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Metric weight Vs. Dimensional weight in shipping goods from the U.S. using LCL freight

When shipping LCL goods internationally from the USA, it is important to understand the difference between metric weight and dimensional weight.

Let's start with freight.

Freight is the transportation of goods from one location to another. In multimodal shipments from the USA, a single carrier can handle the transport, but if multiple carriers are used, the total cost is divided among them.

For example, if you ship less-than-container-load (LCL) goods from New York to Paris, you might pick up your cargo in Austin, TX. Your ocean freight carrier collects the cargo at a terminal in Dallas, TX, and delivers it to a terminal in Paris, which is known as a Container Freight Station (CFS).

You will also need a U.S. domestic carrier to transport your cargo from Austin to Dallas, meaning you are using two carriers. Your total freight charges include:

1. The cost of shipping for the domestic carrier to deliver your cargo to the CFS in Dallas.
2. The cost of shipping for the international ocean freight carrier to move your goods from Dallas to Paris.

Remember that ocean freight can involve various transportation methods - trucking and rail within the origin and destination countries, as well as shipping by sea. Since a single ocean carrier manages the cargo, all transport costs are included in the sea freight rate, charged per cubic meter or foot.

Next, let’s discuss metric and dimensional weight.

Metric weight in sea freight from the USA

Today, a ship's capacity usually depends on the size of its hold rather than the weight of the cargo. Shipping costs for standard cargo are based on the space occupied instead of weight, meaning weight typically does not affect international LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping rates. However, the W/M limit (weight/measurement) can influence costs.

This limit varies by shipping company, origin, and destination. Exporters and importers should be aware of the "U.S. 45 lbs rule," which states that 45 pounds equals one cubic foot. If cargo density exceeds 45 pounds per cubic foot for LCL shipping from the USA, shipping costs are calculated as follows:

Total Weight of Ocean Freight (in pounds) ÷ 45 lbs = Chargeable Volume in cubic feet.

One cubic meter generally equals 1,000 kilograms internationally, though some companies might use 750 or 500 kilograms. Thus, it is essential for shippers to consider the W/M limit.

Dimensional weight in U.S. LTL ground transportation

Dimensional weight (often called Dim. Weight) is a method used to measure shipping costs based on volume instead of actual weight. For international shipping from the USA, Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments will use dimensional weight to determine charges by U.S. domestic Less Than Truckload (LTL) carriers when transporting cargo to the ocean carriers' terminals, known as Cargo Freight Stations (CFS).

When using our online calculator, both cargo pickup and line-haul charges may be based on dimensional weight. This means that for international shipping from the USA, charges for U.S. domestic pickup or line-haul services will be calculated using either the actual weight or the dimensional weight of the cargo, depending on which one is greater.

Dimensional weight affects shipping costs based on the density of items. It benefits shippers of heavy items but costs more for lightweight packages. For example, a box of unpopped corn kernels is usually charged by its gross weight, while a box of popcorn is often charged based on its dimensional weight.

To avoid these extra charges, shippers can use smaller boxes, pack items tightly, and use less packing material.

In U.S. domestic ground transportation, you can calculate dimensional weight with this formula:

Dimensional Weight (in pounds) = (Length x Width x Height in inches) / 166.

FREIGHT CLASS

Freight class is a system used for ground transportation in the U.S. for Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments. It is defined by the U.S. National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and is also called the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).

Your shipment’s freight class depends on what it contains. Different types of products have different shipping costs. There are 18 freight classes, ranging from class 55 to class 500. In our system, freight class affects how much you pay for pickups and line-hauls of your goods to Container Freight Stations (CFS) for ocean carriers. Higher freight classes usually mean higher costs for ground cargo transportation.

The NMFTA classifies products based on four key characteristics:

Density - weight per cubic foot
Storability - including excessive weight and excessive length
Ease of Handling - includes special care or attention necessary to handle the goods.
Liability- provides price per pound, susceptibility to theft, liability to damage, and perishability.

When shipping NMFC-rated shipments, ensure your freight class is accurate. The submitted freight class is unlikely to be reclassified if it falls within the following guidelines:

You ship new or used commercial/industrial goods.
The density corresponds to the freight class.

Our online freight calculator helps you determine the freight class based on density, one of the four main characteristics. As the shipper, it's important to consider the other traits and adjust the freight class for your shipment if needed.

You can call the NMFTA directly at (703) 838-1810 to confirm the freight class for your shipment based on the specific item.

Remember, if you declare household goods in your shipment, the LTL carrier will change your freight class to class 150, no matter the density.