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What Are Cubic Capacity Surcharges?

Nov 03, 2022

Cubic Capacity Rule

One of the most mysterious surcharges for shippers is the 'cubic capacity rule'. This article will provide clarity for shippers to understand and avoid the 'minimum cubic capacity rule.'

What does it mean to be hit with cubic capacity surcharges?

Some commodities that are very light in weight but 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.

The carriers are not all consistent with each other in their rules and some carriers may even have different cubic capacity rules for different customers 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.

How do you avoid being hit with a cubic capacity surcharge?

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 Mode Ops Team who are dedicated to handling the shipments that fall under these parameters.

How do you calculate cubic-feet?

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.

Want to learn resourceful tips when it comes to cubic capacity? Expand on each recommendation for insight!

6 Recommendations for Shippers

#1 - BE ACCURATE

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.
#2 - TAKE YOUR TIME

Take the time to understand Cubic Capacity if you consistently route larger shipments that are not very dense (typically 6 pallets or greater)
#3 - BE AWARE

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.
#4 - BE EDUCATED

Educate yourself on certain carriers that 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.
# 5 - BE DETAILED

Make sure you put detailed information regarding 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.
#6- BE RESOURCEFUL

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!

Are you a new shipper? Utilize an experienced Third-Party Logistics company like Translogistics, as we can fully manage your supply chain to protect you from surcharge penalties.

Cubic Capacity Form Fill

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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