Freight shipping costs aren’t just numbers, they directly impact your bottom line.

But between fluctuating fuel prices, carrier surcharges, and seasonal demand, getting a clear picture of what you’ll pay (and why) can feel impossible.

You’re not imagining it. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, business logistics costs in the U.S. hit $1.3 trillion in 2022 and are expected to keep rising into 2025 and beyond. That means more pressure on small and mid-sized businesses to understand, predict, and control freight costs.

This 2025 guide breaks everything down, from what affects freight rates, to the average cost by mode, and how to reduce expenses without cutting corners.

Let’s get started.

What Is Freight Shipping, and Why Is It So Pricey?

Freight shipping is the process of moving goods in bulk, usually by truck, rail, air, or sea. It’s different from sending a small package through USPS or FedEx. We’re talking pallets, crates, containers, and full truckloads of inventory.

And here’s the thing: freight shipping isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why pricing varies so widely.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• The heavier or larger your shipment, the more it’ll cost.
  
• The faster you need it, the more you’ll pay.
  
• The more complicated the route or delivery, the more surcharges you’ll rack up.

You’re not just paying for space on a truck—you’re paying for fuel, labor, logistics, risk, and special services.

So, how exactly are these prices calculated?

How Freight Shipping Costs Are Calculated

There’s no universal price tag for freight. It depends on a mix of factors. Let’s walk through the biggest ones:

1. Distance

The farther your freight travels, the more you’ll pay. 

Shipping from New York to California? Expect to shell out a lot more than going from Kansas to Texas. Carriers calculate mileage, fuel costs, and driver availability when quoting you.

• Local FTL freight: $2.10/mile
  
• Long-haul FTL freight: $1.85/mile
  
• Expedited FTL: Up to $3.50/mi

Regional carriers may offer lower freight rates per mile for shorter hauls.

2. Weight and Dimensions

Weight matters, but so does volume. Carriers use dimensional weight pricing. A lightweight but bulky item (like a couch) can cost more than a dense box of metal tools.

Here’s how freight shipping cost by weight might look:

• Freight cost per pound (LTL): $0.20–$0.45
  
• Freight cost per ton (rail): $60–$120
  
• Freight cost per kg (air): $3–$5
  

Want to ship by pallet? Average freight cost per pallet ranges from $120 to $250.

3. Freight Class

This U.S.-specific classification (used mostly in LTL shipping) is based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. Classes range from 50 (least expensive) to 500 (most expensive).

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system uses:

• Density
  
• Stowability
  
• Handling
  
• Liability

Lower class = lower cost. Learn more from Freight Class Calculator

4. Mode of Transport

Need it across the country in a day? Air freight is your fastest (and priciest) option. For most domestic shipping, companies use:

• LTL (Less Than Truckload): You share a truck with others.
  
• FTL (Full Truckload): You pay for the whole truck.
  
• Rail or Sea: For large or international shipments.
  

5. Delivery Timeframe

Need it fast? You’ll pay more.

• Standard freight shipping: Cheaper but slower
  
• Expedited freight: 30–60% more expensive
  
• Guaranteed delivery: Adds 15–25% to base rate

6. Extra Services (Accessorial Charges)

Need a liftgate? Inside delivery? Appointment scheduling? Those “extras” cost extra. A single liftgate request can add $75–$150 to your bill.

(Key Freight Shipping Cost Factors)

2025 Average Freight Shipping Cost by Mode

So what’s the actual cost to ship freight in 2025?

Here’s what businesses are typically paying right now:

• LTL: Ideal for small loads under 15,000 lbs. Expect to pay $0.20 to $0.80 per pound, depending on the region and service level.
  
• FTL: Costs vary based on mileage, but generally range between $1.50–$3.00 per mile.
  
• Air Freight: This is fast, but expensive. Expect $4–$8 per kilogram for domestic and international.
  
• Ocean Freight: Great for bulk overseas shipments. A 20-ft container costs $1,500–$4,000 in 2025.
  
