LTL Freight Shipping Rates, Freight Classes & NMFC Codes: A Guide to Shipping Between New York, Florida, Texas and California
Learn how less-than-truckload freight is classified, how LTL shipping rates are calculated, what causes additional charges, and how to choose the right freight carrier for your shipment.
Shipping freight across the United States does not always require an entire tractor-trailer. For businesses moving one pallet, several skids or shipments that do not fill a full truck, Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping can be an economical solution.
At MO Trucking Inc., we help businesses coordinate local freight transportation, cross-docking, warehousing and nationwide LTL shipping through our freight brokerage division as Agents of GlobalTranz.
We focus on major shipping corridors connecting New York with Florida, Texas and California, including freight moving in both directions.
Understanding LTL freight classes, NMFC codes, freight density and carrier pricing is essential to getting accurate quotes, avoiding unexpected charges and selecting the right transportation service.
What Is Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping?
Less Than Truckload shipping combines freight from multiple customers onto shared trailers. Instead of paying for exclusive use of a tractor-trailer, each shipper pays for transportation based on the shipment’s characteristics, the route and the services required.
LTL freight commonly includes palletized merchandise, commercial equipment, retail displays, machinery, packaged products, building materials and general business-to-business shipments.
For example, a New York business shipping three pallets to a distribution center in Florida may not require a dedicated 53-foot trailer. An LTL carrier can consolidate the shipment with other freight traveling through its transportation network.
LTL is particularly useful for shipments ranging from one pallet to multiple pallets, although larger shipments should also be compared against volume LTL, partial truckload and dedicated truckload pricing.
Understanding LTL Freight Classes: Class 50 Through Class 500
One of the most important factors affecting LTL shipping rates is the shipment’s freight class.
The National Motor Freight Classification system uses 18 freight classes, ranging from Class 50 to Class 500.
Generally, lower classes are associated with freight that is dense, easier to handle and efficient to transport. Higher classes are often associated with freight that is less dense, harder to handle, difficult to stow or presents greater liability concerns.
According to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), freight classification is based on four transportation characteristics.
NMFTA Help Center+1
Density
Weight compared with the total cubic space the freight occupies.
Handling
How easily freight can be moved, loaded and unloaded.
Stowability
How efficiently and safely freight fits with other shipments.
Liability
Risk associated with damage, theft, product value or other cargo characteristics.
LTL freight density and class reference
The following density thresholds are published in NMFTA’s 2026 freight classification guidelines. They are a useful reference, but they are not a substitute for determining the correct commodity-specific NMFC item and applicable class. Some commodities have other classification requirements.
NMFTA
| Freight class | Density (lb/cu. ft.) |
| 50 | 50 or more |
| 55 | 35 to under 50 |
| 60 | 30 to under 35 |
| 65 | 22.5 to under 30 |
| 70 | 15 to under 22.5 |
| 77.5 | 13.5 to under 15 |
| 85 | 12 to under 13.5 |
| 92.5 | 10.5 to under 12 |
| 100 | 9 to under 10.5 |
| 110 | 8 to under 9 |
| 125 | 7 to under 8 |
| 150 | 6 to under 7 |
| 175 | 5 to under 6 |
| 200 | 4 to under 5 |
| 250 | 3 to under 4 |
| 300 | 2 to under 3 |
| 400 | 1 to under 2 |
| 500 | Under 1 |
What Is an NMFC Code in LTL Shipping?
An NMFC code, or National Motor Freight Classification item number, identifies a specific type of freight within the classification system.
An NMFC code is not the same thing as a freight class.
The NMFC item identifies the commodity, while the assigned class establishes its transportation classification. Some NMFC items contain subdivisions that depend on density or other characteristics.
For example, two shipments weighing 500 pounds may have different freight classes because one consists of dense metal components and the other contains bulky, lightweight display materials.
Using the wrong NMFC item or freight class can result in a carrier inspection, reclassification, additional freight charges and billing disputes.
