Comparison
Best LTL API for Developers
LTL (less than truckload) is the most painful freight mode to integrate. Traditional carriers each have their own API with different schemas, different authentication, and different status formats. Rate shopping across four carriers means building four separate integrations. This guide compares every approach to LTL API integration and explains why a single unified API changes the math.
The problem with LTL APIs today
LTL is the most fragmented segment of freight technology. Old Dominion has an API. FedEx Freight has an API. XPO has an API. Saia has an API. Each one uses different authentication methods, different request schemas, different response formats, and different status codes for the same events. Building a rate shopping experience across four carriers means maintaining four separate integrations.
Even after you build those integrations, the rates you get back are not final. Traditional LTL pricing is based on freight class (NMFC codes), and the quoted rate is a starting point. Fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, terminal handling charges, and linehaul adjustments get added after the fact. The invoice rarely matches the quote.
Three approaches to LTL API integration
Individual carrier APIs: The traditional approach
Old Dominion, FedEx Freight, XPO, and Saia all offer APIs for quoting and booking LTL shipments. The technology works. The problem is scale. Each carrier is a separate integration project with its own documentation, authentication, rate structures, and tracking formats.
Integration cost
Weeks per carrier.
Each carrier API requires its own integration work. Different auth methods, different schemas, different error handling. Rate shopping across four carriers means four separate codepaths.
Pricing complexity
Freight class required.
Traditional LTL carriers price based on NMFC freight class. You need to classify every product. Then fuel surcharges, accessorials, and linehaul adjustments get added after quoting.
Tracking gaps
Terminal to terminal.
Traditional carrier tracking shows terminal scans. You see when freight arrives at the origin terminal and when it departs the destination terminal. The gaps between are invisible.
SMC3: Rate benchmarking without execution
SMC3 provides LTL rate data and benchmarking tools used by many TMS platforms. RateWare calculates base rates. CarrierConnect provides carrier service data. The tools are useful for rate analysis and contract negotiation.
The limitation is that SMC3 is a data provider, not a freight execution platform. You cannot book a shipment through SMC3. You cannot track a shipment through SMC3. You cannot get a final, bookable rate. SMC3 tells you what LTL should cost. It does not move your freight.
Warp: One API for LTL quoting, booking, and tracking
Warp provides a single API endpoint that handles LTL quoting, booking, and tracking across 1,400+ active LTL lanes and 50+ cross dock facilities. One integration replaces the need to build separate connections to individual carriers. Per pallet pricing means you do not need freight class for most shipments.
Quoting
Per pallet, all inclusive.
POST your origin, destination, pallet count, and dimensions. The API returns a rate that includes pickup, cross dock handling, line haul, and delivery. No fuel surcharges. No accessorials.
Booking
One call from quote to shipment.
Use the quote ID to book. The API returns a shipment ID and tracking number. The driver is dispatched through the Warp driver app with scan events, GPS, and proof of delivery.
Tracking
12+ granular statuses.
Track from booked through arrivedAtPickup, pickupSuccessful, inRouteToWarehouse, arrivedAtWarehouse, departedFromWarehouse, arrivedAtDelivery, to delivered. Real time GPS and scan data.
How Warp LTL works operationally
Warp LTL routes freight through Warp operated cross dock facilities, not traditional LTL terminals. The difference matters. Traditional terminals handle thousands of shipments with 3 to 5 freight handoffs per shipment. Warp cross docks are designed for flow: freight arrives, gets sorted, and moves out with 1 to 2 handoffs total.
Local 3rd party carriers handle pickup and delivery using the Warp driver app. Every pallet is scanned in and scanned out at the cross dock. Our AI backbone, Orbit, monitors each shipment for late pickups, missed scans, route deviations, and dwell anomalies. For local LTL within a metro area, Warp can go dockless with direct multistop pick and drop on shared vehicles. No cross dock stop needed.
Per pallet pricing vs freight class pricing
Traditional LTL pricing requires you to determine the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code for every product you ship. This freight class determines the rate. Getting the class wrong leads to reclassification charges and billing disputes. It is the single biggest source of frustration in LTL shipping.
Warp uses per pallet pricing for most LTL shipments. You tell the API how many pallets you are shipping, their dimensions, and their weight. The API returns an all inclusive rate. No freight class lookup. No NMFC codes. No reclassification risk. The quoted price is the final price.
Traditional LTL
Freight class based.
Look up NMFC code. Determine freight class. Get a base rate. Add fuel surcharges. Add accessorials. Add terminal handling. Get the invoice. Dispute the reclassification.
Warp LTL
Per pallet, all inclusive.
Tell the API how many pallets, their dimensions, and weight. Get one price that includes everything. The invoice matches the quote. No surprises.
The math
Fewer billing disputes.
When the quoted price is the final price, your finance team does not spend hours reconciling invoices against quotes. Your API integration does not need to handle post quote adjustments.
LTL quote in one API call
POST /api/v1/freights/quotehttps://api.wearewarp.comapikey: YOUR_API_KEYRequest body
{
"pickupDate": ["2026-04-10"],
"pickupInfo": {
"zipCode": "30301",
"city": "Atlanta",
"state": "GA"
},
"deliveryInfo": {
"zipCode": "28201",
"city": "Charlotte",
"state": "NC"
},
"listItems": [{
"name": "Pallet - Consumer Goods",
"length": 48, "width": 40, "height": 48,
"sizeUnit": "in",
"totalWeight": 750, "weightUnit": "lb",
"quantity": 4,
"packaging": "pallet",
"stackable": true
}],
"shipmentType": "LTL"
}The response includes a quote ID, total cost, transit days, carrier, service level, and pickup and delivery windows. Use the quote ID to book instantly. No follow up calls. No email confirmations. No waiting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need freight class to use the Warp LTL API?
No. Warp uses per pallet pricing for most LTL shipments. You provide pallet count, dimensions, and weight. The API returns an all inclusive rate without requiring NMFC codes or freight class calculations. This eliminates one of the most common sources of billing disputes in traditional LTL.
How many carriers does the Warp LTL API aggregate?
Warp does not aggregate traditional LTL carriers. Warp operates its own network of 20,000+ local 3rd party carriers, 9,000+ box trucks and cargo vans, and 50+ cross dock facilities. Freight moves through Warp operated facilities, not traditional LTL terminals.
Can I book LTL and FTL through the same API?
Yes. The Warp freight API handles LTL, FTL, 26 ft box truck, and cargo van through the same endpoints. You can even omit the shipment type and vehicle type, and Warp auto selects the right option based on your shipment dimensions and weight.
What are all inclusive LTL rates?
All inclusive means the quoted price is the final price. No fuel surcharges, no accessorial fees, no terminal handling charges, no linehaul adjustments. Warp bundles pickup, cross dock handling, line haul, and delivery into one per pallet price.
How fast does the Warp LTL API return quotes?
Under 2 seconds. You POST your shipment details (origin, destination, pallet count, dimensions, weight) and receive a rate with transit time, carrier, and service level. Traditional LTL quoting through carrier portals or brokers takes hours to days.
One API for every LTL lane.
Stop building separate integrations for each LTL carrier. Warp gives you quoting, booking, and tracking across 1,400+ lanes and 50+ cross dock facilities through a single API. Per pallet pricing. All inclusive rates. No freight class required.