Resources · Guides and calculators
Learn
Plain guides to dimensions, density and warehouse data.
How to measure, what the rules say, and how to choose the tools, with worked examples and sources. Start with a guide, run your own figures in a calculator, or pick a topic to see where it's covered on the site.
Guides
Start here.
A reference on the 2025 freight-class rules, and a fair comparison for anyone choosing a dimensioner.
Guide · LTL freight: density & class
NMFC density-based classification
Since NMFTA Docket 2025-1 took effect on 19 July 2025, most LTL freight is classed by density. The scale, a worked pallet example step by step, how to measure, what to record on the BOL, and a checklist.
Read the NMFC guide
Comparison · Dimensioning
Handheld vs static dimensioners
Fixed machinery, tape measure or handheld: who each is for, a side-by-side table on twelve criteria, when a fixed system fits better, and what to count in total cost of ownership.
Read the comparisonCalculators
Run your own figures.
Each one shows its formula and works in your browser: what you type stays there.
Calculator · LTL freight
Freight density and NMFC class
Dimensions and weight of one handling unit in, density and class out, with how far it is from the next class. Inches and pounds or centimeters and kilograms.
Work out your classCalculator · ROI
Pallet dimensioning ROI
Measuring labor, freight pricing, carrier corrections, disputes and damage claims, against the cost of your M2 devices and Pallets app licenses: payback, 3-year ROI and 36 months of net value.
Estimate your ROICalculator · ROI Soon
Parcel and WorkFlows ROI
The same calculator for items and parcels with the Item & Parcel app, and for WorkFlows apps. Until they're ready, sales can work through the numbers with you.
Ask salesTopics
Seven topics, and where to read about each.
Each topic links to what's on the site today: a guide, a solution, a product page or the FAQ.
- DimensioningWhat dimensioners are, how handhelds and fixed systems compare, accuracy and limits.Handheld vs staticM2 Mobile DimensionerAccuracy FAQ
- DIM weight & parcel costsMeasuring parcels and irregular items so carrier charges and cartons match the item.Parcel dimensioningIrregular items
- LTL freight: density & classThe density rules, measuring pallets at the dock, records for the bill of lading, and what accurate dims are worth.NMFC guidePallet dimensioningROI calculator
- Item master dataWeights and dimensions for every SKU: capturing them at receiving and checking supplier data.ReceivingMann Lake story
- Warehouse spaceSlotting, cube utilization and the item data that automation needs before it starts.Warehouse operations3PL & fulfillment
- Packing & cartonizationItem dimensions at the packing bench, so the right carton is chosen.S1 benchtop stationShipping efficiency
- Integration & data flowGetting each record into a WMS, ERP or TMS: device push, Android intents, the Cloud API, WorkFlows.IntegrationsDevelopersQBOID Cloud
Latest
New and updated.
Guides show the date they were last reviewed. Rules such as the NMFC change twice a year, so we review regulatory guides with each change.
- ROI calculator · Pallet dimensioning: yearly value, payback and 3-year ROI from your own figures
- Handheld vs static dimensioners · New comparison guide
- NMFC density-based classification · Rewritten and expanded from the July 2025 blog post
- FAQ · Product, accuracy, integration, buying, support and company questions in one place
Put it to work
See how teams do it.
Each solution page shows the workflow, the devices and where the data goes.
- Receiving & item master data
- Irregular items
- Pallet dimensioning
- Parcel dimensioning
- WorkFlows
- All solutions
Looking for how-to steps on the M2? The best-practices video on the Item & Parcel app page shows how to hold it for accurate results.
Book a demo · Get in touch
A question the guides don't answer?
Ask us, or see the M2 measure a few of your own items in a 20-minute remote demo. Or leave your details and sales will follow up.
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