Published by Logistics Contract Optimizer, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Independent; not affiliated with any carrier.(920) 401-6815
Parcel Fuel SurchargeIndependent Parcel Fuel Data & Analysis Request a Free Parcel Contract ReviewFree Contract ReviewFree review
Request a Free Parcel Contract ReviewHomeCurrent Fuel RatesCalculators & ToolsHistorical TrendsFuel Surcharge NewsAboutNext week’s rates2027 outlookRankingsFuel tablesFuel surcharge economicsWeekly reportsUPSFedExDHLOnTracAmazonUSPSCall (920) 401-6815
Inside the carrier network

Parcel, LTL or truckload: which is cheaper for this shipment?

Compare modeled costs for sending the same freight as parcels, as an LTL shipment or as a full truckload, using your own rates or the labeled examples.

Your inputs

Defaults update weekly from live data
$
%

Defaults to this week’s UPS Ground rate.

$
%

FedEx Freight published 57.70% for October 7–13, 2026.

$
$

Example DOE-indexed fuel at ~$6.35 diesel.

Results

Truckload is lowest at $2,401
Parcel break-even vs. LTL126packages
Total weight8,800 lb
LTL cost per pallet$260
Parcel incl. fuel
$8,288
LTL incl. fuel
$2,602
Truckload incl. fuel
$2,401
  • Rates are examples or your inputs, not live quotes. LTL pricing depends on class, density and accessorials.
Get a mode optimization review across parcel, LTL and truckload.Request a Free Parcel Contract Review →

How this is calculated

Parcel = packages × rate × (1 + fuel). LTL = quote × (1 + fuel). Truckload = miles × (rate + fuel per mile).

Rates shown as defaults come from carrier publications or each carrier’s published table applied to the EIA price; see the methodology. Estimates and examples are labeled. Results are illustrative and do not represent any carrier’s reported financial results.

Questions

When should I switch from parcel to LTL?

When the parcel total for a consolidated shipment exceeds the LTL cost. The break-even package count is shown above.

Related calculators

All calculators →
Inside the carrier network How Many Packages Fit in a 53-Foot Trailer?How many packages fit in a 53-foot trailer? Savings and negotiation Shipping Budget Shock SimulatorWhat will your parcel budget be next year? Savings and negotiation Contract Renegotiation ROI CalculatorWhat is a carrier contract renegotiation worth?

Get a mode optimization review across parcel, LTL and truckload.

Logistics Contract Optimizer reviews parcel, LTL and truckload agreements for free. Clients typically recover 3% to 15% of freight spend, and with savings-share pricing there is no fee without savings.

Request a Free Parcel Contract ReviewCall (920) 401-6815