Free, no sign-up
Freight class calculator
Enter each handling unit in inches and pounds, or in cm and kg. You get the density in pounds per cubic foot and the estimated class on the 13-tier NMFC density scale.
Your cargo
- Row 19.38 lb/ft³ · class 100
Results
Estimated freight class
100
A density estimate, not an official class
Density
9.38 lb/ft³
Total volume
53.3 ft³
1 unit
Total weight
500 lb
NMFC density scale
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 |
| 23 to less than 30 | 65 |
| 15 to less than 23 | 70 |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 |
| 10 to less than 12 | 93 |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 |
| Less than 1 | 400 |
Your cargo is copied into the planner, which arranges every piece in 3D.
Save this as a plan or download a PDF in the planner: create a free account
How it is calculated
US LTL carriers price freight by class in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). Denser freight gets a lower class, and a lower class usually costs less per hundredweight.
Formula
- cubic feet = L × W × H (inches) ÷ 1,728
- density = total weight (lb) ÷ total cubic feet
- class = the density tier on the NMFC scale
- Measure the whole handling unit, including the pallet, and use its full weight.
- The scale is the 13-tier scale in NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371 (Docket 2025-1), effective July 19, 2025.
- Density is one of four factors. Handling, stowability and liability, or the NMFC item for your commodity, can give a different class. Confirm it with your carrier or NMFTA before you ship.
Worked example
- 1 pallet of 48 × 40 × 48 inches: 92,160 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³.
- It weighs 500 lb, so the density is 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 lb/ft³.
- 9.38 falls in the 8 to less than 10 tier, so the estimated class is 100.
Questions and answers
How do I calculate freight class?
Work out the cubic feet of the shipment, divide the weight in pounds by it to get the density, then read the class from the NMFC density scale. This calculator does all three.
What changed in the NMFC in 2025?
Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025. Many commodity listings moved to a standard 13-tier density scale, which adds classes 55 and 50 for the densest freight.
Is the result my official freight class?
No. It is an estimate from density. Your commodity’s NMFC item decides the class, and handling, stowability and liability can change it, so confirm it with your carrier.
Does a higher class cost more?
Usually yes. Class 400 is the lightest, bulkiest freight and class 50 the densest. Higher classes take more space per pound, so they carry higher rates.
Should I include the pallet?
Yes. Measure the full handling unit with its pallet and packaging, and use the total weight. A wrong size or weight can lead to a reclassification and extra charges.
More free tools
Quick answers for everyday freight questions. When you need the real layout, the 3D planner places every piece.
Loading meter calculator
Loading metres (LDM), trailer share, pallet places and chargeable weight for road freight.
CBM calculator
Cubic metres and cubic feet, container fill and chargeable weight for sea, road, air and courier.
Pallet fit calculator
How many EUR, industrial or US pallets fit in a container, trailer or truck, stacked or not.
Container size calculator
20ft or 40ft? The container size, or mix of containers, your shipment needs.
Chargeable weight calculator
Volumetric and chargeable weight for air freight and courier shipments.
Cartons in a container calculator
How many cartons of one size fit in a container, trailer or truck.
Plan your next load in minutes.
Free account. No card needed to try the planner.