: modeled linehaul + handling portion (may be minimum-charged in LTL mode).
Fuel surcharge: calculated surcharge amount based on your fuel %.
Accessorials: total of selected add-ons and an itemized list.
Cost per lb: total divided by billable weight (useful for quick comparisons).

Common B2B use cases

Quote support: estimate shipping cost impact before sending pricing to a customer.
Lane comparison: compare cost sensitivity across distances, weights, and fuel assumptions.
Accessorial planning: quantify the impact of liftgate, residential delivery, and limited access fees.
Budgeting: build a shipping cost model for finance that is explainable and adjustable.

Limitations and assumptions

Not a carrier quote: actual invoices vary by carrier tariff, contracted discounts, zones, minimums, and surcharges.
DIM and reweigh/reclass: parcel DIM rules and LTL reclassification can materially change billed charges.
Accessorial definitions vary: “limited access” and appointment fees differ by carrier and lane.
Use your contract rates: replace default rates with real numbers when available for better precision.

See Methodology for site-wide conventions and disclaimers.

Disclaimer

Packlyt tools provide planning estimates only. Validate final shipping cost with your carrier, broker, TMS/3PL, and contract terms before committing to customer pricing, SLAs, or procurement decisions.

Related calculators

FAQ

Is this a real carrier quote?

No. This estimator provides a transparent planning model. Carrier quotes and invoices can differ due to tariffs, zones, minimums, contracted discounts, DIM rules, and reweigh/reclass events.

How should I choose rates per mile and per lb?

Use your historical lane data or contract rates when possible. If you don’t have them, start with conservative values and use the tool to compare scenarios rather than to predict a single “perfect” number.

What is “billable weight”?

Billable weight is what the carrier charges on. For parcel, it may be dimensional weight. For LTL, it can be affected by reweigh or reclass. Use billable weight if known.

Can I share this estimate with a teammate?

Yes. Click “Copy share link” to encode inputs in the URL so others can open the exact same scenario.