# OTR Hub Tools — Full Capability Index Full per-tool descriptions for AI models and search systems. See https://shipotrlogistics.com/llms.txt for the concise index. All tools are free at https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub. Last Updated: 2026-08-11 --- ## Freight Calculators ### Freight Class Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/freight-class Inputs: Weight (lbs or kg), length, width, height (inches or cm), optional commodity description. Output: Calculated density (lbs/ft³), NMFC freight class (50–500), and an explanation of how the class affects LTL pricing. Notes: Uses the standard density-to-class mapping table. For commodities with NMFC exception items (a fixed class regardless of density), users should verify the result with their carrier. Higher freight class = higher per-hundredweight (CWT) rate. Relevant for all Canadian LTL shipments and Canada-US cross-border LTL. ### LTL vs FTL Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/ltl-vs-ftl Inputs: Origin and destination (Canadian cities or cross-border), shipment weight (lbs), freight class, LTL rate per CWT, FTL flat rate, fuel surcharge percentage. Output: All-in LTL cost, all-in FTL cost, break-even weight, and a recommendation on which mode is cheaper for the given weight. Notes: FTL generally becomes cost-competitive above 10,000–15,000 lbs for most lanes. The tool does not account for LTL transit time disadvantages (more handling, longer delivery windows). For time-sensitive freight, FTL may be preferred even when LTL is cheaper. ### Freight Rate Estimator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/freight-rate-estimator Inputs: Origin city/province, destination city/province or state, weight (lbs), freight class, mode (LTL or FTL), pickup date. Output: Estimated rate range (low, mid, high) in CAD or USD, with fuel surcharge included, and a confidence note based on lane data. Notes: Estimates are planning-range figures based on typical Canadian market rates, not a binding quote. Actual carrier rates depend on their specific tariff, negotiated discounts, and real-time capacity. Within approximately +/-20% of typical market rates. For a binding quote, contact OTR Logistics Solutions. ### Freight Cost Comparison URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/freight-cost-comparison Inputs: Base rate, fuel surcharge percentage, and accessorial charges for two or more freight options on the same lane. Output: Side-by-side all-in cost comparison with per-item breakdowns and a cost-savings summary. Notes: Useful for comparing carrier quotes received in different formats (some include fuel surcharge, others list it separately). Helps shippers identify the true lowest-cost option. ### Freight Cost Risk Estimator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/freight-cost-risk Inputs: Declared value, commodity fragility rating, route distance, weather season, insurance coverage amount. Output: Risk score (0–100), risk-adjusted expected loss, insurance adequacy assessment, and recommendations. Notes: Combines financial exposure (declared value minus insurance coverage) with probability factors (route risk, commodity fragility, seasonal weather). Not an insurance product — helps shippers decide whether to purchase additional cargo insurance. ### Fuel Surcharge Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/fuel-surcharge Inputs: Base freight rate (CAD or USD), current diesel price (user-entered or pulled from live tracker), carrier's FSC table or percentage. Output: Fuel surcharge percentage, dollar amount, and total rate including FSC. Notes: Fuel surcharge schedules vary by carrier. The tool supports both a percentage-of-base approach and a table-lookup approach. Cross-border shipments may have separate Canadian and US FSC components. ### Detention Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/detention-calculator Inputs: Driver arrival time, dock assignment time, load/unload completion time, free time allowance (default 2 hours), hourly detention rate. Output: Total on-site time, billable detention time, and total detention charge. Notes: Handles overnight scenarios automatically — if the completion time is earlier in the 24-hour clock than the arrival time, the tool adds 24 hours. Detention applies independently at each stop (pickup and delivery); run the calculator separately for each. Typical Canadian carrier rates range from $50–$150/hour. ### Customs Duty Estimator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/customs-duty Inputs: HS tariff code (6-digit), declared value, country of origin, trade agreement applicability (CUSMA/USMCA, other FTA, or MFN). Output: Estimated duty rate (%), duty amount in CAD or USD, applicable taxes (GST/HST for Canadian imports), and total landed cost estimate. Notes: Estimates only — actual duty is assessed by CBSA or CBP at time of importation and may differ based on tariff classification, valuation method, and origin determination. Always confirm with a licensed customs broker. ### Currency Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/currency-calculator