freightxtension

What’s a Pallet, and Why Should You Care?

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:48:10 GMT

What's a Pallet, and Why Should You Care?

If you’re involved in shipping or logistics, or even if you’re just curious, you’ve probably heard the term “pallet” thrown around a lot. So what is it, and why is it such a big deal?

A pallet is basically a flat platform (usually wood or plastic) that goods are stacked on for easy handling with a forklift or pallet jack. Think of it as the foundation for moving stuff in bulk, whether it’s in a warehouse, on a truck, or at a distribution center.

The Standard Pallet Size

There are a few different pallet sizes out there, but the 48” x 40” pallet is by far the most common one in the U.S. and Canada. Because it’s the go-to size, a lot of planning and pricing in the freight world is based around it.

Estimating Trailer Space: Easy Math

One practical thing about using standard pallets is that they help estimate how much space your shipment will take up in a trailer. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

1 pallet = about 2 feet of trailer space
So 2 pallets = 4 feet, 3 pallets = 6 feet… you get the idea.

It’s a simple way to figure out how many feet of a trailer your load will need.

How Many Pallets Fit on a 53' Trailer?

It depends how the pallets are loaded:

If you load them straight in (with the 48-inch side facing forward ), you can usually fit 26 pallets on a standard 53-foot trailer.
But if you're using 4-way pallets and have a skilled forklift driver, you can turn them so the 40-inch side faces forward , and squeeze in up to 30 pallets —as long as everything is within weight limits.

What About Weight?

Most dry van trailers with tandem axles are rated to carry about 44,000 lbs of cargo. That’s a safe estimate most people use when planning loads (though it can vary based on the truck, fuel, and other variables).

So if you can fit 26 standard pallets and have a 44,000 lb weight limit, that breaks down to around 1,600–1,700 lbs per pallet , including the pallet itself. If your carrier offers per-pallet pricing, this is usually what they’re basing it on—unless they’re using smaller trucks, in which case the weight limits will be lower.

Why Pallets Matter

Pallets make life easier—for shippers, carriers, and warehouse crews. They help:

Protect your goods during shipping
Make loading and unloading safer and faster
Ensure that your shipment can be handled with standard equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks

In fact, most commercial carriers won’t even accept freight that isn’t palletized or crated in a way that can be safely moved with a tow motor.

Bottom line:
If you’re shipping anything in bulk, get to know the 48x40 pallet. It’s the unsung hero of freight shipping, and knowing how it works can help you save time, space, and money.

What’s a 3PL and Why Should You Use One

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:37:19 GMT

What's a 3PL and Why Should You Use One?

A 3PL , or Third-Party Logistics provider , is a company that helps businesses manage different parts of their supply chain, like shipping, warehousing, inventory, and fulfillment. One key thing to know: a 3PL doesn’t actually own your products. They just help move, store, and manage them so you don’t have to.

So, Why Use a 3PL?

Simple: it lets you focus on what you do best, like growing your business, making great products, or building your brand, while leaving the logistics to professionals who do that for a living. A good 3PL can take a lot off your plate and help things run more smoothly behind the scenes.

Wait, Isn’t That What a Freight Broker Does?

Sort of, but not exactly. Freight brokers are one type of 3PL. They focus mainly on arranging transportation, primarily finding carriers to move your goods from point A to point B.

But many other 3PLs can offer an unlimited selection of services like:

Storing your inventory
Packing and shipping orders
Managing returns
Helping with inventory tracking
Even supporting your entire supply chain from end to end

3PLs Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Some 3PLs just handle one piece of the puzzle (like transportation), while others can take care of almost everything related to logistics. Whether you need help with a small part or your whole supply chain, there's probably a 3PL out there that fits.

Why Partnering with a 3PL Makes a Lot of Sense

1. You’ll Save Money

Better Rates: 3PLs usually ship a lot, so they get great deals on freight and storage, and you can benefit from that.
No Big Investments: No need to buy your own trucks or lease a warehouse. The 3PL already has what you need.
Lower Overhead: Outsourcing logistics frees up your time and staff, so you can focus on growing your business.

2. Things Get More Efficient (and Scalable)

Faster Shipping: 3PLs use smart systems that get orders out quickly and reliably.
Smarter Inventory: Many offer real-time tracking, so you always know what’s in stock.
Easy to Scale: Whether it’s holiday rush or a sudden boom, a good 3PL can flex with your needs.

3. You Get Expert Help

They Know Logistics: 3PLs live and breathe this stuff, so they’re great at solving problems and staying compliant.
You Focus on Your Business: With logistics handled, you can spend more time on product development, marketing, and sales.

