# Cubic Transport

> High-cube freight brokerage at cubictransport.com for shipments of 4 to 26 pallets (about 350 to 3,800 cubic feet, 8 to 50 linear feet). Cubic Transport audits load dimensions against LTL carrier cubic capacity and linear-foot rules and tenders the freight as spot volume LTL, direct partial truckload, shared truckload, dedicated 26' box truck or 53' truckload across the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Contact: rates@cubictransport.com (rate tenders), dispatch@cubictransport.com (dispatch). Rate desk Mon–Fri 06:00–19:00 Central; spot volume dispatch 24/7.

## Formulas

- Cubic feet per unit = length × width × height (inches) ÷ 1,728, measured at the outermost points including pallet and overhang.
- Density (PCF) = total weight including pallets (lbs) ÷ total cubic feet.
- Carrier imputed cube: units marked non-stackable, or taller than about 60 in, are cubed to the 96 in trailer ceiling.
- Linear feet = rows of units along the trailer × unit length (in) ÷ 12, with two 40–48 in wide units side by side in a 96–102 in trailer; stackable units under 60 in may double-stack.
- Synthetic weight under cubic capacity rules ≈ imputed cubic feet × 6 lbs, typically rated near class 125.

## NMFC 13-tier density scale (NMFTA Docket 2025-1)

| Sub | Density (PCF) | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | < 1 | 400 |
| 2 | 1 – < 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 2 – < 4 | 250 |
| 4 | 4 – < 6 | 175 |
| 5 | 6 – < 8 | 125 |
| 6 | 8 – < 10 | 100 |
| 7 | 10 – < 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 | 12 – < 15 | 85 |
| 9 | 15 – < 22.5 | 70 |
| 10 | 22.5 – < 30 | 65 |
| 11 | 30 – < 35 | 60 |
| 12 | 35 – < 50 | 55 |
| 13 | ≥ 50 | 50 |

## LTL carrier cubic capacity and linear-foot rules (as indexed; the carrier's current rules tariff governs)

- Old Dominion — ODFL 100 Item 610-1: ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF, or ≥ 15 linear feet; non-stackable units cubed to 96 in.
- XPO — CNWY 199 Item 233: tier 1 ≥ 350 cu ft under 3 PCF; tier 2 ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF; "do not stack" or > 60 in units cubed to 96 in.
- Saia — SAIA 170 Item 111: ≥ 350 cu ft under 3 PCF or ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF.
- FedEx Freight — FXF 100 series: ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF, or 10–15+ linear feet; units over 60 in or non-stackable at 96 in.
- ABF Freight — ABF 111 Item 616 / 611: ≥ 350 cu ft under 3 PCF or ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF.
- Estes — EXLA 105: ≥ 350 / ≥ 750 cu ft low-density thresholds; 12–15 linear feet.
- R+L Carriers — RLCA 100: ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF or ≥ 12 linear feet.
- TForce Freight — UPGF 102: ≥ 750 cu ft under 6 PCF.

## Equipment capacities

- 53' dry van: about 52'6" × 98.5" × 110", 3,800–4,054 cu ft, 26 GMA pallets straight / 28 pinwheeled / 30 turned / 52 double-stacked, 44,000–45,000 lbs.
- 26' straight box truck: 26' × 96" × 96", about 1,664–1,800 cu ft, 12 single / 24 double-stacked pallets, 10,000–12,500 lbs.
- 48' flatbed / Conestoga: 48' × 102", 24 single pallets, 46,000–48,000 lbs.
- 20' ISO container 1,172 cu ft (33.2 CBM); 40' 2,385 cu ft (67.5 CBM); 40' high cube 2,694 cu ft (76.3 CBM).

## Tools and company

- [Home](https://cubictransport.com/): Cubic feet, NMFC 13-tier density, linear foot and carrier cube-penalty engine, plus direct partial truckload and spot volume LTL for 4 to 26 pallets.
- [Cubic feet & density calculator](https://cubictransport.com/cubic-feet-freight-calculator/): Multi-pallet cubic feet, CBM, 96-inch non-stackable imputation, NMFC 13-tier freight class, linear feet and carrier cube-rule check in one calculator.
- [Linear foot calculator](https://cubictransport.com/linear-foot-calculator/): Linear feet for straight, turned and pinwheeled pallets in a 53-foot van, 26-foot box truck or container, with 12-LF carrier penalty thresholds.
- [CBM to cubic feet calculator](https://cubictransport.com/cbm-to-cubic-feet-calculator/): Convert cubic meters to cubic feet, metric pallet dimensions to PCF density and freight class, and check fill against 20, 40 and 40 high cube containers.
- [LTL vs partial truckload analyzer](https://cubictransport.com/ltl-vs-partial-truckload-calculator/): Compare standard LTL, cube-penalized LTL, spot volume LTL and direct partial truckload on the same freight: break-even cube, linear feet and handling risk.
- [Request a spot rate](https://cubictransport.com/request-volume-ptl-quote/): Tender 4 to 26 pallets for a spot volume LTL, direct partial truckload, box truck or 53-foot rate, with a dimensional pre-audit against carrier cube rules.
- [About Cubic Transport](https://cubictransport.com/about-cubic-transport/): Cubic Transport is a high-cube freight brokerage for 4 to 26 pallets: carrier tariff surveillance, dimensional rating methodology and direct partial truckload.

