Enter the packed dimensions and weight of each handling unit to calculate shipment density and estimate its density-based freight class.
Measure the outermost points of the packaged pallet, crate or carton, including any overhang.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Estimated class |
|---|
Important: This tool provides a density-based estimate only. Density is not the only factor used in every NMFC classification. The commodity, packaging, handling, stowability and liability may affect the official class. Confirm the applicable NMFC item and class with NMFTA ClassIT+, your carrier or a qualified freight professional before shipping.
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Freight class can look like one of those logistics mysteries that everyone is expected to understand, even when nobody remembers who explained it.
For many less-than-truckload shipments in the United States, density is an important part of determining the applicable National Motor Freight Classification, commonly called the NMFC. Density tells a carrier how much weight your shipment places into each cubic foot of trailer space.
Our free freight class calculator does the measurement work for you. Enter the outer dimensions and weight of your packaged freight, and the tool will calculate:
Total shipment volume
Total shipment weight
Density in pounds per cubic foot
Density in kilograms per cubic metre
An estimated density-based freight class
The result is useful for planning and checking an LTL quote. It should not be treated as an official NMFC classification because density is not the only factor that can affect freight class.
When measurements are in inches and pounds, use this formula:
Cubic feet = Length × Width × Height ÷ 1,728
Then calculate density:
Density in PCF = Weight in pounds ÷ Cubic feet
PCF means pounds per cubic foot.
For multiple identical handling units, multiply the volume of one unit by the quantity and multiply the weight per unit by the same quantity. If the shipment contains pallets or crates with different measurements, add each item separately in the calculator.
Imagine one packaged pallet has the following measurements:
Length: 48 inches
Width: 40 inches
Height: 45 inches
Weight: 450 pounds
First, calculate its volume:
48 × 40 × 45 ÷ 1,728 = 50 cubic feet
Then calculate its density:
450 ÷ 50 = 9 pounds per cubic foot
On the current 13-tier density scale, 9 PCF falls within the 8 to less than 10 PCF band, which corresponds to an estimated Class 100 for commodities classified using that scale.
The maths is simple once the measurements are right. Unfortunately, pallets have never been famous for standing still while someone holds a tape measure.
The current standard 13-tier density scale is:
| Density in pounds per cubic foot | Density-based class |
| Less than 1 PCF | 400 |
| 1 to less than 2 PCF | 300 |
| 2 to less than 4 PCF | 250 |
| 4 to less than 6 PCF | 175 |
| 6 to less than 8 PCF | 125 |
| 8 to less than 10 PCF | 100 |
| 10 to less than 12 PCF | 92.5 |
| 12 to less than 15 PCF | 85 |
| 15 to less than 22.5 PCF | 70 |
| 22.5 to less than 30 PCF | 65 |
| 30 to less than 35 PCF | 60 |
| 35 to less than 50 PCF | 55 |
| 50 PCF or greater | 50 |
These density breaks became widely relevant after the 2025 NMFC changes introduced a standardized 13-tier density scale for many commodity listings. They do not mean every commodity is classified only by density.
Accurate measurements matter because even a small difference can move a shipment into another density band.
Measure the shipment after it has been placed on the pallet or inside its final crate or packaging. Do not use the dimensions of the product before packing.
Measure the greatest length, width and height. Include pallet overhang, wrapping, corner protection, straps or anything else that increases the space occupied by the handling unit.
Use the gross weight of the complete handling unit, not only the net product weight.
If two pallets have different dimensions or weights, add them as separate items. Combining unlike pallets as though they were identical can produce a misleading density.
Enter the most accurate measurements available. The calculator will handle the conversion and rounding in the final result.
No. Density is important, but the official NMFC classification can also consider:
Handling: Is the freight unusually difficult or hazardous to handle?
Stowability: Can it be loaded efficiently beside other freight?
Liability: Is it fragile, perishable, hazardous or vulnerable to theft or damage?
Commodity description: Does the applicable NMFC item assign a specific class or use a special density provision?