4. Happier Customers

Faster, More Reliable Deliveries: Good logistics = happy customers.
Better Service: Real-time tracking and updates help customers feel informed and taken care of.

5. Access to Cool Tech

Modern Tools: 3PLs use advanced systems for inventory, orders, and shipping.
More Visibility: You get dashboards and data that help you make smarter decisions.

The Bottom Line

Working with a 3PL can:

Save you money
Make your operations more efficient
Let you focus on what you do best
Improve the customer experience
Give you access to better tools and tech

Whether you need help with just shipping or want someone to manage your entire supply chain, a 3PL can be a smart move to help your business grow faster and smoother.

For more information contact FreightXtension today!

LTL Shipping: What You Need to Know

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 23:42:59 GMT

LTL shipping, or "Less than Truckload" shipping, began in the early 1900s as an alternative to railway transportation. It allowed businesses to share truck space, helping reduce costs, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses that didn’t need a full truckload. Over time, the industry has become more competitive, pushing carriers to improve efficiency, transit times, and service options.

In simple terms, LTL shipping lets multiple customers share space in a single truck. Instead of one company hiring an entire truck for just a few pallets, several customers combine their shipments, making better use of the truck’s capacity.

There are two main methods for LTL shipping, though some carriers use a combination of both:

Single Truck/Trailer Pickup and Delivery Enroute – A driver picks up and delivers shipments along a set route without using terminals. While this simplifies logistics, it limits shipment opportunities and space usage.
Utilizing Terminals for Pickup, Linehaul, and Delivery – Shipments are consolidated at terminals for more efficient loading and broader service areas. This method allows for better use of trailer space and offers more service options but comes with higher facility and labour costs.

Most carriers set limits for LTL shipments, typically allowing up to 5 standard pallets or about 10 feet of trailer space. They also usually require shipments to be palletized or crated, making it easier to handle with forklifts or pump carts for smooth loading and unloading.

How LTL Shipping Differs from Courier Shipping

While both LTL and courier shipping involve sharing space for shipments, they serve different purposes. LTL shipping is done by truck and handles larger, palletized or crated items, whereas courier shipping can be done by road or air and focuses on smaller packages. Courier shipments have strict size and weight limits—packages must not exceed 150 lbs. or 108 inches in length and can not be palletized.

Courier shipping is often faster and cheaper for small, loose boxes, especially since it can use space on commercial airlines. LTL, however, allows you to send larger amounts but may take longer depending on the service. When deciding between the two, it’s worth comparing costs and transit times to see which option suits your needs better. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to ship loose boxes via courier than to palletize them for LTL, depending on your situation.

How LTL Shipping Differs from Truckload Shipping

The key difference between LTL and truckload shipping is that with truckload shipping, you hire the entire truck to transport goods from point A to point B. This is often more economical per unit when shipping a large quantity. However, truckload shipping costs increase the farther the goods are shipped, making LTL a more budget-friendly option if you don’t need a full truck.

Another difference is that truckload shipping uses full-size trucks/trailers, which may not be able to access tight or residential locations, and typically don’t have liftgates. LTL carriers, on the other hand, often use smaller trucks locally, that can navigate these areas and offer services like appointments and liftgate delivery. If you need to deliver to locations with limited access or require a liftgate, LTL might be the better option.

One advantage of truckload shipping is faster transit since it involves only one customer’s goods, heading directly to the destination. LTL shipments, by contrast, take longer due to the coordination of multiple pickups and deliveries. If speed is a priority and you have a smaller shipment, truckload shipping may still be worth considering despite the higher cost.

Key Considerations When Choosing an LTL Shipping Provider

Choosing the right LTL shipping provider can significantly impact both cost and service. Many LTL carriers focus on specific regions, pricing strategies, shipment sizes, and service offerings. They often provide more competitive rates and better service when your shipping needs align with their strengths and goals.

If your business regularly ships similar types of shipments to the same locations, partnering with one carrier that specializes in those areas may be beneficial. On the other hand, if your shipments vary in size and destination, it’s worth exploring a range of carriers to find the best fit for your needs.

When evaluating providers, take the time to understand your shipping patterns and requirements, including:

Where you ship to and from
How often you ship
Typical pallet counts and weights
Any special services required
The importance of tracking and communication technology
Whether your shipping volumes qualify you for discounts

Understanding these details will help you narrow down the carriers best suited to your LTL needs. Doing thorough research and leveraging industry connections can help you find the right partners.

Common LTL Pricing Models

In LTL shipping, there are three common pricing models:

1. Freight Class Pricing – This method groups goods with similar shipping characteristics for consistent pricing. This method primarily uses weight but also considers factors like density, stowability (ease of loading), handling, and liability (risk of damage or theft).

