Eliminate the worst rate surprises

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Eliminate the worst rate surprises

Each LTL carrier sets its own tariffs, which define how shipments of different sizes and densities are priced. This makes accurate weights and dimensions in the TMS absolutely critical—small data-entry errors can lead to significant cost surprises

While some unexpected rate changes can be avoided by identifying locations that require extra services (like liftgates, limited access, or residential delivery), others are more complex—and often far more expensive.

Today, we’re focusing on two of the biggest culprits:

Linear Foot Limits / Overlength
Cubic Capacity

Each LTL carrier sets its own tariffs, which define how shipments of different sizes and densities are priced. This makes accurate weights and dimensions in the TMS absolutely critical—small data-entry errors can lead to significant cost surprises.

Linear foot limits / Overlength

Linear Foot limits refer to the amount of truck space your shipment occupies. This depends heavily on how the freight is loaded.

Example:
8 pallets (40x48x30 each) could take up 16 feet of space—or, if stackable, only 8 feet.

Some carriers allow up to 12 feet before applying a surcharge
Others allow up to 20 feet

Tip: Enter the Linear Feet in the TMS. Doing so allows the system to prevent a carrier from quoting when the shipment exceeds their limit.

Potential penalty example:
XYZ Carrier: $0.16 per linear foot × miles traveled
→ A 19’ shipment traveling 1,750 miles could cost $5,320 in additional fees.
In many cases, a Volume or Truckload rate would be much cheaper.

Overlength items

Individual pieces longer than a carrier’s limit can also trigger hefty surcharges.

Some carriers charge $1,000+ for pieces 8 feet or longer
Others apply smaller fees for different length ranges

Example:
1 pallet (9’ long)

Carrier A: $150 Overlength Fee
Carrier B: $500 Overlength Fee

Always enter the longest dimension in the “Length” field so the system can rate accurately and help you avoid costly surprises.

Cubic capacity

Carriers aim to maximize revenue per truck space, so low-density shipments that take up lots of room can trigger a Cubic Capacity Minimum Charge.

Typical rule example:

“Any shipment under 6 lbs. per cubic foot and over 750 cubic feet will be billed at a 30,000-lb. minimum.”

Comparison:

Shipment	Density	Cubic ft.	Rated wt.	Rate	Cost
Standard LTL	2.5 PCF	600	2,000 lbs	$35/cwt	$700
Capacity Minimum	2.5 PCF	760	30,000 lbs	$35/cwt	$10,500

That’s a huge difference—and entirely avoidable with accurate entry in the TMS.

Watch for pop-up warnings suggesting help with a Volume Quote or Truckload option—those alerts are designed to protect you from these high-cost scenarios.