Important NMFC changes for 2025 and 2026
Major updates to the NMFC system took effect on July 19, 2025. Thousands of items were affected, including expanded density-based classifications, consolidated commodity descriptions and updated tools for determining the correct classification.
Businesses should verify that their freight classifications are current rather than relying on historical codes. The official NMFTA classification resources can help shippers identify the appropriate classifications.
NMFTA+1
How to Calculate LTL Freight Density
Freight density is calculated by dividing the total shipment weight by the cubic feet occupied by the shipment, including its packaging and pallet.
\[ \text{Density}=\frac{\text{Total weight in pounds}}{\text{Total cubic feet}} \]
For dimensions measured in inches:
\[ \text{Cubic feet}=\frac{L\times W\times H}{1728} \]
Interactive LTL density calculator
Enter outside dimensions of one packaged pallet, including the pallet itself.
Length (in)
Width (in)
Height (in)
Weight per pallet (lb)
Identical pallets
Density
6.00
lb/cu. ft.
Reference class
150
Density guideline
Total weight
400
pounds
For identical pallets only. This is a density guideline estimate, not a verified NMFC classification or shipping quote. Confirm the commodity-specific class and current carrier rules.
A shipment measuring 48 × 40 × 60 inches and weighing 400 pounds has a density of 6 pounds per cubic foot. Under the reference density guidelines, that corresponds to Class 150.
If the same packaged pallet weighed 600 pounds, its density would increase to 9 pounds per cubic foot, corresponding to the Class 100 density guideline.
This illustrates why accurate shipment weights and dimensions can materially affect LTL transportation costs.
What Affects LTL Freight Shipping Rates?
LTL pricing is more involved than simply charging a fixed amount per mile. Several factors determine the final transportation cost.
- Freight class and NMFC classification: Higher freight classes often carry higher transportation charges, although actual pricing depends on the carrier’s contract.
- Shipment weight: LTL carriers commonly use weight brackets and per-hundredweight (CWT) pricing. Heavier shipments can receive lower rates per pound.
- Origin and destination ZIP codes: A shipment from Queens, NY to Miami, FL may price differently than one from Suffolk County, NY to a smaller Florida market.
- Freight density and dimensions: Large, lightweight pallets may occupy significant trailer space and may fall into higher freight classes.
- Fuel surcharge: Carriers apply fuel-related charges according to their contracts and published tariffs.
- Carrier network and lane capacity: Rates depend on the carrier’s terminal network, available capacity, freight demand and operational costs along the lane.
- Accessorial services: Liftgate service, residential delivery, appointments, inside delivery and other special requirements can add charges.
- Freight volume and negotiated discounts: Businesses with recurring LTL shipments may qualify for better negotiated pricing than occasional shippers.
- Delivery speed and service level: Standard LTL, expedited delivery, guaranteed service and dedicated trucking have different price structures.
- Packaging and liability: Fragile, high-value, hazardous, non-stackable or unusually shaped freight may require special handling or different pricing.
Carriers may calculate a final invoice using a base tariff, negotiated discount, minimum charge, fuel surcharge and any accessorial charges.
GetLTLRates+1
Common LTL accessorial charges
| Charge | Why it applies |
| Liftgate service | Pickup or delivery without a suitable loading dock or forklift |
| Residential delivery | Freight delivered to a residential location |
| Limited access | Delivery to certain schools, construction sites, secure facilities or similar locations |
| Inside delivery | Freight needs movement beyond the carrier’s standard delivery point |
| Delivery appointment | Scheduled delivery arrangements where the carrier charges for the service |
| Reweigh | Actual shipment weight differs from the declared weight |
| Reclassification | Declared freight class or NMFC information is incorrect |
| Detention | Loading or unloading takes longer than the carrier’s permitted free time |
| Redelivery | An unsuccessful initial delivery requires another attempt |
| Overlength freight | Freight exceeds the carrier’s dimensional thresholds |
| Storage | Freight must remain at a terminal beyond allowed free time |
| Reconsignment | Destination or shipment instructions change after dispatch |
These charges vary significantly by carrier and applicable rules tariff.
