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✓ Editorially reviewed by Derek Giordano, Founder & Editor · BA Business Marketing

Freight Class Calculator

Name: Freight Class Calculator
Author: Derek Giordano

Density in pounds per cubic foot and the LTL freight class on the 13-tier NMFC scale

Updated October 2026

Freight class for density-rated items comes from pounds per cubic foot: total weight ÷ (length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728). A 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet weighing 2,800 lb is 53.33 cubic feet and 52.5 lb per cubic foot, so on the NMFC scale that took effect July 19, 2025 it is Freight class 50 (52.5 PCF), the densest class. At 35 to under 50 PCF it would be class 55.

The 13-Tier NMFC Density Scale (Effective July 19, 2025)

NMFTA Docket 2025-1, approved March 14, 2025 (Disposition Bulletin 1371), moved many commodities to a standard 13-subprovision density scale and added classes 50 and 55 for the densest freight:

Sub	Density, lb per cubic foot	Class
1	Less than 1	400
2	1 but less than 2	300
3	2 but less than 4	250
4	4 but less than 6	175
5	6 but less than 8	125
6	8 but less than 10	100
7	10 but less than 12	92.5
8	12 but less than 15	85
9	15 but less than 22.5	70
10	22.5 but less than 30	65
11	30 but less than 35	60
12	35 but less than 50	55
13	50 or greater	50

Higher classes cost more per hundredweight, because light, bulky freight fills a trailer before it reaches its weight limit. Items still classed by handling, stowability or liability keep their own NMFC item classes; check the item in NMFTA’s ClassIT or with your carrier.

How Density Is Calculated: a Worked Example

Measure the shipment as tendered, pallet included, at its longest, widest and highest points: 48 × 40 × 48 inches.
Multiply and divide by 1,728 cubic inches per cubic foot: 92,160 ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 cubic feet.
Divide the total weight, pallet included, by the volume: 2,800 ÷ 53.33 = 52.5 lb per cubic foot.
Find the range on the scale: 50 or greater is sub 13, class 50.

Shipments Across the Scale

Shipment	Cubic feet	Density (PCF)	Class
Pallet of canned goods, 48 × 40 × 48 in, 2,800 lb	53.33	52.50	50
Same pallet, 1,900 lb	53.33	35.62	55
Furniture, 48 × 40 × 60 in, 400 lb	66.67	6.00	125
Mixed pallet, 48 × 40 × 52 in, 900 lb	57.78	15.58	70
Just under a break: 48 × 40 × 48 in, 790 lb	53.33	14.81	85
Same pallet with 810 lb	53.33	15.19	70
Two pallets of lamps, 48 × 40 × 72 in, 300 lb total	160.00	1.88	300

The 790 and 810 lb pallets show a density break: 20 more pounds moves the same pallet from 14.81 to 15.19 PCF and from class 85 to class 70, which can lower the rate per hundredweight enough to cost less in total. The calculator shows how much weight, or how much less height, reaches the next class.

Mistakes That Trigger Reclassification

Measuring the freight without the pallet. Carriers measure the handling unit as tendered, pallet and overhang included.
Using the box size, not the extreme dimensions. Overhanging cartons and uneven tops count at their highest and widest points.
Assuming every item is density-rated. Some commodities keep fixed classes; the NMFC item number decides.
Guessing weight. Carriers reweigh and re-measure with dimensioners; a corrected bill of lading usually brings an inspection or reclassification fee.
Not stacking. A non-stackable pallet may be charged for the space above it under carrier rules.

What This Calculator Does Not Cover

It applies the standard density scale only. It does not look up NMFC item numbers, handle items with their own classes or density scales with different breaks, apply carrier tariffs, cubic-capacity or linear-foot rules, minimum charges, accessorials, or freight-all-kinds agreements. The NMFC is a subscription publication maintained by NMFTA; dockets change items several times a year, so confirm the class with ClassIT or your carrier before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is freight class calculated?

For density-rated items, divide the total weight by the volume in cubic feet (length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728) and look up the pounds per cubic foot on the NMFC scale.

What is freight class 70?

Under the 2025 standard scale, class 70 covers density of 15 to under 22.5 pounds per cubic foot.

What changed in the July 2025 NMFC update?

Docket 2025-1 put many items on a 13-tier density scale and added classes 50 and 55 for freight of 50 PCF or more and 35 to under 50 PCF.

What does NMFC stand for?

National Motor Freight Classification, the standard maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) that assigns classes to commodities moving by LTL carriers.

How do I find my NMFC item number?

Use NMFTA’s ClassIT tool (subscription) or ask your LTL carrier; the item determines whether density or another rule sets the class.

Does the pallet count in freight density?

Yes. Weigh and measure the shipment as tendered, pallet included.

How to Use This Calculator

Measure the shipment — length, width and height in inches at the extreme points, pallet included.
Weigh it — total weight in pounds, pallet included.
Enter the number of identical pieces — if the shipment is several pallets of the same size and weight.
Read the class — volume, density, the density range and freight class, and what reaches the next class.

🧮This calculator is part of our Business Calculators collection.

📚 Sources & References

[1] NMFTA. Disposition Bulletin 1371, Docket 2025-1 (approved Mar 14, 2025; effective Jul 19, 2025). nmfta.org
[2] NMFTA. ClassIT and the National Motor Freight Classification (accessed Oct 2026). nmfta.org

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