Freight Calculators 

Calculating density can be time-consuming. 

Density Calculator 

A density calculator determines the critical density metric for every shipment by analyzing the dimensions and weight provided. Density, measured in pounds per cubic footor kilograms per cubic meter, directly impacts shipping costs from carriers. Denser shipments command lower freight classes since they maximize trailer space utilization. 

Calculating shipment density enables shippers to accurately project freight costs based on real shipment characteristics rather than weight alone. It flags opportunities to reengineer packaging to increase density and lower costs on future shipments. During loading, factoring in shipment density allows shippers to maximize cube utilization in trailers and containers. Comparing density across shipments highlights inconsistencies and enables continuous improvement. 

Without an accurate density calculation, shippers risk overpaying carriers and make suboptimal routing decisions about packaging, transport mode selection, and carrier negotiations. TLI's leading transportation management system ViewPoint has an integrated density calculator, automated NMFC lookup, and integrated freight class calculator. Shippers must leverage this essential tool to preserve profit margins and maintain a competitive supply chain. Implementing a density calculator provides the insights to immediately identify and eradicate waste from NMFC reclassification. 

What makes a density calculator important? 

Accurate freight classification determines appropriate pricing from carriers. The freight class, coupled with shipment weight, sets the transportation rate. Freight classes range from 50 to 500, with lower classes representing denser, higher-weight freight. The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) directory assigns a number to each commodity, primarily based on density or pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Utilizing a density calculator proves indispensable for obtaining the precise PCF measurement. 

Shippers input dimensions and weight into the calculator, deriving the density in PCF. They cross-reference this figure with the NMFC item to validate the freight class. If shippers utilize our transportation management system, this is entirely automated. Slight density variances shift the freight class up or down, significantly impacting shipping costs. Employing density calculators prevents misclassification and costly adjustments from carriers. The tool ensures shipments receive the correct NMFC number, aligning with the carrier's freight class and applicable rates. Integrating density calculators into processes revolutionizes freight auditing and eliminates excessive transportation charges. Shippers avoid overpaying by accurately determining density-based freight classes using this essential tool.