Freight Tool
Freight Cost
Comparison Calculator
Compare all eligible freight service types side-by-side on estimated cost, transit time, handling risk, and damage exposure — before you request a quote.
Quick Presets— pre-fill all fields instantly
Standard pallet: 48" L × 40" W. Pallets over 96" L or 52" W are flagged as oversized.
Used to flag high-value cargo considerations
Used to flag transit timeline risks per service
At Origin (Pickup)
At Destination (Delivery)
Frequently Asked Questions
What freight service types does this tool compare?
The tool compares LTL (Less Than Truckload), Volume LTL, Partial TL, Full TL (FTL), Dedicated, and Expedited service types. Not all service types are eligible for every shipment profile — very small or very large shipments may exclude certain options automatically.
How are the estimated costs calculated?
Cost ranges are derived from OTR Logistics Solutions internal rate benchmarks and industry pricing surveys, adjusted for distance band, pallet count, and commodity type. They reflect typical Canadian mid-market conditions and exclude fuel surcharges, accessorials, and lane-specific premiums. Enter your own quotes for a more accurate comparison.
What is Volume LTL?
Volume LTL (also called partial LTL or truckload LTL) is a service for larger LTL shipments — typically 6-12 pallets or 5,000-20,000 lbs. Carriers price it by space used rather than per-hundredweight class, often resulting in lower rates than standard LTL for mid-size loads. Handling is similar to standard LTL.
What does 'Recommended Balance' mean?
Recommended Balance is the service type that best weighs estimated cost, transit time, handling events, and damage risk for your specific shipment profile. It is not always the cheapest option — it identifies the service that offers the strongest overall value given your inputs.
Should I enter my own carrier quotes?
Yes, if you have them. Entering actual quotes from your carriers makes the cost comparison far more accurate. The tool's built-in ranges are indicative benchmarks only. Your own quotes, entered in the Optional Quotes section, replace the estimated ranges for direct apples-to-apples comparison.
