LTL
LTL Linear Feet Calculator
This planner places compatible rectangular footprints across a configurable trailer width instead of only summing pallet lengths. Linear feet = sum of planned row lengths in inches / 12. It follows a cited FMCSA source record captured 2026-08-12.
Arrange multiple handling units across trailer width and estimate occupied floor length.
Enter shipment details
Planning result
3.33 linear feet estimated
- Occupied inches
- 40 in
- Planned rows
- 1
- Handling units
- 2
- Trailer width
- 96 in
Floor-placement estimate only. Carrier capacity and linear-foot tariff rules are separate.
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What this calculator returns
Use this LTL linear feet calculator to estimate the trailer floor length occupied by rectangular handling units across a configurable inside width. It is intended for shippers, brokers, and dock teams checking pallet placement or preparing for carrier capacity rules. The result is a floor-space plan, not a carrier tariff decision or certified loading instruction.
How this is calculated
The planner expands each quantity into individual rectangular footprints. It tests the entered orientation and an optional 90-degree rotation, selects a feasible footprint for the trailer width, and places units into rows while available cross-trailer width remains. The longitudinal lengths of all planned rows are added and divided by 12.
This row heuristic can improve on simply adding every pallet length because compatible pallets may sit side by side. It remains deterministic and does not search every possible arrangement, mixed overhang, or operational loading sequence.
Linear feet = sum of planned row lengths in inches / 12.
Variable definitions
- L, W
- Greatest floor footprint length and width of a handling unit in inches.
- Q
- Number of handling units with that footprint.
- Tw
- Configured usable trailer width in inches.
- Linear feet
- Sum of planned longitudinal row lengths in inches divided by 12.
Worked example
Two pallets measuring 48 by 40 inches can be arranged with each 48 inch side across a 96 inch usable trailer width. They share one row that is 40 inches long. The occupied floor estimate is therefore 40 divided by 12, or 3.33 linear feet.
If rotation is not allowed and the 40 inch sides run across the trailer, two pallets use 80 inches of width and the row is 48 inches long, or 4.00 linear feet. Actual carrier rules may treat nonstackable, oversized, or capacity freight differently from this physical footprint.
How to interpret the result
The result helps compare handling-unit orientations and approximate floor use. Enter usable width rather than nominal exterior trailer width, and include pallet overhang or projections in each footprint.
A carrier linear-foot rule is a pricing or capacity provision that can specify thresholds, minimum charges, or how freight is deemed to occupy space. This calculator does not infer those terms. Compare the physical result with the tariff or quote that governs the shipment.
What to measure
Use the outside packaged dimensions as the shipment will be tendered. Include pallets, skids, cartons, wrapping, overhang, and projections. Weigh the complete packaged unit, not only its contents. When pieces differ, create a separate row or calculation for each size and weight combination.
Assumptions and limitations
This is a floor-space estimate. Carrier linear-foot tariffs, capacity rules, stackability, loading sequence, and securement are not universal.
- It does not apply any carrier linear-foot, capacity-load, cubic-capacity, or minimum-charge tariff.
- It does not model stacking, vertical clearance, axle loading, weight distribution, securement, or loading sequence.
- It uses a row-placement heuristic and may not find every mathematically possible arrangement.
- It assumes rectangular floor footprints and an accurate usable trailer width.
Rules and sources used
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in one linear foot?
One linear foot equals 12 inches. The calculator adds planned row lengths in inches and divides the total by 12.
Can two pallets share the same trailer row?
Yes, when their combined cross-trailer widths fit within the entered usable width and the planned orientation is allowed.
Does this calculate a carrier linear-foot charge?
No. It estimates physical floor length only. Carrier tariffs and quotes define any pricing threshold, minimum, or capacity rule.
Should I include pallet overhang?
Yes. Enter the greatest actual floor footprint of the wrapped handling unit, including overhang, projections, or protective packaging.