Freight & Packaging Reference Guides
Disciplined, source-backed references explaining the mathematics, international standards, and carrier rules governing freight planning.
Freight Measurement
6 guidesFreight Class Chart (13-Sub Density Table) →
A reference chart mapping shipment density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) to the current 13-sub density freight class structure used in North American LTL shipping.
How to Calculate Freight Class →
A practical step-by-step walkthrough showing how to measure freight, calculate cubic feet, determine density (PCF), and look up the estimated freight class.
NMFC 2025 Changes →
An overview of the ongoing NMFTA modernization shifting commodity-specific classification toward standardized density tiers, including historical context and current application.
Freight Density Explained →
A deep dive into freight density, why carriers prioritize volume efficiency, and how optimizing carton packaging directly lowers transportation costs.
What Is CBM in Shipping? →
An introductory guide explaining the concept of Cubic Meters (CBM), why it is the primary volume metric in global logistics, and how to convert from other units.
How to Calculate CBM →
A practical guide showing exact formulas to calculate CBM from various measurement units, including multi-carton and multi-pallet export calculations.
Pallet Planning
2 guidesStandard Pallet Sizes →
A reference directory of the world’s major standardized pallet footprints, their regional adoption, ISO specifications, and handling characteristics.
TI × HI Pallet Patterns →
A practical guide to pallet stacking geometry, explaining how tier count (TI) and height (HI) determine pallet load spatial arrangement, with key distinctions between geometry and structural safety.
Packaging
4 guidesDimensional Weight Formula →
A technical explanation of the dimensional weight formula, carrier divisors (139 vs 166), USPS DMM standards, and service-specific eligibility rules.
Actual Weight vs Dimensional Weight →
An explanation of how carriers compare gross scale weight against volumetric weight to determine billable weight, with practical rules to prevent overpaying.
How to Measure Freight Accurately →
A practical measuring manual for warehouse staff and shippers explaining how automated carrier laser scanners evaluate package dimensions.
Right-Size Packaging for Dimensional Weight →
Strategies for ecommerce operators and procurement teams to engineer optimal box sizes, eliminate empty space, and reduce dimensional weight fees.
Air & Ocean
2 guidesAir Freight Chargeable Weight →
A comprehensive guide to air cargo chargeable weight calculations under standard IATA conventions, comparing airline freight against courier express services.
LCL Weight or Measure (W/M) →
A guide to ocean Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) pricing, explaining the Weight or Measure (W/M) principle, revenue tons, and local port charges.
Containers & Trailers
5 guidesShipping Container Dimensions →
A reference comparison of standard dry shipping containers (20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC), including internal dimensions, cubic capacities, door clear openings, and payloads.
20ft Container Dimensions →
A deep dive into 20-foot standard dry container specifications, practical packing limits, pallet capacities, and highway weight restrictions.
40ft Container Dimensions →
A complete guide to 40-foot standard dry ocean containers, detailing interior measurements, volumetric capacity, pallet counts, and loading strategies.
40ft High Cube Container Dimensions →
An overview of 40-foot High Cube containers, explaining the 30 cm vertical height extension, cubic capacity gains, and ideal cargo applications.
LTL Linear Feet Explained →
A practical guide to Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) linear footage, showing how carriers calculate floor space used, how pallet orientation affects footage, and how to avoid linear foot surcharge penalties.