Fedex Freight Class Calculator

FedEx Freight Class Calculator

Calculate your shipment density and estimated NMFC freight class for FedEx shipping.

Shipment Summary

Total Density: lb/ft³

Estimated Freight Class:

*Note: This is an estimate based on density. Other factors like stowability, handling, and liability may affect the final NMFC classification.

function calculateFreightClass() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ff_length').value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ff_width').value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ff_height').value); var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ff_weight').value); if (!length || !width || !height || !weight || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || height <= 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('res_density').innerText = density.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('res_class').innerText = "Class " + freightClass; document.getElementById('ff_results').style.display = 'block'; }

When shipping Less Than Truckload (LTL) with FedEx, determining the correct freight class is critical for accurate pricing and avoiding re-classification fees. Freight class is a standardized shipping industry pricing category established by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

How FedEx Calculates Freight Class

While there are 18 different freight classes ranging from 50 to 500, the primary driver for most shipments is density. Density refers to the space a shipment occupies in relation to its weight. The higher the density, the lower the freight class, and typically, the lower the shipping cost per hundred pounds.

The calculation for density is as follows:

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

FedEx Freight Class Density Table

Density (lbs per cubic foot)	Freight Class
Greater than 50	50
15 to 22.5	70
9 to 10.5	100
5 to 6	175
Less than 1	500

The Four Factors of NMFC Classification

While the FedEx Freight Class Calculator uses density as the primary metric, the NMFTA considers four factors for a final official NMFC code:

1. Density: The weight per cubic foot.
2. Stowability: How easily the freight can be stacked or positioned with other shipments. Heavy or oddly shaped items might have a higher class.
3. Handling: The degree of care or specialized equipment needed to move the items.
4. Liability: The value of the goods and their susceptibility to theft, damage, or breakage.

Real-World Example

Imagine you are shipping a pallet of boxed electronics via FedEx Freight. The dimensions are 48″L x 40″W x 48″H, and the total weight including the pallet is 450 lbs.

• Volume: (48 x 40 x 48) = 92,160 cubic inches.
• Cubic Feet: 92,160 / 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet.
• Density: 450 / 53.33 = 8.44 lbs per cubic foot.
• Result: Based on the density chart, this shipment falls into Class 110.

Tips to Avoid Re-weigh and Re-class Fees

FedEx utilizes sophisticated dimensioning machines. To ensure you aren't hit with unexpected surcharges, always include the pallet dimensions in your measurements. If a box hangs over the edge of a pallet, measure from the widest point of the cargo. Always round up to the nearest inch to ensure your quote remains accurate during the audit process.