Inputs: Amount to convert, source currency (CAD or USD), target currency. Output: Converted amount at the current ECB/Frankfurter daily reference rate, with the rate displayed and its update timestamp. Notes: Many Canada-US freight rates are quoted in USD; this tool helps Canadian shippers and carriers convert for budgeting. The ECB reference rate updates once per business day. For financial settlement, confirm the rate with your bank — settlement rates can differ by 0.5–2%. ### Carbon Footprint Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/carbon-footprint Inputs: Shipment weight (lbs or kg), distance (km or miles), transport mode (road LTL, road FTL, rail, air, ocean). Output: Estimated CO2e emissions in kg and tonnes, emissions intensity per tonne-km, and a mode-comparison benchmark. Notes: Emission factors follow Environment and Climate Change Canada and EPA published averages by mode. Road freight emits approximately 80–120 g CO2e per tonne-km (LTL higher due to partial loads); air freight is roughly 20x higher. Useful for shipper sustainability reporting and mode-selection decisions. ### Accessorial Charge Estimator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/accessorial-charge-estimator Inputs: Selection of applicable accessorial services (liftgate at pickup, liftgate at delivery, residential delivery, inside delivery, appointment scheduling, detention, cross-border brokerage, fuel surcharge, notify before delivery, re-delivery). Output: Estimated charge range (low, mid, high) in CAD for each selected service, and a total estimated accessorial cost range. Notes: All cost ranges are planning references based on typical Canadian carrier market rates as of mid-2026. Actual charges depend on individual carrier tariffs and your negotiated contract. Cross-border brokerage fees vary significantly by entry complexity; this tool provides a baseline estimate only. ### Carrier Profitability Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/carrier-profitability-calculator Inputs: Gross revenue per load (CAD or USD), fuel cost, driver pay, insurance and fixed costs per trip, variable maintenance cost, toll and border fees. Output: Net profit per load, net margin percentage, revenue per mile, cost per mile, and a break-even rate per mile. Notes: Supports CAD/USD inputs for cross-border loads. Owner-operators can enter their actual cost structure; fleet carriers should allocate overhead costs per load before entering. The tool flags when margin falls below a configurable target threshold. --- ## Trailer Loading & Planning ### Pallet Optimizer URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/pallet-optimizer Inputs: Carton dimensions (L × W × H in inches or cm), carton weight, number of cartons per pallet, pallet dimensions, maximum stack height, maximum pallet weight. Output: Cartons per layer, layers per pallet, cartons per pallet, total pallet count, total linear footage in a 53-ft trailer, and trailer utilization percentage. Notes: Assumes standard double-row trailer loading (2 pallets wide). Linear footage estimate uses 40-inch pallet depth. Once linear footage exceeds roughly 10–12 feet, LTL re-rates to volume pricing apply — the tool flags this threshold. ### Linear Footage Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/linear-footage-calculator Inputs: Number of pallets, pallet length (depth) in inches. Output: Estimated linear footage in a standard 53-ft dry van trailer, number of trailer positions used, and utilization percentage. Notes: Linear footage determines LTL pricing tiers — carriers re-rate shipments occupying more than their threshold (commonly 10–12 linear feet) as volume or partial truckload. Standard GMA pallet depth is 40 inches; two pallets side-by-side occupy 40 inches of trailer length. ### Weight Distribution Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/weight-distribution-calculator Inputs: Tractor axle configuration, trailer length, cargo weight, cargo position (front/centre/rear of trailer), tractor and trailer tare weights. Output: Steer axle weight, drive axle weight, trailer axle weight, and a compliance assessment against Canadian provincial legal axle limits. Notes: Provincial axle weight limits vary — the tool checks against the Ontario standard (11,000 kg steer, 17,000 kg tandem drive, 17,000 kg tandem trailer) as the most common baseline. Sliding tandem axle position adjustments are not modelled; consult your carrier for specific configurations. ### Load Securement Planner URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/load-securement-planner Inputs: Cargo weight (lbs or kg), cargo type (general, machinery, logs, metal coils, vehicles, paper rolls), number of cargo articles, cargo dimensions. Output: Minimum number of tie-downs required, minimum aggregate working load limit (WLL) in lbs, and compliance status under NSC Standard 10 / FMCSA 49 CFR Part 393. Notes: NSC Standard 10 requires aggregate WLL ≥ 50% of cargo weight and a minimum tie-down count based on cargo length. Commodity-specific rules (coils, logs, metal articles) add requirements beyond the