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LTL Freight Class & Density Calculator

Shipment Results:

Total Cubic Feet:

Density (PCF): lbs/ft³

Estimated Freight Class:

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

function calculateFreightClass() { var l = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freight_length').value); var w = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freight_width').value); var h = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freight_height').value); var wt = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freight_weight').value); var resDiv = document.getElementById('freight_result'); if (isNaN(l) || isNaN(w) || isNaN(h) || isNaN(wt) || l <= 0 || w <= 0 || h <= 0 || wt <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields."); return; } var cubicFeet = (l * w * h) / 1728; var density = wt / cubicFeet; var freightClass = ""; if (density = 1 && density = 2 && density = 3 && density = 4 && density = 5 && density = 6 && density = 7 && density = 8 && density = 9 && density = 10.5 && density = 12 && density = 13.5 && density = 15 && density = 22.5 && density = 30 && density = 35) { freightClass = "55"; } document.getElementById('res_cuft').innerHTML = cubicFeet.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('res_density').innerHTML = density.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('res_class').innerHTML = "Class " + freightClass; resDiv.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 in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping to provide a uniform pricing structure for different types of commodities. While many factors determine a class (stowability, handling, and liability), density is the most common primary factor for general cargo.

How is Freight Density Calculated?

To calculate the density of your shipment, you must first determine the total cubic feet and then divide the total weight by that volume. The formula is:

  1. Step 1: Multiply Length x Width x Height (in inches).
  2. Step 2: Divide the result by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot).
  3. Step 3: Divide the total weight (in lbs) by the total cubic feet.

Common Density-to-Class Example

Consider a standard pallet of machinery parts:

  • Dimensions: 48″ L x 40″ W x 48″ H = 92,160 cubic inches.
  • Volume: 92,160 / 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 600 lbs.
  • Density: 600 / 53.33 = 11.25 lbs/ft³ (PCF).
  • Resulting Class: Based on the standard density table, 11.25 PCF falls into Class 92.5.

The 4 Factors of NMFC Classification

While this calculator focuses on density, the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) uses four metrics to assign a final class:

Factor Definition
Density The weight per cubic foot. Lower density usually means a higher class.
Stowability How easily the cargo can be stacked or placed with other freight.
Handling The degree of care required (fragility, hazardous materials, etc.).
Liability The value of the goods and susceptibility to theft or damage.

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