• Rail Freight: Less common for small businesses, but cost-effective for bulk goods over long distances.
  

These are averages. Real quotes depend on your shipping profile, timing, and specific route.

(2025 Average Freight Shipping Costs by Mode)

Understanding Cost Per Unit (Per Kg, Pallet, or Ton)

If you regularly ship goods, it helps to know the cost per unit. This helps you price products, estimate margins, and plan.

For example:

• Shipping 2,000 lbs via LTL at $0.50/lb? That’s $1,000 total.
  
• A pallet shipped 500 miles might run $150–$300, depending on accessorials.
  
• Ocean shipping 10 tons of goods from China to LA might cost $4,000+.

Use this method to plan:
Total shipping cost ÷ units shipped = per unit cost.

(Cost Per Unit (Per Kg, Per Pallet, Per Ton)

Freight Shipping Cost Calculators You Can Use

You don’t need to guess what you’ll pay. Try one of these tools instead:

• UPS Freight Shipping Calculator
• FedEx Freight Rate Tool
• Freightos Instant Quote Tool
• Freight Cost Calculator

These calculators help you estimate costs fast. Just enter your location, weight, and shipping mode.

Each tool is a little different, but they all ask the same basic things:

• Where is the shipment coming from and going to?
  
• What are you shipping?
  
• How big and heavy is it?

Use 2–3 tools to compare quotes before booking!

How to Reduce Freight Shipping Costs in 2025

Shipping costs can quickly eat into your profits, especially if you’re running an e-commerce business or moving goods across the country.

Here’s how to trim the fat without hurting service:

1. Consolidate Shipments

Instead of sending five small shipments, combine them into one. This reduces handling and lowers your cost per pound.

2. Negotiate with Carriers

Carriers want repeat business. Ask for volume discounts, contract rates, or flat-rate deals if you ship frequently.

3. Use a Transportation Management System (TMS)

Tools like Freightview or Shipwell help you compare rates, optimize routes, and avoid unnecessary costs.

4. Avoid Accessorials

Only request services you need. Liftgates, residential delivery, and appointment scheduling add up fast.

5. Ship Outside Peak Seasons

Holiday seasons, Q4, and back-to-school periods drive up demand and rates. If possible, ship during off-peak windows.

Real-World Freight Examples (Small to Large Businesses)

Let’s put theory into practice. Here’s how freight costs affect real businesses in 2025:

Small Ecommerce Store (U.S.-Based)

• Ships 2 pallets weekly via LTL
  
• Each pallet weighs ~1,000 lbs.
  
• Cost: ~$450–$700 per shipment
  

Mid-Sized Manufacturer

• Ships full truckloads monthly to 3 states
  
• Each FTL costs $2,500–$4,000
  
• Uses long-term contracts to reduce variability
  

International Importer (China to U.S.)

• Ships two 20-ft containers via sea freight every quarter
  
• Includes customs clearance and port fees
  
• Cost: ~$7,000–$10,000 per container
  

Use these real-world examples as a benchmark when comparing your freight costs.

Managing Freight Shipping Costs Moving Forward

Freight shipping costs can often feel unpredictable, but they don’t have to be. Once you understand the key factors like distance, weight, freight class, and mode of transportation, you can take control of your logistics and plan with confidence.

As 2025 unfolds, it’s important to prepare for rising costs, especially if fuel prices continue climbing. 

For domestic shipping, LTL and FTL remain the go-to options, while ocean freight still offers the most budget-friendly rates for international shipments, though it takes longer.

The key is being proactive.

Use freight calculators, compare multiple carrier quotes, and don’t hesitate to negotiate. Even asking a simple question like “Is there a better rate available?” can lead to significant savings.

At Flex Solutions LLC, we help businesses like yours ship smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively. Whether you need guidance on choosing the right shipping mode or help securing competitive rates, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to cut freight costs without cutting corners? Contact us today to get a custom quote and expert support from Flex Solutions.