Freight class calculator
Enter the packed dimensions and weight of each handling unit. You get the density and the estimated NMFC freight class instantly — nothing is uploaded.
What is freight class?
Freight class is the scale (class 50 to 500) that LTL carriers in the United States use to price a shipment. It comes from the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), published by the NMFTA. A low class (50–70) means dense, durable, easy-to-handle freight and a low rate; a high class (250 and up) means light, bulky or fragile freight and a high rate. Every LTL quote and every Bill of Lading needs it.
Since July 19, 2025 (NMFC Docket 2025-1) the standard density scale has 13 bands, from class 50 for freight of 50 lbs/ft³ or more to class 400 for freight under 1 lb/ft³. Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 still exist, but only where a specific NMFC item assigns them — they are no longer on the density scale. Older 18-row charts you may find online use the retired breaks.
How freight class is determined
Four characteristics decide the class: density (pounds per cubic foot), stowability (odd shapes, hazmat, items that cannot be stacked), handling (fragile, needs special equipment) and liability (value, theft risk, perishability). For most general commodities density alone sets the class, which is what this calculator estimates. Items with special handling, stowability or liability characteristics have a fixed class in the NMFC book regardless of density.
Freight class density chart
The NMFC standard 13-band density scale (Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025) — the same table the calculator above uses.
| Density (lbs / ft³) | Freight class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 |
| Less than 1 | 400 |
Source: NMFTA, Disposition Bulletin 1371 (Docket 2025-1, Subject 1). Items with special handling, stowability or liability characteristics keep the class their NMFC item assigns.
How to calculate density yourself
- Measure the length, width and height of the handling unit in inches — pallet included, at the widest points.
- Multiply the three numbers and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet.
- Divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. That is your density in lbs/ft³.
- Find the density in the chart above. Example: a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 900 lbs = 53.3 ft³ → 16.9 lbs/ft³ → class 70.
Why the wrong class costs money
LTL carriers weigh and measure freight at the terminal. If your BOL says class 70 and the dimensioner says class 125, the carrier reclassifies the shipment, bills the difference and often an inspection fee — and the invoice arrives weeks later. Under-declaring never saves money; measuring correctly does. When in doubt between two classes, use the calculator with the real packed dimensions and quote the higher one.
Ready to ship? Request an LTL quote, or prepare your Bill of Lading with the class filled in.
Freight class FAQ
- What is freight class?
- Freight class is the NMFC scale from 50 to 500 that LTL carriers use to rate a shipment. Dense, durable freight gets a low class and a low rate; light, bulky or fragile freight gets a high class and a high rate.
- How do I calculate freight class from density?
- Multiply length, width and height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. Look the density up in the NMFC density chart: for example 15 to 22.5 lbs per cubic foot is class 70.
- What happens if I declare the wrong freight class?
- The carrier measures and weighs the freight at the terminal, reclassifies it to the correct class and bills the difference plus an inspection fee, often weeks after delivery.
- Is the freight class calculator free?
- Yes. It runs in your browser, supports several handling units, inches or centimeters, pounds or kilograms, and needs no sign-up.