What freight class is my shipment?
Enter the size and weight of each piece in your LTL shipment. See its density in pounds per cubic foot and its estimated class on the NMFC density scale.
- Estimated freight class
- 92.5
At 11 pounds per cubic foot, the shipment is freight class 92.5.
Class 92.5
- Class 400
- Class 300
- Class 250
- Class 175
- Class 125
- Class 100
- Class 92.5
- Class 85
- Class 70
- Class 65
- Class 60
- Class 55
- Class 50
- Densitypounds per cubic foot
- 11
- Density (metric)
- 176.2 kg/m³
- Density range for this class
- 10 to under 12 lb/ft³
- Total weight
- 11 lb
- Total volume
- 1 ft³
- Density for the next lower classpounds per cubic foot
- 12
Estimated freight class: 92.5. At 11 pounds per cubic foot, the shipment is freight class 92.5.
Where does my density fall on the scale?
How to calculate
Computes the density of a less-than-truckload shipment (total weight ÷ total volume, in pounds per cubic foot) and its class on the NMFC 13-sub density scale in effect since July 19, 2025.
Example with the default inputs (Lines of pieces 1, Length 12 in, Width 12 in, Height 12 in, Weight 11 lb, Quantity 1): At 11 pounds per cubic foot, the shipment is freight class 92.5.
Method: density = total weight (lb) ÷ total volume (ft³); class from the NMFC 13-sub density scale
- Only density sets the class here. The NMFC also weighs stowability, handling and liability, and many items have their own class, so check the item in the NMFC before you ship.
- Measure each piece at its longest, widest and highest points, packaging and pallet included.
- For a shipment of several pieces, the density is the total weight ÷ the total volume.
- The scale is the 13-sub density scale that NMFTA Docket 2025-1 put in effect on July 19, 2025.
Worked examples
Each example is checked against the calculator on every build.
- Lines of pieces 1, Length 12 in, Width 12 in, Height 12 in, Weight 10 lb, Quantity 1 gives Density 10, Estimated freight class 92.5, Density for the next lower class 12.Source: NMFC 13-sub density scale (Docket 2025-1): 10 lb ÷ 1 ft³ = 10 lb/ft³, in "10 but less than 12", class 92.5
- Lines of pieces 1, Length 48 in, Width 40 in, Height 48 in, Weight 500 lb, Quantity 1 gives Density 9.375, Estimated freight class 100.
- Lines of pieces 2, Length 48 in, Width 40 in, Height 60 in, Weight 800 lb, Quantity 2, Length (line 2) 24 in, Width (line 2) 24 in, Height (line 2) 24 in, Weight (line 2) 50 lb, Quantity (line 2) 4 gives Total weight 1,800 lb, Density 10.887097, Estimated freight class 92.5.
- Lines of pieces 1, Length 12 in, Width 12 in, Height 12 in, Weight 50 lb, Quantity 1 gives Estimated freight class 50, Density range for this class 50 lb/ft³ or more.
- Lines of pieces 1, Length 20 in, Width 20 in, Height 18 in, Weight 25 lb, Quantity 3 gives Estimated freight class 125, Density range for this class 6 to under 8 lb/ft³, Density for the next lower class 8.Source: NMFC 13-sub density scale (Docket 2025-1): 75 lb ÷ (3 × 7,200 in³ ÷ 1,728) = 75 ÷ 12.5 = 6 lb/ft³, in "6 but less than 8", class 125
How it works
- Lines. Enter up to 5 lines, one for each kind of piece, each with its size, weight and quantity.
- Volume of each line = length × width × height × quantity. Add up all lines and convert to cubic feet (1 ft³ = 1,728 in³ = 0.0283168 m³).
- Weight of each line = weight of one piece × quantity. Add up all lines, in pounds (1 lb = 0.45359237 kg).
- Density = total weight ÷ total volume, in pounds per cubic foot. In metric, 1 lb/ft³ = 16.0185 kg/m³.
- Class = the row of the density scale that holds the density. Each row runs from its lower value up to, but not including, the next row's value. A density exactly on a boundary belongs to the upper row: 75 lb in 12.5 ft³ is exactly 6 lb/ft³, class 125. (The calculator rounds the density to 12 significant digits before it looks up the row, so rounding in the unit conversions cannot push an exact 6 below the line. The density it shows, in both units, is that rounded value.)
