Measured exterior cube across 8 identical units.
INVITE-ONLY BIGCOMMERCE PILOT WAITLIST IS OPENSEE THE 30-DAY SHADOW PILOT →
FREE FREIGHT DECISION TOOL · SOURCES REVIEWED AUGUST 16, 2026
One pallet.
Three different
space tests.
Calculate measured cube and density, model a published non-stackable carrier scenario, identify an exact carrier overlength band, and screen the same handling unit against 2026 domestic parcel criteria—before a dimensional surprise reaches the bill.
Screening only. No rate, class, acceptance, or charge is promised.
SPACE SIGNAL / 03 VIEWSREADY TO VERIFY
PHYSICAL UNITL × W × H
NON-STACKABLE AIR
MEASUREDCube + pcf
LTL RULEHeight + overlength
PARCELSide + girth + cube
INPUT Exterior packed facts → OUTPUT Questions for a live quote
INTERACTIVE HANDLING-UNIT SCREEN
See which physical threshold deserves a live quote.
Enter identical ready-to-ship handling units. The checker separates measured cube from a selected carrier's non-stackable height scenario, then screens the same dimensions against published domestic parcel criteria.
This tool identifies review triggers. It does not calculate a freight charge.
A clear result means only that the listed numerical conditions were or were not crossed. Commodity provisions, packaging, shape, contract exceptions, service, lane, later publications, and carrier inspection still control.
01Describe the shipment
Calculation ready. Physical cube 426.67 cubic feet. ODFL rule screen not met.
ODFL / Item 610-148-IN RATED-HEIGHT SCENARIO
The entered physical height remains the carrier-scenario height.
Total weight divided by measured physical cube.
96-inch floor applies only when top space cannot be used.
Total weight divided by the selected rule's cube scenario.
MEASURED-DENSITY REFERENCEClass 92.510 to under 12 pcf
→CARRIER-SCENARIO REFERENCEClass 92.510 to under 12 pcf
Non-authoritative NMFTA reference only. Density does not by itself assign the shipment's NMFC item or billable class; handling, stowability, liability, commodity provisions, packaging, and the governing classification still matter.
ODFL 100-Q / Item 610-1NOT TRIGGERED BY THE ENTERED FACTS
Neither published Item 610-1 cube-and-density band is crossed by this scenario.
- Rule-scenario cube
- 426.67 ft³
- Rule-scenario density
- 11.72 pcf
- 6-pcf constructed-weight reference
- 2,560 lb
ODFL 100-Q / Item 670-5NO LISTED OVERLENGTH BAND CROSSED
The screen uses 48.0 inches, the greater of the entered longest article or piece and the handling unit's longest exterior side. The first published band begins at 96 inches.
This does not calculate a fee, carrier capacity, trailer fit, or acceptance. Read the full item and obtain a live quote.
Verify Item 670-5 in the official tariff ↗PARCEL CROSS-CHECK
The same exterior dimensions can trip a different network.
Parcel screens are per package. With multiple identical units, the checker divides total weight evenly; run unlike units separately with their actual weights.
48.0 in longest48.0 in second side224.0 in length + girth92,160 in³ per unit625.0 lb average per unit
Additional Handling screen
- Second-longest side exceeds 30 in
- Length plus girth exceeds 105 in
- Cubic volume exceeds 10,368 in³
- Average weight per identical unit exceeds 50 lb
Large Package screen
- Length plus girth exceeds 130 in
- Cubic volume exceeds 17,280 in³
- Average weight per identical unit exceeds 110 lb
Additional Handling screen
- Second-longest side exceeds 30 in
- Length plus girth exceeds 105 in
- Cubic volume exceeds 10,368 in³
- Average weight per identical unit exceeds 50 lb
Oversize Charge screen
- Length plus girth exceeds 130 in
- Cubic volume exceeds 17,280 in³
- Average weight per identical unit exceeds 110 lb
DATED SCREENING RECORDKeep the inputs beside the quote request.
Copy includes the entered facts, calculated scenarios, trigger reasons, source URLs, review date, and limitations.
METHOD, LIMITS & OFFICIAL SOURCES
A transparent screen—not a mystery freight score.
Every displayed result comes from entered shipment facts, visible arithmetic, and a named public rule. The tool deliberately stops before rate, commodity classification, contract interpretation, or carrier acceptance.
01
CALCULATION METHOD
Start with what the handling unit physically occupies.
- Measure each identical unit ready to ship. Include the pallet or skid, protective material, bands, and any protruding point.
- Physical cube: units × length × width × height ÷ 1,728 = cubic feet.
- Physical density: total shipment weight ÷ physical cubic feet = pounds per cubic foot (pcf).
- Carrier scenario: when non-stackable is selected, use the greater of actual height or the selected rule's 96-inch ODFL / 84-inch Estes height. Recalculate cube and density without changing the entered physical measurements.
- Parcel geometry: sort the three exterior sides; length plus girth = longest side + 2 × second side + 2 × shortest side. Parcel volume is checked per unit.
- Overlength screen: compare the greater of the entered longest article or piece and the longest exterior unit side with the selected carrier's published overlength bands.
02
CARRIER-SPECIFIC LTL SCREENS
The two carrier profiles do not use the same trigger.
The tool reports the published condition as met only when either exact band is crossed:
- 350 to under 750 ft³ and density under 3 pcf; or
- 750 ft³ or more and density under 6 pcf.
