FTL vs LTL Break-Even Calculator
Find the exact shipment weight where full truckload becomes cheaper than LTL. Stop guessing — know exactly when to switch modes.
⚖️ Calculate Break-Even
📖 How It Works
The break-even point is the weight at which LTL cost equals the FTL rate. Above that weight, FTL is cheaper. Below it, LTL wins.
Example: FTL rate $2,400. LTL rate $28/cwt.
Break-even = ($2,400 ÷ $28) × 100 = 8,571 lbs
Shipments over 8,571 lbs: book FTL.
Shipments under 8,571 lbs: ship LTL.
Typical break-even range: 6,000–12,000 lbs depending on lane, class and carrier pricing. Always get both quotes before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use FTL when your shipment weight exceeds the break-even point, when you need guaranteed transit times, when cargo is fragile or high-value (fewer handling touches), or when you need the full trailer for oversized items. FTL also offers better transit predictability than LTL.
Most lanes break even between 6,000 and 12,000 lbs. Short lanes with high LTL density (e.g. within 500 miles) tend to break even around 8,000–10,000 lbs. Long lanes where FTL rates are high can break even as low as 5,000 lbs. Always calculate for your specific lane and carrier rates.
Yes — higher freight classes mean higher LTL rates per CWT, which lowers the break-even weight (FTL becomes cheaper sooner). Class 500 freight breaks even at a much lower weight than Class 50. This calculator accounts for class in your LTL rate per CWT input.
Yes — transit time (LTL is typically 1–3 days slower), cargo security (LTL has more handling touches and higher damage risk), service guarantees, and density. For high-value or fragile freight, FTL may be preferred even below the weight break-even due to lower damage risk.