Freight Class 500 — Density Range, Examples & Calculator

Freight class

500

Density range

under 1 lb/ft³

Class 500 covers freight with a density of under 1 lb/ft³. Typical examples: lowest-density freight: ping pong balls, foam products, bags of wood shavings. Higher classes cost more per pound because light, bulky freight consumes trailer space and damages more easily.

Check if your shipment is class 500

Handling units

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height (in)

Total weight (lb)

Density

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Cubic feet

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Estimated class

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Measure the handling unit as it ships — palletized freight includes the pallet's dimensions and weight. Density-based estimate; the NMFC commodity listing (handling, stowability, liability) can override it.

Neighboring classes

Class 400 (denser) · Full class chart & calculator

Is density the only factor?

No — density sets the baseline since NMFTA's 2025 changes, but commodities with special handling, stowability or liability characteristics keep their own NMFC listings. Confirm with the NMFC or your carrier before booking.