Freight, Container & Shipping Guides
Authoritative guides, calculation formulas, and regulatory compliance standards for all 7 Calqor calculators. Written for sellers, shippers, and supply chain operators.
Amazon FBA Pallet Optimization
3 guidesMaster Amazon receiving guidelines, Ti-Hi mathematics, pallet specifications, overhang rules, and carton compression strength.
Amazon FBA Pallet Requirements (2026)
Official pallet specifications, maximum 72" height limit, 1,500 lb gross weight ceiling, clear stretch wrapping, and box labeling standards.
What is Ti-Hi and How to Calculate It
Clear definitions of Tier and High, closed-form formulas for cartons per layer, and how stack height affects total pallet capacity.
Column vs. Pinwheel Stacking for FBA Pallets
Comparing box corner compression strength against transit stability. When to choose column stacking versus interlocking brick patterns.
Ocean Freight Containers & CBM
3 guidesLearn internal dimensions, door heights, broken stowage allowances, and volume-versus-payload trade-offs for 20ft, 40ft, and 40HC containers.
Container Sizes: 20ft vs 40ft vs 40HC
ISO 668 dimensions, door apertures, tare weights, maximum legal payloads, and usable cubic meter capacities compared.
How to Calculate CBM for Shipping
Step-by-step cubic meter formulas for master cartons in inches and centimeters, with conversion cheat sheets for ocean and air freight.
How Many Cartons Fit in a Container?
Real-world packing benchmarks, broken stowage void allowances (10–15%), and pallet versus loose floor-loading comparisons.
Parcel Billing & Dimensional Weight
3 guidesAudit dimensional billable weight formulas, carrier divisors (139, 166, 5000), and accessorial surcharge rules across FedEx, UPS, and air cargo.
Dimensional Weight Explained
Why parcel carriers charge by volumetric weight, how actual scale weight compares to dimensional weight, and the math behind cubic divisors.
DIM Divisors (139, 166, 5000, 6000): Which Applies to You?
Comprehensive breakdown of carrier divisors: domestic daily pickup rates (139), retail walk-in rates (166), and IATA air freight standards.
How to Reduce Dimensional Weight Charges
Actionable packaging strategies: carton right-sizing, multi-depth scoring, and negotiating customized contract divisors with carriers.
LCL vs. FCL Ocean Consolidation
2 guidesDetermine the economic pivot point between shared LCL consolidation and dedicated 20ft/40ft containers, factoring in destination CFS fees.
LCL vs. FCL Ocean Freight: The Break-Even Guide
When to switch from LCL to FCL, CFS destination charges, cargo handling risks, and worked algebraic break-even formulas.
Cubing Out vs. Weighing Out in Freight Shipping
Understanding freight density thresholds, highway trailer weight limits, and how to avoid paying for dead air in ocean containers.
International Trade & Incoterms 2020
2 guidesUnderstand risk transfer points, transport payment responsibilities, and commercial obligations across official ICC trade terms.
Incoterms 2020 Explained: Complete 11-Rule Guide
Master EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP, FAS, FOB, CFR, and CIF. Learn where risk and cost handoffs occur from factory to delivery.
FOB vs. CIF vs. DDP: Which Should Importers Choose?
Avoid the CIF destination surcharge trap, understand freight control advantages, and find the safest trade term for Amazon FBA.
U.S. Customs Duties & Import Tariffs
2 guidesCalculate statutory import duties, Section 301 China trade surcharges, merchandise processing user fees, and harbor taxes.
How to Calculate US Customs Duty (FOB Valuation & HTSUS)
Step-by-step transaction value method, 10-digit HTSUS duty calculations, non-dutiable freight deductions, and worked import math.
Section 301 Tariffs, MPF & HMF Fees Explained
Detailed breakdown of punitive China trade remedies (7.5%–25%), MPF statutory floor and ceiling clamps, and ocean harbor taxes.
Amazon FBA Inbound Placement & AWD
1 guideModel Amazon FBA inbound placement service fees against regional split shipping costs to find your lowest-cost inbound fulfillment strategy.