.fc-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; }
.fc-col { flex: 1; min-width: 200px; }
.fc-label { display: block; font-weight: 600; margin-bottom: 8px; color: #333; }
.fc-input { width: 100%; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; }
.fc-input:focus { border-color: #0073aa; outline: none; }
.fc-btn { background-color: #0073aa; color: white; border: none; padding: 15px 30px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 4px; cursor: pointer; width: 100%; transition: background 0.3s; }
.fc-btn:hover { background-color: #005177; }
.fc-result { margin-top: 30px; padding: 25px; background-color: #f8f9fa; border-left: 5px solid #0073aa; border-radius: 4px; display: none; }
.fc-result-item { margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px; }
.fc-result-value { font-weight: 700; color: #0073aa; float: right; }
.fc-highlight { font-size: 20px; color: #2c3e50; font-weight: 800; border-top: 2px solid #ddd; padding-top: 15px; margin-top: 15px; }
.fc-error { color: #dc3232; display: none; margin-top: 10px; font-weight: bold; }
/* Article Styles */
.fc-content { margin-top: 50px; line-height: 1.6; color: #444; }
.fc-content h2 { color: #23282d; margin-top: 30px; }
.fc-content h3 { color: #0073aa; margin-top: 25px; }
.fc-content ul { padding-left: 20px; }
.fc-content li { margin-bottom: 10px; }
.fc-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; }
.fc-table th, .fc-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left; }
.fc-table th { background-color: #f1f1f1; }
function calculateFreightClass() {
// Get Input Values
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fc_length').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fc_width').value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fc_height').value);
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fc_weight').value);
var qty = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fc_qty').value);
var errorDiv = document.getElementById('fc_error');
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('fc_result');
// Validation
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height) || isNaN(weight) || isNaN(qty) || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || height <= 0 || weight <= 0 || qty <= 0) {
errorDiv.style.display = "block";
resultDiv.style.display = "none";
return;
}
errorDiv.style.display = "none";
// Calculations
// 1. Calculate Volume per item in cubic inches
var volPerItemCubicInches = length * width * height;
// 2. Convert to Cubic Feet (1728 cubic inches in 1 cubic foot)
var volPerItemCubicFeet = volPerItemCubicInches / 1728;
// 3. Total Volume
var totalVolCubicFeet = volPerItemCubicFeet * qty;
// 4. Total Weight
var totalWeight = weight * qty;
// 5. Density (PCF = Pounds per Cubic Foot)
var pcf = totalWeight / totalVolCubicFeet;
// 6. Determine Freight Class based on standard NMFC density guidelines
var freightClass = "Unknown";
if (pcf < 1) {
freightClass = "400";
} else if (pcf < 2) {
freightClass = "300";
} else if (pcf < 3) {
freightClass = "250";
} else if (pcf < 4) {
freightClass = "175";
} else if (pcf < 6) {
freightClass = "125";
} else if (pcf < 8) {
freightClass = "100";
} else if (pcf < 10) {
freightClass = "92.5";
} else if (pcf < 12) {
freightClass = "85";
} else if (pcf < 15) {
freightClass = "70";
} else if (pcf < 22.5) {
freightClass = "65";
} else if (pcf < 30) {
freightClass = "60";
} else if (pcf < 35) {
freightClass = "55";
} else {
freightClass = "50";
}
// Update DOM
document.getElementById('res_weight').innerHTML = totalWeight.toFixed(2) + " lbs";
document.getElementById('res_volume').innerHTML = totalVolCubicFeet.toFixed(2) + " cu ft";
document.getElementById('res_density').innerHTML = pcf.toFixed(2) + " lbs/cu ft";
document.getElementById('res_class').innerHTML = "Class " + freightClass;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}
Freight Class & Density Calculator
Accurately calculate freight density (PCF) and estimate your NMFC freight class for LTL shipping.
Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.
Total Weight: 0 lbs
Total Volume: 0 cu ft
Density (PCF): 0 lbs/cu ft
Estimated Freight Class: Class 0
What is Freight Density and Why Does It Matter?
In the world of LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping, the cost of your shipment is heavily determined by its Freight Class. While there are 18 different freight classes ranging from 50 to 400, the classification is largely based on the density of the shipment. Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
Generally, higher density items (like steel machinery or bricks) have a lower freight class (e.g., Class 50) and are cheaper to ship per pound. Lower density items (like ping pong balls or assembled furniture) take up more space relative to their weight, resulting in a higher freight class (e.g., Class 300) and higher shipping costs.
How to Calculate Freight Density
To use the calculator above effectively, you need to understand the underlying formula used by carriers. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Measure Dimensions: Measure the Length, Width, and Height of your shipment (including pallets) in inches.
- Calculate Cubic Inches: Multiply L x W x H.
- Convert to Cubic Feet: Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (since there are 1,728 cubic inches in a cubic foot).
- Calculate Density (PCF): Divide the total weight of the shipment (in lbs) by the total cubic feet.
Freight Class Density Chart
Use this reference table to see where your shipment falls according to standard NMFC guidelines:
| Density (PCF) | Freight Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | Class 400 |
| 1 but less than 2 | Class 300 |
| 2 but less than 3 | Class 250 |
| 4 but less than 6 | Class 175 |
| 6 but less than 8 | Class 125 |
| 8 but less than 10 | Class 100 |
| 10 but less than 12 | Class 92.5 |
| 12 but less than 15 | Class 85 |
| 15 but less than 22.5 | Class 70 |
| Greater than 50 | Class 50 |
Tips for Accurate Calculations
- Include the Pallet: Always include the weight and dimensions of the pallet or skid in your calculation. A standard pallet weighs roughly 40 lbs.
- Measure the Widest Point: If your shipment is irregular, measure from the furthest points. Carriers will "cube out" the shipment based on the maximum space it occupies.
- Avoid Re-classes: Incorrectly declaring density is the #1 reason for "Weight and Inspection" (W&I) certificates and billing adjustments. Using a density calculator helps prevent unexpected charges.