## Carrier cube rules

- [Carrier cube rules](https://cubictransport.com/carrier-cubic-capacity-rules/): How ODFL, XPO, Saia, FedEx Freight, ABF, Estes, R+L and TForce apply cubic capacity minimums, linear foot rules and the 96 in non-stackable roof imputation.
- [Old Dominion Item 610-1](https://cubictransport.com/odfl-cubic-capacity-rule-item-610/): How ODFL 100 Item 610-1 re-rates freight at 750 cu ft under 6 PCF or 15 linear feet, with the 96 in non-stackable imputation and a worked 8-skid example.
- [XPO Item 233](https://cubictransport.com/xpo-cubic-capacity-rule-item-233/): XPO CNWY 199 Item 233 explained: the 350 cu ft under 3 PCF and 750 cu ft under 6 PCF tiers, the 60 in and 96 in height rule, and two worked pallet examples.
- [Saia Item 111](https://cubictransport.com/saia-cubic-capacity-rule-item-111/): Saia SAIA 170 Item 111 broken down: 350 cu ft under 3 PCF, 750 cu ft under 6 PCF, forced 96 in height on irregular tops, and a worked 48×48 pallet example.
- [FedEx Freight FXF 100](https://cubictransport.com/fedex-freight-cubic-capacity-linear-foot-rule/): FedEx Freight FXF 100 rules explained: 750 cu ft under 6 PCF, 10 to 15 linear foot charges, the 60 in line that imputes 96 in, and a 9-skid worked example.
- [ABF Freight Item 616](https://cubictransport.com/abf-freight-cubic-minimum-charge-item-616/): ABF 111 Items 616 and 611 explained: the 350 cu ft under 3 PCF and 750 cu ft under 6 PCF thresholds, the 96 to 102 in height rule and a worked gaylord example.
- [Estes EXLA 105](https://cubictransport.com/estes-cubic-capacity-volume-rules/): Estes EXLA 105 explained: 350 and 750 cu ft low-density thresholds, 12 to 15 linear feet, 96 in on non-stackable freight, and capacity load re-bills worked out.
- [R+L & TForce rules](https://cubictransport.com/rl-carriers-tforce-cubic-capacity-rules/): R+L RLCA 100 and TForce UPGF 102 compared: 750 cu ft under 6 PCF, R+L 12 LF rule with a per-foot weight floor, 96 in imputation, and a worked 48×48 example.
- [Regional LTL cube rules](https://cubictransport.com/regional-ltl-cubic-rules-sefl-averitt-dayton/): How regional LTL carriers like SEFL, Averitt, Dayton Freight and Pitt Ohio handle cubic capacity, linear feet and 96 in imputation, and how to find each rule.
- [Non-stackable 96 in rule](https://cubictransport.com/non-stackable-freight-96-inch-rule/): Why LTL carriers measure non-stackable and over-60 in freight at 96 in, how much phantom cube that adds per pallet, and how to fix the top or change the mode.