GetLTLRates
Major LTL Freight Shipping Lanes: New York, Florida, Texas and California
Six priority shipping lanes — both directions
New York
Florida
Florida
New York
New York
Texas
Texas
New York
New York
California
California
New York
New York to Florida LTL Freight Shipping
Businesses shipping freight from New York to Florida frequently transport retail merchandise, store fixtures, commercial equipment, consumer goods and distribution inventory.
MO Trucking can coordinate freight originating throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and surrounding New York markets.
Popular destinations include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and other Florida cities.
Customers searching for LTL Freight Shipping New York to Florida, New York to Miami Pallet Shipping or Long Island to Florida Freight Rates should compare carriers based on both their total delivered price and destination service capabilities.
Florida to New York LTL Freight Shipping
Freight moving from Florida to New York commonly includes wholesale merchandise, packaged products, commercial supplies, machinery and replenishment inventory.
Major shipping origins include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
For shipments arriving in New York, MO Trucking can assist with local transportation, cross-docking, temporary storage and final-mile delivery arrangements.
Businesses searching for Florida to New York LTL Freight Rates should verify whether the destination has a commercial dock, requires a liftgate or has restricted delivery access.
New York to Texas LTL Freight Shipping
Texas is a major destination for freight originating in New York, with distribution and commercial markets including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and El Paso.
Common shipments include retail fixtures, industrial parts, lighting equipment, trade show materials, packaged products and commercial merchandise.
With LTL Freight Shipping New York to Texas, carrier selection can make a difference in cost and service. Some LTL networks offer favorable pricing to major Texas freight hubs, while smaller destinations may require additional terminal handling or partner-carrier service.
Texas to New York LTL Freight Shipping
Businesses shipping from Texas to New York may transport manufacturing components, equipment, wholesale inventory, consumer products and industrial supplies.
Whether the freight originates in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio or another Texas city, accurate freight dimensions and NMFC information are essential.
For Texas to New York LTL Freight Shipping, businesses should evaluate delivery requirements in the New York metropolitan area, where congestion, restricted access and liftgate needs can affect the transportation plan.
MO Trucking can assist with delivery arrangements after freight arrives in the New York market.
New York to California LTL Freight Shipping
Cross-country freight transportation between New York and California is an important shipping lane for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors and commercial businesses.
Common destinations include Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno and San Jose.
Because of the longer distance, New York to California LTL Freight Rates can vary significantly depending on freight class, shipment density, carrier network, terminal transfers, capacity and requested delivery speed.
For larger shipments, it may be beneficial to compare standard LTL shipping with volume LTL or partial truckload transportation.
California to New York LTL Freight Shipping
California-to-New York shipments often include retail merchandise, electronics, commercial supplies, production materials, packaging products and distribution inventory.
Major origin markets include Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego and Central California.
Businesses searching for California to New York LTL Shipping, Los Angeles to New York Pallet Shipping or West Coast to New York Freight Rates should review the shipment’s complete requirements before selecting a carrier.
MO Trucking’s New York transportation and warehouse capabilities can support the local portion of shipments arriving from California, including cross-docking, storage and final-mile transportation.
Major LTL Freight Carriers in the United States
Selecting the right LTL carrier is just as important as determining the correct freight class.
Some carriers operate national transportation networks, while others specialize in regional shipping, expedited freight, certain geographic areas or specific shipment types.
The following directory includes major national carriers, regional carriers and additional freight transportation providers operating in or serving the United States.
It is a broad industry directory, not a complete registry of every licensed LTL carrier. There are additional independent and specialized carriers throughout the country. Company operating territories and services should always be confirmed before booking.
