Freight Class Calculator

Enter what actually goes on the truck — including the pallet, the wrap and any overhang — and this returns density, cubic feet, CBM and the NMFC class that density lands in.

This applies the standard NMFC density scale. For density-based items that is the class. For everything else, density is the starting point and the item number decides — see below.

What the number means

Freight class is how less-than-truckload carriers price space. The NMFC sorts commodities into 18 classes from 50 to 500, and the direction confuses people: a lower number is a cheaper rate. Dense, sturdy, stackable freight sits at 50–70. Light, bulky or fragile freight climbs toward 500.

Density does most of the work, which is why it is the only factor you can compute yourself. The other three are judgements the NMFC has already made about your commodity:

• Stowability — can it load next to other freight, stack, and fit normal equipment?
• Handling — does it need care, special equipment or extra labour?
• Liability — value per pound, and the risk it damages neighbouring freight.

The density scale this uses

50 lb/cu ft and above	class 50
35 – 50	class 55
30 – 35	class 60
22.5 – 30	class 65
15 – 22.5	class 70
13.5 – 15	class 77.5
12 – 13.5	class 85
10.5 – 12	class 92.5
9 – 10.5	class 100
8 – 9	class 110
7 – 8	class 125
6 – 7	class 150
5 – 6	class 175
4 – 5	class 200
3 – 4	class 250
2 – 3	class 300
1 – 2	class 400
under 1	class 500

How to measure so the carrier agrees with you

Carriers run dimensioners now — automated scanners that measure and weigh every pallet crossing the dock. A re-class bill weeks after delivery is almost always a measuring problem, not a pricing dispute:

• Measure the loaded pallet, not the product. The shrink-wrapped dome on top is chargeable space.
• Include overhang. A carton hanging two inches past the pallet edge makes the whole footprint bigger.
• Weigh it on a scale, not off the purchase order.
• Re-measure when packaging changes. Last quarter's class is not evidence.

The longer version, including why NMFC item numbers matter more than the class you guessed, is in freight class explained.

Common questions

How do you calculate freight class?

Measure the shipment at its widest points including the pallet and any overhang, multiply length by width by height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Divide the total weight in pounds by those cubic feet and you have density in pounds per cubic foot. That density maps to a class on the NMFC density scale, from class 50 at 50 lb per cubic foot and above, down to class 500 under 1 lb per cubic foot.

Is freight class only about density?

No. Density is the dominant factor and the only one you can calculate yourself, but the NMFC also weighs stowability, handling and liability. An item that is fragile, hazardous, awkwardly shaped or high in value per pound can carry a class higher than its density alone suggests. For density-based NMFC items the calculated class is the class; for others, check the item number.

Does a lower freight class mean a cheaper rate?

Yes. Class 50 is the cheapest to ship and class 500 the most expensive. Dense, sturdy, stackable freight rates low; light, bulky or fragile freight rates high. That is why packing tighter and reducing cube usually saves twice - less space bought and a better class.

Why did my carrier re-class my shipment?

Carriers run dimensioners at their terminals that measure and weigh every pallet crossing the dock. If the bill of lading disagrees with the machine, the shipment gets re-rated and an inspection fee is added. The usual causes are guessing the class, measuring the product but forgetting the pallet, wrap and overhang, or taking the weight off a purchase order instead of a scale.

Related: pallet & container calculator · demurrage calculator · LTL freight · standard pallet dimensions