The NMFC density scale (since July 19, 2025)
NMFTA Docket 2025-1 replaced the older 11-sub density scale with this 13-sub scale on July 19, 2025. The calculator uses it as published by Echo Global Logistics and DTS (both retrieved September 27, 2026, and both give the same rows).
| Sub | Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | less than 1 | 400 |
| 2 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 |
| 4 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 |
| 5 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 |
| 6 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 |
| 7 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 |
| 9 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 |
| 10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 |
| 11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 |
| 12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 |
| 13 | 50 or more | 50 |
Assumptions
- Only density sets the class here. The NMFC also weighs stowability, handling and liability, and many commodities have their own class. Check your item in the NMFC (ClassIT) before you ship.
- A shipment of several pieces gets one class from its combined density (total weight ÷ total volume).
When the data is out of date
The density scale is the NMFC scale in effect since July 19, 2025, due for review by July 18, 2027. After that date the calculator keeps using this scale, and the result says “Uses the NMFC density scale in effect since July 19, 2025”.
Worked examples by hand
A 1 ft cube weighing 10 lb. 12 × 12 × 12 = 1,728 in³ = 1 ft³, so the density is 10 ÷ 1 = 10 lb/ft³: in "10 but less than 12", class 92.5. At 12 lb/ft³ it would move to class 85.
A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb. 48 × 40 × 48 = 92,160 in³ = 53.33 ft³. 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.375 lb/ft³: class 100.
Two 48 × 40 × 60 in pallets of 800 lb and four 24 in cubes of 50 lb. Volume: 2 × 115,200 + 4 × 13,824 = 285,696 in³ = 165.33 ft³. Weight: 2 × 800 + 4 × 50 = 1,800 lb. 1,800 ÷ 165.33 = 10.89 lb/ft³: class 92.5.
A 1 ft cube weighing 50 lb. 50 lb/ft³ is in "50 or more": class 50.
The Shipper's Guide to Freight Class
Understanding freight class is fundamental to managing your Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping costs effectively. This guide breaks down what you need to know to make informed decisions, avoid costly errors, and optimize your shipping strategy.
How Freight Class Dictates Your Shipping Costs
Freight class is one of the most significant variables carriers use to determine your shipping rate. LTL pricing is often based on a "per-hundred-weight" (CWT) model, where the rate increases as the freight class number goes up.
Example: Same Weight, Different Costs
Shipment A: Steel Parts
Weight: 500 lbs | Class: 50 | Cost: $X
Shipment B: Ping Pong Balls
Weight: 500 lbs | Class: 500 | Cost: $X × 10
Even though they weigh the same, the carrier's rate for Class 50 might be a fraction of the rate for Class 500. This is because the ping pong balls take up significantly more space in the trailer, which is a carrier's most valuable asset.
The High Cost of Inaccuracy: Avoiding Re-Class Fees
As the shipper, you are responsible for the accuracy of the information on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Carriers routinely inspect, reweigh, and re-measure freight at their terminals.
Consequences of Incorrect Classification:
- Re-Class Fees: Corrected, higher freight invoices with inspection service fees
- Administrative Burden: Time and resources consumed disputing charges
- Shipping Delays: Freight held until billing disputes are resolved
- Reduced Liability: Incorrect class can reduce carrier liability coverage
A Practical Guide to Accurate Measurement
To prevent re-class fees, you must adopt a rigorous measurement process. The guiding principle is "measure twice, ship once".
Weighing the Shipment
- Use gross weight (product + packaging + pallet)
- Standard pallet: 30-40 lbs
- Use calibrated, certified freight scale
- Include all dunnage and shrink wrap
Measuring Dimensions
- Measure longest length, widest width, tallest height
- Round up to nearest inch
- Height: floor to very top of shipment
- Irregular items: measure enclosing box
The Power of Packaging: Density Optimization
With the industry's increased focus on density-based pricing, your packaging choices have become a strategic cost-control lever. Every inch of wasted space, or "shipped air," lowers your shipment's density.
Optimization Tips:
Right-size boxes to fit products snugly
Utilize stackable configurations
Ensure no product overhang on pallets
Balance density with protection
Important: While minimizing packaging saves on freight costs, under-packaging can lead to damage, and if the packaging doesn't meet the minimum requirements specified in the NMFC, a damage claim could be denied.
