Final answer:
The term "cubing out" in the shipping industry refers to filling the available space in a transport vehicle before reaching the weight limit. It highlights the need to balance volume and weight to maximize shipping efficiency and economies of scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of "cubing out" refers to filling the space in a transportation vehicle before reaching the maximum weight limit. Essentially, it means you run out of space to load more cargo, even though you haven't hit the weight capacity that the vehicle can carry. This can occur in various shipping scenarios, whether it be large container ships, trucks or freight planes. When planning the logistics of shipping goods, it is essential to consider both the volume and weight of cargo to optimize transport efficiency.
In the shipping industry, particularly when dealing with intermodal containers, it is crucial to balance the spatial constraints with the weight allowance. Utilizing space effectively can lead to economies of scale since maximizing the goods transported in a single trip can reduce the cost per unit. A failure to 'cube out' effectively might result in increased shipping costs and lower profits due to underutilized space.