Dimensioners: Smart tools to cut LTL costs and boost accuracy

Inaccurate freight dimensions can all too often lead to unnecessary expenses, misclassified freight, and billing disputes. Automated dimensioners precisely measure the dimensions of a shipment in seconds using lasers. Combined with a scale, dimensioners can quickly and accurately calculate the density of a shipment, offering both financial and operational benefits.

Remove human error with dimensioners

Discrepancies between a shipper’s recorded freight size and the carrier’s measurement can lead to reclassifications and chargebacks. With dimensioners, shippers no longer have to make educated guesses about the freight class of their commodity. Plus, with machines providing precise measurements, there are fewer disputes, which prevents unexpected cost adjustments and can strengthen relationships with carriers.

NMFC changes demand greater accuracy

With the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) shifting freight classification to a density-based system on July 19, 2025, accurate measurements are now essential for LTL shippers. Freight class is increasingly determined by density (weight per cubic foot), and even small errors in dimensions can push a shipment into a higher-cost classification. This means that dimensioners will be even more important when these changes go live.

Ideal use case for dimensioners

Shippers with high volumes of small boxes, especially with various commodities, would see an outsized benefit from using a dimensioner.

Companies shipping bulky, oddly shaped, or non-standard freight (e.g., furniture, automotive parts, building materials) would benefit significantly. These shipments are difficult to measure manually, and density-based classification makes accuracy even more critical. As such, dimensioners may be a worthwhile investment for both immediate savings and long-term efficiency.

C.H. Robinson has collaborated with freight dimensioner vendors to provide shipper discounts. For more information, connect with your C.H. Robinson representative. 

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