LTL
Freight Density Calculator
This calculator combines the greatest packaged dimensions, quantities, and weights of multiple handling units to find shipment density. Shipment density = sum of packaged weights / sum of packaged volumes. It follows a cited NMFTA source record captured 2026-08-12.
Calculate aggregate LTL freight density for mixed handling units in pcf and kg/m3.
Enter shipment details
Planning result
9 lb/ft3 aggregate density
- Total volume
- 50 ft3 / 1.416 m3
- Total weight
- 450 lb / 204.12 kg
- Aggregate density
- 9 pcf / 144.17 kg/m3
- Density band
- 8 to under 10 pcf
Measure greatest packaged dimensions, including pallet, overhang, and projections.
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What this calculator returns
Use this freight density calculator to find aggregate pounds per cubic foot and kilograms per cubic meter for one or more LTL handling units. It is intended for shippers, brokers, and warehouse teams checking bills of lading, comparing packaging options, or preparing a density-based freight class review with calculations performed in the browser.
How this is calculated
Each cargo row is converted to a common volume and weight basis. For imperial entries, cubic inches are divided by 1,728 to obtain cubic feet. Metric entries are converted to their imperial equivalents for the primary calculation, then the result is also expressed in kilograms per cubic meter. Row quantities are applied before totals are divided.
The method uses aggregate density, not an average of the individual row densities. Adding each row weight and each row volume first is important because a simple average would give a small handling unit the same influence as a large one.
Shipment density = sum of packaged weights / sum of packaged volumes.
Variable definitions
- V
- Total packaged volume across all rows, measured in cubic feet or cubic meters.
- W
- Total gross packaged weight across all rows, measured in pounds or kilograms.
- Q
- Quantity of identical handling units in a cargo row.
- D
- Aggregate density, where D equals total weight W divided by total volume V.
Worked example
One 48 by 40 by 45 inch pallet has 50.00 cubic feet of packaged volume. At 450 pounds, its density is 9.00 pounds per cubic foot. The metric equivalent is approximately 144.17 kilograms per cubic meter.
If a second 48 by 40 by 30 inch pallet weighs 600 pounds, it adds 33.33 cubic feet. The combined shipment is 1,050 pounds divided by 83.33 cubic feet, or 12.60 pcf. That aggregate answer differs from simply averaging the two individual densities.
How to interpret the result
Density describes how much gross packaged weight occupies a unit of space. It helps with LTL classification checks, storage planning, and comparison of packaging alternatives, but it does not describe whether the freight is stackable, fragile, hazardous, or difficult to handle.
Measure every unit at its greatest straight-line points. If cartons overhang a pallet, include that overhang. If stretch wrap, banding, machinery, or irregular projections extend the footprint or height, include those points as well.
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
Include the pallet, packaging, overhang, and every projection in the measurements tendered to the carrier.
- It does not determine an official NMFC class or NMFC item number.
- It treats each entered handling unit as a rectangular outer envelope, so unused space inside that envelope still counts.
- It does not account for measurement tolerances, carrier inspection procedures, or contract-specific density rules.
- It assumes the quantity and gross packaged weight for each row are complete and accurate.
Rules and sources used
Frequently asked questions
What does pcf mean?
Pcf means pounds per cubic foot. It is the shipment gross weight in pounds divided by the packaged volume in cubic feet.
Do I average the density of mixed pallets?
No. Add all packaged weights, add all packaged volumes, and divide the combined weight by the combined volume to get aggregate shipment density.
Do gaps and overhang count?
Use the greatest outside rectangular dimensions of each handling unit. Overhang and projections count because they occupy shipment space even when the envelope contains empty areas.
Can density alone confirm freight class?
No. Freight classification can also depend on stowability, handling, liability, commodity provisions, packaging rules, and carrier tariffs.