There are 18 classes, from Class 50 to Class 500, with lower classes costing less per hundred pounds. This model is widely used by large LTL carriers in the U.S. and is especially effective for small, dense shipments of up to five pallets.

Although determining the class of certain items can be tricky, once you’ve figured it out, this system is straightforward and works well for smaller shipments.

2. Per Pallet Pricing – This pricing method is simple and popular. If you ship standard-sized pallets with heavier or bulkier items, or if you want more predictable pricing, per pallet rates could work well for you. The carrier sets specific dimensions and weight limits per pallet, and as long as your shipments fit within these guidelines, you can easily determine your cost based on the number of pallets.

This method is flexible if your shipments are fairly uniform in size and weight, but it can get complicated if your shipments are odd sizes.

3. CWT Density Pricing – The CWT Density model is commonly used outside the U.S. It focuses on weight per hundred pounds but factors in the dimensions and handling of the shipment without relying on a freight class. The carrier outlines their pricing terms, including limits on liability, as well as restrictions on shipment height and length. The carrier then uses a weight factor (commonly 10 pounds per cubic foot) to determine the "billable" weight.

For example, if your shipment weighs 500 pounds but it is 60 cubic feet in volume, and the carrier’s weight factor is 10 lbs/cubic foot, the billable weight would be 600 pounds (60 x 10), even though the actual weight is 500 pounds. This method balances weight, space, and liability, making it an effective way to calculate costs.

Special Services

Standard LTL services are typically dock-to-dock, on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional services, such as residential or appointment deliveries, can add to costs and impact efficiency. It’s important to understand the availability and cost of any special services you might need when choosing an LTL provider.

Technology

A carrier’s technological capabilities can be a key consideration. Does the carrier offer tools for quoting, scheduling, and tracking shipments in a transparent and efficient manner? In today’s fast-paced world, you want to ensure the carrier’s technology aligns with your operational goals.

Qualifying for Preferred Discounts

To secure the best rates, a carrier will consider factors like your company's credit history, ease of working together, and shipment volumes that support their goals. Establishing a strong relationship with your carrier over time can help you qualify for preferred discounts.

If your business lacks the volume or history to qualify immediately, third-party service providers may offer strategies to help you access preferred rates based on their existing relationships and volumes.

At Freightxtension, we provide clients with the tools and resources they need to access real-time information and competitive LTL shipping solutions. Our extensive experience and high shipment volumes allow us to negotiate exclusive discounts for our clients.

Reach out to discover how we can help you meet your shipping goals with advanced technology, efficient tools, and data-driven insights—ensuring great rates and reliable services for all your LTL shipping needs across Canada and to and from the US!

Why Does Shipping to/from Some Locations Cost Way More

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 15:41:12 GMT

There are many factors that impact shipping costs. Distance ,loading/unloading requirements and size and weight of shipments are some of the obvious factors but they are definitely not the only ones.

When costing freight to or from customers or suppliers it is also important to understand how their geographic location and the economic conditions in that area will affect your shipping cost.

Balance of Trade

Every place a truck goes, it has to get back from. Unless you are hiring a carrier to do a round trip for you (a full load to a location and a full load back from that location), the rate will be based on the carrier’s cost one-way. But the one-way cost will be impacted by the balance of trade and these other factors. In order for the carrier to give you a cost based on one-way. They need to understand the potential to have customers to ship back one-way from that location.

Balance of trade means how much freight is typically shipping from point A to point B and how much freight is shipping back from point B to point A. As an example: Toronto, ON to Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles has a lot of production as well as major ports that process a huge volume of goods from all over the world. Historically, there is significantly more product shipping out of Los Angeles to Toronto than there is shipping from Toronto to Los Angeles. This means the carrier has fewer potential opportunities for shipments to Los Angeles. As a result, the cost to ship from Los Angeles will be higher than the cost to ship to Los Angeles from Toronto.

In some locations the imbalance of trade can be significant. An area with a heavily service based or tourism-based economy will typically require a lot more goods to sustain their population than they produce to export to other provinces or states. This will mean it will generally cost more to ship into those locations than out of those locations.

Population Density

Some areas that are less populated in the big picture, with smaller economies just might not ship a lot of products in or out. Or maybe there are just not a big volume of products shipping to or from the area you are looking to match up with. In these cases, a carrier can not rely on being able to have opportunities to fill the trailer going in or out of just those locations.

In these cases, the carrier has to plan to either have a local carrier pickup the shipment and bring it to a dock in a more populated area to meet a highway truck or route a highway truck through the area on the way to or from another more populated area. These options will drive up the cost to ship to or from locations of this nature.

