What is static dimming and how does it relate to my business?
All cargo has both a scale weight, or gross weight, and a dimensional weight. The gross weight represents the actual number of pounds or kilos that the shipment of cargo weighs on a scale. Dimensional weight, however, is based on the cubic space a package occupies in a truck, aircraft or ship. Dimming is the process of calculating the volumetric weight for packages, and static dimming refers to packages which do not get processed on a conveyor belt. Freight carriers utilize the greater of the gross weight or dimensional weight to calculate shipping charges. In the USA, domestic air shipments are calculated as (Length x Width x Height)/194, with all dimensions in inches. For international freight, dimensional weight is calculated as (Length x Width x Height)/166, again using inches. Similar formulas exist for metric measurements.

How does FS100 determine chargeable weight on my cargo operations freight?
Traditional methods for determining chargeable weight have been limited to using a tape measure to collect dimensions, manually calculating dimensional weight, and then comparing that figure to gross weight. Manual measurements are time-consuming, inaccurate and often slow down workflow. With the FS100, this entire process is automated and completed within seconds. The FS100 scans cargo, completes the dimensional weight calculation, and even alerts the warehouse floor personnel when dimensional weight is in excess of gross weight.

Should 100% of cargo be measured for dimensional weight?
FreightScan has collected data from numerous cargo operations, and the result has been that the majority of cargo should NOT be dimmed. In fact, an average of 18% of cargo processed in a typical air cargo operation actually yields a higher chargeable weight using dimensional weight. That 18% of cargo, however, generates significant additional revenues, with an average increase to chargeable weight of 37%. The challenge then becomes how to pinpoint the 18% of cargo that should be dimmed in order to maximize valuable warehouse resources? The FS100 is a divining rod that quickly identifies higher yield shipments. Multiple lot shipments can be scanned in skyline mode, which measures total volume of the shipment and generates an alert that dimensional weight is greater than gross weight. Warehouse personnel can then break down the shipment and obtain individual dims required in order to properly bill using dimensional weight. Shipments without an alert are processed using gross weight as the chargeable weight, and move through the warehouse without any additional workflow. The FS100 delivers exceptional value by taking the guesswork out of which cargo will dim out.

What is D.I.M.M. Tech™?
D.I.M.M. Tech™ stands for Defined Imaging and Multiple Measurement. It is the name FreightScan has given to its innovative technical process of scanning a piece of cargo or multiple pieces of cargo, and obtaining a unique defined image, or digital signature. In the FS100, that image is processed to determine the length, width, and height of the packages scanned, and the dimensional weight of the shipment is calculated.

What makes D.I.M.M. Tech™ revolutionary?
For the first time in cargo history, multiple packages can be dimmed with a single scan, and D.I.M.M. Tech™ will generate individual sets of measurements for each package. A typical configuration will allow for up to four packages to be placed in the scanning area, and with one scan the system will provide four distinct sets of length, width, height and dimensional weight. In addition, the software associates all scans with an air waybill, tallying the total dimensional weight for the shipment regardless of whether it is a one-lot or a 72-lot. D.I.M.M. Tech™ is the first technology offered to the freight and logistics industry that allows for static dimming of all cargo without interrupting the flow of business or calling on more warehouse floor resources.

How difficult is the FS100 system to use?
FreightScan recognizes that any new technology must be user friendly in order to be effective for a cargo operation. The FS100 offers a simple user interface, and includes permission driven views that allow warehouse personnel to focus on the basic process of scanning cargo while agents, cargo accounting and management can access greater detail for billing and data analysis. The FS100 operator needs to enter only three pieces of information in order to generate a scan, all easily obtained from the air waybill and scale. Typical setup time for a scan is less than the amount of time it takes to weigh a shipment.

How much does the FS100 cost?
FreightScan is currently offering the FS100 through a one-year licensing agreement with three pricing model options: One-time paid up license, a monthly payment, or a revenue share.

What about installation, training and service?
FreightScan currently includes installation, training and service of the FS100 as part of the customer agreement. A site survey is conducting to determine the optimum location and configuration for each installation such that existing workflow is complemented, and dimming cargo can become an integrated part of warehouse operations. Once the specific requirements for an installation have been agreed to, FreightScan personnel install the FS100 and provide on-site training. Regular service is provided by field technicians, and because the FS100 is so small, the service plan calls for the entire unit to be swapped out within 24 hours to ensure minimal downtime.