Freight Class Calculator

What this calculator estimates

Freight density is the weight of a handling unit divided by its volume. For an eligible density-based NMFC item, the calculator maps that density to the current 13-band U.S. LTL scale. It does not identify the commodity’s NMFC item, decide whether the item is eligible for density classification, or set a carrier’s final freight class.

The calculation uses the packed, tendered unit:

1. Cubic inches = length × width × height
2. Cubic feet = cubic inches ÷ 1,728
3. Density = total pounds ÷ total cubic feet

For multiple identical units, both weight and cube are multiplied by the piece count, so the density remains the same. Do not use that shortcut for mixed freight or units with different dimensions or weights.

Current density bands for eligible items

The 13-band structure took effect for applicable NMFC changes on July 19, 2025. It does not make every commodity a density-only item. Handling, stowability, liability, commodity-specific packaging, and a carrier’s tariff can still affect the final class.

Worked example

One pallet measuring 48 × 40 × 45 inches has 86,400 cubic inches. Dividing by 1,728 gives 50 cubic feet. At 450 lb, the density is 9.00 lb/ft³, which falls in density sub 6 and produces an estimated Class 100 for an eligible density-based item.

The example is useful for checking the arithmetic, not for classifying a different commodity. A carrier can remeasure a shipment, apply a different tariff, or require a different classification based on the specific item and its packaging.

Measure the outside of what ships

Measure the greatest straight-line length, width and height of the unit as it will be tendered. Include the pallet, crate, wrapping, corner protection, overhang and other projections. Product-only dimensions can overstate density and lead to an unreliable estimate.

Use a scale weight rather than a product specification or an old shipping record. Small changes around a band boundary can move the estimate, so do not round dimensions down. For irregular or non-stackable freight, confirm the carrier’s measurement and classification approach before shipping.

When not to rely on a density estimate

Stop and verify with the carrier or an NMFC classification resource when the freight is mixed, the handling units are not identical, the commodity has special packaging requirements, or the product is hazardous, fragile, perishable, unusually long, heavy, or difficult to stow. Those characteristics can affect classification independently of density.

This tool does not produce a rate, bill of lading, booking, compliance determination, or legal advice. Use the result as one input to a shipping conversation, not as a final instruction to a carrier.