Shipping pallets LTL: how to prepare, measure and ship a pallet

LTL (less than truckload) freight carries shipments that do not need a whole trailer. Your pallets share a trailer with other shippers' freight, pass through one or more terminals, and are handled by forklift several times on the way. That handling is why LTL pallets need to be sturdier, better wrapped and more accurately described than a truckload that goes door to door. This guide covers how to prepare, measure and book a pallet shipment.

#LTL vs truckload

The breakpoints are indicative. Price each option; the cheapest mode depends on lane, season and how full the shipment is. See pallets per truckload.

#Step 1: Build a load that survives cross-docking

LTL freight gets moved at every terminal, sometimes by forklifts entering from any side, and it may be loaded next to or under other freight.

• Use a sound pallet. No broken boards, missing blocks or protruding nails. A four-way pallet is easier for terminal crews to handle from any side.
• Match the load to the pallet. No overhang, minimal underhang, square corners.
• Heavy items on the bottom. Keep the center of gravity low. See mixed pallets.
• Flat top. A flat, strong top lets the carrier stack freight, which helps your rate. If it cannot be stacked, cone the top or mark it "do not stack", and expect to pay for the space.
• Wrap tightly and anchor the film to the pallet. Add corner boards and a top cap for fragile goods. See stretch wrapping pallets.

#Shipping a single pallet

Small businesses often ship one pallet at a time, which is where most LTL problems happen. A few habits help:

• Build the pallet at a dock or on a pallet jack so it can be moved without re-handling the cartons.
• If there is no dock or forklift at either end, book a liftgate and check the carrier's liftgate weight and size limits. Liftgates typically cannot take a pallet much longer than 48 in or a very heavy load.
• Photograph the finished pallet from two sides with the label visible. It helps with any damage claim.
• Keep the pallet footprint standard (48 × 40 in or smaller) so it fits the carrier's equipment and the receiver's pallet jack.

#Step 2: Measure and weigh the shipment

Carriers bill on the actual outside dimensions and weight, and many terminals verify both with automated dimensioners and scales.

1. Measure length, width and height at the widest points of the wrapped load, including the pallet and any overhang or bulge. Round up to the next whole inch.
2. Weigh the whole unit including the pallet, packaging and wrap.
3. Count handling units: each pallet, crate or loose piece.
4. Calculate density: weight in lb ÷ (L × W × H in inches ÷ 1,728). See freight class and density.

Example: one pallet, 48 × 40 × 55 in, 900 lb. Volume = 105,600 ÷ 1,728 = 61.1 ft³. Density = 14.7 lb/ft³.

#Step 3: Determine the freight class

LTL rates in the US are based on the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Since July 2025 many commodities are classified by density on a 13-level scale, while some items still carry a commodity-specific class. Find the NMFC item for your product, apply its rule, and put the item number and class on the bill of lading. If in doubt, ask the carrier or a broker before you ship. See freight class and density.

#Step 4: Complete the bill of lading

The bill of lading (BOL) is the shipping contract and receipt. Include:

Label each pallet on at least two sides with the shipper, consignee, BOL or PRO number and piece count, on the outside of the wrap. For retail and distribution networks, use a GS1 logistic label. See pallet labels and SSCC.

#Step 5: Book accessorials in advance

Accessorials are services beyond dock-to-dock pickup and delivery. Unbooked accessorials are billed after the fact, often at a higher rate.

Carriers may also apply space-based charges when a shipment uses a large share of the trailer or cannot be stacked. The thresholds are in each carrier's rules tariff.

#What drives the price of shipping a pallet

LTL pricing moves with the market, so a price quoted today may not hold next month. The factors are consistent, though:

The cheapest single change most shippers can make is to improve density: a smaller, lower, well-built pallet with the same product in it.

#Avoiding surprise charges

• Reclass: the carrier inspects and assigns a higher class. Prevent it by using the correct NMFC item and accurate density.
• Reweigh: the scale weight is higher than declared. Weigh everything.
• Redelivery: the receiver was closed or not ready. Book appointments.
• Detention: the driver waits too long at pickup or delivery. Have the freight ready.

#Delivery and claims

At delivery, count the pallets and inspect the wrap before signing. Note any shortage or visible damage on the delivery receipt, with specifics ("1 pallet, wrap torn, 3 cartons crushed"), and photograph it. Concealed damage should be reported to the carrier promptly. Under standard US bill of lading terms, loss and damage claims generally must be filed in writing within nine months of delivery; the carrier's rules and your contract govern the details, including liability limits.

#Choosing pallets for LTL

LTL is hard on pallets. Recycled grade B pallets can work for light loads, but broken pallets are a common cause of damage and rejected deliveries. For frequent LTL shipments:

• use grade A or new pallets (see pallet grades);
• prefer four-way entry;
• avoid oversized footprints, which cost more to ship and may not stack;
• keep pallet height low to reduce billed cube.

If you ship the same load often, a pallet designed to the load footprint can cut both damage and freight class. Open the 48 × 40 template to start from a standard size.