The Good Index.Freight

Saia · SAIA 170-D

Saia cubic capacity / density minimum fee

Saia charges calculated weight (cubic feet x 6 lbs) at class 100 rate less 85% discount for cubic capacity / density minimum. Shipments 750 cu ft+ with density under 6 pcf, or 350-749 cu ft with density under 4 pcf. The figure comes from SAIA-170-D Item 111, effective Oct 21, 2024.

calculated weight (cubic feet x 6 lbs) at class 100 rate less 85% discount

Shipments 750 cu ft+ with density under 6 pcf, or 350-749 cu ft with density under 4 pcf

“Carrier will multiply the total cubic feet by 6 pounds to get the calculated weight of the shipment... Carrier will apply a 85% discount.” (p. 27)
Source: SAIA-170-D Item 111 · effective Oct 21, 2024 · verified July 2026

What other carriers charge for cubic capacity / density minimum

FedEx Freight
Shipment greater than 750 cubic feet and average density less than 4 pcf
eff. Jan 5, 2026
Calculated: total cubic feet x 6 lbs at Class 150 rates with 50% discount
R+L Carriers
Shipments <6 lbs/cu ft requiring 750+ cu ft; constructed weight rated at class 125
eff. Aug 4, 2025
Constructed weight (cu ft × 6 lbs) rated at Class 125
Roadrunner
Applies to shipments over 750 cu ft and under 6 pcf density
eff. Sep 22, 2025
> 750 cu ft, <6pcf; Wt (cu ft*6pcf); cl 125
Southeastern Freight Lines
Applies to shipments 750 cu ft+ with density under 6 PCF
eff. Apr 19, 2022
Calculated weight = total cubic feet x 6, rated at class 150

Each figure is that carrier's published tariff amount. Carriers price this fee in different shapes (flat charge, per-cwt rate, hourly), so these are listed as published rather than ranked. Click a carrier for its citation, tariff language, and history.

More Saia fees

Excessive / declared value
$1.00 per $100 of invoice value, $79.00 minimum charge per shipment
Detention (with power)
$69 per 15 minutes
Detention (without power)
$236.50 per day (within terminal area); $4.57/mile, $623.00 min (outside terminal); $101.50 for LTL no-freight
Driver assist (load/unload)
$252.00 first 3 hours; $64.00/hr over 3 up to 8 hours; $88.00/hr over 8 hours
Protect from freezing
$4.01 cwt, $48.50 minimum
Fuel surcharge
28.8% of charges

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