National and major multiregional LTL carriers
These companies are among the major providers shippers may evaluate for interstate freight transportation. The list reflects the 2026 Transport Topics LTL rankings and carrier directory information.
Transport Topics+1
| LTL carrier | Website |
| FedEx Freight | fedex.com |
| Old Dominion Freight Line | odfl.com |
| Estes Express Lines | estes-express.com |
| XPO | xpo.com |
| R+L Carriers | rlcarriers.com |
| Saia | saia.com |
| ABF Freight | abfs.com |
| TForce Freight | tforcefreight.com |
| Central Transport | centraltransport.com |
| Roadrunner Freight | shiproadrunnerfreight.com |
Regional and specialized LTL carriers
These providers may offer particular advantages in certain geographic areas or service categories. Not every carrier listed offers direct service between all six of the featured New York lanes.
| LTL carrier | General market or specialty |
| AAA Cooper Transportation | Southeast and connecting markets |
| A. Duie Pyle | Northeast and Mid-Atlantic |
| Averitt Express | Southeast and broader U.S. service |
| Southeastern Freight Lines | Southeast |
| Pitt Ohio | Northeast and Midwest |
| Ward Transport & Logistics | Northeast and Mid-Atlantic |
| Dayton Freight Lines | Midwest |
| Oak Harbor Freight Lines | Western United States |
| Peninsula Truck Lines | Pacific Northwest |
| CrossCountry Freight Solutions | Western and regional markets |
| Magnum LTL | Midwest and regional markets |
| Daylight Transport | Long-distance and western freight |
| Dohrn Transfer | Midwest |
| Moran Transportation | Midwest |
| Ross Express | Northeast |
| RIST Transport | Northeast |
| Best Overnite Express | Regional service |
| Diamond Line Delivery | Regional service |
| North Park Transportation | Mountain West |
| Southwestern Motor Transport | Texas and surrounding markets |
| Forward Air | Expedited and specialized freight |
| Lynden Transport | Alaska and Northwest |
| Day & Ross | U.S.–Canada connections |
| Manitoulin Transport | U.S.–Canada connections |
| Salson Logistics | Northeast logistics and LTL |
| Valley Transport | Western regional freight |
| Pacific Coast Freight Lines | Western freight |
| Oakley Transport | Specialized and regional freight |
Additional companies appearing in the 2026 Transport Topics LTL sector rankings include Fastfrate Group, CRST, Mullen Group, Landstar System, Anderson Trucking Service, TGR Logistics, TCI Transportation, Highlight Motor Group, STG Logistics and Bison Transport. Some have mixed transportation businesses or specialized service models rather than a conventional nationwide LTL terminal network.
Transport Topics
For a more detailed industry comparison, see the 2026 Transport Topics Top LTL Carriers ranking.
How to Choose the Best LTL Carrier for New York Freight
The lowest quoted freight rate is not necessarily the lowest overall shipping cost.
Businesses comparing carriers on New York–Florida, New York–Texas and New York–California lanes should review service territory, estimated transit time, accessorial charges, freight handling requirements, claims procedures and total transportation price.
For example, a carrier offering a lower base freight charge may be more expensive after residential delivery, liftgate and appointment charges are applied.
Another carrier may offer better value because it operates a stronger terminal network between the shipment’s actual origin and destination ZIP codes.
The best LTL carrier depends on the specific shipment, not just the states involved.
How to Reduce LTL Freight Shipping Costs
Businesses can often reduce avoidable freight expenses by improving shipping preparation and selecting the right service.
- Measure and weigh every pallet accurately. Include the pallet, packaging and the full loaded dimensions.
- Verify the NMFC item and freight class. Classification errors can result in unexpected adjustments.
- Consolidate shipments when practical. Multiple smaller shipments going to the same destination may cost more than one properly consolidated shipment.
- Use commercial loading docks when available. This can help avoid unnecessary liftgate and special-delivery charges.
