Let's Learn The Basics...
LTL (less than truckload) shipping rates are based on a variety of factors, including the shipment's weight, distance traveled, and cubic density:
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Weight
Heavier shipments generally have lower rates per hundred pounds, similar to a bulk discount.
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Distance
The distance the shipment travels is another factor in LTL pricing. For example, national carriers may offer better rates for long-haul shipping, while regional carriers may offer better rates for local shipping.
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Density
Similar to weight, density also plays a crucial role in calculating LTL rates. You can find a shipment’s density by dividing its weight (pounds) by its volume (cubic feet). A load’s density is one of the main factors measured when pricing it.
Let's Talk Packaging...
Proper packaging and labeling of LTL shipments is very important. Easy LTL recommends that you pack your goods in crates and/or use stretch wrap to secure product onto a pallet.
It’s also essential to label each pallet with key shipment information, including the name and address of the receiver and any special handling requirements.
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Due to the multiple stops and various handlers involved, carefully packaging your freight will avoid damage, theft, and separation, while making the shipping process easier for everyone involved in moving your freight.
How Is Freight Class Determined?
Freight density is calculated by dividing the weight of a shipment by its total cubic feet, and is expressed in pounds per cubic foot (PCF)
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The total cubic feet is calculated by measuring the shipment's dimensions in inches, including packaging and pallets, and multiplying those measurements together. This result is then divided by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
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What The Heck Does That Mean?
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Let's say you are shipping a 48 x 48 x 56 pallet weighing 1300 lbs. That would look like this:
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48 * 48 * 56 = 129,024 in.
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129204 / 1728 = 74.67tcf (This is your total cubic feet)​
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1300lbs / 74.67 = 17.41pcf (We'll use this number on "The Chart" to determine this shipments freight class)
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Taking a quick peak, you can see that 17.41 pounds per cubic foot will put this pallet into Freight Class 70.
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EASY RIGHT!
Don't worry we learned all of this stuff so you don't have to.
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Just have your shipments dimensions and weight and Easy LTL does the rest for you.
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"The Chart"
aTypical Density By Freight Class
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More than 50lbs Class 50
35-50lbs Class 55
30-35lbs. Class 60
22.5-30lbs. Class 65
15-22.5lbs Class 70
13.5-15lbs. Class 77.5
12-13.5lbs Class 85
10.5-12lbs Class 92.5
9-10.5lbs Class 100
8-9lbs Class 110
6-8lbs Class 125
5-6lbs Class 150
4-5lbs Class 175
3-4lbs Class 200
2-3lbs Class 250
1-2lbs Class 300
Less than 1lb Class 400
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