uShip uses density based freight classes to bring you rates from LTL carriers. This means the dimensions and weight of your freight are the factors that determine the freight class and thus the pricing.

While much of the LTL freight world uses NMFC and commodity codes to determine freight class, we prefer density based freight because it eliminates arguments with carriers over commodity when there are opposing interpretations of the NMFC manual. Weight and dimensions are much clearer and easier to determine than NMFC codes. 

uShip determines density based freight class using the following pounds per cubic feet (PCF) equation. 

Note: 1728 is the number of inches in a cubic foot. 12" x 12" x 12" = 1728

Once the PCF is determined for the entire shipment, the corresponding density based freight class can be found on the National Motor Freight Traffic Association's Commodity Classification Standards Board Density Guidelines chart.

 If you have additional questions, please feel free to continue perusing our Help Center or contact our Commercial Support team by clicking here.