High Traffic Congestion

Trucks operate on the roads and when it is hard for trucks to operate efficiently in a specific area because of consistent traffic congestion this means it takes more time out of the day for a driver to make pickups or deliveries in those areas. If an area is known to cause these types of inefficiencies many carriers will charge a congestion fee to try and compensate for that lost efficiency.

High Cost to Operate

Some cities, states or provinces by plan or by circumstance impose a higher cost for trucks to operate within their boundaries. Carriers must take these additional costs into consideration when providing freight rates. Toll roads, higher than average fuel cost or requiring a ferry to access are examples of areas with a higher cost to operate. Carriers must take these things into consideration when providing rates to or from these locations.

There are many factors that impact shipping costs. When preparing your costing for a new customer or supplier it is always a good idea to understand the area and how the location will affect your costing model. The product might be cheaper from one supplier but the freight cost might be double, understanding these impacts can help you make well informed decisions.

Taking a little extra time to do you some research or make a quick call to your service provider about a new customer or supplier location could make a big difference to your bottom line!

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At Freightxtension we work with ALL INDUSTRIES offering innovative solutions for small businesses. We welcome the opportunity to show you how quickly and easily we can help your company and your clients gain a competitive advantage with zero cost of entry.

Plan to Reduce Lost , Damaged or Delayed Packages

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 19:23:29 GMT

The primary causes of lost, delayed or damaged shipments is improper labelling, improper packaging or improper customs documentation. Since the goal is always for your package to arrive to the right place, intact and in a timely manner. It is always the right idea to properly label and package your shipment.

We don’t live in a perfect world but if you get these things right the likelihood of a problem of this nature is drastically diminished.

Packaging

Use a sturdy corrugated box with all flaps intact
Wrap all items separately
Provide adequate cushioning material to ensure the actual contents are not close to the edges of the box. For fragile items it is best to put your items in a smaller box, at least two inches smaller all around than the outside box. Fill the space with adequate cushioning material
If shipping liquids ensure each container is sealed and the lids are also taped. The pieces need to be separated by adequate cushioning to keep them from hitting each other as well as from coming in contact with the edges of the box. The contents must also be in a receptacle that is leak proof so that if one of the pieces does leak it will not leak through the package.
Do not wrap your box with an outer layer of paper. Paper rips and your labelling will be attached to that paper
Tape the box with proper tape. Plastic pressure sensitive packing tape, reinforced paper tape or reinforced plastic tape. Tape using the H method top and bottom. This means tape the center seam and both outer seams down the middle, on the top and bottom of the box.

Labelling

Attach your label to the longest flat side of your box
Use a thermal label or adhesive plastic document pouch
Never tape over or cover the bar code on your label
If the box is too small for the label to fit on one side you can fold the label over the corner with the address portion on one side of the box and the bar code on the other. Do not fold the bar code itself.

It is also, always a good idea to put a copy of the label inside the package. If multiple packages put a copy inside the package with the master label. The one labelled (1) of however many packages.

Customs Documentation

Include one original and two copies of the commercial invoice
Ensure commercial invoice provides accurate description, HS Codes, value and country of origin for all of the contents
Attach two copies of the commercial invoice to the package in an adhesive document pouch. If more than one package, attach the customs documents to the box with the master label. The one labelled (1) of however many you are shipping. Provide a third copy to the driver.

It is also a good practice to put a copy of the customs docs inside the package with the master label.

Investing the time and resources necessary to properly package, label and prepare your custom documentation is the most proactive way to minimize delays and drastically reduce the possibility of lost or damaged packages

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Shipping: Class or No Class?

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:04:58 GMT

Class or No Class?

There are three primary ways carriers’ price LTL (less than truckload) shipments. Understanding the different methods can be helpful to you when trying to determine the best carrier for your various shipments .

NMFC- Freight Class Model
Per Pallet Model
Per Hundred Weight Model

This article will explain the different models for determining the base freight rate. All carriers also have different surcharges like (fuel surcharges) and charges for extra services beyond dock to dock, first come first serve (like appointments and tailgate etc). These are separate from calculating the base freight rate.

NMFC Freight Class Pricing Model

Rating by Freight Class for LTL carriers has been around since the 1940’s. It is a method of grouping all commodities that can ship by truck with similar shipping characteristics into categories (classes) for the purpose of standardizing the calculation of the freight cost. Freight class can have advantages if you ship small shipments ( the minimum charges can be great ), understand the rules and the class of your shipments, and ship less than 5 pallets at a time. It is also common with the larger carriers you may need for specific services and areas so you definitely want to have an understanding of it.

