Original vs. carrier-revised freight
Enter non-identifying figures only. Never enter invoice numbers, shipment IDs, contract rates, customer names or private terms. These inputs are calculated locally in this browser tab. The calculator does not transmit or store them. The site's optional chat is separate; see Privacy.
Comparison — numbers, not an audit finding
| Measure | Original | Carrier-revised | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross weight (lb) | |||
| Cubic feet (ft³) | |||
| Density (lb/ft³) |
This tool does not independently verify scale data, measurement method, density-based item eligibility, current NMFC item/sub-number, special handling, tariffs, rate effective dates or prior credits. Do not infer a claim or a refund from a difference. No results are saved by the calculator.
How this calculation works
NMFTA's published handling-unit method uses the greatest straight-line length × width × height in inches, including projections, divided by 1,728 to obtain cubic feet. Gross handling-unit weight ÷ volume gives density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). This comparison multiplies both weight and cube by the number of identical units and uses full-precision values before displaying two decimals.
Source: NMFTA, How is the density of a handling unit calculated? (March 2026). NMFC modernization took effect July 19, 2025; classification still requires the applicable item, customer/carrier commercial terms and potentially handling, stowability or liability factors. See NMFTA's classification FAQ.
A pallet measuring 48 × 40 × 45 inches and weighing 450 lb has 50 cubic feet and 9.00 PCF. A revised 48 × 40 × 48 inch, 500 lb measurement is 53.33 cubic feet and 9.375 PCF. Those figures describe the proposed measurement change; they do not establish whether it was authorized or incorrectly charged.
Seven checks before taking action
- ☐ Match the buyer's PRO/BOL, handling unit count, commodity and billed entity in the approved private system.
- ☐ Preserve the original greatest outside dimensions, packaging and gross weight.
- ☐ Obtain the carrier's actual reweigh, inspection/dimensioning evidence and measurement date.
- ☐ Resolve the NMFC item/sub-number and applicable effective classification rules rather than inferring class from density alone.
- ☐ Review customer contract, tariff, rate exceptions/FAK terms and shipment effective date.
- ☐ Reconcile duplicate bills, credit/rebill corrections, prior disputes, refunds and existing audit findings.
- ☐ Have an authorized reviewer decide whether to request clarification, accept the adjustment, or pursue a separately approved dispute.
Printable LTL source-evidence checklist · Credit-and-rebill check · 15-point freight audit worksheet.
Freight density and reweigh FAQ
Does a higher density mean the carrier's reclassification is correct?
Not automatically. Freight class also depends on the controlling NMFC item and sub-number, agreed tariff or exceptions, and potentially handling, stowability or liability. Weight and volume alone are not a class determination.
Is a higher revised gross weight proof of an overcharge?
No. Confirm the actual measurement, date, contract, effective rating rule and any corrected invoices or credits. A numerical discrepancy alone is not an allowed refund.
Can this tool calculate different pallet sizes in one shipment?
It compares one identical handling-unit type at a time. Mixed types need separately measured handling units; never apply one unit's dimensions across dissimilar pallets.
Are my invoices or measurements uploaded?
No freight records or personal details are requested. This comparator uses local arithmetic on entered numbers, without writing them to a RETALLY server or local browser storage. Other website features such as optional chat are separate.
Need an evidence-first second look?
RETALLY offers a $0-upfront initial audit for agreed eligible scope. Actual recovery work requires a separate written engagement and customer approval; fees are tied to eligible actual recovered funds, with no guaranteed outcome. Start with broad, non-sensitive qualification details only. Never send invoices, rate agreements or banking details through public forms, social messages or ordinary email.
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