Freight Class Calculator 2026
Enter shipment dimensions and weight to calculate density (PCF) and a suggested NMFC freight class for LTL — then verify the commodity code before you ship.
The short answer: freight class from density starts with PCF = pounds ÷ cubic feet, where cubic feet = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728. Higher density usually means a lower class and a lower LTL rate. This calculator does the arithmetic; you still confirm the NMFC commodity item and packaging notes so carriers do not reclass after the fact.
Calculate Freight Class
Enter dimensions and weight for one handling unit
Dimensions Per Piece (inches) *
How to Calculate Freight Class by Density (Step by Step)
- 1. Measure the shipping unit — length, width, and height in inches to the outside of the pallet or carton the carrier handles.
- 2. Convert to cubic feet — (L × W × H) ÷ 1,728.
- 3. Divide weight by cube — pounds ÷ ft³ = PCF (pounds per cubic foot).
- 4. Map PCF to the density table — use the reference below or the calculator result for a suggested class 50–500.
- 5. Verify the NMFC item — density is the estimate; the commodity code on the BOL is what auditors check. Use NMFC lookup.
Full primer: NMFC codes explained. For rate context after you know class, try the freight rate estimator.
NMFC Freight Class Reference Table
The National Motor Freight Classification assigns classes from 50 to 500 using density, stowability, handling, and liability. Below is the density-based guide most LTL desk teams start from.
| Class | Density (PCF) |
|---|---|
| Class 50 | 50+ PCF |
| Class 55 | 35 – 50 PCF |
| Class 60 | 30 – 35 PCF |
| Class 65 | 22.5 – 30 PCF |
| Class 70 | 15 – 22.5 PCF |
| Class 77.5 | 13.5 – 15 PCF |
| Class 85 | 12 – 13.5 PCF |
| Class 92.5 | 10.5 – 12 PCF |
| Class 100 | 9 – 10.5 PCF |
| Class 110 | 8 – 9 PCF |
| Class 125 | 7 – 8 PCF |
| Class 150 | 6 – 7 PCF |
| Class 175 | 5 – 6 PCF |
| Class 200 | 4 – 5 PCF |
| Class 250 | 3 – 4 PCF |
| Class 300 | 2 – 3 PCF |
| Class 400 | 1 – 2 PCF |
| Class 500 | < 1 PCF |
Density is primary, not exclusive. Your actual class may differ when handling, stowability, or liability dominate the NMFC item.
Worked Density Examples
Dense palletized parts — Class ~70
48×40×48 in pallet, 1,200 lb. Cube = (48×40×48)÷1,728 = 53.3 ft³. Density = 1,200÷53.3 ≈ 22.5 PCF → near the Class 70 density break. Confirm the NMFC item for the commodity before tendering.
Bulky furniture — Class ~175–250
A lightly packaged sofa that cubes large relative to weight often lands in the mid/high classes. Better crating that cuts wasted height can move density enough to drop a break — photograph and document the new cube.
Mixed SKU pallet
Rate the governing (usually highest) class on the pallet unless your carrier agreement allows otherwise. Mixing a Class 70 box with Class 200 fluff on one pallet without notes is how reclass arguments start.
Reclass Risk: Where Shippers Lose Money
Under-reported cube, missing pallet height, wrong commodity descriptions, and “guessed” classes are the usual audit hits. Carriers inspect, reweigh, and rebill — often after the freight is delivered and your customer already paid the low quote you sold them.
Keep a SKU file: photos, L×W×H, weight, packaging type, and NMFC item. When packaging changes, recalculate density before the next tender. If you ship both LTL and truckload, compare modes with FTL vs LTL once class and cube are honest.
Freight Class FAQs
How do I calculate freight class?
Measure the shipping unit in inches (length × width × height, including pallet and overhang), divide by 1,728 for cubic feet, then divide weight in pounds by cubic feet to get pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Map that density to the NMFC density scale — Class 50 is the densest freight, Class 500 the lightest. A 48×40×48 pallet at 1,200 lb is about 22.5 PCF, near the Class 70 break. Always confirm the commodity’s NMFC item; density is the estimate, the item is what the carrier rates.
How do you calculate freight class from density?
Measure length, width, and height in inches, multiply them, and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide the shipment weight in pounds by cubic feet to get pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Map that density to the NMFC density table — denser freight generally gets a lower class and a lower LTL rate.
What is the difference between freight class and NMFC code?
Freight class (50–500) is the pricing bucket. An NMFC code identifies a specific commodity and maps it to a class, sometimes with packaging or density breaks. Density tools suggest a class; an NMFC lookup confirms the commodity code carriers expect on the bill of lading.
Does density alone always determine freight class?
No. NMFC also weighs handling, stowability, and liability. Fragile, hazardous, or awkwardly shaped freight can rate higher than density alone suggests. Use density as the primary estimate, then verify the commodity’s NMFC item.
What happens if I declare the wrong freight class?
Carriers can reweigh and reclassify, then bill the higher class plus inspection or reclass fees. Undeclaring class to chase a cheap quote often costs more after delivery than rating correctly up front.
Should I measure the pallet or only the product?
Measure the full shipping unit the carrier will handle — usually pallet length × width × height to the top of the product or stretch wrap, including overhang. Under-cubing is a common reclass trigger.
How do I lower my freight class legally?
Increase density with better packaging: remove trapped air, nest components, use the right pallet footprint, and avoid oversized cartons. Do not invent a lower class. If packaging changes density into a new break, recalculate and keep photos plus dimensions on file.
Know Your Class? Get a Rate.
With density and class in hand, we will find competitive LTL options from vetted carriers — without the surprise reclass invoice later.