The NMFC Freight Class System has evolved to some degree over the years but it is still the dominant LTL pricing model for shipments within the USA or between the USA and Canada. The rating method is per hundred weight (a price for every hundred pounds the shipment weighs). The actual price per hundred pounds to be applied is determined by the freight class.

Some carriers determine their own rates and minimums for each freight class, origin and destination. It is also very common to use standardized benchmark pricing tariffs like Czarlite with carrier specific minimums and discounts.

There are 18 different Freight Classes ranging from Class 50 to Class 500. The lower the freight class, the lower the cost per hundred pounds to ship those goods. There are four factors utilized to determine the freight class:

Density- Pounds per cubic foot
Stow-ability-Odd dimensions or special requirements for stowing in the trailer
Ease of Handling- Durability and ease of loading and unloading
Liability- The level of risk for damage or theft

Some commodities are difficult to standardize because the characteristics vary depending on the specific items being shipped. For this reason, some classes have a density component. Other such commodities have not be given a class at all. They are shown as NOI (Not Otherwise Indicated). This means that the class will be determined by the density of the shipment.

The NMFC Class system can have challenges. For one thing, the NMFC Classification is not a free resource. You need to either purchase the hard copy for around $300 or purchase the online version which is a similar price per year. Another challenge is learning how to find your specific product NMFC code. There are so many products and they are often not called exactly what you might call them. In some cases you have to make a general assumption and say this is the closest description I can find. Another challenge is learning the rules when you are shipping products with different freight classes within the same shipment.

A lot of people are not interested in purchasing the NMFC Classification and even more find it difficult to navigate learning the rules and finding their NMFC. For this reason, quite often shippers use the wrong freight class or the carrier believes it is the wrong freight class. In these cases the shipment will be re-classed (re-rated at the proper class). Typically, there is an admin charge for changing/re-classing a shipment in addition to the re-rate at the proper class.

Lately there has been a push to move away from the outdated NMFC based freight class to the less complex density based freight class. With new technologies there is increased ability for carriers and shippers to efficiently measure and weigh shipments. With so many NMFC codes already being density based class, and density already being a dominant factor in determining freight class and with so many other countries having long ago adopted a density based model. It is felt to only be a matter of time before a density based model becomes the mainstream in the USA as well.

Many carriers have already adopted the model. Some of the challenges to the change are how to incorporate rules to address the other three factors that are used to determine the NMFC classification and the cost many shippers will bear to change their internal systems away from the NMFC classification they have been working with for many years

Class By Density Chart

The chart below helps you understand how to determine freight class based on density only. To use the chart you must be able to determine the weight per cubic foot of your shipment.

To determine the cubic feet of your shipment multiply the Length x Width x Height (in inches) of your shipment and divide by 1728 (1728 is a cubic foot-12x12x12 =1728) This will give you the cubic feet occupied of each skid or handling unit. Total the cubic feet of all handling units. Divide the total weight of the shipment by the total cubic feet occupied. This will give you the Weight per cubic foot of your shipment.

Use the chart below to determine the class by density. As identified previously, this will work for many carriers but it is not 100 percent. Some carriers may reclass your shipment based on the actual commodity of the shipment. More and more carriers are going to this model of classification but there are still many that do not. Your shipment may be reclassed.

Per Pallet Pricing Model

Per pallet pricing is also a common and simple rating method. Per pallet pricing can be a great option if you ship on standard pallets, have bulky and heavier shipments or if you are just looking for less fluctuation in your transportation costing.

Carriers provide rates per pallet space occupied in the trailer for the requested origin and destination. The carrier will define the parameters for a pallet space for the pricing they provide. As long as the pallets shipped do not exceed those parameters you can use your rate sheet to determine your rates based on the number of pallets shipped from the specific origin and destination.

As an example:

A carrier provides per pallet pricing from Toronto, ON to Los Angeles, CA. They indicate that their pallet rates are for each pallet not exceeding 48” (Length), 48” (Width), 84” (Height) and 1650 lbs.

1 Pallet- $300

2 Pallet- $450

3 Pallet- $550

4 Pallet- $700

If the customer ships a pallet: 48x48x40- 300 lbs or a pallet 48x48x80- 1200 lbs, the rate will be the same. Using this rate sheet (purely fictional for illustration purposes)

The base rate would be $300

If they shipped one pallet 48x48x40- 300 lbs and one pallet 48x48x80- 1200 lbs together the base rate would be $450.

It is a very simple model. Depending on the carrier, you could possibly have pallet rates up to 10 pallet positions.

The per pallet model is very simple and easy if you ship standard pallets. It is a little tricky if your shipments are loose pieces have unconventional dimensions or are excessively heavy.

