Freight Density Calculator, Linear Foot Planner & More

Density Calculator

Freight Density Calculator

Use inches for dimensions and pounds for weight. This tool calculates shipment density and supports an estimated LTL class review.

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height (in)

Weight (lbs)

Cubic Feet

0.00

Density (lb/cu ft)

0.00

Estimated LTL Freight Class

Use density as a planning input to estimate a likely class range before final verification.

Estimated LTL Class

Review Density

Planning Note

Density is only one input.

This tool is for quick planning support only. NMFTA notes that freight class can also be affected by handling, stowability, and liability, so final classing should still be verified for the actual commodity and shipment profile.

Linear Foot Planner

Add as many pallet types as needed. This tool estimates linear feet used, trailer occupancy, density, weight per linear foot, and a practical row-by-row loading plan for a standard 53' trailer.

Mixed pallet input

Build the load the way the shipment is actually staged.

Total shipment weightCalculated automatically from each pallet type's weight.

Total Pallets

0

Total Weight

0

Estimated Linear Feet

0.0

53' Trailer Usage

0%

Density (lb/cu ft)

0.0

Estimated Freight Class

Review Density

Weight per Linear Foot

0.0

Estimated Trailers Needed

0

Limiting Factor

Not Calculated

Trailer Fit

Estimated to fit in one standard 53' trailer

Estimated trailer usage visual

0'53'

Estimated row-by-row load plan

Row 1Enter pallet details above to build the load plan.

This planner is for shipment preparation only. It assumes a standard 53' trailer and a practical payload planning limit of roughly 45,000 lbs per trailer. Actual loading can vary based on stackability, pallet orientation, pinwheeling, commodity, securement, trailer dimensions, and dock or delivery constraints.

Trailer Calculator

Trailer Type Guide

This tool is meant for planning support. Final equipment choice should still be confirmed based on the commodity, loading method, route, and carrier requirements.

Total Weight (lbs)

Longest Piece or Loaded Length (in)

Loaded Height (in)

Loaded Width (in)

Needs temperature control Needs side or top loading Needs weather protection Freight is unusually tall Heavy equipment / oversize style freight Urgent smaller load Shipper already has the trailer Final-mile / local delivery style move

Recommended Equipment

Dry Van

Based on the current inputs, enclosed standard trailer service appears to be the best planning starting point.

Why this is the current fitStandard enclosed, palletized freight with weather protection needs often starts with dry van equipment.

Planning guidance only. Specialty securement, route restrictions, dock access, and loading requirements can still change the final trailer recommendation.

Permitted Loads

How to identify when a load may require permits.

If a shipment may be over legal dimensions or weight, the right first move is to verify measurements, identify the likely route, and confirm whether permits, escorts, or specialized equipment may be required.

✓Measure overall length, width, height, and gross weight before assuming a shipment is legal or permit-free.

✓Confirm whether dimensions are for the freight only or for the loaded truck and trailer combination.

✓Know the route before quoting. Permits, escorts, and allowable dimensions vary by state and by route.

✓For open-deck freight, confirm overhang and securement needs in addition to basic dimensions.

How to think about permit costs

Permit costs are not one fixed national number. They depend on state, route, load profile, escort requirements, and travel restrictions.

Start with the route.Each state has its own fee schedule and permit rules.

Identify the trigger.Know whether width, height, length, weight, or overhang is driving the permit need.

Check escort rules.Escort vehicles, route surveys, police escorts, and time-of-travel restrictions can materially change the cost.

Quote carefully.When in doubt, quote the freight subject to final permit and routing review.

Incoterms Guide

Get pointed toward the Incoterms® 2020 rules worth reviewing.

This guide is for planning only. It does not replace contract review, broker advice, or legal review. Use it to narrow the field and ask better questions before finalizing terms.

Primary transport mode

Seller arranges main carriage?

Seller responsible to named destination?

Seller handles import clearance and duties?

Seller also responsible to unload at destination?

Seller expected to provide cargo insurance?

Buyer effectively picking up or arranging from seller side?

Likely Terms to Review

FCA / CPT / DAP

Use the answers on the left to narrow the field. The right term still depends on the commercial deal, mode, insurance expectations, and who is accepting which risks and costs.

Start hereThese are likely terms to compare, not a final contract recommendation.

Incoterms® is a trademarked ICC ruleset. This tool is a planning guide only and does not reproduce the rules or replace contract review.

HTSUS & Duty Planning

Use the official sources for HTSUS review and duty planning.

RLG can help you plan the trade conversation, but final classification and duty treatment should still be verified using the official tariff schedule, CBP rulings, and your broker or trade advisor when needed.

Product keyword or product description

Country of origin

Entered value

Estimated duty rate % (optional, after HTS review)

Planning note

CBP Duty Guidance

Planning Summary

Enter a product description, origin, and value to begin.

This tool helps organize the trade-planning conversation. Final classification and duty treatment still depend on the correct HTSUS code and any additional duties, taxes, fees, or trade measures.

Next stepUse the official HTSUS and CROSS buttons above to review likely headings and similar rulings.

Use with Limits

What this is good for

✓Finding likely HTSUS headings and subheadings to review.

✓Looking for similar CBP rulings before you escalate to a broker or binding ruling request.

✓Getting an approximate idea of duty treatment before quoting landed cost.

What this should not replace

Final classificationFinal HTSUS classification should still be verified before entry or final quoting.

Final duty calculationAdditional duties, taxes, fees, quotas, or special trade measures may still apply.

Binding adviceUncertain classifications may require broker review or a CBP binding ruling.

Trailer Types

Common trailer equipment available to shippers in the US.

Picking the right trailer starts with the freight profile, loading method, delivery conditions, and whether the load needs weather protection, deck space, or lower height clearance.

Dry Van

Standard enclosed trailer for palletized, boxed, and general freight that needs protection from weather and road exposure.

Reefer

Temperature-controlled trailer for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other freight requiring a managed temperature range.

Flatbed

Open-deck trailer for machinery, steel, lumber, building materials, and freight that can be loaded from the side or overhead.

Step Deck

Lower-deck trailer for taller freight that exceeds standard dry van or flatbed height limitations but does not require an RGN.

RGN / Lowboy

Specialized trailer for heavy equipment, oversized machinery, and taller freight requiring a very low deck height.

Conestoga

Rolling tarp system used when freight needs flatbed loading flexibility with more weather protection.

Hotshot

Smaller trailer configuration often used for urgent or lighter project freight with quicker response needs.

Power-Only

Tractor-only service when the shipper or facility already has the trailer and needs it moved.

Box Truck / Straight Truck

Useful for final-mile, metro, expedited, and smaller shipment profiles where a full trailer is unnecessary.

Useful tools and freight reference material for shippers.