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Freight Density Calculator

Freight density is the weight of a commodity in relation to the space it occupies. Density is a key factor in determining the freight class of a shipment, which directly influences shipping costs. Use OD’s shipping density calculator and FAQs listed below to help you navigate freight density.

Total Density (lb/Cubic ft.) 0
Total Weight (lb) 0
Total Volume (Cubic ft.) 0

Freight Density Calculator FAQ

Understanding freight density is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of your freight estimate and a seamless shipping experience. Let’s explore what freight density means and why it’s important for LTL freight shippers.

Freight density is the weight of a commodity in relation to the space it occupies.  It’s all about finding the balance between a shipment’s weight and the space it occupies. Density is a key factor in determining the freight class of a shipment, and directly influences shipping costs. Denser shipments, those with more weight packed into less space, are better optimized for the cube of a trailer, which can lead to better freight pricing. You can use a freight density calculator to determine your cargo’s density, which can help determine the freight class.

To calculate freight density,  you take the total weight of the shipment, including the packaging, and divide it by the total cubic feet it occupies. This gives you the density, often expressed in pounds per cubic foot (#PCF). While this calculation can be done manually, using a density calculator simplifies the process and minimizes errors, saving time and ensuring accuracy.

 

Step 1: Measure the extreme dimensions of your freight’s length, width, and height with a tape measure in inches. This measurement includes packaging, such as a pallet.

 

Step 2: Calculate Cubic Feet

Length x Width x Height / 1728 = Cubic Feet (CU FT)

 

Step 3: Calculate Density (#PCF)

Total Shipment Weight (lbs.) / CU FT = Density (#PCF)

 

It’s important that shippers obtain the accurate measurements and weight of each shipment. If you ship frequently, investing in a calibrated scale can make knowing the exact weight easier and more accurate before it leaves your facility.

 

Accurately calculating the density and correctly classifying the freight in your shipment, prior to pickup can avoid an unexpected adjustment on your final invoice, and it will more accurately match your freight bill estimate. 

Density is a key factor in determining the freight class of a shipment. Freight class, in turn, directly influences shipping costs. Commodities with a lower density (lower #PCF) are assigned a higher freight class, resulting in a higher shipping rate. Conversely, denser commodities with a higher #PCF value are assigned a lower freight class, leading to a lower shipping rate. It’s important to note that there are other factors that impact your freight bill, such as total weight, length of haul, shipping lane, accessorial services, and your published discount rate.

 

While this may seem straightforward, it’s important to recognize that different carriers may prioritize freight density differently. Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, for example, place a premium on maximizing cube utilization due to the longer routes they typically operate. For carriers, accurate density calculations are essential for optimizing space utilization and minimizing wasted capacity.

Freight class density and your NMFC code are different items you must determine before shipping your freight. Density is a measure of weight, related to volume, while your NMFC code is a number assigned to each specific product or commodity. The Freight Classification Development Council (FCDC) determines NMFC codes, using four factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.