Methodology
Visible assumptions, replaceable evidence.
The calculator never invents a national market rate. The LTL path calculates packaged cubic feet and density, screens density against NMFTA's current 13-tier scale, then applies the user's class-specific CWT rate or entered minimum. The truckload path multiplies entered loaded miles by the entered per-mile rate. Both paths add fuel only when it is separate and keep origin, destination and other charges visible.
How the model works
- Rates, minimums and charges come from the visitor's current carrier, broker, tariff, contract or quote.
- LTL packaged density is weight divided by total packaged cubic feet across all identical handling units.
- The density class is a screen, not a classification ruling; commodity, handling, stowability, liability, packaging and exceptions still matter.
- Fuel is either included or applied once to linehaul using the entered percentage.
- Origin, destination and other charges remain separate so two offers can be compared on the same scope.
- The output is an exact worksheet total, not an arbitrary market range.
What the result means
The displayed total is the arithmetic result of the commercial rates and charges entered. It is not a market estimate, live price, classification ruling, booking or prediction of the final invoice. The calculator cannot inspect a property, verify a shipment, choose a legally suitable system, reserve capacity or issue a quotation.
Review date: 14 September 2026. We change a model only when the source, calculation and reason for the change can be recorded.
Current evidence snapshot
The classification entries reproduce NMFTA's current density screen for commodities without unusual handling, stowability or liability concerns. Carrier tariff examples show why live commercial amounts must be entered rather than presented as universal prices.
- Current density structure: 13 classes
NMFTA's density-first structure became effective July 19, 2025 for applicable commodities.
- Under 1 lb/ft³: Class 400
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 1 to under 2 lb/ft³: Class 300
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 2 to under 4 lb/ft³: Class 250
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 4 to under 6 lb/ft³: Class 175
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 6 to under 8 lb/ft³: Class 125
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 8 to under 10 lb/ft³: Class 100
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 10 to under 12 lb/ft³: Class 92.5
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 12 to under 15 lb/ft³: Class 85
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³: Class 70
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³: Class 65
Density screen only; verify the commodity and governing rules.
- 30 to under 35 lb/ft³: Class 60
NMFTA added this break within the expanded scale.
- 35 to under 50 lb/ft³: Class 55
NMFTA added this break within the expanded scale.
- 50 lb/ft³ and above: Class 50
Highest-density break in the current screen.
- Fuel formula boundary: No universal EIA surcharge
EIA publishes diesel-price data; each company or contract sets its own surcharge method.
- Common added services: Liftgate, non-commercial, appointment, detention, inside, redelivery
Carrier examples; charges and definitions depend on the governing tariff or agreement.
- Carrier verification: Free FMCSA Company Snapshot
Search by legal name, USDOT or MC number and then check current authority and insurance records.
Source register
- NMFTA 13-tier density scale
Current density breaks and classes under Docket 2025-1; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- NMFTA 2025 classification changes
Official July 19, 2025 effective date and density-first classification context; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- US EIA diesel fuel surcharges
Official weekly diesel-price data boundary and confirmation that EIA does not set a universal surcharge formula; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- Old Dominion LTL pricing guide
Carrier explanation of weight, dimensions, class, lane, fuel and accessorial inputs; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- Old Dominion accessorial-charge guide
Carrier definitions and examples for liftgate, non-commercial, appointment, detention, inside and redelivery services; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- Old Dominion current tariff register
Current carrier rules, tariff and non-binding accessorial-reference boundary; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- FMCSA carrier, broker and forwarder definitions
Official distinction between transport, arranging transport and assuming shipment responsibility; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- FMCSA company safety records
Official free Company Snapshot and safety-record verification path; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- FMCSA insurance filing requirements
Current authority, insurance and 2026 broker or freight-forwarder financial-responsibility context; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- NMFTA bill-of-lading rule update
Current printed, digital and electronic bill-of-lading requirements and commodity-description fields; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- NMFTA Uniform Straight Bill of Lading terms
Official packaging, declared-value and claims-term context; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- FedEx freight packing guidance
Carrier handling-unit, packaging and liftgate-size context; reviewed 14 September 2026.
Error corrections
If a source is outdated or a calculation does not behave as described, email [email protected] and identify the URL, input and expected result. Do not include private customer or property information.