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The Trucking Rate
Calculator That
Actually Works

Estimate freight rates in seconds. Enter your miles, load, and trailer type — get a full breakdown including fuel surcharge and accessorial fees.

Dry Van
Flatbed
Reefer
Hotshot
Step Deck
Box Truck
🚛

Freight Rate Calculator

Fill in your load details to get an instant estimate

Accessorial Fees
Estimated Total Rate
$0
— per mile
Base Freight
Fuel Surcharge
Accessorial Fees
Est. Transit Time
Rate Type
Load Class
⚠️ Estimates are based on current market averages and are for reference only. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, season, and carrier. Always confirm with your broker or carrier before committing to a load.

How It Works

Rate Estimates in Under 60 Seconds

No account needed. No ads hiding the result. Just enter your load details and get a real number.

01

Enter Your Miles

Input the total distance of your haul — from pickup to delivery.

02

Select Your Trailer

Choose from dry van, flatbed, reefer, hotshot, step deck, or box truck.

03

Add Freight Weight

Heavier loads affect your rate — especially once you cross the 20k, 30k, and 40k pound thresholds.

04

Check Accessorials

Select any fees that apply — hazmat, liftgate, tarp, team driver, detention, and more.

05

Get Your Rate

See your full breakdown — base freight, fuel surcharge, accessorial fees, and estimated transit time.

06

Use It to Negotiate

Know your number before you talk to a broker. Walk in informed and negotiate with confidence.


Trailer Guide

Know Your Equipment

Different trailers command different rates. Here's what you need to know about each type.

Dry Van

The most common trailer type. Enclosed, weatherproof, ideal for palletized freight, consumer goods, and non-perishables. Most available trailer on the market.

Avg: $2.20 – $2.80/mile

Flatbed

Open trailer for oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads — lumber, steel coils, construction equipment. Requires more skill to secure loads.

Avg: $2.60 – $3.20/mile

Reefer (Refrigerated)

Temperature-controlled trailer for perishables — food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals. Fuel costs are higher due to the refrigeration unit running continuously.

Avg: $2.70 – $3.30/mile

Step Deck

Lower deck height for tall freight that won't fit under bridge clearances in a standard flatbed. Common for machinery and tall industrial equipment.

Avg: $2.80 – $3.50/mile

Box Truck

Smaller enclosed truck for local and regional deliveries. Common for last-mile logistics, moving companies, and smaller commercial shipments.

Avg: $2.00 – $2.50/mile

Hotshot

Flatbed trailer pulled by a heavy-duty pickup truck. Faster booking, smaller loads, premium rates. Popular with owner-operators for time-sensitive freight.

Avg: $3.00 – $4.00/mile

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about trucking rates and how this calculator works.

How accurate is the FreightRateTool calculator?

Our estimates are based on current national average spot market rates sourced from industry data. They are a reliable starting point for negotiations but actual rates vary based on your specific lane, time of year, broker markup, and market conditions. Always confirm final rates with your broker or carrier.

What is a fuel surcharge and how is it calculated?

A fuel surcharge (FSC) is an additional fee added to freight bills to account for diesel fuel costs. It fluctuates with diesel prices — when fuel is more expensive, the surcharge goes up. Our calculator adjusts the fuel surcharge dynamically based on the diesel price you enter.

What are accessorial fees?

Accessorial fees are additional charges beyond the base freight rate. Common ones include: detention pay (when a driver waits too long to be loaded/unloaded), liftgate service, hazmat handling, team driver fees for time-sensitive loads, layover pay, and tarp fees for flatbed loads that need to be covered.

What is TONU?

TONU stands for Truck Order Not Used. It's a fee paid to a carrier when a load is cancelled after the truck has already been dispatched. TONU rates typically range from $150–$300 depending on how far the driver traveled before the cancellation.

What's the difference between spot rates and contract rates?

Spot rates are one-time market rates for loads booked on short notice — they fluctuate daily based on supply and demand. Contract rates are pre-negotiated rates between a shipper and carrier for a set period, usually 6–12 months. Spot rates are typically higher but more flexible. This calculator estimates spot market rates.

Is FreightRateTool free to use?

Yes — completely free, forever. No account, no email, no subscription. Just open the page and calculate your rate.

Who is this tool for?

FreightRateTool is built for owner-operators, dispatchers, freight brokers, shippers, and anyone in the trucking industry who needs a quick rate estimate. Whether you're negotiating a load, quoting a customer, or just doing research — this tool gives you a reliable starting number fast.