Per Hundred Weight Pricing Model

The Per 100 Weight Model is a very common model for carriers outside of the USA. It is also the model used by the majority of regional and national couriers. It too utilizes a per hundred weight pricing tariff but instead of relying on a freight class to determine the rate to be applied, a dimensional weight factor or divisor is used to determine the billable weight that the rate tariff will apply to.

Since the amount of freight that can be loaded into a truck or trailer is limited by both space and weight and this pricing model is per hundred weight (rate per hundred lbs. of the shipment). There has to be a method of recognizing the space the shipment occupies as well as the weight. Dimensional weight is that method. Carriers provide per hundred weight rate tariffs subject to a dimensional weight factor or divisor. To understand dimensional weight you need to envision that there is a minimum weight for every cubic foot of space your package occupies, dimensional weight. A cubic foot as we identified previously is 12x12x12 or 1728 inches.

Carriers determine and provide the dimensional weight factor or divisor they use to calculate dimensional weight. The dimensional weight factor is usually between 10 and 13 lbs. per cubic foot depending on the carrier. So if the carrier says there tariff is subject to 10 lbs. per cubic foot and you want to calculate your dimensional weight you multiply Length x Width x Height (in inches) for each pallet (handling unit), total all for total cubic feet, divide that by 1728 (a cubic foot in inches) and multiple by 10 lbs. Do not use fractions for your dimensions, round any fraction to the next whole number.

Dimensional Weight Factor

The carrier will provide you with the Dimensional Weight Factor. In many cases it will be expressed by saying these are your rates subject to 10 lbs per cubic foot or whatever there Dimensional Weight Factor is. As mentioned previously this is typically between 10 and 13 lbs. per cubic foot but will differ depending on the specific carrier.

To determine the dimensional weight using the carriers Dimensional Weight Factor:

L x W x H = cubic feet

1728

Total the cubic feet for all pallets (handling units)

Multiply number of cubic feet x 10 to get the dimensional weight

For a quick example we will use a skid 40 x 48 x 48

40x48x48 = 92160 = 53.33 cubic feet

1728 1728

53.33 x 10 lbs. = 534 lbs. (round any fraction to next whole number)

The dimensional weight in this case is 534 lbs.

Dimensional Weight Divisor

In some cases, carriers instead of expressing the dimensional weight factor per cubic foot, will provide a divisor that makes the calculation easier for you. In these cases they provide you with the number of cubic inches per pound to calculate the dimensional weight. With the carriers divisor you can calculate the dimensional weight.

As an example, a dimensional weight divisor of 139 is a common divisor for carriers and couriers. To determine dimensional weight you multiply L x W x H (in inches) and divide by the divisor. This method saves you the extra step of having to multiple cubic feet by the weight factor to get your dimensional weight.

L x W x H = dimensional weight

139

Using the same skid 40x48x48 as previous example:

40x48x48 = 92160 = 663.02 lbs.

139

Rounded to the next whole number the dimensional weight will be 664 lbs.

If you’re curious, and want to know what the dimensional weight factor is for the divisor, 1728 (a cubic foot) divided by the divisor shows you what the weight factor is for that divisor.

1728 = cubic weight factor

Divisor

1728 = 12.43 lbs. per cubic foot is the Dimensional Weight Factor for the divisor 139

139

Billable Weight

Now that you fully understand dimensional weight. What is the Billable Weight?

The billable weight is the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight.

As an example:

Using our example, 40x48x48, actual weight 400 lbs.

We will use the common divisor of 139 to determine dimensional weight

40x48x48 = 92160 = 663.02 lbs.

139 139

The dimensional weight is 664 lbs.

Since 664 lbs. is greater than the actual weight of 400 lbs. The billable weight is the dimensional weight of 664 lbs. If the actual weight of the skid had been 700 lbs. Then the actual weight would have been the billable weight.

Carriers can also provide different per hundred weight tariffs subject to different dimensional weight factors or divisors.

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How Big or Heavy Can a Package Be to Be Eligible to Ship by Courier?

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 17:32:54 GMT

How Big or Heavy Can a Package Be to Be Eligible to Ship by Courier?

Different couriers can have different limitations on the maximum size and weight of a package. The size and weight limits may also change depending on the service type. Below provides you with a solid guideline for standard services with the large couriers.

To Be Considered a Package

Not every shipment is considered eligible to ship with the leading couriers. In general to be considered a eligible to be shipped by courier any piece must:

Be packaged
Not be palletized
Not exceed 150 lbs.
Not exceed 108 inches in length
Ensure length + girth(width x 2 plus height x 2) does not exceed 165 inches

If your package exceeds the size or weight to be eligible as a courier package as noted above do not ship with courier. If a disqualified package gets into the system there will be significant charges.

