Our density calculator helps you determine your freight rate. When shipping LTL freight, you must know how to handle shipment density conversions to properly describe your goods on the bill of lading. Divide the total weight of a shipment by the total cubic feet to determine the density.
Step 1. Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment in inches. Measure to the farthest points, including skids or other packaging. On shipments with multiple pieces, repeat Step 1 for each piece.
Step 2. Multiply the three measurements (height x width x depth). The result is the total cubic inches of the shipment. If you have multiple pieces, multiply the height x width x depth for each piece. Take the results for each piece and add them together to get the total cubic inches
Step 3. Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). The result is the cubic feet of the shipment.
Step 4. Divide the weight (in pounds) of the shipment by the total cubic feet. The result is the pounds per cubic foot, i.e., density.
- For multiple pieces, add the weight of each piece together before dividing by the total cubic feet of the shipment.
- Round fractions to the nearest full cubic foot number.
If you need more information on how cubic feet and density relate to freight rates, contact your YRC Freight account executive.
For example, if the skid weighs 500 pounds with dimensions of 42 inches x 48 inches x 48 inches:
- Multiply 42" x 48" x 48" = 96,768 cubic inches
- Divide 96,768 by 1,728 = 56 cubic feet
- Divide 500 pounds by 56 cubic feet = 8.9 pounds per cubic feet (PCF), i.e., the shipment density.