Freight Class Calculator (density-based)

This freight class calculator works out the density of a handling unit and reads the LTL freight class from the standard 13-step density scale of the National Motor Freight Classification. Example: a pallet of 48 × 40 × 45 inches weighing 450 lb has 50 cubic feet and a density of 9 lb/ft³ – freight class 100.

Example: Units: Inches and pounds · Length 48 · Width 40 · Height 45 · Weight per handling unit 450 · Number of identical handling units 1 → Result: Freight class 100 · density 9 lb/ft³ (450 lb in 50 ft³). Source: NMFC, Docket 2025-1, National Motor Freight Traffic Association: Notice of Disposition, Bulletin 1371 (Docket 2025-1; 13-step standard density scale of the FCDC, Sub 1 “Less than 1 … 400” to Sub 13 “50 or greater … 50”; NMFC supplement of 10 May 2025, effective 19 Jul 2025; retrieved 5 Oct 2026). Updated: 5 October 2026.

Units

Length

Longest point including pallet and overhang, in the unit chosen above.

Width

Widest point including overhang.

Height

From the floor to the highest point, pallet included.

Weight per handling unit

Gross weight with pallet and packaging, in lb or kg as chosen above.

Number of identical handling units

Density is worked out per unit; the count only affects the totals.

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Result

Result: Freight class 100 · density 9 lb/ft³ (450 lb in 50 ft³)
Details: Value Result
Freight class (density-based) 100
Density 9 lb/ft³
Volume per handling unit 50 ft³
Weight per handling unit 450 lb
Next lower class Class 92.5 starts at 10 lb/ft³ – reached with a height of 40.5 in or less, or a weight of 500 lb or more
Density scale (lb per cubic foot): Sub Density 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 greater 50
Working: Volume: 48 × 40 × 45 in = 86,400 in³; ÷ 1,728 = 50 ft³.
Density: 450 lb ÷ 50 ft³ = 9 lb/ft³ (decimals cut off, not rounded up).
9 lb/ft³ falls into sub 6 of the 13-step density scale: class 100.; The result follows the standard 13-step density scale of the NMFC, effective 19 July 2025. It applies only to commodities that are classed by density. Many items have their own class because of handling, stowability or liability, and the carrier may inspect and reclassify a shipment. The binding class is the one listed for your commodity in the NMFC (ClassIT); this calculator is an unofficial aid and is not affiliated with the NMFTA.

Value	Result
Freight class (density-based)	100
Density	9 lb/ft³
Volume per handling unit	50 ft³
Weight per handling unit	450 lb
Next lower class	Class 92.5 starts at 10 lb/ft³ – reached with a height of 40.5 in or less, or a weight of 500 lb or more

Sub	Density	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 greater	50

How it is calculated

In less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping in the United States, every commodity is assigned a freight class. For goods without special handling, stowability or liability issues, the class depends on one figure only: density in pounds per cubic foot. The denser the freight, the lower the class and, as a rule, the lower the rate per hundred pounds.

How density is calculated

Measure the greatest length, width and height of the handling unit in inches, including the pallet and anything that sticks out. Multiply the three and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. For several handling units, density is calculated for each unit; only if the shipping papers show a single total weight may total weight and total cube be used.

The 13-step density scale

Since 19 July 2025 the National Motor Freight Classification has used a standard scale with 13 steps instead of 11. Classes 55 and 50 were added for very dense freight of 35 lb/ft³ and more.

Density (lb/ft³)	Class	Density (lb/ft³)	Class
less than 1	400	12 but less than 15	85
1 but less than 2	300	15 but less than 22.5	70
2 but less than 4	250	22.5 but less than 30	65
4 but less than 6	175	30 but less than 35	60
6 but less than 8	125	35 but less than 50	55
8 but less than 10	100	50 or greater	50
10 but less than 12	92.5

Worked example

A pallet measures 48 × 40 × 45 inches and weighs 450 lb. Volume: 48 × 40 × 45 = 86,400 in³; ÷ 1,728 = 50 ft³. Density: 450 ÷ 50 = 9 lb/ft³, which lies between 8 and 10: class 100. To reach class 92.5 the same pallet would have to be stacked no higher than 40.5 inches or weigh at least 500 lb.

Why height matters so much

A taller, lighter load of 48 × 40 × 60 inches and 300 lb has 66.67 ft³ and only 4.5 lb/ft³ – class 175. Packed down to 45 inches the same 300 lb reach 6 lb/ft³ and class 125. In metric units, 120 × 80 × 100 cm with 250 kg comes to 33.9 ft³ and 16.25 lb/ft³: class 70.

Limits of a density calculation

Density is one of four transportation characteristics; the others are handling, stowability and liability. Commodities with such issues keep their own classes and may sit above the density scale. Always check the item number of your commodity before you put a class on the bill of lading.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate freight class from density?

Multiply length, width and height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by that volume. Look the result up in the density scale: 9 lb/ft³, for example, is class 100.

What changed in the freight classes in 2025?

With Docket 2025-1 the NMFTA moved many commodities to a standard density scale and extended it from 11 to 13 steps. Freight of 30 to under 35 lb/ft³ is class 60, 35 to under 50 lb/ft³ is class 55 and 50 lb/ft³ or more is class 50. The changes took effect on 19 July 2025.

Do I include the pallet in the measurements?

Yes. Dimensions are the greatest straight-line length, width and height as tendered to the carrier, including the pallet and any projections, and the weight is the gross weight of the handling unit.

Is a lower freight class cheaper?

Usually, because lower classes stand for dense freight that uses trailer space well. The rate itself comes from the carrier’s tariff or your contract; the class is only one input, next to weight, distance and accessorial charges.

Why did the carrier assign a different class?

Carriers re-weigh and re-measure freight. A few inches of overhang or a heavier pallet change the density, and close to a boundary that is enough for another class. The carrier may also apply the class listed for the specific commodity rather than the density scale.

How is density handled for several pallets?

Density is calculated for each handling unit. Only when the shipping papers show just a total weight may the total weight be divided by the total cube. Mixed commodities on one pallet follow their own rules in the classification.

Sources and legal basis

As of: 5 October 2026 · Editorial policy