Freight Class Calculator
Enter each handling unit's dimensions and weight to get its density and the estimated NMFC freight class on the density scale in force since July 19, 2025.
How is freight class calculated?
Density = weight of the handling unit including the pallet (lb) ÷ its volume in cubic feet (length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728). The density sets the class on the NMFC 13-tier scale: under 1 lb per cubic foot is class 400, 50 lb per cubic foot or more is class 50. A 48×40×45" pallet weighing 450 lb is 50 cubic feet, 9.00 pcf, class 100.
Handling units
| Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Weight per unit (lb) | Qty | Density | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.00 pcf | 100 |
Measure the greatest dimensions including the pallet, overhang and projections, and weigh the unit with its pallet. Fractional inches are used as entered.
Each handling unit is classed on its own density; the whole-shipment figure applies when the bill of lading shows only a total weight.
Estimate based on the NMFC standard 13-sub density scale. Your commodity's NMFC item may carry a different class or scale (handling, stowability, liability). Confirm with your carrier or NMFTA ClassIT+.
NMFC freight class chart (density scale)
The standard NMFC density scale, in force since July 19, 2025. Each band includes its lower bound and runs up to, but not including, the next ("X but less than Y"): exactly 15 pcf is class 70.
| Sub | Density (lb per cubic foot) | Class | Before July 19, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 1 | 400 | 400 |
| 2 | 1 but less than 2 | 300 | 300 |
| 3 | 2 but less than 4 | 250 | 250 |
| 4 | 4 but less than 6 | 175 | 175 |
| 5 | 6 but less than 8 | 125 | 125 |
| 6 | 8 but less than 10 | 100 | 100 |
| 7 | 10 but less than 12 | 92.5 | 92.5 |
| 8 | 12 but less than 15 | 85 | 85 |
| 9 | 15 but less than 22.5 | 70 | 70 |
| 10 | 22.5 but less than 30 | 65 | 65 |
| 11 | 30 but less than 35 | 60 | 60 |
| 12 | 35 but less than 50 | 55 | 60 |
| 13 | 50 or greater | 50 | 60 |
What changed in 2025
NMFTA Docket 2025-1 took effect on July 19, 2025. It expanded the standard density scale from 11 to 13 subprovisions by splitting the old top band (30 pcf or more = class 60) into 30 to under 35 pcf (class 60), 35 to under 50 pcf (class 55) and 50 pcf or more (class 50). About 2,000 commodity items were canceled and folded into density-based items. The bands below 30 pcf did not change.
Since then, Docket 2026-1 (effective May 23, 2026) reworked commodity items such as clocks, glassware and business machines, not the density scale. Docket 2026-2, with its public meeting on September 29, 2026, proposes about 33 changes, including a new rule for mixed shipments; the density scale is not among them.
When density does not decide the class
The 13-tier scale applies to items without special handling, stowability or liability characteristics. Items that have them are classed on those characteristics and may carry their own class or their own density scale. That is where classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 come from: the standard density scale never produces them. The final class is the one in your commodity's NMFC item, or the one your carrier agreement sets (freight-all-kinds agreements sit outside the NMFC).
Freight class: frequently asked questions
What is freight class?
Freight class is the rating the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) gives a commodity for LTL shipping. There are 18 classes, from 50 to 500. Since July 19, 2025 most items are classed by density on a 13-tier scale, from class 400 for freight under 1 lb per cubic foot to class 50 for freight of 50 lb per cubic foot or more; items with special handling, stowability or liability characteristics are classed on those.
How do you calculate freight density?
Multiply the handling unit's greatest length, width and height in inches, including the pallet and any overhang, and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet. Then divide the weight of the unit as tendered, pallet included, by the cubic feet. NMFTA's example: a 48" × 40" × 45" pallet is 86,400 cubic inches, or 50 cubic feet; at 450 lb that is 9.00 lb per cubic foot, which is class 100.
What changed in the NMFC freight classes in 2025?
Docket 2025-1, in effect since July 19, 2025, expanded the density scale from 11 to 13 subprovisions and added classes 55 and 50. The old top band, 30 pcf or more = class 60, became 30 to under 35 pcf (class 60), 35 to under 50 pcf (class 55) and 50 pcf or more (class 50). About 2,000 commodity-specific items were canceled and folded into density-based items.
Why can my freight class differ from the density class?
Commodities with handling, stowability or liability characteristics keep a class, or a density scale, of their own in their NMFC item. Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 only come from such items: the standard density scale never produces them. Look up your commodity's NMFC item (NMFTA's ClassIT+) or ask your carrier for the final class.
Does freight density include the pallet?
Yes. The NMFC rule uses the weight of the handling unit as tendered for shipment, so the pallet's weight counts. The dimensions are the greatest straight-line length, width and height including all projections, so measure the outermost points of the loaded pallet, overhang included.
How do you class a shipment with several pallets?
Each handling unit is classed on its own density. Only when the shipping papers show just a total weight for all handling units may the density be calculated from the total weight and the total cube. The calculator shows the class of each line and of the whole shipment.
Is there a new freight class chart for 2026?
No. The 13-tier density scale has not changed since July 19, 2025. Docket 2026-1, effective May 23, 2026, reworked commodity items such as clocks, glassware and business machines, and Docket 2026-2 (public meeting September 29, 2026) proposes changes that include a mixed-shipment rule, not a new density scale.