{
  "id": "ltl-rate-factors",
  "title": "What sets an LTL rate",
  "description": "The rate factors LTL carriers name in their own pricing guides.",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "page": "https://palletdimensions.com/ltl/",
  "columns": [
    {
      "key": "detail",
      "label": "How it works"
    }
  ],
  "rows": [
    {
      "factor": "Freight class and density",
      "detail": "The NMFC class, based on density, handling, stowability and liability, is one of the main inputs to the price.",
      "sources": [
        "nmfta-classification",
        "estes-ltl",
        "odfl-ltl-pricing",
        "odfl-ltl-guide",
        "abf-ltl-pricing"
      ],
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "factor": "Weight",
      "detail": "The total weight of the shipment is a primary factor in the price.",
      "sources": [
        "estes-ltl",
        "odfl-ltl-pricing",
        "abf-ltl-pricing",
        "odfl-ltl-guide"
      ],
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "factor": "Size and floor space",
      "detail": "The more of the trailer floor a shipment takes up, the higher the cost.",
      "sources": [
        "odfl-ltl-guide",
        "abf-ltl-pricing"
      ],
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "factor": "Distance and lane",
      "detail": "Longer hauls cost more, and the volume and competition on the lane also move the price.",
      "sources": [
        "estes-ltl",
        "odfl-ltl-pricing",
        "odfl-ltl-guide",
        "abf-ltl-pricing"
      ],
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "factor": "Accessorials",
      "detail": "Services beyond dock-to-dock, such as a liftgate or residential delivery, are charged on top.",
      "sources": [
        "estes-ltl",
        "odfl-ltl-pricing",
        "abf-ltl-pricing"
      ],
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "factor": "Fuel surcharge",
      "detail": "A percentage added to the freight charge that offsets changes in what carriers pay for fuel.",
      "sources": [
        "estes-ltl",
        "odfl-ltl-pricing",
        "abf-ltl-pricing",
        "estes-glossary"
      ],
      "verified": true
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "nmfta-classification",
      "title": "Classification",
      "publisher": "NMFTA",
      "url": "https://nmfta.org/standards/classification/",
      "kind": "standards-body",
      "official": true,
      "checked": "2026-11-14"
    },
    {
      "id": "estes-ltl",
      "title": "What is LTL freight shipping?",
      "publisher": "Estes Express Lines",
      "url": "https://www.estes-express.com/resources/what-is/ltl-freight-shipping",
      "kind": "carrier",
      "official": false,
      "checked": "2026-11-14"
    },
    {
      "id": "odfl-ltl-pricing",
      "title": "LTL pricing guide",
      "publisher": "Old Dominion Freight Line",
      "url": "https://www.odfl.com/us/en/resources/freight-knowledge/odfl-blog/ltl-pricing-guide.html",
      "kind": "carrier",
      "official": false,
      "checked": "2026-11-14"
    },
    {
      "id": "odfl-ltl-guide",
      "title": "LTL guide",
      "publisher": "Old Dominion Freight Line",
      "url": "https://www.odfl.com/us/en/resources/freight-knowledge/odfl-blog/ltl-guide.html",
      "kind": "carrier",
      "official": false,
      "checked": "2026-11-14"
    },
    {
      "id": "abf-ltl-pricing",
      "title": "Mastering LTL freight pricing",
      "publisher": "ABF Freight",
      "url": "https://arcb.com/blog/mastering-ltl-freight-pricing",
      "kind": "carrier",
      "official": false,
      "checked": "2026-11-14"
    },
    {
      "id": "estes-glossary",
      "title": "Transportation glossary (PDF)",
      "publisher": "Estes Express Lines",
      "url": "https://www.estes-express.com/downloads/Estes-Transportation-Glossary.pdf?language_id=1",
      "kind": "carrier",
      "official": false,
      "checked": "2026-11-14"
    }
  ]
}