Density-rated freight
Density-rated freight is freight whose LTL class assignment is based on its density (pounds per cubic foot) rather than the standard NMFC commodity class. The carrier measures the shipment at intake (often via a scanner-and-scale system), computes density, and assigns a class on a sliding scale: higher density → lower class → lower rate. Density-rated tariffs were introduced to remove the subjectivity from class assignment, but in practice they create another reclassification opportunity at the terminal.
Why it matters
Density-rated tariffs sound objective but they are often where invoice surprises start. A pallet measured at 9 lbs/cubic foot at the shipper might measure 7 at the carrier terminal (different scales, slightly squished load), bumping the class up and the rate with it. For shippers with consistent freight, the density variance between origin and destination is one of the most common rebill triggers.
When to use it
Density rating is the right framing when comparing carriers' tariff structures, auditing rebill notices, or negotiating an LTL contract. Verify the carrier's density measurement method (scanner accuracy, tolerance for variance, dispute process). If you cannot get clean density specs, per-pallet pricing skips the whole problem.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp prices per-pallet regardless of freight density. There is no density measurement at the cross-dock, no rebill if a pallet measures slightly differently than declared. The rate at booking is fixed.
Frequently asked questions about density-rated freight
What is density-rated freight?
Density-rated freight is freight whose LTL class assignment is based on its density (pounds per cubic foot) rather than the standard NMFC commodity class. The carrier measures the shipment at intake (often via a scanner-and-scale system), computes density, and assigns a class on a sliding scale: higher density → lower class → lower rate. Density-rated tariffs were introduced to remove the subjectivity from class assignment, but in practice they create another reclassification opportunity at the terminal.
Why does density-rated freight matter in freight?
Density-rated tariffs sound objective but they are often where invoice surprises start. A pallet measured at 9 lbs/cubic foot at the shipper might measure 7 at the carrier terminal (different scales, slightly squished load), bumping the class up and the rate with it. For shippers with consistent freight, the density variance between origin and destination is one of the most common rebill triggers.
When should you use density-rated freight?
Density rating is the right framing when comparing carriers' tariff structures, auditing rebill notices, or negotiating an LTL contract. Verify the carrier's density measurement method (scanner accuracy, tolerance for variance, dispute process). If you cannot get clean density specs, per-pallet pricing skips the whole problem.
How does Warp handle density-rated freight?
Warp prices per-pallet regardless of freight density. There is no density measurement at the cross-dock, no rebill if a pallet measures slightly differently than declared. The rate at booking is fixed.