Freight Density & Class Calculator
Estimate LTL Freight Class based on Shipment Density
Calculated Density: 0 PCF
Estimated NMFC Class based on standard density guidelines.
How Freight Class is Calculated
Freight class is a standardized pricing classification established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It ensures that consumers have a uniform pricing structure when shipping different types of goods. The primary factor in determining freight class is density.
The Density Formula
Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). To calculate it:
- Multiply Length x Width x Height in inches to get total cubic inches.
- Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 to convert to cubic feet.
- Divide the total weight of the shipment by the cubic feet.
Example Calculation
If you have a standard pallet that is 48″L x 40″W x 48″H and weighs 500 lbs:
- Volume = (48 x 40 x 48) = 92,160 cubic inches
- Cubic Feet = 92,160 / 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet
- Density = 500 lbs / 53.33 cu ft = 9.37 PCF
- Resulting Class: Class 92.5
Why Freight Class Matters
Lower freight classes (like Class 50 or 60) are for very dense, sturdy items that are difficult to damage and easy to handle. Higher classes (like Class 400 or 500) are for items that are very light relative to their size (like ping pong balls) or extremely fragile. Generally, the lower the freight class, the lower the shipping cost per hundred pounds (CWT).