Shipping Tool
Freight Density Calculator
Calculate your freight density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and find the suggested NMFC freight class for LTL shipments.
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Reference
Freight Class Density Chart
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system uses 18 freight classes ranging from 50 (lowest cost, highest density) to 500 (highest cost, lowest density). Density is the primary factor, but handling, stowability, and liability also apply.
| Class | Density Range (PCF) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ lbs/ft³ |
| 55 | 35 – 50 lbs/ft³ |
| 60 | 30 – 35 lbs/ft³ |
| 65 | 22.5 – 30 lbs/ft³ |
| 70 | 15 – 22.5 lbs/ft³ |
| 77.5 | 13.5 – 15 lbs/ft³ |
| 85 | 12 – 13.5 lbs/ft³ |
| 92.5 | 10.5 – 12 lbs/ft³ |
| 100 | 9 – 10.5 lbs/ft³ |
| 110 | 8 – 9 lbs/ft³ |
| 125 | 7 – 8 lbs/ft³ |
| 150 | 6 – 7 lbs/ft³ |
| 175 | 5 – 6 lbs/ft³ |
| 200 | 4 – 5 lbs/ft³ |
| 250 | 3 – 4 lbs/ft³ |
| 300 | 2 – 3 lbs/ft³ |
| 400 | 1 – 2 lbs/ft³ |
| 500 | 0 – 1 lbs/ft³ |
How It Works
How Freight Density Is Calculated
Freight density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The formula is straightforward:
Volume = (L × W × H × Pieces) ÷ 1,728
Density = Weight ÷ Volume
Dimensions in inches. 1,728 converts cubic inches to cubic feet.
LTL carriers use density-based pricing to determine how much space your shipment occupies relative to its weight. Higher density freight (like bricks or metal parts) costs less to ship per pound than low-density freight (like mattresses or furniture) because it makes more efficient use of trailer space.
Knowing your freight density before requesting a quote helps you avoid reclassification charges and ensures accurate pricing from the start.
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