## NMFC class guides

- [NMFC 13-tier density chart](https://cubictransport.com/nmfc-13-tier-density-chart/): The full NMFC 13-tier density scale from Docket 2025-1: PCF ranges for class 400 down to class 50, the two formulas, pallet weight bands and common misreads.
- [Classes 400, 300 & 250](https://cubictransport.com/freight-class-400-300-250-low-density/): How freight under 4 PCF is classed (400, 300, 250), why it trips carrier cubic capacity rules, a 10-pallet duct example and the packaging and mode fixes.
- [Classes 175, 150 & 125](https://cubictransport.com/freight-class-175-150-125-guide/): Classes 175 and 125 on the 13-tier scale, why class 150 still appears on bills, the 6 PCF line that also clears the 750 cu ft cube rule, and a repack example.
- [Classes 100, 92.5 & 85](https://cubictransport.com/freight-class-100-92-5-85-guide/): Classes 100, 92.5 and 85 on the 13-tier scale: pallet weight windows, how FAK bands are written for 8 to 15 PCF freight, and the stacking trap that voids them.
- [Classes 70, 65, 60, 55 & 50](https://cubictransport.com/freight-class-70-65-60-55-50-guide/): Classes 70 to 50 on the 13-tier scale: what the new class 55 and class 50 tiers change for dense freight, and why weight, not cube, is the limit to plan for.
- [FAK and cubic exceptions](https://cubictransport.com/fak-freight-all-kinds-cubic-exceptions/): How FAK clauses work, why carrier cube rules sit above them, a 12-pallet cabinetry load that goes from FAK 100 to a cube re-bill, and how to protect your FAK.
- [W&I dispute guide](https://cubictransport.com/weight-and-inspection-wi-dispute-guide/): A step-by-step procedure to check and dispute an LTL weight and inspection re-bill: what to request, how to test whether it changes the class, and what wins.
- [BOL dimensional checklist](https://cubictransport.com/bol-dimensional-accuracy-checklist/): A dock procedure for measuring, weighing and writing handling units on a bill of lading so carrier dimensioners agree, plus a three-line worked example.
- [Pallet overhang & density](https://cubictransport.com/pallet-overhang-packaging-density-optimization/): How carton overhang on a 48x40 pallet adds cube, lowers PCF and can move freight up a class, with a worked example at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 inches per side.
- [Crated vs. palletized freight](https://cubictransport.com/crated-vs-palletized-freight-density/): When a crate or plywood top cap pays for itself: a 4-unit example comparing non-stackable pallets cubed at 96 inches with crated and capped stackable units.

## Shipping modes and equipment

- [Shipping modes compared](https://cubictransport.com/shipping-modes/): Standard LTL, volume LTL, partial truckload, box truck and full truckload compared by pallets, cubic feet, linear feet, cube-rule exposure and indicative cost.
- [Direct partial truckload (PTL)](https://cubictransport.com/partial-truckload-ptl/): How direct partial truckload works for 6 to 18 pallets: linear-foot pricing, no cross-dock, no cube re-rate, a 10-skid worked example and when truckload wins.
- [Spot volume LTL](https://cubictransport.com/volume-ltl-shipping/): How LTL carrier volume quotes work, where they fit between class LTL and partial truckload, and the dimension rules that keep a volume quote from re-rating.
- [Shared truckload (STL)](https://cubictransport.com/shared-truckload-shipping/): How shared truckload co-loads two to four shippers on one 53-foot van: stop sequencing, deck planning, what freight qualifies, and a worked mixed-load example.
- [26-foot box truck freight](https://cubictransport.com/box-truck-freight-shipping/): 26-foot box truck dimensions, cubic capacity, pallet counts and payload, with a 12-skid worked example and the short hauls where a straight truck beats a 53.
- [53' high-cube truckload](https://cubictransport.com/high-cube-full-truckload/): 53-foot dry van interior dimensions, door openings, cube and payload, plate versus logistics-post trailers, cubing out versus weighing out, and drop trailers.
- [Flatbed & Conestoga partials](https://cubictransport.com/flatbed-conestoga-partial-freight/): Partial loads on 48- and 53-foot flatbeds, step decks and Conestogas: deck sizes, legal heights, securement counts, tarping, and a worked six-crate example.
- [Trailer & container capacity](https://cubictransport.com/trailer-container-cubic-capacity/): Interior dimensions, cubic feet, CBM, pallet positions and payload for 53-foot vans, 26-foot box trucks, 48-foot flatbeds and 20, 40 and 40 HC containers.
- [53' pallet configurations](https://cubictransport.com/53-foot-trailer-pallet-configuration-guide/): How 48x40 pallets load in a 53-foot dry van: 26 straight, 30 turned, 28 pinwheeled and 52 double-stacked, with clearances, weight limits and a worked full load.
- [40' high cube container](https://cubictransport.com/40-foot-high-cube-container-loading-guide/): 40-foot high cube container interior dimensions, door opening, 2,694 cu ft capacity, pallet counts, floor-loading math and road weight limits for inland moves.

