FGTS Shipping Tools

Density Calculator

Shipment density is one of the factors that determines the freight rate. Shippers need to know how to calculate shipment density, so they can properly describe their goods on the bill of lading. Divide the total weight of a shipment by the total cubic feet to determine the density.

• Step 1. Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment in inches. Measure to the farthest points, including skids or other packaging.
  On shipments with multiple pieces, repeat step 1 for each piece.
• Step 2. Multiply the three measurements (height x width x depth). The result is the total cubic inches of the shipment.
  If you have multiple pieces, multiply the height x width x depth for each piece. Take the results for each piece and add them together to get the total cubic inches
• Step 3. Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). The result is the cubic feet of the shipment.
• Step 4. Divide the weight (in pounds) of the shipment by the total cubic feet. The result is the pounds per cubic foot, i.e., density.
  For multiple pieces, be sure to add the weight of each piece together before dividing by the total cubic feet of the shipment.

Round fractions to the nearest full cubic foot number.

For example, if the skid weighs 500 pounds with dimensions of 42 inches x 48 inches x 48 inches:

Multiply 42" x 48" x 48" = 96,768 cubic inches

Divide 96,768 by 1,728 = 56 cubic feet

Divide 500 pounds by 56 cubic feet = 8.9 pounds per cubic feet (PCF), i.e., density

UNITY OF MEASURE

Formulas

Kilograms to Pounds - # kilograms x 2.2046 

Pounds to Kilograms - # pounds x 0.453

Determine cubic feet

lengh X width X height / 1728 = Cubic feet

(Ex: 48"x48"x48" IS 110,592 / 1728 = 64)

Determine density for nmfc density items

Determine cubic feet of item (Either box or shrink wrapped pallet)

Weight / Cubic feet = Density

(Ex: 1000 Lbx / 96 = 10.41 Density in lbs. Per cubic foot)

Dim weight for air freight

Length x Width x Height / 194 = Dim weight  (Domestic)

(Ex: (48"x48"x48") / 194 = 570 Lbs Dim weight)

Length x Width x Height / 166 = Dim weight  (International)

(Ex: (48"x48"x48") / 166 = 666 Lbs Dim weight)

SHIPPING LINKS

Transportation Security Administration www.tsa.gov

Transportation Intermediaries Association www.tianet.org

Department of Transportation www.dot.gov

American Trucking Association www.truckline.com

Logistics Management www.manufacturing.net

Currency Exchange Rates finance.yahoo.com

Dimensions Converter www.manuelsweb.com/in_cm.htm

International Logistics www.fastglobal.com

SHIPPING TERMS & INCOTERMS

EX-Works : One of the simplest and most basic shipment arrangements places the minimum responsibility on the seller with greater responsibility on the buyer. In an EX-Works transaction, goods are basically made available for pickup at the shipper/seller's factory or warehouse and "delivery" is accomplished when the merchandise is released to the consignee's freight forwarder. The buyer is responsible for making arrangements with their forwarder for insurance, export clearance and handling all other paperwork.

FOB (Free On Board): One of the most commonly used-and misused-terms, FOB means that the shipper/seller uses his freight forwarder to move the merchandise to the port or designated point of origin. Though frequently used to describe inland movement of cargo, FOB specifically refers to ocean or inland waterway transportation of goods. "Delivery" is accomplished when the shipper/seller releases the goods to the buyer's forwarder. The buyer's responsibility for insurance and transportation begins at the same moment.

FCA (Free Carrier): In this type of transaction, the seller is responsible for arranging transportation, but he is acting at the risk and the expense of the buyer. Where in FOB the freight forwarder or carrier is the choice of the buyer, in FCA the seller chooses and works with the freight forwarder or the carrier. "Delivery" is accomplished at a predetermined port or destination point and the buyer is responsible for Insurance.

FAS (Free Alongside Ship): In these transactions, the buyer bears all the transportation costs and the risk of loss of goods. FAS requires the shipper/seller to clear goods for export, which is a reversal from past practices. Companies selling on these terms will ordinarily use their freight forwarder to clear the goods for export. "Delivery" is accomplished when the goods are turned over to the Buyers Forwarder for insurance and transportation.

