This week: LTL fuel surcharges run 50.03% to 57.7% of the freight charge, at a U.S. average diesel price of $6.199 a gallon (Oct 5, 2026). Carrier by carrier ↓
Step by step
- Use a sound standard pallet. In the US that is usually the 48 × 40 in GMA pallet. Skip broken boards and protruding nails: the pallet is part of the shipment's weight and dimensions. Standard pallet sizes and weights.
- Stack it square and stable. Heavy cartons at the bottom, full layers first, nothing hanging over the edges, then stretch-wrap the load to the pallet and band it if it is heavy. Different carton sizes? The mixed pallet builder works out the layers.
- Measure and weigh it as it will ship. Longest and widest points including any overhang, height from the floor to the top of the load, and the weight with the pallet and wrap. Round each side up to the next inch: carriers measure with dimensioners at the dock.
- Find the freight class. For commodities that follow the density scale, the class comes from the weight per cubic foot. The freight class calculator gives it from your measurements, and suggests how to reach a cheaper class.
- Decide which extra services you need. No dock at either end means a liftgate; a home, school or farm address is a residential or limited-access delivery. Each one is charged on top of the rate, so name them when you ask for quotes.
- Get quotes and book. Rates differ widely between carriers for the same pallet, so compare several. Give every quote the same dimensions, weight, class and services.
- Fill in the bill of lading. It must name the shipper and consignee, the origin and destination, the number of packages, a description of the freight, and its weight. Add the class and the NMFC item, and the services you booked.
- Label it and hand it over. Put the shipping label on two sides, keep a copy of the signed bill of lading, and photograph the pallet before pickup. At delivery, note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing.
What shipping a pallet costs
LTL carriers do not publish one price per pallet: the base rate depends on weight, distance, freight class and the services you need, and each shipment is quoted. What they do publish is what comes on top of that rate, and that changes. These are the carriers' own current figures.
Fuel surcharge this week
| Carrier | LTL fuel surcharge | Applies | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Freight | 57.7% | from Oct 7, 2026 | FXF 100-Y, Item 570 |
| XPO | 55.75% | from Oct 12, 2026 | CNWY 190-S, Item 2000 |
| Estes | 56% | from Oct 7, 2026 | Estes fuel surcharge table |
| ABF Freight | 56% | from the Oct 5, 2026 price | ABF 111-AU, Item 161 (from the tariff's rule) |
| TForce Freight | 57.1% | from Oct 7, 2026 | UPGF 102-T, Item 1 |
| Averitt | 54% | from Oct 7, 2026 | AVRT 100, Supplement 11, Item 7-A |
| Southeastern Freight Lines | 50.03% | from Oct 7, 2026 | SEFL fuel surcharge table |
U.S. average diesel: $6.199 a gallon (EIA, week of Oct 5, 2026). Each carrier's own published figure for this week, read again every day; ABF's is worked out from the rule in its tariff. A carrier whose figure could not be read is left out rather than shown out of date.
Extra services
| Carrier (tariff) | Liftgate | Residential | Limited access | Inside delivery | Call before delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPO CNWY 199-AK.3, eff. Aug 17, 2026 | $14.20/cwt, min $274, max $682 Item 218 | $16.90/cwt, min $191, max $932 Item 224 | $16.90/cwt, min $191, max $932 Item 224 | $18.50/cwt, min $190, max $1,593 Item 216 | $27.90 Item 221 |
| Estes EXLA 105, eff. Jan 2, 2026 | $4.95/cwt, min $75, max $350 Item 567 | $8.50/cwt, min $75, max $550 Item 751 | $85 Item 751-10 | $10.25/cwt, min $100, max $1,100 Item 566 | $30 Item 647 |
| FedEx Freight FXF 100-Y, eff. Jan 5, 2026 | $13.96/cwt, min $207, max $681 Item 890 | $243 Item 750-2 | $229 Item 750-8 | $18.92/cwt, min $200, max $1,999 Item 566 | $65 Item 750-3 |
| TForce Freight UPGF 102-T, eff. Aug 17, 2026 | $13/cwt, min $200, max $615 Item 892-A | $15/cwt, min $207, max $800 Item 753 | $195 Item 755-A | $18/cwt, min $180, max $1,800 Item 566-A | $65 Item 647 |
| ABF Freight ABF 111-AU, eff. Jun 22, 2026 | $12.50/cwt, min $235, max $650 Item 758 | $14.50/cwt, min $200, max $700 Item 751 | $14.50/cwt, min $200, max $700 Item 440 | $18/cwt, min $185, max $1,850 Item 566 | $73 Item 485-1 |
| Pitt Ohio Rules tariff (online) | $90 to $284 by weight Item 571 | $8.75/cwt, min $90, max $250 Item 753 | $9/cwt, min $100, max $250 Item 756 | $8.75/cwt, min $90, max $775 Item 566 | $39 Item 647 |
Tariff list prices per shipment; “/cwt” is per 100 lb of shipment weight. Negotiated rates and broker pricing differ. Checked against each carrier's current tariff on Oct 13, 2026; a carrier whose tariff has changed since is left out until its fees are read again.
Shipping a pallet with FedEx, UPS or a broker
FedEx ships pallets through FedEx Freight, its LTL network; its fuel surcharge and fees are in the tables above. UPS sold its LTL business, which now runs as TForce Freight, also listed above. Freight brokers and shipping platforms book the same carriers and show several quotes at once, which is usually the quickest way to compare them for a single pallet.
Questions
How much does it cost to ship a pallet?
It depends on the weight, the distance, the freight class and the services you need, and LTL carriers quote the base rate for each shipment rather than publishing one price. On top of that rate come the fuel surcharge, a percentage that changes every week, and any extra services such as a liftgate or a residential delivery. Compare quotes for your own pallet to get a real number.
Can I ship a pallet myself?
Yes. LTL carriers and freight brokers book single pallets for businesses and individuals. You need the pallet’s dimensions, weight and freight class, the pickup and delivery addresses, and a bill of lading; book a liftgate if there is no loading dock at either end.
What is a fuel surcharge on LTL freight?
A percentage each carrier adds to the freight charge, set from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s weekly average diesel price through a table in the carrier’s tariff. It changes every week as diesel moves, which is why the table on this page is updated from the carriers’ own figures.
Do I need a liftgate to ship a pallet?
Only where there is no loading dock or forklift. A liftgate lowers the pallet from the truck bed to the ground; carriers charge for it separately, so book it when you request the quote rather than at the door.
How do I ship a pallet to a residence?
Book it as a residential delivery, usually with a liftgate, and expect a call before delivery. Carriers charge for both; the table on this page lists the published amounts.
Does FedEx ship pallets?
Yes, through FedEx Freight, its LTL carrier, not through FedEx Ground or Express parcel service. Its fuel surcharge and fees are in the tables on this page.