How do I calculate freight class?

Calculate density: volume (ft³) = length × width × height (inches) ÷ 1728, then density = total weight (lb) ÷ volume. Look the density up in the NMFC density-to-class table — higher density means a lower (cheaper) class.

What changed for freight class in 2025?

NMFTA Docket 2025-1, effective 19 July 2025, moved LTL classification to a full 18-tier density-based system. Classes 50 and 55 are now determined by density rather than separate commodity codes, so a density calculator is valid for most standard freight.

Should I include the pallet in the measurement?

Yes. Add the pallet's height (about 6 in) and weight (about 33–50 lb) and use the 48×40 in footprint. Measuring only the boxes overstates density and understates the class, which leads to carrier reclassification fees.

Is this an official freight class?

No. This is a density-based estimate for standard freight. Items with a fixed NMFC item number, hazmat, fragile or high-liability goods may classify differently. The carrier or NMFTA confirms the final class.

Freight Class Calculator (NMFC, density-based)

Enter your pallet or box dimensions and weight to get the density (lbs/ft³) and the estimated NMFC freight class. Since NMFTA Docket 2025-1 (July 2025), LTL classification is density-based across all 18 classes — so for standard freight this density math gives a valid class without handling, stowability or liability factors.

Inputs

Your freight

Units

Length (in)Width (in)Height (in)Weight (lb)Qty

Adds a 48×40 in footprint, +6 in height and the pallet weight below. Forgetting the pallet inflates density and under-states the class — that's the #1 cause of reclass fees.

Estimated freight class

100

9.38 lbs/ft³ · 53.33 ft³

Density

9.38

lbs/ft³

Total weight

500

Nearby class tiers

Class 85≥ 12 lbs/ft³

Class 92.5≥ 10.5 lbs/ft³

Class 100≥ 9 lbs/ft³

Class 110≥ 8 lbs/ft³

Class 125≥ 7 lbs/ft³

How to lower your class. Denser packing → lower class → cheaper LTL. Remove voids, consolidate onto one pallet and reduce height where you can.

How freight class is calculated

Freight class comes from density. Compute the cubic volume in feet, divide weight by volume to get density in pounds per cubic foot, then read the class off the NMFC density table. Always measure the full palletized footprint — including the pallet's height and weight.

volume_ft3 = (L_in × W_in × H_in) / 1728
density    = total_weight_lb / volume_ft3
class      = lookup(density)   // NMFC density table

NMFC density-to-class table (Docket 2025-1)

Density (lbs/ft³)	Class
≥ 50	50
35 – 50	55
30 – 35	60
22.5 – 30	65
15 – 22.5	70
13.5 – 15	77.5
12 – 13.5	85
10.5 – 12	92.5
9 – 10.5	100
8 – 9	110
7 – 8	125
6 – 7	150
5 – 6	175
4 – 5	200
3 – 4	250
2 – 3	300
1 – 2	400
0 – 1	500

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate freight class?: Calculate density: volume (ft³) = length × width × height (inches) ÷ 1728, then density = total weight (lb) ÷ volume. Look the density up in the NMFC density-to-class table — higher density means a lower (cheaper) class.
What changed for freight class in 2025?: NMFTA Docket 2025-1, effective 19 July 2025, moved LTL classification to a full 18-tier density-based system. Classes 50 and 55 are now determined by density rather than separate commodity codes, so a density calculator is valid for most standard freight.
Should I include the pallet in the measurement?: Yes. Add the pallet's height (about 6 in) and weight (about 33–50 lb) and use the 48×40 in footprint. Measuring only the boxes overstates density and understates the class, which leads to carrier reclassification fees.
Is this an official freight class?: No. This is a density-based estimate for standard freight. Items with a fixed NMFC item number, hazmat, fragile or high-liability goods may classify differently. The carrier or NMFTA confirms the final class.

Disclaimer

This density calculation gives the class for standard freight with no special handling, stowability or liability requirements. Goods with a fixed NMFC item number, hazmat, fragile or high-risk items may classify differently. This is an estimate, not an official classification — the final class is confirmed by your carrier or the NMFTA. We do not quote rates; we estimate class only.

NMFC® and NMFTA® are registered trademarks of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. This tool computes class from public density math and does not reproduce the proprietary NMFC item-number database (ClassIT+).

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