Freight Class Calculator
Calculate your freight class based on shipment dimensions and weight. Freight class determines LTL shipping rates and is based on density (pounds per cubic foot).
Enter Shipment Details
Results
Enter weight and dimensions to calculate freight class
Note: This calculator provides an estimated freight class based on density alone. Actual NMFC classification also considers handling, stowability, and liability. Always verify with the official NMFC classification.
Look up official NMFC codes via API →How to Calculate Freight Class
Measure Dimensions
Measure the length, width, and height of your shipment in inches. Include any packaging, pallets, or crating.
Calculate Density
Divide the weight (lbs) by the cubic feet (L × W × H ÷ 1,728). Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
Determine Class
Match your density to the corresponding freight class. Higher density = lower class = lower cost. Classes range from 50 to 500.
Density-Based Freight Class Table
| Freight Class | Density Range (lbs/ft³) | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50+ | Lowest |
| 55 | 35-50 | Very Low |
| 60 | 30-35 | Low |
| 65 | 22.5-30 | Low-Medium |
| 70 | 15-22.5 | Medium-Low |
| 77.5 | 13.5-15 | Medium |
| 85 | 12-13.5 | Medium |
| 92.5 | 10.5-12 | Medium-High |
| 100 | 9-10.5 | High |
| 110 | 8-9 | High |
| 125 | 7-8 | Higher |
| 150 | 6-7 | Higher |
| 175 | 5-6 | Very High |
| 200 | 4-5 | Very High |
| 250 | 3-4 | Premium |
| 300 | 2-3 | Premium |
| 400 | 1-2 | Premium+ |
| 500 | <1 | Highest |
Tap a class number for a full guide to that freight class. New to this? Start with Freight Class Explained.
Worked example
A pallet of boxed goods weighs 500 lbs and measures 48 × 40 × 48 in:
Drop the weight to 250 lbs and density halves to 4.7 lbs/ft³ → Class 175 - the same pallet costs more because it is lighter for its size.
Why freight class matters
Freight class is the single biggest input to an LTL quote. A wrong, too-low class is the most common cause of a reclassification fee: the carrier re-weighs and re-measures your shipment, re-rates it at the correct (higher) class, and bills the difference plus an inspection charge - often after delivery. Getting the class right up front from real density avoids surprise charges and billing disputes.
This calculator estimates class from density alone, which is the dominant factor for most commodities. The official NMFC also weighs stowability, handling, and liability, and some commodities have a fixed class regardless of density - confirm the exact NMFC code for your commodity before you ship.
Freight class FAQ
How is freight class calculated?
Freight class is based mainly on density: divide your shipment's weight in pounds by its volume in cubic feet (L × W × H ÷ 1,728). Higher density means a lower class and a lower rate. The 18 classes run from 50 (densest) to 500 (lightest, bulkiest).
What are the 18 freight classes?
50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, and 500. Lower numbers are denser, cheaper-to-ship freight; higher numbers are light, bulky, or high-liability.
Is freight class the same as NMFC code?
No. The NMFC code is the article number identifying the commodity; the freight class (50–500) is the rating assigned to it. Look up the commodity on the NMFC lookup page to find both.
Is this freight class calculator free?
Yes - it is completely free with no signup. For programmatic classification across 3,000+ NMFC articles, use the NMFC API on any plan.
Automate Freight Classification with Our API
Integrate NMFC classification lookup into your TMS, ERP, or shipping application. Search over 3,000 NMFC articles with sub-item density breakdowns via a simple REST API.
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