Mortgage Payment Calculator Virginia – Cost Calculator

Freight Class & Density Calculator

Determine your LTL freight class based on shipment density (PCF).

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height (in)

Total Weight (lbs)

Quantity (Pieces)

Shipment Results

Total Cubic Feet: 0

Density (PCF): 0

Estimated Freight Class: 0

*Note: This is an estimate based on density. Specific NMFC commodity descriptions may override density-based classes.

function calculateFreight() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fLength').value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fWidth').value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fHeight').value); var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fWeight').value); var qty = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fQty').value); if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height) || isNaN(weight) || isNaN(qty) || length <= 0 || weight = 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('resCubicFeet').innerText = totalCubicFeet.toFixed(2) + " cu ft"; document.getElementById('resDensity').innerText = density.toFixed(2) + " lbs/cu ft"; document.getElementById('resClass').innerText = freightClass; document.getElementById('freightResult').style.display = "block"; }

Understanding Freight Class and Density

In the world of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, "Freight Class" is a standardized classification system developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). It is designed to provide a uniform pricing structure for carriers and shippers. There are 18 different freight classes, ranging from class 50 (the least expensive) to class 500 (the most expensive).

How is Freight Class Calculated?

While freight class depends on several factors like stowability, handling, and liability, density is the primary driver for most shipments. Density is measured in Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF).

Dense items (like steel or stone) take up less space relative to their weight and are assigned a lower freight class.
Lightweight, bulky items (like ping pong balls or assembled furniture) take up significant trailer space relative to their weight and are assigned a higher freight class.

Step-by-Step Calculation Example

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

Metric	Value
Dimensions	48″L x 40″W x 48″H
Total Weight	600 lbs

Calculate Cubic Inches: 48 x 40 x 48 = 92,160 cubic inches.
Convert to Cubic Feet: 92,160 / 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet.
Determine Density (PCF): 600 lbs / 53.33 cu ft = 11.25 PCF.
Lookup Freight Class: Based on the density of 11.25, the shipment falls into Class 92.5.

Why Accuracy Matters

Inaccurate weight or dimension measurements can lead to "Re-weigh" or "Re-classification" fees from carriers. These adjustments often include an administrative fee plus the difference in shipping costs, which can significantly impact your bottom line. Always measure from the furthest points of your shipment, including pallet overhang and packaging materials.

Standard Density-to-Class Chart

Density (PCF)	Freight Class
Over 50	50
35 – 50	55
15 – 22.5	70
10.5 – 12	92.5
6 – 7	150
Less than 1	500