Planning & Legal Disclaimer
Fundamental distinctions between physical calculations, planning estimates, and official carrier tariffs.
1. Estimation vs Official Tariff Rules
All calculations provided on FreightPlanHQ are intended strictly as engineering planning estimates. They do not constitute official carrier quotations, guaranteed transport rates, legally binding tariffs, or commercial contracts. Shippers must obtain formal rate confirmations and bills of lading directly from their carriers or freight forwarders.
2. LTL Freight Classification (NMFC) Notice
Calculations of LTL freight class on this site reflect mathematical density (pounds per cubic foot) mapped against the published 13-sub density structure. This tool does not perform official National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) commodity code lookups. Actual freight class determined by an LTL carrier on a bill of lading depends on the applicable NMFC item, commodity composition, handling difficulty, stowability, liability exposure, packaging type, and carrier-specific rules tariffs.
3. Ocean Container Equipment Variability
Container dimensions, door opening measurements, tare weights, and payload capacities presented on this site are standard industry reference specifications (based on typical ISO dry containers). Actual equipment dimensions vary by container manufacturer, production series, age, and steamship line. Shippers must independently verify the maximum gross weight and payload stamped on the physical container’s CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate before loading to ensure compliance with SOLAS VGM regulations.
4. Dimensional Weight & Carrier Divisors
Dimensional weight calculations use standard published industry divisors (such as 139 in³/lb, 166 in³/lb, and 5,000 cm³/kg). Actual divisors applied to commercial accounts are subject to negotiated carrier contracts, customer-specific service agreements, and regional tariffs. Furthermore, carriers may apply rounding rules (such as rounding dimensions up to the nearest whole inch) that alter billable weights.
5. Ocean LCL and Air Cargo Surcharges
Calculations for ocean LCL (Weight or Measure) and air cargo chargeable weight represent base freight planning only. They do not include fuel surcharges (BAF), currency adjustments (CAF), terminal handling charges (THC), container freight station fees (CFS), customs clearance fees, or seasonal peak surcharges.