| The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)® |
To learn more about calculating density best practices, see the following:
- Free Density Best Practices Guidebook
- How do I calculate my shipment's density?
- Advanced Calculators on ClassIT+
- Basic Density Calculator
Free Density Best Practices Guidebook
For many density-based NMFC item numbers, freight class is calculated from the condition of the shipment as tendered. This means the class reflects factors such as product dimensions, packaging design, pallet configuration, and how the shipment is built. Changes to any of these can raise or lower density, and in turn affect the resulting class.
Reviewing these factors can help identify unused space while still meeting product protection and handling requirements. For worked examples and a framework for evaluating these decisions, see the density best practices guide.
Click on Density Best Practices Guidebook to fill out a simple form and download a free copy of the Density Best Practices Guidebook, which includes the following:
- Identify where product, packaging, and pallet configurations create unused space.
- Evaluate changes to box and pallet dimensions using worked examples.
- Understand when consolidation can improve the density of a handling unit.
- Check measurements and documentation against the shipment as tendered.
- Use a practical action framework to review opportunities with your team.
How do I calculate my shipment's density?
To determine the density of a handling unit, first determine the cubage of the handling unit by
multiplying the greatest straight-line dimensions of length, width, and height (depth) in inches, including all projections, if any, as tendered to the carrier for shipment, and dividing the total by 1,728 cubic inches (one cubic foot).
The density is the result of the division of the weight of the handling unit as tendered for shipment by the cubic feet. For instance, the density of a handling unit consisting of boxes unitized on a lift truck pallet measuring 48” x 40” x 45” and weighing 450 pounds is determined as follows: 48” x 40” x 45” = 86,400 cubic inches; 86,400 ÷ 1,728 = 50 cubic feet; 450 lbs. ÷ 50 = 9.00 pounds per cubic foot (pcf).
Advanced Calculators on ClassIT+
ClassIT+ offers four types of calculators along with two types of specific references to help you convert measurements or calculate densities.
See the following for more information:
Basic Density Calculator
Test out calculating your shipment's density with our free LTL Freight Density Calculator.
|
Please note that this basic LTL Freight Density Calculator only shows density results. In order to determine the applicable freight class, you will also need the correct NMFC item and its provisions. See Exploring ClassIT+ for more information. |