For ltl shippers
Freight Class Calculator
Estimate the NMFC freight class carriers use to rate an LTL shipment, straight from your pallet's density.
Key takeaways
- Freight class is set mainly by density: weight in pounds divided by cubic feet.
- Higher density means a lower class number, which usually means a lower LTL rate.
- This is a density estimate; some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class regardless of density, so confirm before booking.
Density-based estimate only. Some commodities have a fixed NMFC class regardless of density, confirm with your carrier or NMFC listing.
How freight class is calculated
Density equals weight in pounds divided by cubic feet. To get cubic feet, multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728. The higher the density, the lower (cheaper) the class.
Freight class by density chart
This is the standard density guideline carriers use as a starting point for LTL freight class. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class regardless of density, so confirm against the NMFC listing for your product before you book.
| Density (pounds per cubic foot) | Estimated freight class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 13.5 to less than 15 | 77.5 |
| 12 to less than 13.5 | 85 |
| 10.5 to less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 9 to less than 10.5 | 100 |
| 8 to less than 9 | 110 |
| 7 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 6 to less than 7 | 150 |
| 5 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 4 to less than 5 | 200 |
| 3 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 2 to less than 3 | 300 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 400 |
| Less than 1 | 500 |
Why it matters
Carriers rate LTL shipments by class. Getting the class wrong leads to reweigh-and-reclass fees, so confirm density-driven estimates against the actual NMFC listing for your commodity.
How to use the Freight Class Calculator
- 1Enter your pallet or carton length, width, and height in inches.
- 2Enter the total shipment weight in pounds.
- 3Read the estimated density and the NMFC freight class band it falls into.
Estimates are for planning only. Confirm rates, accessorials, minimums, and service details directly with providers.
What to do next
Once you know your class, compare LTL providers by lane coverage, transit times, accessorials, and claims handling, then send the same shipment details to each.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this freight class estimate?
It's a density-based estimate. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class regardless of density, so confirm against the NMFC listing for your product before booking.
What happens if I declare the wrong class?
Carriers can reweigh and reclassify a shipment, adding fees and slowing delivery. Use the estimate as a starting point and verify with your carrier or broker before you book.
What are the freight classes?
The NMFC system uses 18 classes from 50 to 500. Class 50 is dense, durable freight that costs the least per pound to ship; class 500 is light, bulky, or fragile freight that costs the most. Density is the main driver, but stowability, handling, and liability also factor in.
How is freight class different from an NMFC number?
Freight class is the rating tier (50 to 500). The NMFC number identifies the specific commodity in the National Motor Freight Classification. Many commodities have a fixed class tied to their NMFC number regardless of density, so always match your product to its NMFC listing.
How can I lower my freight class?
Increase density by packing tighter, reducing void space, and palletizing efficiently, since higher density generally means a lower class. You cannot lower the class of a commodity that carries a fixed NMFC class, so confirm which rule applies to your product first.
Does freight class apply to full truckload shipments?
No. Freight class is an LTL concept. Full truckload (FTL) freight is priced by lane, equipment, and market rate, not by NMFC class, though you still declare the commodity for the bill of lading.