general formula. Cross-border: Canadian NSC 10 and US FMCSA rules are harmonised, but inspectors apply their jurisdiction's code at the border. ### Trailer Equipment Selector URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/trailer-equipment-selector Inputs: Commodity type, weight, dimensions (height, width, length in inches/feet), temperature requirement, hazmat flag, loading dock availability. Output: Recommended trailer type(s) with explanations, and any special requirements (tarps, straps, permits for oversize). Notes: Trailer types covered: 53-ft dry van, 53-ft reefer, 48-ft flatbed, step deck, double drop/lowboy, heated van, sprinter van, straight truck. Temperature-sensitive commodities automatically filter to reefer or heated options. ### Smart Shipment Planner URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/smart-shipment-planner Inputs (3-step wizard): Step 1 — origin, destination, pickup date; Step 2 — weight, dimensions, commodity, freight class; Step 3 — temperature requirement, hazmat flag, liftgate needs, appointment needed, residential delivery. Output: Recommended transport mode (LTL, FTL, cross-border FTL), equipment type, NMFC freight class, density, linear footage, estimated pallet positions, transit time range, cost range (CAD or USD), applicable accessorial charges, required cross-border documents list, and a Shipment Readiness Score (0–100). Notes: The most comprehensive planning tool in OTR Hub — combines output from multiple calculators into one consolidated recommendation. Not a binding quote. For cross-border shipments, the tool lists required documents and flags commodity-specific compliance requirements. --- ## Route Planning & Market Data ### Transit Time Estimator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/transit-time-estimator Inputs: Origin city (Canadian province), destination city (Canadian province or US state), service type (standard LTL, FTL, expedited, dedicated), driver type (solo or team), km/day assumption, border buffer days for cross-border. Output: Estimated transit time range (minimum and maximum business days), estimated delivery date range, and a note on major statutory holidays that fall within the window. Notes: Transit times are estimates based on typical lane frequencies. Actual transit time depends on carrier schedule, weather, dock availability, and border clearance. Team drivers can legally drive more hours per day and reduce transit time on long runs. Cross-border shipments add 0.5–1.5 days for customs clearance. ### Border Wait Times URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/border-wait-times Inputs: None required (data loads automatically for all major crossings); optional filter by crossing or province. Output: Live commercial truck and FAST lane wait times (in minutes) for each crossing, data freshness timestamp, 7-day historical trend chart by hour and day of week, and a crossing status indicator. Data source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Wait Times API, refreshed approximately every 30 minutes. CBSA does not publish a comparable API; southbound data is from CBP. Notes: "Update Pending" means CBP has not refreshed data for that lane — common during overnight hours or maintenance. Wait times fluctuate most on Monday mornings, Sunday evenings, and around statutory holidays. FAST lanes are only available to approved importers, carriers, and highway carriers enrolled in the FAST program. ### Transit Risk Score URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/transit-risk-score Inputs: Origin and destination, transit mode, commodity sensitivity (fragile, perishable, high-value, hazmat), season, border crossing required (yes/no), carrier reliability estimate. Output: Composite transit risk score (0–100, lower is better), risk breakdown by factor, and mitigation recommendations. Notes: Distinct from the Freight Cost Risk Estimator, which focuses on financial exposure. The Transit Risk Score focuses on probability of service failure (damage, delay, non-delivery). Scores above 70 indicate a high-risk move that warrants additional planning — expedited service, additional insurance, or carrier pre-qualification. ### Diesel Price Tracker URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/diesel-price-tracker Inputs: None required (data loads automatically); user can select US or Canadian prices and view by region. Output: Current US average diesel price (USD/gallon, from FRED/EIA data), current Canadian average diesel price (CAD/litre, from NRCan), 12-week historical trend chart, and a province-by-province Canadian price table. Data sources: US — FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) GASDESW series (no API key required); Canada — Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) weekly diesel price feed (no API key required). Notes: Prices update weekly. Diesel prices directly affect fuel surcharge calculations — this tool is designed to be used alongside the Fuel Surcharge Calculator. --- ## Compliance & Documentation ### Dangerous Goods Checker URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/dangerous-goods-checker