Freight Class Calculator
Work out density and the estimated NMFC freight class for LTL shipments, using the 13-tier density scale that took effect on July 19, 2025.
1Handling unit
Measure each handling unit including the pallet, and use the gross weight including the pallet.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 50 or more | 50 |
Freight class for density-based LTL freight comes from density = weight (lb) ÷ volume (ft³), with volume = length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728. Under the NMFC scale in force since July 19, 2025, freight under 1 lb/ft³ is class 400, and freight of 50 lb/ft³ or more is class 50, with 13 classes in between.
How to calculate freight class
- Measure each handling unit. Length, width and height in inches, including the pallet and any overhang. Round up to the next inch.
- Calculate cubic feet. L × W × H ÷ 1,728. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet is 53.3 ft³.
- Calculate density. Total weight in pounds ÷ total cubic feet. A 500 lb pallet of 53.3 ft³ is 9.4 lb/ft³.
- Read the class. 9.4 lb/ft³ falls in “8 to under 10”, which is class 100.
What changed in 2025
On July 19, 2025, the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) moved many commodities from fixed classes to density-based classification and replaced the older 11-tier density scale with 13 tiers. Shipments whose commodity uses the density scale are now classed mainly by how much they weigh per cubic foot, so measuring accurately matters more than before.
Limits of this calculator
- Some commodities still have their own NMFC item and class, or their own density scale. Check the NMFC item for your product with your carrier or freight broker.
- Carriers can re-measure and reclassify freight. Inaccurate dimensions lead to reclassification fees.
- Freight class decides the rate category, not the final price. Rates also depend on distance, weight and the carrier's tariff.
Shipping internationally instead? Use the CBM calculator for sea freight and the dimensional weight calculator for air freight.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate freight class?
Measure the length, width and height of each handling unit in inches (including the pallet), multiply them and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide the total weight in pounds by the total cubic feet to get density (pounds per cubic foot), then read the class from the density table.
What changed in the NMFC on July 19, 2025?
The NMFC expanded density-based classification to more commodities and introduced a 13-tier density scale, from class 400 for less than 1 lb/ft³ to class 50 for 50 lb/ft³ or more.
Is freight class always based on density?
No. Many commodities have their own NMFC item with a set class or a commodity-specific density scale. This calculator gives the class for density-based freight; confirm the NMFC item for your product with your carrier.
Does a higher freight class cost more?
Yes. Lower density freight gets a higher class number and usually a higher rate per pound.