Other questions people ask
What is freight class?
Freight class is a standardized classification system used in the LTL shipping industry to categorize commodities. The system, managed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), groups all goods into one of 18 classes (from 50 to 500) to create a uniform pricing structure for carriers and shippers. The density scale that sets a class from density alone uses 13 of them, from 50 to 400.
What is an NMFC Code and how is it different from freight class?
While related, they are not the same. Every shippable commodity has both a freight class and a more specific NMFC code. Freight Class is a broad category (e.g., Class 70) that includes items with similar shipping characteristics. NMFC Code is a unique numeric identifier for a specific commodity within that class (e.g., automobile engines). The freight class gives a general estimate of cost, but the NMFC code is required on the Bill of Lading for precise identification and billing.
How is freight class determined?
Freight class is determined by evaluating a commodity's 'transportability,' which is based on four key factors: Density (weight per cubic foot - the most significant factor), Stowability (how easily the item can be stored with other freight), Handling (ease of loading/unloading), and Liability (risk of damage or theft). This calculator focuses on density-based classification.
What are the 18 freight classes?
The 18 freight classes are 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500. Class 50 is for very dense, durable items and is the least expensive to ship, while Class 500 is for very low-density or high-value items and is the most expensive.
How is freight class calculated?
Freight class is primarily determined by density (weight per cubic foot). The formula is: Density = Weight (lbs) ÷ Volume (cubic feet). Higher density items get lower class numbers and typically lower shipping rates. Since July 19, 2025, the NMFC density scale has 13 ranges: for example, 10 but less than 12 lb/ft³ is class 92.5. This calculator provides density-based estimates for planning purposes.
What happens if I classify my freight incorrectly?
Using an incorrect freight class will lead to the carrier reclassifying your shipment, resulting in a corrected, higher invoice with added fees. It can also cause shipping delays, administrative burden, and may limit the carrier's liability if the shipment is damaged.
How do I classify a shipment with mixed freight?
If a single pallet contains items of different freight classes, and you do not list each commodity separately on the Bill of Lading, the carrier will rate the entire pallet at the highest (most expensive) freight class present. To avoid this, you must itemize each commodity, its weight, and its class on the BOL.
Why did my carrier reclassify my shipment?
The most common reason for reclassification is a discrepancy in the shipment's weight or dimensions, which leads to an incorrect density and, therefore, an incorrect class. Other reasons include an inaccurate commodity description or failure to account for special handling requirements.
How can I lower my freight class and shipping costs?
The most direct way to lower your freight class is to increase your shipment's density. This is achieved through packaging optimization: using smaller boxes, eliminating empty space, and creating compact pallet configurations to reduce the shipment's overall volume for the same weight.
Do stackable shipments get a better rate?
Yes, often they do. Stackable freight allows carriers to better utilize their trailer space. Because of this efficiency, many carriers offer better pricing or discounts for stackable shipments and may apply an upcharge for non-stackable freight.
Do I need to know my NMFC code to use this calculator?
No. This calculator provides an estimated freight class based on density alone. It is a tool for planning and quoting. However, to complete the official Bill of Lading (BOL), you must identify the correct NMFC code for your specific commodity.
Is the full NMFC database available to the public?
No, the official NMFC database is a proprietary, subscription-based tool called ClassIT®, which is managed by the NMFTA. Logistics professionals and high-volume shippers typically subscribe to this service.
How do I measure my shipment accurately?
Never estimate. Measure the longest length, widest width, and tallest height of the fully packaged and palletized freight. Round up to the nearest inch. Include the weight of the product, packaging, dunnage, and pallet. Use a calibrated, certified freight scale for weighing.
Should I estimate my shipment's weight and dimensions?
No, never estimate. Carriers rely on precise measurements and are required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to adhere to strict weight limits. Any estimation will likely be caught during a carrier inspection and will result in re-class fees and delays.
How do I ship hazardous materials?
Hazardous materials (Hazmat) are governed by a separate and strict set of regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These items have specific classification codes, labeling, and handling protocols that supersede any density-based calculation. You must consult with a logistics expert specializing in Hazmat shipping.
Can I optimize my packaging to reduce freight class?
Yes! Right-sizing boxes, using stackable configurations, and eliminating overhang can increase density and potentially lower your freight class. However, always balance density optimization with adequate protection to avoid damage claims.