About this calculator

Compare complete LTL and FTL alternatives using entered quotes and a separately validated truck count. The tool compares costs after adding each option’s extras; it does not solve truck loading.

Inputs

How to use this calculator

LTL shipment quote group

  1. LTL shipments at this quoteWhole positive count covering this portion of the freight.
  2. Price per LTL shipment (USD)Use comparable quotes; avoid double counting fuel or other services.

Shared inputs

  1. Validated number of FTL trucksDetermine physical/load feasibility separately. This calculator does not derive the required truck count.
  2. Price per full truck (USD)Applicable dated quote matching the entered truck count.
  3. Additional LTL option cost (USD)Only costs omitted from the entered LTL quotes.
  4. Additional FTL option cost (USD)Only costs omitted from the entered truck quotes.

Enter the shipment or scenario values, then select Calculate result.

Method

Formula and variables

LTL option = sum(LTL shipment count × quote) + additional LTL cost. FTL option = validated truck count × truck quote + additional FTL cost. Compare totals and report the absolute difference, retaining ties.

LTL shipments at this quote
Whole positive count covering this portion of the freight.
Price per LTL shipment (USD)
Use comparable quotes; avoid double counting fuel or other services.
Validated number of FTL trucks
Determine physical/load feasibility separately. This calculator does not derive the required truck count.
Price per full truck (USD)
Applicable dated quote matching the entered truck count.
Additional LTL option cost (USD)
Only costs omitted from the entered LTL quotes.
Additional FTL option cost (USD)
Only costs omitted from the entered truck quotes.

Interpret the result

The lower entered option is a cost comparison for those exact scenarios. Truck capacity, service equivalence and shipment feasibility remain outside the comparison.

Outputs: Less-than-truckload and full-truckload totals, cost difference and lower entered option

Compares supplied feasible alternatives. No live rates, truck count solver, capacity, weight/axle check, transit-time prediction, service equivalence or FTL eligibility is inferred. Counts/quotes must cover the same entire shipment under comparable dates and services.

Worked example

Check the arithmetic

This example uses the starting values shown above. The arithmetic below is calculated independently of the interactive result.

Work through the calculation

  1. LTL = 4 shipments × $250 + $100 extras = $1,100.
  2. FTL = 1 validated truck × $700 + $150 extras = $850.
  3. FTL is lower by $1,100 − $850 = $250.

Compare the displayed result

Expected displayed result: FTL: $850.00

FAQs

Does the calculator determine how many trucks are needed?

No. Enter a truck count already validated for load geometry, weight and service needs. This cost page does not infer capacity from the quotes.

Example inputs and options

Starting values are examples unless a field identifies a dated rule. Unit selectors convert only fields marked for conversion. Rates and model options keep the units and basis shown in their labels.

LTL shipments at this quote
Example: 4
Price per LTL shipment (USD)
Example: 250
Validated number of FTL trucks
Example: 1
Price per full truck (USD)
Example: 700
Additional LTL option cost (USD)
Example: 100
Additional FTL option cost (USD)
Example: 150