Free tool
Freight class calculator
Enter the length, width, height and weight of each piece and the tool gives you the density and an estimated freight class. It uses the 13 tier density scale in the NMFC, so you can check a class before you book an LTL shipment.
Enter the weight of one piece, pallet and packaging included. Quantity multiplies both the weight and the volume.
Result
Enter the dimensions and weight of at least one piece to see the density and class.
NMFC density scale
| Density (lb per cubic foot) | Class |
|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 0 to under 1 | 400 |
Why density decides most LTL classes
For most LTL freight, the class comes from density: the weight of the shipment divided by the space it takes up, in pounds per cubic foot. Light, bulky freight takes room on a trailer that heavier freight would pay for, so lower density means a higher class and a higher rate. Since July 19, 2025, the NMFC uses a 13 tier density scale for many items that used to have their own class. Measure the shipment as it will travel, pallet and packaging included, because the carrier will measure it that way too, and a wrong class on the bill of lading is a common reason for a reclassification charge.
Know where every shipment is, not just what class it is
Getting the class right sets the rate. Knowing where the truck is keeps the customer happy after that. High Point GPS fleet tracking shows each vehicle's live location, trips and stops, and keeps a history of every delivery. FleetZap, our own software, adds dispatch with route planning, a live tracking link for the customer and proof of delivery.
Get a quoteTips for an accurate class
Measure at the widest and tallest points, including the pallet, shrink wrap and any overhang. Round up to the next full inch, as carriers usually do.
Weigh the whole handling unit on a scale rather than adding up product weights. Pallets and packaging add more weight than most people expect.
Check whether the item has its own NMFC item number. If it does, that entry decides the class, not this density estimate.
Write the class and the NMFC item number on the bill of lading. A missing or wrong class is easy for the carrier to correct, at your cost.
Freight class questions
- How do I calculate freight density?
- Multiply length, width and height in inches, then divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide the total weight in pounds by the cubic feet. The result is density in pounds per cubic foot. For several pieces, add up the weights and the cubic feet first, then divide once for the whole shipment.
- What changed in the NMFC in 2025?
- On July 19, 2025, the National Motor Freight Classification moved many items to a density based scale with 13 tiers, up from 11. Many commodities that had a fixed class are now classed by density instead. Some items still keep their own class, so check the NMFC entry for what you ship.
- Is the class from this calculator final?
- No. It is an estimate based on density alone. If your item has its own NMFC item number, that entry sets the class. The carrier's tariff and its own inspection decide what you are billed, and carriers can reweigh and remeasure a shipment and reclassify it if the bill of lading is wrong.
- Does a higher freight class cost more?
- Generally, yes. Higher classes cover lighter, bulkier or harder to handle freight, and carriers charge more per hundred pounds for them. The actual rate also depends on the distance, the total weight, the carrier's tariff and any discount you have negotiated, so two shipments of the same class can cost different amounts.
- Can I use metric measurements?
- Yes. Switch the calculator to metric and enter centimetres and kilograms. The tool converts them to inches and pounds behind the scenes, because the NMFC density scale is set in pounds per cubic foot. The estimated class is the same whichever units you enter the measurements in.