CWT (hundredweight)
CWT (hundredweight, written as "100 lbs" or "cwt") is the unit used to price LTL freight under the legacy National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. A shipper's rate is calculated as (chargeable weight in CWT) × (per-CWT rate for the freight class). For a 1,000-lb pallet at a $50 per-CWT rate, that is 10 CWT × $50 = $500 line haul before fuel surcharges and accessorials. CWT pricing is the dominant LTL rate model and the source of most rate-vs-invoice surprises when class, weight, or dimensions get reclassified.
Why it matters
CWT pricing makes LTL rates hard to predict. The same shipment can be quoted at one class and rebilled at a higher class after a carrier inspection. Density, NMFC code, accessorials, and minimum charges all interact with the CWT base rate. For shippers running consistent freight on known lanes, that unpredictability often turns a quoted $400 shipment into a $600+ invoice. Per-pallet pricing eliminates the CWT math entirely.
When to use it
CWT is the right framing when comparing LTL rate quotes from traditional class-rated carriers, or when auditing freight invoices for class- or weight-based rebills. Use CWT calculations when verifying that a carrier's quoted rate matches the contracted class and tariff. CWT is not relevant for per-pallet networks (Warp), parcel carriers, or FTL where the rate is per-load.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp prices freight per-pallet, not per CWT. There is no freight class to calculate, no NMFC code to assign, no density-based reclassification risk at the destination terminal. The rate quoted at booking is the rate on the invoice. For shippers tired of CWT-based reclassification surprises, per-pallet pricing is the structural fix — not a discount, a different unit.
Frequently asked questions about cwt (hundredweight)
What is cwt (hundredweight)?
CWT (hundredweight, written as "100 lbs" or "cwt") is the unit used to price LTL freight under the legacy National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. A shipper's rate is calculated as (chargeable weight in CWT) × (per-CWT rate for the freight class). For a 1,000-lb pallet at a $50 per-CWT rate, that is 10 CWT × $50 = $500 line haul before fuel surcharges and accessorials. CWT pricing is the dominant LTL rate model and the source of most rate-vs-invoice surprises when class, weight, or dimensions get reclassified.
Why does cwt (hundredweight) matter in freight?
CWT pricing makes LTL rates hard to predict. The same shipment can be quoted at one class and rebilled at a higher class after a carrier inspection. Density, NMFC code, accessorials, and minimum charges all interact with the CWT base rate. For shippers running consistent freight on known lanes, that unpredictability often turns a quoted $400 shipment into a $600+ invoice. Per-pallet pricing eliminates the CWT math entirely.
When should you use cwt (hundredweight)?
CWT is the right framing when comparing LTL rate quotes from traditional class-rated carriers, or when auditing freight invoices for class- or weight-based rebills. Use CWT calculations when verifying that a carrier's quoted rate matches the contracted class and tariff. CWT is not relevant for per-pallet networks (Warp), parcel carriers, or FTL where the rate is per-load.
How does Warp handle cwt (hundredweight)?
Warp prices freight per-pallet, not per CWT. There is no freight class to calculate, no NMFC code to assign, no density-based reclassification risk at the destination terminal. The rate quoted at booking is the rate on the invoice. For shippers tired of CWT-based reclassification surprises, per-pallet pricing is the structural fix — not a discount, a different unit.