What is a linear foot in LTL freight shipping?

In LTL shipping, a linear foot is 12 inches of trailer floor length. It measures how much of the trailer's floor space your shipment occupies from front to back. Standard pallets (48″×40″) fit two side-by-side in a standard 53′ trailer, so each row of two pallets uses approximately 4 linear feet.

How do I calculate linear feet for my LTL shipment?

Formula: Rows = ⌈Pallet Count ÷ 2⌉ (round up). Linear Feet = Rows × 4. Example: 7 pallets → ⌈7÷2⌉ = 4 rows → 4 × 4 = 16 linear feet. If any pallets are oversize (wider than 40 inches or longer than 48 inches), count them as a full row each.

When do carriers use linear foot pricing vs. density pricing?

Carriers calculate your rate using both methods and charge whichever is higher. Linear foot pricing applies when your shipment exceeds a threshold (typically 6–10 LF, carrier-dependent) and takes more floor space than its weight/density would normally warrant. High-density, heavy shipments usually price by weight; low-density, space-consuming shipments price by linear feet.

How can I reduce LTL freight costs by managing linear feet?

Three strategies: (1) Stack pallets where possible to reduce row count — double-stacking halves your linear feet. (2) Reduce pallet depth so more pallets fit per row. (3) Stay below the carrier's linear foot threshold (often 6 or 10 LF) to avoid the linear foot pricing trigger. Consolidating multiple small shipments into one can also improve density pricing.

Does freight class affect linear foot pricing?

Freight class (NMFC) affects the base rate per hundredweight (CWT), while linear foot pricing is a separate floor charge based on floor space. When the linear foot rule applies, the carrier uses that rate as the minimum — you pay whichever is higher between the density/class rate and the linear foot rate. Class 50 is the densest (cheapest); Class 500 is the lightest (most expensive per pound).

What happens if my shipment is over 10 linear feet?

Shipments over 10 linear feet are often reclassified as Volume LTL (VLTL) or Partial Truckload (PTL). These have different pricing models — often cheaper per linear foot than standard LTL because the carrier can plan the load in advance. If you regularly ship 10–28 linear feet, getting a dedicated volume LTL contract can reduce costs 20–35% versus spot LTL rates.

Are linear feet the same as pallet positions?

No — a pallet position is a fixed slot in a trailer (typically 4 linear feet), while linear feet simply measure floor length. One pallet position = 4 linear feet if using standard 48×40″ pallets. Carriers may quote by pallet positions or linear feet — confirm which unit your quote uses. A 2-pallet shipment (1 row) = 1 pallet position = 4 linear feet.

LTL Freight Linear Feet Calculator — Trailer Space & Shipping Costs

Calculate Linear Feet from Pallet Count

Number of Pallets

Trailer Type

Formula: Rows = ⌈Pallets ÷ 2⌉ · Linear Feet = Rows × 4

How Carriers Measure Linear Feet

LTL carriers measure trailer floor space from front to back. Standard 48″×40″ GMA pallets fit exactly two abreast in a 102″-wide trailer, so the math is simple:

Rows = ⌈Pallet Count ÷ 2⌉ (always round up)
Linear Feet = Rows × 4′

Real example: A distributor ships 9 pallets. ⌈9÷2⌉ = 5 rows. 5 × 4 = 20 linear feet. On a 53-foot trailer that fills 37.7% of the trailer floor, which will likely trigger linear foot pricing with most national carriers.

Oversize pallets (wider than 40″ or deeper than 48″) must be counted as a full row even if only one fits. Always confirm dimensions before booking.

Carrier Linear Foot Rules — 2026 Reference

Each national carrier has its own threshold for when linear foot pricing overrides density-based rates. Knowing these thresholds lets you consolidate or split shipments strategically.

Carrier	LF Threshold	Pricing Rule	Practical Tip
Old Dominion (ODFL)	10+ linear feet	Linear foot rule applies; min-charge floor may override density	Rates spike sharply at 10 LF floor threshold
XPO Logistics	6+ linear feet or 750+ lbs	Linear foot pricing engaged; floor space billed over density	Stack pallets to stay under 6 LF if load permits
Estes Express	8+ linear feet	Floor space pricing; weight-based if density is higher	8-LF rule means 4 standard pallets trigger it
FedEx Freight	10+ linear feet	Linear foot charge when 10+ LF occupied; otherwise density/weight	FedEx has strong density floors — compare both methods
R+L Carriers	Shipment-specific	Quote-based; linear foot pricing common for 6+ pallet loads	Request spot quote for LTL loads over 4 pallets

Thresholds are subject to carrier tariff changes. Verify with your carrier before booking.

Trailer Dimension Reference

Trailer Type	Interior Dimensions	Cubic Feet	Pallet Capacity	Notes
Standard Dry Van 53'	53' L × 8'6" W × 9' H	3,489 cu ft	26 rows (52 pallets, non-stackable)	Most common LTL trailer in North America
Standard Dry Van 48'	48' L × 8'6" W × 9' H	3,168 cu ft	24 rows (48 pallets, non-stackable)	Common in regional and Canada cross-border lanes
28' Pup Trailer	28' L × 8'2" W × 9' H	~1,700 cu ft	14 rows (28 pallets)	Used in doubles/triples; city pickup/delivery
Flatbed 48'	48' L × 8'6" W (open)	—	—	Linear feet still measured for oversized loads

LTL Freight Linear Feet — FAQ

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