The short answer
There is no published fixed Pelham price for shipping one pallet from California to Florida. Pelham prices LTL shipments of 1 to 7 pallets on the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight (length × width × height in inches ÷ 194), plus the route, service level and receiving requirements. Request a shipment-specific quote for an actual amount.
What changes the cost of one pallet to Miami?
In freight, “one pallet” is not a standard unit of space or weight. These details drive a California–Florida pallet quote:
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Loaded dimensions and weight | They set the billable weight: the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight. |
| Pickup and receiving ZIP codes | The actual Los Angeles origin and the Miami, Orlando or Jacksonville business location define the route and any local pickup or delivery needs. The main route is Interstate 10, then I-75, I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike. |
| Cargo, packaging and stackability | Freight that cannot be stacked also uses the space above it. The team checks compatibility and handling. |
| Service level | Economy, Regular or Expedited LTL, each with its own transit estimate and coverage. |
| Additional services | A liftgate, appointments or limited-access locations are available on request and are quoted with the shipment. |
Tip: do not multiply an assumed single-pallet rate to estimate a larger load. Four pallets on one shipment are quoted as one shipment, not as four separate pallets. For several pallets, list each size and weight group. LTL covers 1 to 7 pallets; for 8 or more, ask for a volume load or full truckload quote. Sending, transporting and delivering the pallet are parts of the same shipment enquiry here; confirm the quote’s actual scope.
How is the billable weight of a pallet calculated?
Pelham does not use NMFC freight classes. A pallet is billed on whichever is greater: its actual weight or its dimensional weight. Dimensional weight reflects the trailer space the pallet takes up: multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 194 to get pounds.
Example: a 48 × 40 × 60 in pallet measures 115,200 cubic inches. Divided by 194, its dimensional weight is about 594 lb. If the pallet actually weighs 400 lb, it is billed as 594 lb; if it weighs 900 lb, it is billed as 900 lb. A light, bulky pallet uses as much space as a heavy one, and the formula covers that space.
Why two one-pallet enquiries can differ
Consider a light, 3-foot stack of boxed goods and a 7-foot pallet of heavy machinery that cannot be stacked. Both are “one pallet,” but their loaded measurements, weight and use of space differ. Provide both sets of details to obtain comparable quotes. This example explains the inputs; it does not establish a price difference or acceptance.
Which service should you price?
Choose the level that balances your budget with the delivery deadline:
- Economy LTL: Pelham’s lowest-cost level. Estimated 10 calendar days from pickup to all Florida destinations; suited to flexible replenishment.
- Regular LTL: estimated 7 calendar days from pickup to all Florida destinations.
- Expedited LTL: estimated 3 calendar days from pickup, for South Florida only, from Homestead to West Palm Beach.
These times are not guaranteed. Choose by actual destination and schedule, then compare the quoted total. Check LTL service coverage.
Before deciding that one quote is cheaper
- Fuel: does the amount include the applicable fuel component, or will it be added later?
- Scope: does the quote cover the whole domestic trip? Separate it from any onward international journey arranged by a Miami forwarder.
- Additional services: is a liftgate or an appointment included?
- Same specifications: keep the cargo, route, ready date, weight and stackability the same in both quotes.
- Validity: rates are dynamic and change with the market. Check how long the quote applies and what changes would require a revised quote.
If the quote lists a fuel surcharge, use freight fuel surcharges explained to understand the calculation basis.
Get a price for your actual load
Have these six details ready:
- Pickup and delivery city/state/ZIP.
- Total pallet count.
- Loaded dimensions of each pallet (length × width × height).
- Total weight.
- Cargo description and packaging, stackable or not.
- Ready date.
Use the freight quote requirements checklist if a supplier holds those details, then request pallet shipping rates. If exclusive trailer capacity is required, compare LTL with FTL first. Delivering to an export company? Read our guide to freight delivery to forwarders in Miami.