FedEx Freight LTL Shipping: When Ground Isn't Enough

When your shipment tips the scales at 150 pounds or exceeds three cubic feet, standard parcel carriers like FedEx Ground or UPS Ground either refuse it or apply hefty oversized fees. This is where Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight shipping steps in. FedEx Freight offers a solution for shipments ranging from 150 to 15,000 pounds, often at rates 40-70% lower per pound than parcel shipping for heavy items. This article explores how FedEx Freight operates, including its pricing structure, freight class calculation, pickup scheduling, and how it compares to UPS Freight and regional LTL carriers.

Understanding LTL Shipping

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping consolidates multiple shippers' freight onto a single truck. Unlike parcel shipping, where each package moves independently, LTL freight shares trailer space with other shippers' pallets, crates, and heavy items. This shared approach significantly reduces costs compared to booking an entire truck for a single shipment.

When to Switch from Parcel to Freight

Switching from parcel to LTL freight can be more cost-effective when your shipping needs exceed certain thresholds. FedEx Ground handles individual packages up to 150 pounds, while FedEx Freight caters to larger shipments on pallets that can weigh up to 20,000 pounds. The pricing model also shifts from a per-package, zone-based approach to one based on hundredweight (CWT) and freight class.

For instance, parcel shipping involves automated sortation and delivery to the door or mailbox, suited for individual items. In contrast, LTL freight involves manual handling with forklifts and delivers to docks, thresholds, or even inside locations for bulk items like furniture or machinery. Packaging also shifts from corrugated boxes to pallets, crates, or skids.

The Break-Even Point

The cost-effectiveness of switching from parcel to LTL freight generally becomes apparent when:

• A single item weighs more than 70 pounds.
• Shipping involves three or more boxes totaling over 200 pounds.
• Combined dimensional weight exceeds parcel thresholds.
• Items exceed standard FedEx Ground dimensions.

For shipments between 150 and 300 pounds, comparing both parcel (multi-package) and LTL quotes is wise. The cheaper option will depend on factors like density, freight class, and distance.

FedEx Freight Service Levels

FedEx Freight offers two primary service tiers, plus specialized options, to accommodate different shipping needs.

FedEx Freight Priority

FedEx Freight Priority is designed for time-sensitive shipments. It offers transit times of 1-3 business days across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with a money-back guarantee under certain conditions. This service is ideal for urgent freight such as retail inventory, manufacturing parts, and trade show equipment. Additional services like delivery appointments, liftgate service, and inside delivery are available.

FedEx Freight Economy

For non-urgent shipments, FedEx Freight Economy provides a cost-effective alternative. While it costs 20-40% less than Priority, transit times extend to 3-7 business days, covering the U.S. and Canada. This service suits shipments like furniture, building materials, and seasonal inventory that aren’t time-sensitive.

FedEx Freight Direct (White Glove)

For deliveries requiring extra care, FedEx Freight Direct offers White Glove services. These include:

• Threshold delivery: Bringing freight to the first dry area inside the entrance.
• Room of choice: Delivering freight to a specified room.
• White glove: Unpacking, assembly, and debris removal.
• Premium white glove: Full setup, installation, and removal of old items.

These premium services range in price, starting around $75 for threshold delivery and exceeding $500 for premium white glove, depending on shipment size and complexity.

Understanding Freight Classes

Freight class is crucial in LTL pricing. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns classes from 50 to 500 based on factors like density, handling, stowability, and liability.

How to Determine Your Freight Class

Measure dimensions: Calculate the length, width, and height of each pallet or piece.

Weigh the shipment: Use a calibrated scale for accuracy.

Calculate density: Divide the weight by the volume (L x W x H / 1,728) to get pounds per cubic foot.

Look up NMFC code: Use the NMFTA ClassIT tool or consult your commodity.

Assign class: Match the density and commodity to the appropriate class.

Accuracy in freight classification prevents billing disputes. Incorrect freight classes can result in reclassification charges that may double your shipping costs.

2026 FedEx Freight Pricing

LTL pricing is more complex than parcel shipping. It depends on factors like freight class, weight, origin, destination, and accessorial services.

Sample Rates (FedEx Freight Priority, 2026)

For a quick reference, here are sample rates for various weights and classes:

These rates reflect Zone 2 through Zone 8 pricing and vary significantly based on negotiated tariffs.

Common Accessorial Charges

Accessorial charges can add to your shipping costs. Here are typical fees for additional services:

• Liftgate pickup/delivery: $85-125
• Inside delivery: $75-150
• Residential delivery: $90-135
• Limited access delivery: $90-135
• Delivery appointment: $20-40
• Protect from freezing: $50-100
• Hazardous materials: $50-175
• Sort and segregate: $15-25 per piece
• Marking and tagging: $10-20 per piece
• Redelivery: $75-150
• Storage (after free period): $25-50/day

How to Get Better Freight Rates

Negotiate a tariff: Establish a rate agreement with FedEx Freight based on your shipping volume.

