Freight Class Calculator

Freight Class & Density Calculator

Estimated Freight Class

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Density (PCF)

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Total Cubic Ft

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function calculateFreightClass() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightLength').value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightWidth').value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightHeight').value); var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightWeight').value); if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height) || isNaN(weight) || 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('displayClass').innerText = freightClass; document.getElementById('displayDensity').innerText = density.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('displayCubicFt').innerText = cubicFeet.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('freightResult').style.display = 'block'; }

Understanding Freight Class and Density

In the world of LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping, freight class is a standardized method used to categorize commodities to ensure customers receive uniform pricing. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) defines these classes based on the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC).

The Importance of Density

While "stowability," "handling," and "liability" are factors, density is the primary driver for determining freight class for most items. Density measures how many pounds a cubic foot of your cargo weighs. Higher density items (like steel bolts) occupy less space relative to their weight and generally have a lower freight class (Class 50). Low-density items (like Ping-Pong balls or assembled furniture) occupy significant space but weigh very little, resulting in a higher freight class (Class 500).

How to Calculate Freight Density

1. Measure: Determine the Length, Width, and Height of your shipment in inches. Always measure to the farthest points, including pallets or packaging.
2. Calculate Volume: Multiply L x W x H to get total cubic inches.
3. Convert to Cubic Feet: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot).
4. Calculate PCF: Divide the total weight of the shipment (in lbs) by the total cubic feet. This is your Pounds per Cubic Foot (PCF).

Freight Class Examples

Class	Density (PCF)	Typical Example
50	Over 50	Steel, Nuts, Bolts
70	15 – 22.5	Auto parts, Engines
125	7 – 8	Small Appliances
400	1 – 2	Deer Antlers, Kayaks

Practical Calculation Example

Imagine you are shipping a pallet of boxed electronics:
• Dimensions: 48″ L x 40″ W x 45″ H
• Total Weight: 450 lbs
• Cubic Inches: 48 x 40 x 45 = 86,400 cu in
• Cubic Feet: 86,400 / 1,728 = 50 cu ft
• Density: 450 lbs / 50 cu ft = 9.0 PCF
• Resulting Class: 100

Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on density. Always verify your specific NMFC item number with your carrier to avoid re-billing fees or "inspection" charges.