Cube Out
Cube out occurs when a trailer reaches its dimensional capacity — the available space is filled — before reaching its maximum weight limit. This is common with light, bulky freight like furniture, snack foods, or bedding.
In Depth
A standard 53-foot trailer has approximately 2,500 cubic feet of interior space and a legal weight capacity of roughly 44,000–47,000 lbs payload. Freight that cubes out fills that 2,500 cubic feet while weighing, say, only 20,000–25,000 lbs.
From a carrier's perspective, cubing out is acceptable as long as the rate accounts for the space consumed. However, since FTL rates are typically per load (not per cubic foot), a shipper sending light, bulky freight that cubes out a trailer at 22,000 lbs is using full trailer capacity for roughly half the weight capacity.
LTL pricing specifically uses freight class (which incorporates density) to charge appropriately for bulky, low-density freight. In FTL negotiations, shippers of bulky freight may encounter higher base rates.
Usage Example
Example: 'The load of mattresses cubed out the trailer at 46 feet. We only had 18,400 lbs — but the trailer was completely full.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Weight Out
Weight out occurs when a shipment reaches the maximum legal weight limit of the vehicle before filling the available trailer space. This is common with dense freight like steel, concrete products, or machinery.
Freight Class
Freight class is a standardized classification system defined by the NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association) that categorizes LTL freight into 18 classes (50–500) based primarily on density, handling, stowability, and liability.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a freight shipping method where multiple shippers share space on the same truck, each paying for only the portion of the trailer they use. LTL is used for shipments too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill a full trailer.
FTL (Full Truckload)
FTL (Full Truckload) is a freight shipping method where a single shipper's goods fill an entire trailer. The shipper pays for exclusive use of the truck, and freight moves directly from origin to destination without intermediate stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cubic capacity of a 53-foot trailer?
Approximately 2,500 cubic feet interior volume. Loaded floor-to-ceiling with standard pallets, that fits 26 standard pallets.