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LTL Freight Class & Density Calculator

Calculation Results

Total Volume: cubic feet

Density: lbs per cubic foot (PCF)

Estimated Freight Class:

*Note: This is a density-based estimate. Actual NMFC classes may vary based on commodity type, value, and stowability.*

function calculateFreightClass() { var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weight_lbs").value); var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById("length_in").value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById("width_in").value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById("height_in").value); if (!weight || !length || !width || !height || weight <= 0 || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || height <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields."); return; } var cubicInches = length * width * height; var cubicFeet = cubicInches / 1728; var density = weight / cubicFeet; var freightClass = ""; if (density < 1) { freightClass = "500"; } else if (density < 2) { freightClass = "400"; } else if (density < 3) { freightClass = "300"; } else if (density < 4) { freightClass = "250"; } else if (density < 5) { freightClass = "200"; } else if (density < 6) { freightClass = "175"; } else if (density < 7) { freightClass = "150"; } else if (density < 8) { freightClass = "125"; } else if (density < 9) { freightClass = "110"; } else if (density < 10.5) { freightClass = "100"; } else if (density < 12) { freightClass = "92.5"; } else if (density < 13.5) { freightClass = "85"; } else if (density < 15) { freightClass = "77.5"; } else if (density < 22.5) { freightClass = "70"; } else if (density < 30) { freightClass = "65"; } else if (density < 35) { freightClass = "60"; } else if (density < 50) { freightClass = "55"; } else { freightClass = "50"; } document.getElementById("res_volume").innerText = cubicFeet.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("res_density").innerText = density.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("res_class").innerText = freightClass; document.getElementById("freight-result").style.display = "block"; }

Understanding Freight Class and Density

Freight class is a standardized shipping category defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It is used to provide a uniform pricing structure for Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments. There are 18 different classes, ranging from class 50 (the least expensive) to class 500 (the most expensive).

How Density Affects Your Shipping Costs

Density is one of the primary factors in determining freight class. Specifically, density is the space a shipment occupies in relation to its weight. Heavy, compact items (like steel bolts) have high density and lower freight classes. Light, bulky items (like ping pong balls or assembled furniture) have low density and higher freight classes.

The Density Formula

To calculate the density of your freight, use the following steps:

  1. Measure: Multiply the Length x Width x Height in inches to get the total cubic inches.
  2. Convert: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
  3. Calculate: Divide the weight of the shipment in pounds by the total cubic feet.

Density = Weight (lbs) / ( (L" x W" x H") / 1728 )

Standard Density Table

Density (PCF) Freight Class
Over 5050
30 – 5055
15 – 22.570
10.5 – 1292.5
Under 1500

Calculation Example

Imagine you are shipping a pallet of boxed electronics with the following dimensions:

  • Dimensions: 48″L x 40″W x 40″H
  • Weight: 400 lbs

First, calculate the volume: (48 x 40 x 40) = 76,800 cubic inches.
Convert to cubic feet: 76,800 / 1,728 = 44.44 cubic feet.
Calculate density: 400 / 44.44 = 9.00 PCF.
According to the NMFC density guidelines, a density of 9.00 PCF falls into Class 110.

Other Factors in Freight Classification

While density is critical, the NMFTA also considers three other metrics:

  • Stowability: Can the item be stacked or is it an irregular shape?
  • Handling: Does the item require special equipment or care?
  • Liability: Is the item fragile, hazardous, or high-value (theft risk)?

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