LTL Freight Class & Density Calculator
Enter your shipment dimensions and weight to estimate the NMFC freight class based on density.
*Note: This is an estimate based on density. Other factors like stowability, handling, and liability may affect the final NMFC code.
What is Freight Class and Why Does it Matter?
In the world of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, "Freight Class" is a standardized method used to categorize commodities. Established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), these classes ensure that shippers and carriers have a uniform pricing structure based on the ease of transport.
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system uses 18 different classes, ranging from Class 50 (the least expensive) to Class 500 (the most expensive). While freight class is determined by four factors—density, handling, stowability, and liability—density is the primary metric used for most general commodities.
How to Calculate Freight Density
Density is the ratio of weight to the volume of the shipment. To calculate it manually:
- Measure the Length, Width, and Height of the shipment in inches (including pallets or packaging).
- Multiply (L x W x H) to get total cubic inches.
- Divide the cubic inches by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
- Divide the weight of the shipment by the total cubic feet.
Freight Class Density Table
| Density (lbs per cubic foot) | Freight Class |
|---|---|
| Over 50 | 50 |
| 35 to 50 | 55 |
| 30 to 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to 30 | 65 |
| 15 to 22.5 | 70 |
| 13.5 to 15 | 77.5 |
| 12 to 13.5 | 85 |
| 10.5 to 12 | 92.5 |
| 9 to 10.5 | 100 |
| 8 to 9 | 110 |
| 7 to 8 | 125 |
| 6 to 7 | 150 |
| 5 to 6 | 175 |
| 4 to 5 | 200 |
| 3 to 4 | 250 |
| 2 to 3 | 300 |
| 1 to 2 | 400 |
| Less than 1 | 500 |
Examples of Realistic Shipments
Example 1: Standard Pallet of Paper
A 48″ x 40″ x 40″ pallet weighing 1,200 lbs.
Calculation: (48x40x40)/1728 = 44.44 cubic feet.
1200 / 44.44 = 27 lbs/cu ft.
Estimated Class: 65
Example 2: Lightweight Electronics
A 48″ x 40″ x 60″ pallet weighing 250 lbs.
Calculation: (48x40x60)/1728 = 66.67 cubic feet.
250 / 66.67 = 3.75 lbs/cu ft.
Estimated Class: 250