What Does the Cost of Cargo Delivery Depend on?

Trucking is a multi-level industry in which a large number of factors must be taken into account to work successfully. Today we will tell you what the cost of cargo delivery depends on.

1. Dimensions and weight of cargo

Most often the trucker is charged per mile. It consists of two parts: a “per hundredweight” charge and fuel costs. But with LTL the cost of delivery of cargo is determined not only by its weight, but also by its dimensions:

• weight regulations are designed so that the heavier your shipment, the less you pay per 100 pounds (“per hundredweight”);
• dimensions are measured in feet; these measurements directly affect the density of the shipment.

2. Load density

To calculate the density of a shipment, divide its total weight by its total volume. If pallets are used for shipment, use their dimensions. However, add the weight of the pallets to the total weight of the shipment. It is also important to always measure the longest side of the pallet, including any protrusions outside of it.

3. Type of cargo

You need a different trailer for each type of cargo. For example, you are not allowed to transport perishable food items on the same trailer as pet food. The type of trailer is another factor in shaping the cost of shipping to the United States. The most popular are:

1. Dry vans. They are used for the vast majority of freight shipments. Their peculiarity is the absence of temperature control equipment.
2. Refrigerated vans. Unlike dry vans, refrigerators are capable of creating and maintaining a certain temperature. These trailers are relevant for the transportation of food and beverages, flowers and anything that can spoil from high temperature.
3. Platforms. Suitable for oversized and heavy loads – cargoes that cannot be placed in a dry van.

4. Class of cargo

All shipments are assigned one of the eighteen classes introduced by the National Automobile Association. The lower the class, the cheaper the delivery.

The class of cargo is established by a number of criteria. Among them are:

1. Value.
2. Difficulty of handling.

5. Distance

Here it’s simple: the longer the distance, the more expensive the cost of delivery.

6. Features of the route

The more conditions on the route of the shipment, the more you will have to pay for its delivery.

Let’s list some of the places that can increase the cost of delivery:

1. Commercial facilities with closed status.
2. Construction sites.
3. Farms.
4. Military facilities.

7. Fuel costs

The cost of shipping increases with the price of fuel. You may encounter this situation in a state for a variety of reasons:

1. Taxes.
2. Market conditions.

8. Minimum rates

All carriers, large and small, have minimum rates . If your shipment doesn’t meet the minimum rate, you still have to pay the minimum rate.

9. Additional services

If your shipment requires an advance meeting with a customer, an elevator, or installation into an apartment or house, then its delivery will be more expensive, which makes sense.