Linear Footage Calculator
Enter your pallet or item dimensions to find out how many linear feet of trailer floor your freight occupies — and whether you might be subject to LTL lineal-foot minimum charges.
Not familiar with linear footage pricing? See definition
Length is the dimension that runs along the trailer (nose to tail). Width is the dimension across the trailer. The calculator automatically picks the best orientation to minimise floor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is linear footage in freight?
Linear footage is the length of trailer floor your shipment occupies from front to back. Carriers use it to assess how much truck space a load consumes, especially for LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments where multiple customers share one trailer.
When does the lineal-foot rule apply?
Most LTL carriers in Canada and the US apply a minimum lineal-foot charge when a shipment takes up 10–12 linear feet or more. At 20+ feet, volume LTL pricing typically kicks in, and at 28–30+ feet, an FTL spot rate is often more cost-effective.
Does pallet orientation affect my linear footage?
Yes. This calculator automatically tests both orientations (0° and 90°) and picks whichever fits more pieces side-by-side across the trailer width, reducing total linear feet. For non-standard pallet sizes the difference can be meaningful.