What are the LTL Cubic Capacity Rules?
Cubic Capacity Rules
One of the most mysterious surcharges for shippers is the 'cubic capacity rule'.
Within this article we will be providing clarity for shippers to understand and avoid charges for 'minimum cubic capacity rule.'
Some commodities that are very light in weight but also take up a great deal of linear feet on a trailer do not operate efficiently for LTL carriers, so the carriers protect themselves by imposing the minimum cubic capacity rule.
Evaluating the Cubic Capacity Rule
The carriers are not all consistent with each other in their rules and some carriers may even have different cubic capacity rules for different shippers through various contract structures. At TLI, the most popular cubic capacity rule observed is:
If a shipment fills more than 750-cubic feet & the shipment maintains a density of less than six-pounds per cubic foot then the shipment is subject to the cubic capacity rule and the LTL contracted rate is no longer valid.
Utilizing this most popular TLI capacity rule of less than 750 ft^3 and more than 6 PCF, here is an example for shippers to tell if an LTL rate is valid according to cubic capacity rules:
| Shipment Density | Shipment Cubic Feet | Is the rate valid? |
|---|---|---|
| >6 PCF | <750 ft^3 | Valid (Best) |
| <6 PCF | >750 ft^3 | Valid |
| >6 PCF | >750 ft^3 | Valid |
| <6 PCF | >750 ft^3 | Not Valid |
If you are a shipper and have a shipment 6 pallets or greater being routed in the LTL network it is important to ask a TLI customer service expert to investigate it prior to routing so you do not get hit with this surcharge. At TLI we have an entire ModeOps team dedicated to handling the shipments that fall under these parameters.
Cubic Feet Formula:
Height x Width x Length = Cubic Feet
TLI offers shippers a free online density calculator which will determine your cubic feet and also the density pounds per cubic foot. Simply after entering your pallet count, weight, and dimensions you can see if the total summation in cubic feet is greater than 750, and if the PCF is less than 6lbs.
Recommendations for Shippers
- Provide accurate dimensions and weight. You do not want to estimate dimensions on a large shipment that may result in it falling under the cubic capacity rule.
- Take the time to understand Cubic Capacity if you consistently route larger shipments that are not very dense (typically 6 pallets or greater)
- Be aware of other accessorial fees that large shipments may fall under such as 'excess length fee', 'extreme length fee'. It is important to know that the carriers have different rules, and the same carrier may have different excess length fees unique to different shippers.
- Be aware that certain carriers will not take freight that exceeds linear feet thresholds within the LTL network. Some carriers for example will apply large surcharges for any freight over 12 linear feet of trailer space, while others may allow up to 20 linear feet.
- Make sure you put detailed information of dimensions on your Bill of Lading. If you encounter the cubic capacity surcharge and the dimensions are missing altogether, you are missing the necessary pertinent information to dispute it.
- Contact your TLI customer service representative if you are concerned about your upcoming shipment so they can investigate your shipment! If the shipment is large enough it may be more economical to have it routed through Translogistics as a partial Truckload out of the LTL network altogether!
If you are a new shipper, utilize an experienced Third-Party Logistics Companies like Translogistics, as TLI can fully manage your carrier routing to protect you as a shipper from surcharge penalties.
TLI Insights
For the latest insights, tips and commentary surrounding the logistics industry, look no further. Shippers will find thoughts from the award-winning team at Translogistics covering everything related to your transportation processes and plans. If you have a question we are readily available at insidesales@tli.email
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