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Density Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the density of a shipment which is used to classify freight for shipping purposes.
Purpose: It helps shippers and logistics professionals determine the appropriate freight class for their shipments, which affects shipping costs.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts cubic inches to cubic feet (1728 cubic inches = 1 cubic foot) and calculates how much weight occupies each cubic foot of space.
Details: Freight class (based on density) is a critical factor in determining shipping rates. Lower density items (taking more space relative to weight) typically have higher freight classes and cost more to ship.
Tips: Enter the shipment's weight in pounds and dimensions in inches. All values must be > 0. The result is the density in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³).
Q1: What is the 1728 in the formula?
A: 1728 is the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot (12in × 12in × 12in = 1728in³). This converts the volume from cubic inches to cubic feet.
Q2: How does density relate to freight class?
A: Generally, lower density means higher freight class. For example, items with density below 1 lb/ft³ might be class 400, while over 50 lb/ft³ might be class 50.
Q3: Should I round the dimensions before calculating?
A: No, use exact measurements. Carriers typically round up to the nearest inch for each dimension before calculating.
Q4: What if my shipment has multiple pieces?
A: Calculate the total weight and the total volume (sum of all pieces' volumes) before using the formula.
Q5: Does this account for pallet dimensions?
A: Yes, include the entire shipment dimensions (product + pallet + packaging) in your calculation.