Freight class calculator
For most LTL freight, class follows density. Enter one handling unit's size and weight and this page works out the cubic feet, the density in pounds per cubic foot, and the class the current NMFC scale assigns to that density, plus how much weight would move it to the next class. It is an estimate: the NMFC item for your commodity governs the billed class. New to the terms? What is freight class? explains the system.
Your handling unit
Measure each handling unit (one pallet, one crate) at its greatest length, width and height, pallet and projections included. Density is figured per unit.
Bill of lading — copy these figures
The NMFC item for the commodity governs the billed class. Itemize mixed freight on the bill of lading; un-itemized mixed pallets are rated at the highest class present (NMFC Rule 640).
Dispute evidence checklist
If the carrier's bill differs from this estimate, gather this evidence before you dispute:
- Photo of the packed box or pallet with a tape measure across each side
- Photo of the package on a scale showing the weight
- The label or bill of lading copy with the dimensions and weight you entered
- The carrier's adjustment notice with the recorded dimensions
- A screenshot or printout of this result, with the date
- Photos of all six sides if the carrier claims damage or a nonrectangular shape
- Your scale and tape calibration notes, if you have them
How we got there
Worked example
A 48 × 40 × 50 in pallet at 600 lb, the example the freight guides use.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 48 × 40 × 50 = 96,000 in³ | 96,000 in³ |
| Cubic feet | 96,000 ÷ 1,728 | 55.56 ft³ |
| Density | 600 ÷ 55.56 | 10.80 lb/ft³ |
| Class | 10.80 falls in the 10 to under 12 band | 92.5 |
Full scale: freight class chart. Why classes move and how rebills happen: how to avoid freight reclass fees.
Questions
How is freight class calculated?
For density-based commodities, measure the handling unit's greatest length, width and height, multiply for cubic inches, divide by 1,728 for cubic feet, and divide the unit weight by the cubic feet. The density lands in one of 13 bands, and the band gives the class.
Is the class from this calculator the class I will be billed?
It is an estimate. The NMFC item written for your commodity governs the billed class, and handling, stowability or liability can move a shipment off its density class. Use the estimate to quote and to check the carrier's reading, not as a guarantee.
Why is my class not on the chart?
Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 have no density band. Specific NMFC items assign them to specific commodities. If your item carries one of those classes, the item number, not the density, is what belongs on the bill of lading.
What does adding weight do to the class?
Adding weight to the same footprint raises density, and higher density takes a lower class. The result panel shows how many pounds per unit would move this shipment to the next band down.
Sources
- NMFTA Disposition Bulletin 1371, Docket 2025-1 Subject 1 (13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025)
- NMFC Item 110 (density figured per handling unit)
- NMFTA dockets 2026-1 and 2026-2 (scale unchanged)
Rules last checked November 12, 2026 · How we check every figure