1. What is a Linear Foot Calculator for Freight?

Definition: This calculator determines how many linear feet of trailer space your freight occupies based on the length it takes up in the trailer.

Purpose: It helps shippers and logistics professionals accurately calculate freight space usage for pricing and load planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( LF \) — Linear feet (ft)
• \( LO \) — Length occupied in trailer (ft)
• \( TL \) — Total trailer length (ft)

Explanation: The length your freight occupies is divided by the total trailer length to determine how many linear feet it uses.

3. Importance of Linear Feet Calculation

Details: Many freight carriers charge by linear foot, making this calculation essential for accurate shipping cost estimates and load optimization.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the length your freight occupies in the trailer and the total trailer length (default 53 ft). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a linear foot in freight?
A: It represents one foot of trailer length occupied by your shipment, used to calculate space utilization.

Q2: What's the standard trailer length?
A: Most dry van trailers are 53 feet long, but lengths can vary (48 ft, 45 ft, etc.).

Q3: How do I measure length occupied?
A: Measure the front-to-back space your freight takes up in the trailer, including any necessary gaps.

Q4: Does this include height or width?
A: No, linear feet only considers length. For full dimensional pricing, you'll need height and width too.

Q5: How does this relate to LTL shipping?
A: LTL carriers often use linear feet as one factor in determining freight class and pricing.