150+ lbs or large/oversized

How to Ship Freight (150+ lbs) — LTL and FTL Guide

Above 150 lbs (or with very large dimensions), parcel shipping stops being cost-effective and freight takes over. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) is the standard for single pallets; FTL (Full Truckload) is for when you have enough volume to fill an entire truck. Freight rates are quoted case-by-case — there's no simple 'zone-based' pricing like parcel.

Typical freight costs: $150-400 for a single pallet LTL depending on distance, accessorials, and commodity class.

Typical Pricing by Service

Service	Zone 2	Zone 8	Transit
LTL Freight (1 pallet)	$100-200	$200-400	3-7 days
LTL (multiple pallets)	$200-400	$400-700	3-7 days
FTL (full truck)	$1,500-2,500	$3,000-6,000	1-3 days
UPS Freight	Quote-based	Quote-based	3-6 days

Rates are retail / approximate. Commercial accounts and Commercial Plus rates (via Pirate Ship, Shippo, ShippingLabel at scale) typically save 10-30% off these.

Recommended Carrier

Get quotes from multiple LTL carriers (R+L, XPO, Old Dominion, ABF, YRC, SAIA) — rates vary significantly. Freight brokers (uShip, Freightos) can aggregate quotes. FTL only worth it for 10+ pallets. For 150-300 lb parcels, UPS/FedEx Freight or LTL pallet can both work.

Dimensional Weight Notes

Freight rates use 'freight class' (NMFC class) that considers density, stowability, handling, and liability. Higher class = more expensive. Dense items = lower class = cheaper. This is different from parcel DIM weight but similar concept.

Packaging for Freight (150+ lb)

Palletize items for freight. Standard pallet: 48×40 inches. Stretch-wrap the pallet. Use corner protectors. Secure with bands if needed. Items must be stable enough not to shift on the truck.

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Tips & Strategy

•Get 3+ LTL quotes — prices vary 30-50% between carriers for the same shipment
•Palletize: standard 48×40 pallet is the LTL standard
•Residential delivery + lift gate adds $80-150 to LTL quotes
•Freight brokers (uShip, Freightos, FreightWaves) help find cheapest LTL options
•FTL only makes sense with 10+ pallets going to same destination
•Insurance is separate — add at quote time if needed

Frequently asked questions

When does freight become cheaper than parcel?

Usually around 150 lbs, or when dimensions exceed what UPS/FedEx Ground accepts (~150 lbs + 108-inch length). Some 100 lb items are cheaper via LTL if palletized.

What's the difference between LTL and FTL?

LTL = Less-Than-Truckload — your shipment shares a truck with others. FTL = Full Truckload — you rent an entire truck. LTL is cheaper per pound up to ~10 pallets; FTL is faster and worth it for higher volume.

Do I need to palletize?

For LTL, yes — items need to be palletized for forklift handling. Exception: some LTL carriers accept 'bulk' freight (large single items) but rates are higher.

How long does freight take?

LTL: 3-7 business days to most US destinations. FTL: 1-3 days. Express freight (UPS/FedEx Freight Priority) is 1-2 days at premium cost.