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 18-step scale (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 (300–500) means light, bulky or fragile freight and a high rate. Every LTL quote and every Bill of Lading needs it.
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
| Density (lbs / ft³) | Freight class | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| 50 and above | 50 | Bricks, cement, steel bars, hardwood flooring |
| 35 – 50 | 55 | Bricks, cement, mortar, hardwood flooring |
| 30 – 35 | 60 | Car accessories, car parts |
| 22.5 – 30 | 65 | Car parts, bottled beverages, books in boxes |
| 15 – 22.5 | 70 | Car engines, food items, automobile parts |
| 13.5 – 15 | 77.5 | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| 12 – 13.5 | 85 | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves |
| 10.5 – 12 | 92.5 | Computers, monitors, refrigerators |
| 9 – 10.5 | 100 | Boat covers, car covers, canvas, wine cases |
| 8 – 9 | 110 | Cabinets, framed artwork, table saws |
| 7 – 8 | 125 | Small household appliances |
| 6 – 7 | 150 | Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases |
| 5 – 6 | 175 | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture |
| 4 – 5 | 200 | Aircraft parts, aluminum tables, packaged mattresses |
| 3 – 4 | 250 | Bamboo furniture, mattresses and box springs, plasma TVs |
| 2 – 3 | 300 | Wood cabinets, tables, chairs set up, model boats |
| 1 – 2 | 400 | Deer antlers |
| Less than 1 | 500 | Ping-pong balls, bags of gold dust |
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.