Packaging: Does the shipment meet the packaging requirements for the applicable NMFC item?
That is why this page describes the result as an estimated freight class. Before tendering a shipment, confirm the correct NMFC item number and class using NMFTA’s official ClassIT+ system, your LTL carrier or a qualified freight professional.
LTL carriers combine freight from different shippers inside the same trailer. A large, lightweight pallet consumes valuable space even if it does not weigh much. A compact, heavy pallet uses less space for every pound moved.
Freight class helps create a common rating structure for these different shipment characteristics. In general, a higher freight class can lead to a higher rate, while a lower class may lead to a lower rate. The final shipping price can still be affected by distance, carrier, accessorial services, fuel, minimum charges and negotiated rates.
An incorrect class can also cause:
Reclassification charges
Billing adjustments
Quote differences
Pickup or delivery delays
Disputes over measurements and weight
Taking two minutes to check the measurements is usually cheaper than spending two weeks discussing a corrected invoice.
The calculator supports:
Inches and pounds
Centimetres and kilograms
It shows the result in both PCF and kg/m³, so overseas partners can read the same shipment data without performing a separate conversion. The density-based freight class estimate is specifically relevant to the US LTL and NMFC system.
For international air freight, chargeable weight is calculated differently. Link this sentence to your future Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator when that page is published.
For sea freight and LCL planning, link to your future CBM Calculator and LCL W/M Calculator.
Knowing the shipment density is one part of moving cargo. Finding a reliable partner at origin or destination is the next.
ONE Globe Alliance is a freight forwarding network where members can post live cargo inquiries, receive quotations from other members, compare responses and speak directly with overseas partners through the platform.
Instead of joining a directory and waiting for something to happen, members can use the platform to work on active inquiries and build relationships around real freight opportunities.
Have a shipment or trade lane you are working on?
Register with ONE Globe Alliance or view membership options.
A freight class calculator uses shipment measurements and weight to calculate density, then maps that density to a class range. It provides a useful estimate for LTL planning, but it does not replace an official NMFC classification lookup.
Multiply length, width and height in inches, then divide by 1,728 to find cubic feet. Divide the shipment’s weight in pounds by its cubic feet to find density in pounds per cubic foot.
On the current 13-tier density scale, a density of 9 pounds per cubic foot falls within the 8 to less than 10 PCF band, corresponding to Class 100 for commodities that use that density scale.
Generally, yes. Lower-density freight occupies more trailer space for its weight, so it is usually assigned a higher density-based class. Other classification factors can still affect the official result.
Yes. Measure the entire packaged handling unit at its greatest length, width and height. Include the pallet, overhang, wrapping and anything else that occupies space.
Yes. Use the gross shipping weight, including the pallet, crate, carton, padding and other packaging materials.
Yes. Select centimetres and kilograms in the calculator. It will convert the shipment measurements, calculate density and show results in both metric and imperial units.
No. It is a density-based estimate. Confirm the applicable commodity description, NMFC item and freight class with NMFTA ClassIT+, your carrier or a qualified freight professional before shipping.
Add these links once the relevant pages exist:
Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator
CBM Calculator
LCL Shipping Calculator
Container Size and Load Calculator
Freight Inquiry Generator
Freight Forwarder Finder
ONE Globe Alliance Membership
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The calculation method and 13-tier table were checked against current National Motor Freight Traffic Association material. The 2025 NMFC changes took effect on July 19, 2025. NMFTA identifies ClassIT+ as its official classification tool and advises using accurate measurements rather than estimates.
Official references:
NMFTA density calculation guidance: https://nmfta.org/news/classification-101-mastering-the-precise-process-of-classifying-freight/
NMFTA 2025 disposition bulletin containing the 13-tier scale: https://nmfta.org/wp-content/media/2025/03/Disposition-Bulletin-1371-1.pdf
NMFTA guidance on confirming freight class: https://nmfta.org/standards/classification/nmfc/
NMFTA ClassIT+: https://classitplus.nmfta.org/