Even though the size can be considered a package, there will typically be additionally handling or large package charges for heavier or larger items that are more difficult to handle

Additional Handling Charges

Additional handling charges will typically be applied if:

Packages exceed 70 lbs.
Packages exceed 48 inches in length
Packages exceed 30 inches in width

Additional Handling can also apply for packages not properly packaged.

Large Package Charges

Large Package charges will typically be applied if:

Length + girth(width x 2 plus height x 2) exceeds 130 inches
Length is over 96 inches

To be on the safe side always check with your service provider if any of your packages exceed 96 inches in length or 130 inches in length plus girth. If a package that is over the maximum limits gets into the courier’s network the charges can be quite substantial.

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What Size Is A Standard Pallet?

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:41:57 GMT

A Standard Pallet?

The dimensions of a standard pallet are: Length- 48 (IN) x Width - 40 (IN)

The GMA (Grocery Manufactures Association) sets the standard for pallets used for consumer goods. There are other standard pallet sizes that are used by the GMA for different products (42x42 and 48x48 are also very common), but the 48 x 40 pallet is by far the most commonly used pallet size in North America.

The 48, length of the pallet is measured in the same direction as the stringers (supports) run. The width 40, is measured in the same direction as the deck boards run across the stringers on top and bottom.

A Standard pallet typically weighs between 30 and 48 pounds.

What is the difference between a Two Way and Four Way pallet?

A two-way pallet has three stringers for support and deck boards across the stringers at the top and a few on the bottom. A tow motor can only pick up the pallet two ways, by placing the forks under the top deck boards between the stringers on one end or the other.

A four-way pallet has notches in the stringers or blocks that allow the tow motor to also place the forks on the support side of the pallet. This means the pallet can be picked up from all four sides of the pallet. A four-way pallet is typically much stronger with thicker stringers or constructed with sturdy blocks.

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Courier Shipping- What is the Difference Between Billable and Actual Weight?

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:41:45 GMT

Understanding Dimensional Weight

Courier rate tariffs are primarily calculated based on the weight of the package. But a 30x30x30 box of feathers weighing 5 lbs. is different than an 8x8x8 box of books weighing 5 lbs. In order to ensure that both the size of the package and the weight of the package are considered in the price couriers use a dimensional weight factor or divisor.

You may have been given the magic number of 1728 or 139. Below we will explain where those numbers come from and how they are used.

To understand dimensional weight you need to envision that there is a minimum weight for every cubic foot of space your package occupies(dimensional weight).

A cubic foot is 12x12x12 or 1728 inches (magic number #1)

Couriers determine and provide the dimensional weight factor or divisor they use to calculate dimensional weight.

Dimensional Weight Factor

The dimensional weight factor is usually between 10 and 13 lbs. per cubic foot depending on the courier . So if the courier says dimensional weight is based on 10 lbs. per cubic foot and you want to calculate your dimensional weight you multiply Length x Width x Height (in inches), divide that by 1728 (a cubic foot in inches) and multiple by 10 (lbs). Do not use fractions for your dimensions, round any fraction to the next whole number.

L x W x H = number of cubic feet

1728

Multiple number of cubic feet x 10 (or any other weight factor courier indicated)to get the dimensional weight

For an easy example a package 12x12x12 is one cubic foot

1728 = 1

1728

1 x 10 lbs. = 10 lbs

The dimensional weight in this case is 10 lbs.

Dimensional Weight Divisor

In many cases, couriers, instead of expressing the dimensional weight factor per cubic foot, will provide a divisor that makes the calculation easier for you. In these cases they provide you with the number of cubic inches per pound to calculate the dimensional weight. If you know the couriers divisor you can calculate the dimensional weight.

As an example a dimensional weight divisor of 139 is one a few of the major carriers use to calculate dimensional weight. To determine dimensional weight you multiply L x W x H (in inches) and divide by the divisor. This method saves you the extra step of having to multiple cubic feet by the weight factor to get your dimensional weight.

L x W x H = dimensional weight

139

Using the same box 12x12x12 as an example

1728 = 12.43 lbs.

139

Rounded to the next whole number the dimensional weight will be 13 lbs

In this case, because the box was actually a cubic foot the calculation also showed you what the dimensional weight factor is for this divisor, 12.431 lbs. per cubic foot. 1728 (a cubic foot) divided by the divisor shows you what the weight factor is for that courier’s divisor. Just in case you were wondering where the 139 comes from. Dividing 1728 by the divisor will tell you the weight factor. A divisor is just an easier way to calculate the same thing but I think it is good for you to understand both ways, where they come from and how they are calculated!

