Freight class calculator
This freight class calculator estimates your LTL class from the weight and dimensions of each pallet, using the 13-tier NMFC density scale in effect since July 19, 2025. Add as many pallets or pieces as you need; the class comes from the density of the whole shipment.
- Several pallets or pieces, each with a quantity
- Inches or centimeters, pounds or kilograms
- Density and estimated class for each row and the total
Last updated
How to use the freight class calculator
- Measure each pallet or piece as it will ship: longest, widest and tallest points, with the pallet and any overhang included.
- Choose inches or centimeters and pounds or kilograms, then enter length, width, height and the weight of one piece.
- Set the quantity for identical pieces, and add a row for each different size.
- Read the estimated class for the whole shipment. The rows below it show which piece is light for its size.
How freight class is worked out
For most items, freight class now comes straight from density: how many pounds the shipment weighs for each cubic foot of space it takes. The calculator finds the cubic feet of every piece, adds up the weight and the volume, and divides one by the other.
cubic feet = length × width × height (inches) ÷ 1,728
density = total weight (lb) ÷ total cubic feet
The density is then matched to the 13-tier scale below. Centimeters are divided by 2.54 to get inches, and kilograms by 0.45359237 to get pounds, before the sums.
Worked example
One pallet of 48 × 40 × 48 in at 500 lb, plus two pallets of 48 × 40 × 36 in at 300 lb each.
- First pallet: 48 × 40 × 48 = 92,160 cubic inches ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 cu ft. Density 500 ÷ 53.33 = 9.38 pcf.
- Second size: 48 × 40 × 36 = 69,120 cubic inches ÷ 1,728 = 40 cu ft each, so 80 cu ft for two. Density 600 ÷ 80 = 7.50 pcf.
- Totals: 500 + 600 = 1,100 lb and 53.33 + 80 = 133.33 cu ft.
- Shipment density: 1,100 ÷ 133.33 = 8.25 pcf, which is in the 8 to under 10 band.
The estimated class is 100. On their own, the shorter pallets would be class 125 (6 to under 8 pcf), which is why they show up in the per-row results.
Freight class chart (2025 density scale)
Since July 19, 2025 (NMFC Docket 2025-1), most freight without special handling needs is classed by density on these 13 tiers. The higher the density, the lower the class and the rate.
| Density (lb per cu ft) | Estimated class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 50 or more | 50 |
Some items keep an item-specific class because of how hard they are to handle or stow, or how easily they are damaged. Those classes are in the NMFC itself, which is licensed by the NMFTA, so LTL Math does not list them. Your carrier or the NMFTA can tell you whether your item has one.
Measuring tips that change the class
- Measure the pallet, not the boxes. Include the pallet and any overhang. A 48 × 40 pallet with cartons hanging over to 50 × 42 is billed at 50 × 42.
- Measure at the greatest points. Carriers measure each handling unit at its longest, widest and tallest points, so a bulge or a corner sticking up counts.
- Include the pallet weight. A wooden pallet adds weight that counts toward density, so weigh the loaded pallet.
- Tidy loads class lower. Squaring off cartons and trimming overhang shrinks the cubic feet, which raises density and can drop the class a tier.
Common questions
How do I calculate freight class?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet. Match that density to the scale: a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet at 500 lb is 9.38 pcf, which is class 100.
How do I calculate freight class for multiple pallets?
Add the weight of every pallet and add the cubic feet of every pallet, then divide total weight by total cubic feet. One 500 lb pallet of 53.33 cu ft and two 300 lb pallets of 40 cu ft each come to 1,100 lb ÷ 133.33 cu ft = 8.25 pcf, class 100.
What freight class is 10 pounds per cubic foot?
Class 92.5. On the 2025 scale, 10 to under 12 pounds per cubic foot is class 92.5, and 8 to under 10 is class 100.
What changed in the July 2025 NMFC update?
Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025, moved many items to density-based classes and replaced the older 11-tier scale with 13 tiers. The new tiers include classes 92.5 and 65, and anything under 1 pound per cubic foot is class 400.
Where can I find my NMFC item number?
From the NMFC, which the NMFTA licenses, or from your carrier. LTL Math does not publish NMFC item numbers. If your item is density-based, the class from this calculator is a good estimate; the carrier assigns the final class.
Why did my carrier bill a different class?
Carriers reweigh and remeasure freight, and some items have an item-specific class that ignores density. If the inspected size or weight differs from the bill of lading, the carrier reclasses the shipment and may add a fee.
Sources
- DTS: Breaking down the July 2025 NMFC changes. The 13-tier density scale from NMFC Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025. Last checked 28 October 2026.
- NMFTA: National Motor Freight Classification. Classes 50 to 500, set by density, handling, stowability and liability.
- NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.9 (conversion factors). 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly; 1 lb = 0.4535924 kg; 1 cu ft = 0.02831685 m³.
See the methodology page for how LTL Math builds and checks its calculators.