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Freight Class & Density Calculator

Total Volume:
Density (PCF):
Estimated Freight Class:

*Estimated class based on NMFC density guidelines. Actual class may vary based on commodity type and stowability.

function calculateFreight() { var w = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightWeight').value); var l = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightLength').value); var wi = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightWidth').value); var h = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightHeight').value); if (!w || !l || !wi || !h) { alert("Please fill in all fields with valid numbers."); return; } var cubicInches = l * wi * h; var cubicFeet = cubicInches / 1728; var density = w / cubicFeet; var freightClass = ""; if (density > 50) freightClass = "50"; else if (density >= 35) freightClass = "55"; else if (density >= 30) freightClass = "60"; else if (density >= 22.5) freightClass = "65"; else if (density >= 15) freightClass = "70"; else if (density >= 13.5) freightClass = "77.5"; else if (density >= 12) freightClass = "85"; else if (density >= 10.5) freightClass = "92.5"; else if (density >= 9) freightClass = "100"; else if (density >= 8) freightClass = "110"; else if (density >= 7) freightClass = "125"; else if (density >= 6) freightClass = "150"; else if (density >= 5) freightClass = "175"; else if (density >= 4) freightClass = "200"; else if (density >= 3) freightClass = "250"; else if (density >= 2) freightClass = "300"; else if (density >= 1) freightClass = "400"; else freightClass = "500"; document.getElementById('volResult').innerText = cubicFeet.toFixed(2) + " cu ft"; document.getElementById('densityResult').innerText = density.toFixed(2) + " lbs/cu ft"; document.getElementById('classResult').innerText = "Class " + freightClass; document.getElementById('freightResult').style.display = "block"; }

Understanding Freight Class and Density

Freight class is a standardized shipping category established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It is designed to provide a uniform pricing structure for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments. There are 18 different classes, ranging from Class 50 (dense, heavy, easy to handle) to Class 500 (light, bulky, fragile).

How is Freight Class Calculated?

While freight class is determined by four factors—density, stowability, handling, and liability—density is the primary driver for most general commodities. Density is measured in Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF).

  • Step 1: Measure the length, width, and height of your shipment in inches (including pallets or packaging).
  • Step 2: Multiply Length x Width x Height to get Cubic Inches.
  • Step 3: Divide the result by 1,728 to convert to Cubic Feet.
  • Step 4: Divide the weight of the shipment by the total Cubic Feet to find the Density (PCF).

Example Freight Class Calculation

Let's say you are shipping a standard pallet of consumer electronics:

Dimensions: 48″ L x 40″ W x 48″ H
Weight: 450 lbs
Cubic Inches: 48 x 40 x 48 = 92,160 cu in
Cubic Feet: 92,160 / 1,728 = 53.33 cu ft
Density: 450 lbs / 53.33 cu ft = 8.44 PCF
Resulting Class: Based on the chart, 8.44 PCF falls into Class 110.

Common Density to Class Mapping

Density (lbs per cubic foot) Freight Class
Over 5050
15 to 22.570
9 to 10.5100
5 to 6175
Less than 1500

Why Accuracy Matters

Providing an incorrect freight class on your Bill of Lading (BOL) can lead to re-weigh and re-classification fees from carriers. These fees often exceed the original cost of the shipment. Always measure to the furthest outside points, including any protrusions or pallet overhang, to ensure your PCF calculation is accurate.

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