Freight class calculator
Freight class calculator: handling-unit density in pounds per cubic foot, mapped to the NMFC 13-band scale from 400 (under 1 lb/ft³) to 50 (50 lb/ft³ and up), effective 19 July 2025. Measure the unit as it ships, pallet included. The result is an estimate.
Handling unit
Density & class
Default: 48 × 40 × 36 in at 500 lb = 40 cu ft = 12.5 lb/ft³ → class 85. Density-based estimate on the NMFC 13-sub scale (effective 19 July 2025). Commodity listing, handling, stowability and liability can override it — do not treat 85 as a guaranteed BOL class.
Long light pallets? Check linear feet before you tender LTL.
Formula
- Cubic feet = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 1,728 × handling units.
- PCF = pounds ÷ cubic feet.
- Map PCF to the 13-band table. Example: 48 × 40 × 36 in at 500 lb = 40 cu ft = 12.5 PCF → class 85.
13-band NMFC density scale
FCDC full-density scale, Docket 2025-1, effective 19 July 2025. Last verified September 2026.
| Class | Density (lb/ft³) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 or greater | Bricks, steel bar, drums of hardware |
| 55 | 35 – <50 | Bagged cement, hardwood flooring |
| 60 | 30 – <35 | Bottled beverages, dense auto parts |
| 65 | 22.5 – <30 | Tile, cable, canned goods |
| 70 | 15 – <22.5 | Food products, compact machinery |
| 85 | 12 – <15 | Doors, crated machinery |
| 92.5 | 10 – <12 | Packaged electronics, some appliances |
| 100 | 8 – <10 | Packaged furnishings, wine cases |
| 125 | 6 – <8 | Small appliances, displays |
| 175 | 4 – <6 | Clothing, stuffed furniture |
| 250 | 2 – <4 | Light furniture, bulky household goods |
| 300 | 1 – <2 | Assembled chairs, wicker |
| 400 | less than 1 | Foam, empty totes, ping-pong balls |
Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 remain NMFC numbers for special-characteristic items; they are not outputs of this density scale.
Questions
Density says class 85. Can I put 85 on the BOL?
Only as a planning class. The default 48×40×36 in at 500 lb is 40 cu ft and 12.5 lb/ft³ → class 85 on the 13-band scale. The NMFC item for the commodity can still override (handling, stowability, liability). Carriers reweigh and reclass — a wrong class is an adjustment fee.
Do I include the pallet in L×W×H and weight?
Yes. Class the handling unit as it tends: 48×40 and height including the deck, weight including the wood. Measuring cartons only understates cube and can throw you into a cheaper class you will not keep.
When do I use linear feet instead of this class?
When a few light pallets stretch down the trailer (often around 12–20 linear feet depending on the tariff). Density class underprices space. Six GMA pallets are typically 12 linear feet — run the linear feet calculator before you tender LTL.
Where did class 77.5 go?
The 13-sub density scale (19 July 2025) does not emit 77.5, 110, 150, 200 or 500. Those numbers still exist on some commodity items. Old /freight-class-70 style URLs redirect here to the parent tool.