Inputs: Commodity name or description, UN number (optional), quantity and packaging type. Output: TDG hazard class, UN number, packing group (I/II/III), primary hazard label required, applicable shipping name, and carrier requirement notes (placard threshold, documentation, training requirements). Regulations covered: Canadian TDG Regulations (SOR/2001-286) and US PHMSA 49 CFR (HMR). Cross-references the UN Model Regulations. Notes: The tool covers common dangerous goods — it is not a substitute for a trained TDG/HazMat specialist for complex or multi-hazard shipments. For Class 1 (explosives), Class 6.1 PG I (highly toxic), and radioactive materials, always confirm requirements with a qualified dangerous goods specialist and your carrier before tendering. ### Cross-Border Compliance Checker URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/cross-border-compliance Inputs: Origin country, destination country, commodity type, carrier type (licensed Canadian carrier, US carrier, or owner-operator), shipment value. Output: Compliance checklist covering customs documentation, commodity-specific restrictions, PARS/PAPS requirements, carrier CVOR/USDOT requirements, and a readiness score. Notes: Focuses on the most common compliance gaps for Canada-US freight. Does not cover food safety (FSMA), agricultural inspection, or pharmaceutical import requirements in depth — for those commodities, additional specialist review is required. ### Cross-Border Documentation Checklist URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/cross-border-documentation-checklist Inputs: Direction (Canada-to-US or US-to-Canada), commodity category (general goods, food, agricultural, pharmaceutical, controlled goods, or hazmat), shipment value, origin province/state. Output: A customized checklist of required documents, with explanations of each document's purpose and common preparation mistakes. Notes: Checklist covers: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, CUSMA/USMCA certificate of origin, PARS/PAPS barcode, ACE manifest (US-bound), ACI eManifest (Canada-bound), and commodity-specific permits. Values above the de minimis threshold trigger formal entry requirements. ### CUSMA Certificate Generator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/cusma-certificate Inputs (step-by-step wizard): Exporter details (name, address, tax ID), importer details, producer details, goods description, HS tariff number, origin criterion (A/B/C/D), blanket period (optional), certifier name and title. Output: A completed CUSMA/USMCA Certificate of Origin in the standard format, downloadable as PDF, with an optional electronic signature block. Notes: Only goods meeting CUSMA origin rules qualify — the origin criterion must be determined by the exporter or producer before using this tool. An incorrect certificate of origin may result in duty assessment, penalties, and audit exposure. Always confirm origin qualification with a trade compliance professional for complex manufactured goods. ### Cannabis Readiness Checklist URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/cannabis-checklist Inputs: Shipper licence type (LP, processor, brand), transport type (dedicated vehicle, temperature-controlled), route (intra-provincial or inter-provincial), security measures in place. Output: Readiness score (0–100) across five compliance dimensions — licensing, vehicle security, documentation, carrier vetting, and regulatory awareness — with specific gap identification and next steps by province. Notes: Governed by the Canadian Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations. The tool covers domestic Canadian cannabis transportation only. Cannabis cannot cross the Canada-US border under any circumstances. Guidance is regulatory in nature; always confirm current requirements with Health Canada and qualified legal counsel. ### Cannabis Shipment Planner URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/cannabis-shipment-planner Inputs: Commodity form (dried flower, oil, edibles, extract, live plant), origin province, destination province, total weight (kg), vehicle type preference, temperature control needed. Output: Recommended equipment type, estimated transit time, documentation checklist for the specific interprovincial route, provincial distributor requirements (OCS, AGLC, SQDC, etc.), and licensing reminders. Notes: Covers all 10 provinces and 3 territories. Includes distributor-specific requirements for provincial distribution deliveries. Does not cover export or import of cannabis — OTR does not arrange international cannabis movements. ### Bill of Lading Generator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/bol-generator Inputs: Shipper name, address, and contact; carrier name; consignee name and address; shipment date; description of goods (commodity, quantity, weight, dimensions, NMFC class); special instructions; declared value. Output: A completed bill of lading PDF formatted to standard North American BOL conventions, with an optional electronic signature block for the shipper's authorized representative. Notes: