Freight Shipping vs. Air Freight: A Comprehensive Comparison of Density and Dimension Calculators Plus Free Access to Both Tools

A density formula calculator is a free tool that helps you determine the density of an object or material based on its mass and volume. This calculator is commonly used in transportation and logistics to calculate the shipment density of various items, which is crucial in determining their freight class and shipping costs. In this article, we'll explore the different types of density calculators used in logistics and transportation, and how they work.

Freight Density Calculator

One type of density calculator commonly used in logistics is the "freight density calculator." This tool is specifically designed for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments and helps shippers determine the density of their shipment. The density of a shipment is an essential factor in determining the freight class, which then helps determine the shipping cost. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has created a system for classifying freight, which is based on four factors - density, stowability, handling, and liability. The density of a shipment plays a significant role in determining its freight class, and this is where the freight density calculator comes in handy.

To use the freight density calculator, you need to know the weight and dimensions of your shipment. The calculator then uses the NMFC density formula to calculate the density of your shipment, which is the weight of the shipment divided by its volume. Based on this density, the calculator assigns a freight class to your shipment, which ranges from 50 to 500.

Air Freight Dimension Calculator

Another type of density calculator used in logistics is the air freight dimension calculator. This free tool is used to calculate the dimensional weight of air freight shipments. The dimensional weight is calculated by using the volume of the shipment, which is then converted into a weight measurement. This weight is then compared to the actual weight of the shipment, and the higher of the two is used to determine the shipping cost.

Automated Solutions:

Translogistics TMS system ViewPoint has the freight density calculator built right into the Transportation Management System. This means that users can easily calculate the density of their shipment within the TMS system automatically, without the need for a separate calculator. This feature is especially useful for shippers who need to calculate the density of their shipments frequently, such as a manufacturing company routing LTL freight regularly.

In conclusion, a density formula calculator is a useful tool in transportation and logistics for calculating the density of a shipment. The two main types of density calculators used in logistics are the freight density calculator and the air freight dimension calculator. The freight density calculator is used to determine the freight class of LTL shipments, while the air freight dimension calculator is used to calculate the dimensional weight of air freight shipments. The ViewPoint TMS system from Translogistics has a built-in freight density calculator, making it easy for users to calculate shipment density without the need for a separate tool. Knowing how to use a density calculator is essential for shippers to determine their shipping costs accurately and avoid any unexpected reclassification charges.  If a reclassification occurs, and the carrier is at fault it is important to explore freight invoice audit solutions.