## Industries

- [Industries & commodities](https://cubictransport.com/high-cube-freight-industries/): How ten high-cube commodity groups measure, what density class they land in, which LTL cube rules they trip, and the mode Cubic Transport tenders each one on.
- [HVAC & spiral ductwork](https://cubictransport.com/hvac-ductwork-freight-shipping/): Spiral duct rates near 1.8 PCF and class 300. HVAC unit sizes, worked cube and linear-foot math, and when ductwork belongs on volume LTL or a direct partial.
- [Cabinetry & millwork](https://cubictransport.com/commercial-cabinetry-millwork-freight/): Crated casework lands near 3.9 PCF, just under class 175. Millwork unit sizes, ODFL 610-1 cube math, and why finished cabinets move best on a direct partial.
- [Medical & lab equipment](https://cubictransport.com/medical-laboratory-equipment-freight/): Lab crates over 60 in tall get cubed to 96 in and fall into class 175. Typical unit sizes, FedEx Freight cube math, and air-ride PTL or box truck routing.
- [Tanks, pipe & plastics](https://cubictransport.com/fiberglass-plastic-tanks-piping-freight/): Poly tanks rate under 1 PCF at class 400. Tank and pipe bundle sizes, Saia Item 111 cube math, strapping guidance, and why tanks usually ship flatbed partial.
- [Packaging, bottles & gaylords](https://cubictransport.com/packaging-corrugated-gaylord-freight/): Blown bottles ship near 2.4 PCF at class 250 while flat corrugated rates class 70. Unit sizes, Estes cube math, and high-cube van or volume LTL routing.
- [Commercial furniture & seating](https://cubictransport.com/commercial-furniture-seating-freight/): Boxed seating rates near 3.5 PCF at class 250 and booths lower. Furniture unit sizes, worked cube math, and when to use blanket wrap or a direct partial.
- [Trade show & exhibit crates](https://cubictransport.com/trade-show-exhibit-crate-shipping/): Exhibit crates near 4 PCF over 60 in tall get cubed to 96 in. Crate sizes, ODFL cube math, marshaling yard timing and why exhibits ship on a direct partial.
- [Switchgear & machinery](https://cubictransport.com/industrial-machinery-electrical-enclosures-freight/): Switchgear rates near 15.7 PCF and class 70, yet height and linear feet drive the bill. Unit sizes, worked math, and Conestoga, flatbed or van partial routing.
- [Automotive aftermarket parts](https://cubictransport.com/automotive-aftermarket-body-panels-freight/): Bumper covers ship near 1.75 PCF at class 300 while windshields rate 92.5. Auto parts unit sizes, XPO Item 233 math, nesting tips and volume LTL or PTL routing.
- [Commercial kitchen equipment](https://cubictransport.com/commercial-kitchen-restaurant-equipment-freight/): Long hood crates cubed to 96 in fall to class 300. Kitchen equipment sizes, worked cube and linear-foot math, and direct partial routing for restaurant builds.

## Freight lanes

- [Freight lanes & corridors](https://cubictransport.com/freight-lanes/): Nine North American freight corridors compared: key interstates, lane mileages, direct PTL vs. LTL transit days, seasonal capacity and indicative rates by lane.
- [Midwest corridor](https://cubictransport.com/midwest-freight-corridor-chicago-ohio-michigan/): Chicago, Detroit, Columbus and Indianapolis freight lanes: mileages, PTL vs. LTL transit days, auto and industrial freight, winter capacity, worked example.
- [Texas & Gulf Coast corridor](https://cubictransport.com/texas-gulf-coast-freight-corridor-dallas-houston-laredo/): Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Laredo freight lanes: I-35 and I-45 mileages, PTL vs. LTL transit days, produce and hurricane seasons, worked crate example.
- [Southeast corridor](https://cubictransport.com/southeast-freight-corridor-atlanta-charlotte-memphis/): Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis and Savannah lanes: I-85, I-75 and I-40 mileages, direct PTL vs. LTL transit, furniture and import freight, seasonal capacity notes.
- [Southern California corridor](https://cubictransport.com/california-west-coast-freight-corridor-la-inland-empire/): LA, Inland Empire, Phoenix and Las Vegas lanes: I-10 and I-15 mileages, transload freight from LA/Long Beach, PTL vs. LTL transit and capacity by season.
- [Northeast & I-81/I-95 corridor](https://cubictransport.com/northeast-mid-atlantic-freight-corridor-nj-pa-ny/): Northern NJ, Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, New York and Boston lanes: I-78, I-81 and I-95 mileages, box truck vs. PTL delivery into NYC, seasonal capacity notes.
- [Pacific Northwest corridor](https://cubictransport.com/pacific-northwest-freight-corridor-seattle-portland/): Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Spokane and Boise lanes: I-5, I-84 and I-90 mileages, PTL vs. LTL transit, mountain-pass winter risk, millwork and lumber freight.
- [Florida peninsula corridor](https://cubictransport.com/florida-peninsula-freight-corridor-miami-orlando-tampa/): Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami lanes: I-75, I-95 and I-4 mileages, headhaul vs. backhaul pricing, produce and hurricane seasons, worked PTL example.
- [U.S.–Canada cross-border](https://cubictransport.com/us-canada-cross-border-partial-truckload-ontario-quebec/): Toronto, Montreal and Windsor-Detroit cross-border lanes: crossings, mileages, ACE and ACI eManifest, PARS and PAPS, CUSMA basics and a Toronto–Chicago example.
- [U.S.–Mexico cross-border](https://cubictransport.com/us-mexico-cross-border-freight-laredo-el-paso/): Laredo, El Paso and Otay Mesa cross-border freight: transfer carriers, through-trailer vs. transload, customs basics, USMCA, U.S. lane miles and a PTL example.

## Optional

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