The generated BOL is a standard straight (non-negotiable) bill of lading. For negotiable (order) bills of lading, specialized legal documentation is required. The BOL serves as the shipment contract, receipt, and title document — review all fields carefully before signing. --- ## Readiness Assessment ### Shipping Readiness Score URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/shipping-readiness-score Inputs: Freight details (weight, dimensions, commodity, freight class), origin and destination addresses, pickup date and window, documentation status (BOL prepared, commercial invoice, packing list, customs documents for cross-border), handling requirements (temperature, hazmat, liftgate, appointment). Output: Overall readiness score (0–100) and sub-scores across five dimensions, with specific items identified as missing or incomplete and an estimated time-to-ready for each gap. Notes: A score above 80 indicates the shipper is ready to receive carrier quotes immediately. Scores below 60 mean critical information is missing and booking will be delayed. The most common gaps are incomplete addresses (no postal code), unknown freight class, and missing pickup dates. For cross-border shipments, documentation gaps are the leading cause of border delays. --- ## Produce & Temperature ### Temperature-Controlled Freight Guide URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/temperature-controlled-freight-guide Inputs: Commodity type (fresh produce category, frozen food, pharmaceutical, cannabis, floral, other), required temperature range (°C or °F), transit duration (hours), cross-border flag. Output: Recommended equipment type (continuous-run reefer, standby reefer, heated van, ambient), recommended temperature setpoint, cold chain compliance notes, and cross-border requirements (FSMA for US-bound produce, phytosanitary documents for US-to-Canada produce). Notes: Chilling injury guidance included for produce commodities susceptible to temperatures above freezing but below optimum (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, avocados). Temperature recorder requirements flagged for pharmaceuticals, cannabis, and high-value produce. OTR can arrange temperature monitoring throughout transit. ### Produce Transit Risk Scorer URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/produce-transit-risk Inputs: Commodity (from a library of common produce types), temperature setpoint, transit duration (hours), season, cross-border flag, pre-cooling status. Output: Transit risk score (0–100, lower is better), risk breakdown by factor (temperature exposure risk, transit duration risk, border delay risk, pre-cooling adequacy), and mitigation recommendations. Notes: Risk is modelled against commodity-specific quality decay curves. Pre-cooling to within 2°C of the setpoint before loading is the highest-impact risk reducer for most produce types. Cross-border produce to the US is subject to FDA Produce Safety Rule and, in some cases, phytosanitary inspection — the tool flags these requirements. ### Produce Shelf Life Calculator URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/produce-shelf-life Inputs: Commodity, harvest/pack date, transport temperature (°C), expected transit duration (hours), destination storage temperature. Output: Estimated remaining shelf life at destination (days), quality degradation percentage during transit, and a recommendation on whether the commodity is suitable for the planned move. Notes: Shelf life estimates are based on published respiration rates and quality decay models by commodity. Actual shelf life depends on initial product quality, pre-cooling, handling during transit, and storage conditions at destination — the tool provides a planning estimate, not a guarantee. Commodities with shelf life below 48 hours at destination are flagged as high-risk. --- ## AI-Powered Tools ### Shipment Request Parser URL: https://shipotrlogistics.com/otrhub/shipment-request-parser Inputs: Unstructured text (up to 2,000 characters) — email body, chat message, sales note, or typed summary — describing a freight shipment request. Output: Up to 25 structured fields extracted with confidence scores: origin city, origin province/state, origin postal code, destination city, destination province/state, destination postal code, pickup date, commodity description, piece count, pallet count, weight and unit, dimensions (L × W × H), declared value, temperature range, hazardous goods flag, liftgate required (pickup and delivery), appointment required (pickup and delivery), residential delivery flag, and special instructions. AI model: Google Gemini (via OTR's API server); text is processed in real time and not stored after the response. Notes: Confidence scores of 0.85+ (green) are reliable for most extraction purposes. Scores of 0.5–0.84 (amber) indicate ambiguous phrasing — review these fields before booking. Scores below 0.5 (red) mean the field was inferred or guessed; always verify. The minimum input is 10 characters; for best results include origin and destination cities, weight, pallet count, and pickup date explicitly.