- Confirm delivery requirements in advance. Identify appointments, access restrictions and unloading needs before tendering freight.
- Compare multiple LTL carriers. Different carriers may offer better pricing on different lanes.
- Consider volume LTL or partial truckload. Larger shipments may qualify for alternative pricing structures.
MO Trucking Inc.: New York LTL Transportation, Freight Brokerage and Cross-Docking
Drop Trailer Programs: Boost Warehouse Dock Throughput and Turn Times
At MO Trucking Inc., our services extend beyond arranging nationwide LTL transportation.
Our asset-based trucking operation supports customers throughout Long Island and the New York metropolitan area, while our freight brokerage division, as Agents of GlobalTranz, can assist with interstate freight transportation.
Our capabilities include:
- LTL freight shipping coordination between New York and destinations throughout the United States.
- Local freight pickup and delivery throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and surrounding markets.
- Cross-docking and freight consolidation.
- Warehouse receiving and temporary freight storage.
- Pallet preparation, shrink-wrapping, weighing and dimensioning.
- Liftgate deliveries using 26-foot straight trucks and equipped trailers.
- Dedicated truckload and final-mile delivery services.
- Trade show freight, retail store deliveries and commercial equipment transportation.
Our Bay Shore, NY warehouse also provides a New York freight handling point for businesses shipping merchandise into or out of the metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions About LTL Shipping
What is the difference between an NMFC code and freight class?
An NMFC item number identifies the commodity under the National Motor Freight Classification system. Freight class describes its assigned transportation classification. One NMFC item can have different subclasses based on density or other characteristics.
Why did my LTL freight rate increase after pickup?
An LTL carrier may adjust the freight bill after a reweigh, dimension inspection, freight reclassification or identification of additional services. Accurate documentation helps reduce these issues.
Is Class 50 always the cheapest LTL freight class?
Class 50 generally represents freight with favorable transportation characteristics, but pricing depends on more than class. Distance, carrier contract, weight, fuel, minimum charges and service requirements also affect the total.
How much does it cost to ship one pallet from New York to Florida?
The cost depends on the origin and destination ZIP codes, pallet dimensions, weight, NMFC classification, carrier, fuel surcharge and required services. An accurate rate requires the shipment details.
Can I ship LTL freight from Florida, Texas or California to Long Island, NY?
Yes. LTL freight can move from these states to destinations throughout Long Island and New York. MO Trucking can coordinate the interstate shipment through its brokerage operation and assist with local freight handling where applicable.
Is LTL or full truckload better for large shipments?
LTL is generally appropriate for smaller shipments that can share trailer space. As pallet count, linear footage or total weight increases, volume LTL, partial truckload or dedicated truckload transportation may become more economical.
How long does LTL freight take from New York to California?
Transit time depends on the precise ZIP codes, carrier network, pickup schedule and service level. Cross-country LTL shipments typically require multiple business days and may involve terminal transfers. Carrier transit estimates should be checked for the shipment rather than treated as guaranteed delivery dates.
Can an LTL carrier provide liftgate delivery?
Many major LTL carriers provide liftgate services, but availability, platform dimensions, weight limitations and charges vary. Freight too large or heavy for a carrier’s liftgate may require a different delivery solution.
Get an LTL Freight Shipping Quote from MO Trucking Inc.
Whether you are shipping one pallet or multiple skids, MO Trucking Inc. can help evaluate freight transportation options for your shipment.
We focus on freight moving between:
New York ↔ Florida | New York ↔ Texas | New York ↔ California
We also assist with nationwide freight brokerage services, local New York trucking, cross-docking, liftgate deliveries and warehouse handling.
MO Trucking Inc.
Nationwide Freight Brokerage • New York Metro Trucking • Cross-Docking & Warehousing
631-755-5858
For an accurate quote, please provide the pickup ZIP code, delivery ZIP code, number of pallets, dimensions, total weight, commodity description and any special pickup or delivery requirements.