Within the cited ODFL 100-Q rules profile, freight that cannot be loaded on top uses a 96-inch vertical scenario (without reducing freight already taller than 96 inches).
Item 670-5 overlength bands: 8 to under 12 feet; 12 to under 20 feet; and 20 feet or longer. Freight longer than 27 feet 3 inches also requires the item's carrier-discretion review.
Verify ODFL Item 610-1 ↗The tool reports the published cubic-capacity condition as met when the shipment as tendered:
- exceeds 350 ft³.
When the bill of lading or packaging prohibits using the space above the freight, the scenario considers a height of 84 inches (without reducing freight already taller than 84 inches).
Item 670-10 overlength bands: 8 to under 12 feet; 12 to under 16 feet; 16 to under 20 feet; and 20 feet or longer.
Verify Estes Item 615 ↗The displayed six-pcf constructed weight is rated cube × 6. Both cited items describe a minimum-charge basis associated with six pcf and class 125, but this calculator does not turn that basis into a dollar amount.
03
2026 DOMESTIC PARCEL SCREENS
Published surcharge categories, not hard shipping ceilings.
UPS and FedEx use the same listed numerical breakpoints for the screens included here. A result can cross more than one criterion. The checker calls the UPS category “Large Package” and the FedEx category “Oversize Charge” so their carrier language remains distinct.
| Published category | Longest side | Second side | Length + girth | Cube | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Handling | > 48 in | > 30 in | > 105 in | > 10,368 in³ | > 50 lb |
| Large / Oversize | > 96 in | — | > 130 in | > 17,280 in³ | > 110 lb |
These checks identify the cited size-and-weight surcharge categories only. They do not determine carrier acceptance, package maximums, unauthorized-package treatment, dimensional weight, demand surcharges, or price.
04
NMFTA DENSITY REFERENCE
All 13 published bands—clearly separated from classification.
The checker locates calculated density in NMFTA's public 13-band density table. That comparison is useful for asking better questions, but it is not an authoritative freight-class assignment. Confirm the governing NMFC item and all relevant transportation characteristics.
Under 1 pcfClass 400
1 to under 2 pcfClass 300
2 to under 4 pcfClass 250
4 to under 6 pcfClass 175
6 to under 8 pcfClass 125
8 to under 10 pcfClass 100
10 to under 12 pcfClass 92.5
12 to under 15 pcfClass 85
15 to under 22.5 pcfClass 70
22.5 to under 30 pcfClass 65
30 to under 35 pcfClass 60
35 to under 50 pcfClass 55
50 pcf or greaterClass 50
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Open the source before the shipment moves.
Official publications and carrier pages reviewed August 16, 2026. Public rules can be superseded; customer-specific agreements can differ.
- 01NMFTA: Decoding Density and the 13 standard density breaks ↗
Official NMFTA explanation of the 13 density bands used here only as a non-authoritative class reference.
- 02Old Dominion Freight Line: complete ODFL 100-Q tariff ↗
Official tariff supporting Item 610-1, the cited 96-inch non-stackable treatment, and Item 670-5 overlength bands.
- 03Estes Express Lines: EXLA 105 FF Item 615 ↗
Official tariff supporting Item 615's cubic-capacity rule, the 84-inch height treatment, and Item 670-10 overlength bands.
- 04UPS: How to avoid shipping charge corrections ↗
Official U.S. package guidance for Additional Handling and Large Package size and weight criteria.
- 05FedEx: 2026 Service Guide ↗
Official 2026 U.S. Package Services criteria for Additional Handling and Oversize Charge screening.
FIELD QUESTIONS
Freight oversize checker FAQ
What should I count as one handling unit?
Use one ready-to-ship pallet, crate, carton, or other piece that will be tendered as a unit. Measure the greatest exterior length, width, and height after the pallet, packaging, bands, padding, and protrusions are included. If the units differ, run them separately.
What changes when I mark freight non-stackable?
The checker preserves the physical cube, then creates a separate carrier-rule scenario. It uses at least 96 inches of height for the selected ODFL profile or at least 84 inches for the selected Estes profile. The scenario never reduces a taller physical handling unit.
Does the density reference assign my freight class?
No. The 13-band display is a non-authoritative reference derived from NMFTA's public density explanation. The governing NMFC item, commodity provisions, handling, stowability, liability, packaging, carrier rules, and customer agreement can produce a different billable class or basis.
Are the UPS Large Package and FedEx Oversize results hard shipping limits?
No. They are screens for published surcharge categories, not package-acceptance ceilings. Separate maximum-size, maximum-weight, service, packaging, unauthorized-package, and contract provisions may also apply. Confirm acceptance and price with the carrier.
How does the parcel check handle several units?
Parcel thresholds are evaluated per identical package. The checker uses the entered exterior dimensions for each unit and divides total shipment weight evenly to create an average per-unit weight. Run unlike units separately with each unit's actual weight.
Does a triggered result guarantee a minimum charge or surcharge?
No. A trigger means the entered facts crossed the listed numerical screen. The current governing tariff or service guide, shipment inspection, commodity and packaging facts, exclusions, lane, service, and negotiated agreement determine treatment and price.
How does the LTL overlength screen work?
Enter the longest article or piece. The tool compares the greater of that value and the handling unit's longest exterior side with the selected carrier's published bands: ODFL Item 670-5 or Estes Item 670-10. It identifies only a review band; the full tariff, shipment, equipment, agreement, carrier discretion, and live quote control.