Freight class calculator
Freight class for LTL shipping starts from density: weight in pounds ÷ volume in cubic feet, measured including the pallet. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb is 53.33 ft³ and 9.4 lb/ft³, which is class 100 on the 13-step density scale in force since 19 July 2025.
Link a result: ?l=48&w=40&h=48&wt=500 or ?unit=cm&l=120&w=80&h=150&wt=300
53.33 ft³ and 500 lb: estimated class 100 on the density scale.
- Total volume
- 53.33 ft³
- In cubic metres
- 1.51 m³
- Total weight
- 500 lb, 227 kg
- Metric density
- 150 kg/m³
Freight class chart by density
The general density scale of the NMFC, 13 subprovisions, effective 19 July 2025. Your result is highlighted; tap a row to load a weight in that band for the current size.
| Density, lb/ft³ | Class | Density, kg/m³ |
|---|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 | 801 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 | 561 – 801 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 | 481 – 561 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 | 360 – 481 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 | 240 – 360 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 | 192 – 240 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 | 160 – 192 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 | 128 – 160 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 | 96 – 128 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 | 64 – 96 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 | 32 – 64 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 | 16 – 32 |
| Less than 1 | 400 | under 16 |
How freight density is worked out
The 48 × 40 × 48 in, 500 lb example, line by line.
- Measure the unit, with the pallet
48 × 40 × 48 in - Cubic inches
48 × 40 × 48 = 92,160 in³ - Cubic feet
92,160 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³ - Density
500 lb ÷ 53.33 ft³ = 9.38 lb/ft³ - Density scale
8 to under 10 lb/ft³ = class 100
Measure the handling unit, not the cartons
Use the outside of the whole pallet or crate at its longest, widest and highest points, including the pallet itself and any overhang. Weigh it with the pallet. Several identical pallets: enter the count; mixed pallets: add their cubic feet and weights.
Density first, then the exceptions
Since July 2025 most items are classed by density, but some commodities keep a specific class or their own scale, and handling, stowability or liability can move a shipment up. The class on your bill of lading must match the carrier's view, or you will be reclassified and re-billed.
Raise density to cut cost
Less air in the cartons, shorter pallets and no empty pallet space all raise pounds per cubic foot and can drop a class. A shipment that is just under a boundary may move down a class with a few inches less height.
Next steps
Common questions
How do I calculate freight class?
Measure each handling unit at its longest, widest and highest points including the pallet, multiply the inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the total weight in pounds by the cubic feet. That density in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) is matched to a class on the density scale; many commodities, though, have a specific class in the NMFC, and the carrier's classification governs.
What is freight density?
Weight per unit of volume: pounds per cubic foot (pcf) in US LTL freight. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb is 53.33 ft³, so its density is about 9.4 pcf.
What freight class is 10 pounds per cubic foot?
On the density scale effective 19 July 2025, 10 to under 12 pcf is class 92.5 and 8 to under 10 pcf is class 100.
Did freight classes change in 2025?
Yes. NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective 19 July 2025, expanded the general density scale to 13 subprovisions from class 50 to class 400 and moved many commodities to density-based classes. Older 11-tier charts are out of date.
Is a higher freight class more expensive?
Generally yes. Lower density freight takes more trailer space per pound, so it gets a higher class and a higher rate per hundredweight. Class 50 is the densest and cheapest per pound; class 400 the lightest and most expensive.
Does this calculator give the official NMFC class?
No. It estimates the class from density on the general scale. The National Motor Freight Classification assigns many items a specific class or their own density scale, and handling, stowability and liability can change it. Check with your carrier or the NMFTA's ClassIT+ before you ship.