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Printer-Friendly Cut Shipping Costs by Accurately Calculating Density
You may not have a choice about the type of products you ship. However, you can take proactive steps to improve your freight's density — and lower your shipping costs.
One of the most important factors affecting your freight classification and shipping rate is shipment density, measured in pounds per cubic foot. The product you’re shipping influences shipping density. While it would be great to be able to ship beach balls instead of bowling balls, most businesses have little choice about the type of products they ship.
However, you can optimize your shipment density — and save yourself money — by better understanding how it’s calculated.
How shipment density is calculated
There are four basic steps to determining shipment density.
- Determine the total cubic inches of your shipment. Measure the height (H), width (W) and length (L) of the shipment in inches, including skids or other packaging.
- Multiply L" x W" x H". If you’re measuring a round item, such as a cylinder or drum, substitute diameter (D) for both length and width (D" x D" x H").
- Divide the result (total cubic inches) by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). You now know the total cubic feet of your shipment.
- Divide the weight (in pounds) of your shipment by the total cubic feet. The result is your shipment’s density, otherwise known as pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
How to determine freight class
Once you've calculated your shipment’s PCF, you can refer to the density guidelines provided at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) Web site. These guidelines are used by the NMFTA to assist in determining proper classifications assigned to commodities. You will need to remember that there are other factors that determine classification, including stowing, handling or liability. This is only a guideline. But it can be a good general guideline to use to determine what freight class your shipment may fall under, based on its density.
For our example of 16.66 PCF, your freight class would be 70 (but remember this is only a guideline). Always check with our customer service department for verification of the accurate class of the commodity shipped. When the freight class is included on the Bill of Lading, it will help us process your shipment more efficiently.
Tips for optimizing shipment density
So now that you’re a shipment density expert, it’s time to become a packaging expert.
Think of a jigsaw puzzle when preparing your freight for shipment. To take advantage of the best rates, you need to fit all the pieces together as efficiently as possible on your pallet. With an ideally packed pallet, we can conserve space on the truck during shipping and pass the savings on to you.
To improve your shipment density and get the best possible LTL (less-than-truckload) rates, you should:
- Find the right container to fit your freight and avoid being charged for additional packing space.
- Avoid wasted space. Package your products using the least amount of space, without jeopardizing safety. Pack freight tightly together with flat surfaces for stacking.
- Avoid extrusions and overhang on pallets, which can unnecessarily increase your shipment’s cubic footage.
- Use automated or semi-automated machines for uniform shrinkwrapping or stretchwrapping.
- Provide accurate weight(s) of goods shipped and all shipping materials, including the weight of the pallet.
To learn more about density and freight class, go to the NMFTA Web site or review the FedEx Freight Shipping Guide.