Linear Feet Calculator for Freight & LTL Shipping
In less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, carriers charge not just by weight but by the linear feet of trailer space your freight occupies. Understanding how to calculate linear feet for freight determines whether you pay dimensional weight, actual weight, or the linear foot minimum — and can mean the difference between a standard LTL rate and an inflated charge.
Linear Feet for Freight
Calculate linear feet for freight shipping
Length of a single pallet in inches
How LTL Carriers Use Linear Feet
When you ship LTL freight, your cargo shares trailer space with shipments from other companies. Carriers need to allocate that space efficiently and price it accordingly. The standard dry van trailer is 53 feet long, 102 inches wide, and can accommodate up to 26 standard pallets arranged in two rows of 13. But pallets aren't always standard, and shipments don't always sit flush. Here's the core math carriers use to determine your linear foot charges:
A 48-inch pallet (standard GMA pallet) occupies 4 linear feet of trailer length. If you ship 6 pallets, that's 24 linear feet, or 45% of a 53-foot trailer. The carrier then determines whether they'll charge by weight, by dimensional weight, or by the linear foot rule. The linear foot rule kicks in for low-density freight — shipments that take up a lot of space but don't weigh much. Think insulation, empty containers, or bulky furniture. If the freight density falls below the carrier's threshold (often 6 lb per cubic foot for FedEx Freight, 4-6 lb for other carriers), they apply linear-foot-based minimum charges to compensate for the lost weight revenue.
Standard Pallet Sizes & Linear Foot Equivalents
| Pallet Size (W x L) | Linear Feet (Lengthwise) | Linear Feet (Sideways) | LF per 10 Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 x 40" (GMA) | 4.0 ft | 3.33 ft | 40 ft |
| 48 x 48" | 4.0 ft | 4.0 ft | 40 ft |
| 42 x 42" | 3.5 ft | 3.5 ft | 35 ft |
| 36 x 36" | 3.0 ft | 3.0 ft | 30 ft |
| 120 x 100 cm (EUR) | 3.94 ft | 3.28 ft | 39.4 ft |
Trailer capacity: two rows of pallets across a 102-inch-wide trailer. Maximum single-row length limited by trailer floor length. A 53-foot trailer holds 26 standard (48x40) pallets when loaded lengthwise in two rows.
Step-by-Step: Freight Linear Foot Calculation
- Measure each pallet or item. Record the length in inches. If the item sits diagonally on a pallet, the diagonal becomes your effective length. Overhanging product is included — measure the outermost point of your freight.
- Convert to feet. Divide the length in inches by 12. A 48-inch pallet = 4 linear feet. A 60-inch pallet = 5 linear feet. Even fractional inches matter: 50 inches = 4.17 linear feet.
- Multiply by pallet count. Multiply the pallet linear feet by the total number of pallets in the shipment. Ten pallets at 4 feet each = 40 linear feet total.
- Consider double-stacking. If pallets are stacked two-high and the freight is stable, the linear feet do not double — the carrier counts floor positions, not vertical stacks. Double-stacking 20 pallets (10 positions) = 40 linear feet, not 80.
- Compare to density threshold. Calculate your freight's density (lb per cubic foot) and compare it to your carrier's linear foot rule threshold. If your density is below the threshold, expect linear-foot-based minimum charges.
- Check NMFC class. Your National Motor Freight Classification class affects the base rate, and the linear foot rule is an overlay — a separate minimum charge that guarantees the carrier floor-space revenue regardless of how light your shipment is.
FedEx Freight Linear Foot Rule Explained
FedEx Freight applies its linear foot rule to shipments with density below 6 pounds per cubic foot. Here is how it works: they take the total linear feet of your pallets placed end-to-end and compare revenue from three calculations — actual weight, dimensional weight (dim divisor of 194 for domestic), and the linear foot minimum. The linear foot minimum is: Total linear feet x trailer width (8.5 ft) x minimum charge per square foot of trailer floor. The carrier bills whichever of the three is highest. For a shipment occupying 20 linear feet of a 53-foot trailer at FedEx's published minimum floor charge, the linear foot minimum can significantly exceed the weight-based charge for light, bulky items such as foam products, empty containers, or large equipment housings.