CFR (Cost and Freight) : This term formerly known as CNF (C&F) defines two distinct and separate responsibilities-one is dealing with the actual cost of merchandise "C" and the other "F" refers to the freight charges to a predetermined destination point. It is the shipper/seller's responsibility to get goods from their door to the port of destination. "Delivery" is accomplished at this time. It is the buyer's responsibility to cover insurance from the port of origin or port of shipment to buyer's door. Given that the shipper is responsible for transportation, the shipper also chooses the forwarder.

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) : This arrangement similar to CFR, but instead of the buyer insuring the goods for the maritime phase of the voyage, the shipper/seller will insure the merchandise. In this arrangement, the seller usually chooses the forwarder. "Delivery" as above, is accomplished at the port of destination.

CPT (Carriage Paid To): In CPT transactions the shipper/seller has the same obligations found with CIF, with the addition that the seller has to buy cargo insurance, naming the buyer as the insured while the goods are in transit.

CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) : This term is primarily used for multimodal transport. Because it relies on the carrier's insurance, the shipper/seller is only required to purchase minimum coverage. When this particular agreement is in force, Freight Forwarders often act in effect, as carriers. The buyer's insurance is effective when the goods are turned over to the Forwarder.

DAF (Delivered At Frontier): Here the seller's responsibility is to hire a forwarder to take goods to a named frontier, which usually a border crossing point, and clear them for export. "Delivery" occurs at this time. The buyer's responsibility is to arrange with their forwarder for the pick up of the goods after they are cleared for export, carry them across the border, clear them for importation and effect delivery. In most cases, the buyer's forwarder handles the task of accepting the goods at the border across the foreign soil.

DES (Delivered Ex Ship): In this type of transaction, it is the seller's responsibility to get the goods to the port of destination or to engage the forwarder to the move cargo to the port of destination uncleared. "Delivery" occurs at this time. Any destination charges that occur after the ship is docked are the buyer's responsibility.

DEQ (Delivered Ex Quay): In this arrangement, the buyer/consignee is responsible for duties and charges and the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the quay, wharf or port of destination. In a reversal of previous practice, the buyer must also arrange for customs clearance.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) : DDP terms tend to be used in intermodal or courier-type shipments. Whereby, the shipper/seller is responsible for dealing with all the tasks involved in moving goods from the manufacturing plant to the buyer/consignee's door. It is the shipper/seller's responsibility to insure the goods and absorb all costs and risks including the payment of duty and fees.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) : This arrangement is basically the same as with DDP, except for the fact that the buyer is responsible for the duty, fees and taxes.

Bill of Lading: The transportation documentation that acts as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier; also provides a receipt for the goods tendered to the carrier.

Delivery Receipt: Document dated and signed by consignee at the time of delivery stating the condition of the goods at delivery.

Density: The physical characteristic measuring mass in pounds per foot; affects equipment utilization and rate decisions.

Dock: a platform where trucks or trains can be loaded or unloaded.

Shipper: The sender of a freight shipment.

SLC: Shippers Load & Count; notation on Bill of Lading.

Truckload: A covered or enclosed truck often used for transporting goods. Usually are 48 or 53 foot long.

FAK: Freight All Kinds; either a mixture of products and/or special rates being applied.

Flatbeds:truck which can be either articulated or rigid. It has an entirely flat, level body with absolutely no sides or roof.

Fuel Surcharge: Surcharge imposed by carriers when fuel prices reach over certain levels.

Hazardous Material (Hazmat): is any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.

Heavy Haul: the transport of extremely heavy shipments over the legal weight permitted. These shipments may require special routing since only certain highways allow them.

NMFC: National Motor Freight Classification. Industry standard tariff published by motor carriers containing rules, descriptions, and rating on all commodities moving in commerce; used to classify freight for the purpose of rating the freight bill.

PRO: Progressive Rotating Order: It is a number assigned to each shipment and serves as a tracking number.

UN Number: Four-digit numbers assigned by the United Nations that identify hazardous substances and articles in the transportation industry.

Claim: is a demand made upon a transportation company for payment, due to freight loss or damage alleged to have occurred while shipment was in the possession of carrier.

Commodity: Any article of commerce.

Consignee: The receiver of a freight shipment.