Calculations / Freight Math – MFS Freight Service

How to Calculate Cubic Feet and Other Easy Freight Math

We’ve all been there: staring at a piece of paper with some figures on it. You know the answer to the question is in those numbers somewhere, but you arent sure where to start. We worked with our pricing team to come up with some quick examples of math specifically for the freight industry. Instead of getting stuck trying to figure out how to calculate cubic feet, or wondering if your freight will fit through the opening of a container, you’ll know the answer to your questions. Just by learning a few simple equations, you’ll be on the road to expertise in no time.

Calculating Cubic Feet

In the world of freight – especially ocean freight – knowing the volume of your goods in cubic feet is clutch. To accurately calculate cubic feet, you will need to have accurate measurements of your freight. Check out our guide on how to Measure Freight if you are unsure how to do so correctly. Finding the cubic of your goods is only a three-step process. Simple for even the most mathematically challenged!

To begin, you ll need to multiply the length by the width by the height. For example, if you have a pallet of boxes measuring48 long by wide by high, multiply 48 x 48 x 48.this example, you should arrive at 110,592. We know, its a big number, but you are almost there! Take this number – – and divide it by 1,728 (the total number of inches in a cubic foot):110,592 / 1,728 = 64. In this case, 64 is your total cubic feet for your shipment.

Keep this number handy, so when acquiring a quote, or setting up a pick-up or delivery, you can supply your provider with the most accurate information possible. Most companies will rate your shipment by the total cubic feet.

Finding The Density

If you’ve already found how to calculate cubic feet and volume (illustrated in the steps above), you are half-way to detecting the density of your shipment. The next piece of the density puzzle is knowing the weight of your load. Having a scale, or keeping data from previous deliveries, will come in handy. Once you know your weight, you ll want to run it through this simple formula: Weight / Volume = Density. So if you have a shipment that is 64 cf weighs 400 lbs, your equation will look like this:

400 / 64 = 6.25 pounds per cubic foot

This equation is a great way to understand which freight class shipments will be rated. Ocean freight forwarders will look closely at your density to know how your goods will fit into their mix.

45lb Density Rule

You may or may not be familiar with this obscure rule of ocean freight shipping. This only applies to a handful of shipments, but you should still be familiar with it, in case it ever happens.

When referring to the 45 lb rule, transportation providers are referring to the cargo density limit ocean freight shipping. When this rule is applied, the qualifying goods will be rated as45 lbs = 1 cubic foot. Meaning if the density of a shipment exceeds 45 lbs per cubic foot, the chargeable volume will be equal to the total weight divided by 45 (lbs). So if you had a shipment that weighed 500 lbs, but was only 6 cf – your shipment would be rated at11 cf (500 / 45 = 11).

It s a simple formula, but it can become confusing when your invoice comes through. Hawaii ocean freight forwarders will-communicate upfront. Your logistics partner should help you understand your price. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don t understand, please contact our Sales Professional.