Freight Class Calculator
Shipment density and estimated NMFC freight class under the 2025 density rules — the full 13-class chart with your band highlighted. Inputs stay in the URL — bookmark your shipment.
L × W × H as it ships — pallet and overhang included.
Whole handling unit — freight + pallet/crate.
Estimated freight class
Class 1009.38 lb/ft³
// density math
ft³ = (L × W × H) ÷ 1728 × 1 = 53.33
density = 500 lb ÷ 53.33 ft³ = 9.38 lb/ft³ → class 100
Estimate for density-classified commodities. Freight with handling, stowability or liability provisions keeps its commodity-specific NMFC class — confirm the NMFC item with your carrier or NMFTA ClassIT before quoting.
Density is a packing outcome. Pack tighter, drop a class.
Stack the pallet higher and squeeze the air out in 3D — the planner shows exactly how high and heavy each pallet can go.
Optimise the pallet in 3DNMFC freight class chart (2025 density scale)
The 13 sub-provision density scale in force since July 19, 2025 (NMFC Docket 2025-1). Your shipment’s band is highlighted.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Freight class | Sub |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ 50 | Class 50 | 13 |
| 35 – < 50 | Class 55 | 12 |
| 30 – < 35 | Class 60 | 11 |
| 22.5 – < 30 | Class 65 | 10 |
| 15 – < 22.5 | Class 70 | 9 |
| 12 – < 15 | Class 85 | 8 |
| 10 – < 12 | Class 92.5 | 7 |
| 8 – < 10 | Class 100 | 6 |
| 6 – < 8 | Class 125 | 5 |
| 4 – < 6 | Class 175 | 4 |
| 2 – < 4 | Class 250 | 3 |
| 1 – < 2 | Class 300 | 2 |
| < 1 | Class 400 | 1 |
How to calculate freight class
1. Measure as it ships
Length × width × height of the whole handling unit — pallet included, to the extreme points. Overhang counts; so does the pallet under the freight.
2. Cubic feet = L × W × H ÷ 1,728
Dimensions in inches; 1,728 cubic inches per cubic foot. Multiply by the number of identical units.
3. Density = weight ÷ cubic feet
Total weight in pounds over total cubic feet, in lb/ft³ (pcf). This single number sets the class for density-rated freight.
4. Read the chart — lower class, cheaper rate
Find the density band above. Dense freight (class 50–85) rates cheaper per pound than light bulky freight (class 250–400), because it uses less trailer space per pound.