Freight Class Calculator
Enter each pallet's length, width and height in inches and its weight to get total cubic feet, density and the LTL freight class on the NMFC 13-tier density scale that took effect July 19, 2025, plus how much weight or height change reaches the next lower class.
Freight class calculator
Measure each pallet or piece at its longest points, including the pallet, in inches.
| Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Weight each (lb) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
How freight class is worked out
Density = total weight (lb) ÷ total cubic feet, where cubic feet = L × W × H in inches ÷ 1,728. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet is 53.33 cu ft; at 500 lb its density is 9.38 lb/cu ft, which is class 100 on the density scale. Denser freight gets a lower class and usually a lower LTL rate.
NMFC density scale (13 tiers, in effect since July 19, 2025)
| Density (lb per cu ft) | Class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| Under 1 | 400 |
Since the 2025 NMFC update (Docket 2025-1), many more commodities are classed by density alone, but some items still have a fixed class or their own density scale. The class on your bill of lading must match the NMFC item for your commodity, and carriers can reweigh and reclass shipments, so check the item number with your carrier or NMFTA's ClassIT.
Common questions
How do I calculate freight class?
Find the density: weight in pounds ÷ (L × W × H in inches ÷ 1,728). Then look up the class on the density scale. 9.4 lb/cu ft is class 100.
What is the density for class 70?
15 to under 22.5 lb per cubic foot on the 2025 13-tier scale.
Did freight classes change in 2025?
Yes. NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025, introduced a 13-tier density scale (classes 50 to 400) and moved many commodities to density-based classes.
How can I lower my freight class?
Increase density: stack lower, use smaller pallets, or consolidate pieces. The calculator shows how much weight or volume change reaches the next class.
Do I include the pallet in the dimensions?
Yes. Measure the full shipping unit, including the pallet and any overhang, and include the pallet in the weight.
Sources
Related
General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.