LTL Pallet Position Calculator
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 28, 2026LTL Pallet Position Calculator
LTL freight is often priced by linear feet, not just weight - this calculator estimates how much trailer space your pallets will consume.
Formula
Pallets Per Row = floor(Trailer Width / 48in standard pallet width)
Linear Feet = (ceil(Pallets / Pallets Per Row) x Pallet Length) / 12
Example
6 pallets, standard 48-inch pallets, 96-inch trailer width:
2 pallets per row, 3 rows needed → ~12.0 linear feet
Why Linear Feet Pricing Exists
LTL (less-than-truckload) freight is commonly priced partly by linear feet consumed in the trailer, not just weight, since a carrier's trailer has a fixed length regardless of how light or heavy the cargo inside it is - space, not just weight capacity, is the constrained resource.
Stacking Can Reduce Linear Feet Charged
Stackable freight can sometimes double up pallets vertically to reduce the linear footage actually charged, when the freight itself and its packaging can safely support the weight of stacking - confirm stackability with the shipper before assuming this cost-saving option is available.