Density is a key factor in determining the freight class of a shipment. Freight class, in turn, directly influences shipping costs. Commodities with a lower density (lower #PCF) are assigned a higher freight class, resulting in a higher shipping rate. Conversely, denser commodities with a higher #PCF value are assigned a lower freight class, leading to a lower shipping rate. It’s important to note that there are other factors that impact your freight bill, such as total weight, length of haul, shipping lane, accessorial services, and your published discount rate.
While this may seem straightforward, it’s important to recognize that different carriers may prioritize freight density differently. Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, for example, place a premium on maximizing cube utilization due to the longer routes they typically operate. For carriers, accurate density calculations are essential for optimizing space utilization and minimizing wasted capacity.