The term “density” typically refers to the amount of mass located within a unit volume. Objects can be low density or high density, and these characteristics may affect them in different ways.
In the freight shipping world, the term “freight density” is often used by carriers. Let’s examine what this term means and why it matters.
What is Freight Density?
Freight density refers to the weight of a shipment in relation to its size. A heavy shipment with a small size will have a high freight density, while a light one with a large size will have a low freight density.
So why is freight density important? Your shipment’s freight density determines its class, and therefore its shipping cost. Shipments with a high freight density typically have lower classifications. If you plan to ship your freight in the near future, it may be more important to know its freight density than its actual weight.
Freight Density and Freight Classes
The Freight Classification System was designed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It consists of a set of standards that provides shippers and brokers with a set of standardized prices for their freight shipments with freight carriers.
There are a total of 18 freight classes. They range from 50 to 500, with the higher freight classes costing more to ship. For example, small household appliances have a freight class of 125 and will cost less to ship than restaurant cooking equipment, which has a freight class of 250.
Why Freight Carriers Need to Know Freight Density
Freight carriers must know freight density as it will factor into their own shipping costs. For short deliveries, pick up, delivery, and dock will make up the bulk of delivery costs. However, for deliveries over longer distances, such as nationwide, freight density will make up a much larger component of shipping costs.
Carriers strive to maximize their space utilization and for this they require an accurate estimate of freight density.
Calculating Your Freight Density
You can calculate your freight density by using the following steps.
- Measure your shipment’s width, depth, and height in inches.
- Multiply these dimensions to get your freight volume. If you have multiple goods in your shipment, you should calculate their volume individually and then add them up.
- Divide the cubic volume by 1,728 to find the volume in cubic feet.
- Divide this volume by your shipment’s weight in pounds.
Why Choose Action Transport Inc?
If you would like to find a reliable freight carrier to deliver your goods, please get in touch with Action Transport Inc. We maintain an extensive network of freight carriers and can help you find low shipping rates for your freight. Please get in touch with us to learn more about our freight broker services.