LTL
Freight Class Calculator
This calculator totals packaged shipment weight and volume, calculates pounds per cubic foot, and maps the result to the current public 13-band density scale. Density (pcf) = total packaged weight (lb) / total packaged volume (ft3). It follows the NMFTA 13-sub density scale effective July 19, 2025.
Estimate density-based LTL freight class for one or more handling units using the current 13-band NMFTA scale.
Enter shipment details
Planning result
Estimated density-based class 100
- Total volume
- 53.33 ft3 / 1.51 m3
- Total weight
- 500 lb / 226.8 kg
- Aggregate density
- 9.38 pcf / 150.17 kg/m3
- Density band
- 8 to under 10 pcf
Four-factor classification warning: NMFC classification depends on density, stowability, handling, and liability. A density-only estimate can be wrong when any of the other three factors or a commodity rule governs, which can result in carrier reclassification fees.
Density-only estimate. NMFC classification depends on four factors: density, stowability, handling, and liability. Commodity provisions, packaging, tariffs, and carrier rules can also change the official class.
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What this calculator returns
Use this freight class calculator to estimate the density-based class of packaged LTL freight. It is built for shippers, brokers, warehouse teams, and buyers who need a transparent planning answer before requesting a rate. Enter the outside dimensions, gross weight, and quantity of each handling unit to calculate aggregate density and the corresponding post-July-2025 density band.
How this is calculated
The calculator converts each handling unit to cubic feet from its greatest packaged dimensions. It multiplies volume and gross weight by quantity, adds all rows, and divides total weight by total volume.
Density is only one of the four transportation characteristics used in NMFC classification. The complete classification analysis considers density, stowability, handling, and liability. A commodity item, note, rule, unusual packaging condition, or carrier tariff can therefore produce a different class from the density-only estimate shown here.
Density (pcf) = total packaged weight (lb) / total packaged volume (ft3).
Variable definitions
- L, W, H
- The greatest outside length, width, and height of each packaged handling unit, including pallet, overhang, wrap, and projections.
- Q
- The number of identical handling units represented by a row.
- Wgt
- Gross packaged weight per handling unit, including the pallet or skid.
- D
- Aggregate density in pounds per cubic foot, calculated as total packaged weight divided by total packaged volume.
Worked example
A pallet measuring 48 inches long by 40 inches wide by 45 inches high occupies 86,400 cubic inches. Dividing by 1,728 cubic inches per cubic foot gives 50.00 cubic feet. If the packaged pallet weighs 450 pounds, density is 450 divided by 50.00, or 9.00 pounds per cubic foot.
On the post-July-2025 13-band scale, 9.00 pcf falls in the 8 to under 10 pcf band, producing a density-based estimate of class 100. This does not prove that class 100 is the correct NMFC class for the commodity. Confirm the item and governing provisions in NMFTA ClassIT+ or with a qualified carrier or classification professional.
How to interpret the result
Use the displayed band to check whether a small change in dimensions or weight could cross a class boundary. Because carriers measure the handling unit as tendered, under-recorded overhang or pallet height can overstate density and understate the estimated class.
Near the result, the tool repeats the four-factor warning because classification errors can cause inspection, reclassification, and additional charges. Treat the result as a screening value, not an authoritative NMFC item lookup.
What to measure
Use the outside packaged dimensions as the shipment will be tendered. Include pallets, skids, cartons, wrapping, overhang, and projections. Weigh the complete packaged unit, not only its contents. When pieces differ, create a separate row or calculation for each size and weight combination.
Assumptions and limitations
This is a planning estimate, not an official NMFC classification. Commodity rules, packaging, handling, stowability, liability, carrier tariffs, and contract terms can change the official class.
- It does not identify an NMFC item number or commodity-specific subprovision.
- It does not evaluate stowability, special handling needs, susceptibility to damage, theft risk, or other liability characteristics.
- It does not apply carrier tariffs, customer-specific pricing rules, minimum charges, inspection tolerances, or packaging requirements.
- It assumes every entered dimension and weight describes the complete packaged handling unit accurately.
Rules and sources used
Frequently asked questions
Is freight class determined only by density?
No. NMFC classification considers density, stowability, handling, and liability. Density-based provisions are common, but an item rule or another transportation characteristic can govern.
Why can a carrier reclassify my freight?
A carrier may inspect the commodity, packaging, dimensions, weight, NMFC item, and applicable rules. A mismatch between tendered information and the governing classification can lead to reclassification charges.
Should the pallet weight be included?
Yes. Use the gross packaged weight and the greatest outside dimensions of the shipment exactly as tendered, including the pallet, wrap, overhang, and projections.
Where can I confirm the authoritative NMFC item?
NMFTA owns and maintains the NMFC. Use NMFTA ClassIT+ or obtain classification guidance from the carrier or a qualified classification professional.