Billable Weight

Now that you fully understand dimensional weight. What is the Billable Weight?

The billable weight is the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight.

As an example :

A package is 10 x 10 x 10 and weighs 5 lbs.

We will use the commonly used divisor of 139 to determine dimensional weight

10 x 10 x 10 = 7.19 lbs.

139

The dimensional weight will be 8 lbs.

Since 8 lbs. is greater than the actual weight of 5 lbs. The billable weight is the dimensional weight of 8 lbs. If the actual weight of the package had been 10 lbs. Then the actual weight would have been the billable weight.\

The Billable Weight will be the greater of the actual or dimensional weight.

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Small Businesses: Use Your Shipping to Create the Edge You Need!

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:35:03 GMT

Small Businesses: Use Your Shipping to Create the Edge You Need

Covid has been especially difficult for many small and medium sized businesses . With so many restrictions, reduced walk in traffic and the additional costs of keeping your employees and customers safe, it is tough out there!

If you have been following any of the online giants at all, you might have noticed that their ability to ship fast and competitively has played a major role in their crazy success. The lesson? Your shipping strategy can have a major impact on your business. You could use some BIG, David and Goliath type innovative shipping solutions to gain a competitive advantage.

Transportation Management System

There are literally thousands of reliable carriers and couriers in Canada and the USA. The majority are regional or local providers that specialize in specific geographical areas and services. Having a robust carrier/courier network combined with a powerful TMS (Transportation Management System) is a huge advantage!

A powerful shipping strategy is not trying to find one carrier or courier that can do everything. You need:

A comprehensive network of the best leading regional carriers/couriers
A way to qualify for the top tier discounts reserved for large companies
A method of capturing / comparing the options, rates and transit times
An easy way to schedule and track all of your shipments
A dedicated and knowledgeable customer service/support team

A couple of years ago this was unheard of for small businesses and even more recently, if possible, the cost of entry and difficulty of creating your own network made it virtually unattainable.

Today it is not only possible, it can be made very easy to get started. There are some excellent companies that have invested in the technology and earned the reputation necessary to attract and create the right network of market leading carriers and couriers.

Top Tier Discounts

Innovative solutions mean giving small businesses the ability to leverage their volumes together to qualify for Top Tier discounts reserved for large high volume shippers. The volume of many shippers together equals the massive volumes that qualify for the best discounts. Whether you ship courier (packages) or LTL (less than truckload) you can ship smarter and ship faster, allowing you to face your Goliath head on!

Easy Ecommerce

Starting an ecommerce store is a great way to adapt your business for success, especially in these times. Now there are applications that make starting your own store and offering amazing shipping transit options and discounted rates a breeze.

The number one cause of abandoned online shopping carts is shipping cost and transit times and with the right ecommerce solution you can conquer both with a plug in that allows you to incorporate your Top Tier discounts and your Transportation Management System instantly! Offering your clients so many affordable options gives you a competitive advantage for more sales and less abandoned carts!

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We hope these strategies helped you to think BIG and find out more about the powerful possibilities that exist today to help take your business to new heights! We would also love you to reach out with your success stories!

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What’s a Pallet, and Why Should You Care?

What's a Pallet, and Why Should You Care?

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What's a 3PL and Why Should You Use One?

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Common LTL Pricing Models

Special Services

Technology

Qualifying for Preferred Discounts

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Balance of Trade

Population Density

High Traffic Congestion

High Cost to Operate

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Plan to Reduce Lost , Damaged or Delayed Packages

Packaging

Labelling

Customs Documentation

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NMFC Freight Class Pricing Model

Class By Density Chart

Per Pallet Pricing Model

Per Hundred Weight Pricing Model

Dimensional Weight Factor

Dimensional Weight Divisor

Billable Weight

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How Big or Heavy Can a Package Be to Be Eligible to Ship by Courier?

To Be Considered a Package

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Large Package Charges

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What Size Is A Standard Pallet?

A Standard Pallet?

What is the difference between a Two Way and Four Way pallet? ﻿

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Courier Shipping- What is the Difference Between Billable and Actual Weight?

Understanding Dimensional Weight

Dimensional Weight Factor

Dimensional Weight Divisor

Billable Weight

Get Started Today

Small Businesses: Use Your Shipping to Create the Edge You Need!

Small Businesses: Use Your Shipping to Create the Edge You Need

Transportation Management System

Top Tier Discounts

Easy Ecommerce

Get Started Today

What is the difference between a Two Way and Four Way pallet?