Consolidate shipments: Combine multiple LTL shipments into fewer, heavier ones.

Improve density: Pack items tightly to reduce cubic dimensions and achieve a lower freight class.

Use standard pallets: 48"x40" GMA pallets stack efficiently and avoid handling surcharges.

Ship mid-week: Tuesday through Thursday shipments may get faster service due to lower volume.

Avoid accessorials: Ship dock-to-dock when possible to eliminate liftgate and inside delivery charges.

Preparing a Freight Shipment

Palletizing Your Freight

Proper palletizing is essential to prevent damage and avoid additional handling charges. Here are some guidelines:

• Use 48"x40" GMA standard pallets, heat-treated for international shipments.
• Ensure pallets have no broken boards, protruding nails, or warping.
• Keep stack height to a maximum of 48 inches above the pallet.
• Distribute weight evenly across the pallet surface.
• Avoid product overhang beyond pallet edges.
• Wrap with stretch wrap at least three times and attach it to the pallet base.
• Use cardboard corner protectors for stacked boxes.
• Place a cardboard sheet on top before the final wrap.

Required Documentation

The following documents are crucial for LTL shipping:

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Serves as a legal shipping contract, listing origin, destination, and freight description.
• Packing list: Details the contents of each pallet or piece.
• Commercial invoice: Required for international freight.
• NMFC classification: Lists freight class and NMFC number for each commodity.
• Hazmat documentation: Includes SDS sheets if shipping hazardous materials.
• Delivery instructions: Specifies special requirements for the receiving location.

Bill of Lading Essentials

Ensure your BOL includes:

• Shipper and consignee names, addresses, and contacts.
• Number of handling units (pallets, crates, etc.).
• Total weight (actual, not estimated).
• Freight class and NMFC number.
• Generic description of goods.
• Special instructions and accessorial requests.
• Declared value (if above standard liability).

Tracking FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight tracking differs from parcel tracking, with less frequent updates due to fewer facilities involved.

Typical Tracking Milestones

Typical milestones include:

• Picked up: Freight collected from the shipper's dock.
• In transit to origin facility: Moving to a FedEx Freight terminal.
• At origin facility: Being processed and consolidated.
• In transit: On the road between terminals.
• At destination facility: Arrived at the local terminal.
• Out for delivery: On the delivery truck.
• Delivered: Signed for at the destination.

Freight tracking generally updates 2-3 times per day, compared to the more frequent updates seen with parcel shipments. The "in transit" phase may show no updates for 1-2 days on long-haul routes.

Filing Freight Claims

Freight damage can occur more frequently than parcel damage due to the handling involved. Understanding the claims process is essential to protect your investment.

Steps to File a FedEx Freight Claim

Document damage at delivery: Photograph all visible damage before signing.

Note damage on the BOL: Write specific damage descriptions on the delivery receipt.

Do not refuse delivery: Accept the freight and note damage; refusing complicates claims.

File within 60 days: Submit a claim through fedex.com or your FedEx account rep.

Provide documentation: Include BOL, invoice, photos, and repair/replacement estimates.

Follow up: Claims typically resolve in 30-120 days.

Liability Limits

Liability coverage for freight shipments includes:

• Standard carrier liability: $25 per pound for new goods or depreciated value.
• Released value: Lower rate in exchange for reduced liability.
• Full value protection: Declared value up to the actual wholesale cost.
• Excess valuation: Available for high-value freight, with an additional premium.

For high-value freight, always declare the full value on the BOL and purchase appropriate coverage.

FedEx Freight vs Competitors

Comparing FedEx Freight to its competitors can help you choose the best service for your needs:

• FedEx Freight: Offers extensive U.S. coverage, Canada and Mexico service, and a variety of delivery options including white glove.
• UPS Freight (TForce): Provides a similar range of services with slightly fewer U.S. terminals.
• XPO Logistics: Known for moderate claim ratios and competitive pricing.
• Old Dominion: Offers a very low claim ratio and is reliable for domestic U.S. shipments.

Conclusion

FedEx Freight bridges the gap between parcel shipping and full truckload transportation. When your shipments exceed 150 pounds or standard parcel dimensions, LTL freight is usually more cost-effective than shipping multiple oversized parcels. Successful freight shipping requires accurate freight classification, proper palletizing, and complete documentation. Start with FedEx Freight Economy for non-urgent shipments, upgrade to Priority when transit time is crucial, and consider Freight Direct for residential deliveries requiring white glove service.