Freight Class Calculator 2026 | NMFC Density Lookup | Free

  • Adam
  • January 18, 2026

Calculate your NMFC freight class instantly! Free calculator uses density to determine LTL shipping class 50-500. Save on shipping with accurate classification.

📦 Freight Class Calculator

Calculate NMFC Freight Class Based on Density

Updated: January 2026 | NMFC Standards | By: OmniCalculator.Space Team

📊 Understanding Freight Class

The freight class calculator helps shippers and logistics professionals determine the correct NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) code for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipments in 2026. Freight class ranges from 50-500 and is primarily based on density—the ratio of weight to cubic feet. Higher density items receive lower freight classes, which means lower shipping costs. This calculator instantly converts your package dimensions and weight into density (PCF), then matches it to the appropriate freight class. Accurate classification prevents costly carrier re-weighs and reclassification fees, saving you money on every shipment.

📝 How to Use the Freight Class Calculator

  1. Select Unit System: Choose Imperial (inches/pounds) or Metric (centimeters/kilograms) based on your measurements.
  2. Enter Package Dimensions: Input the length, width, and height of your shipment. Use the outer dimensions of the packaging, not the product itself.
  3. Enter Total Weight: Input the actual weight of your shipment in pounds (or kilograms if using metric).
  4. Specify Quantity: If shipping multiple identical units, enter the number of units to calculate total density.
  5. Select Commodity Type: Optionally select a commodity type—some products have fixed NMFC classes regardless of density.
  6. Click Calculate: View your freight class, density, and cost factor with a visual class meter.
💡 Tip: Always measure to the furthest points of your package (including pallets, stretchwrap, and any protrusions). Carriers measure billable dimensions, not box labels!
🚚 NMFC Freight Class Calculator
📏 Imperial (in/lbs)
📐 Metric (cm/kg)

📦 Package Dimensions

Some commodities have fixed NMFC classes regardless of density
Your Freight Class
50
High Density / Lowest Cost
Density: 0 lbs/cu ft
Class 50 (Cheap) Class 500 (Expensive)
Density
0
Cubic Feet
0
Total Weight
0
Cost Factor
1.0x

💡 What This Means

Your shipment falls into Class 50, the lowest and most affordable freight class. This is typical for very dense, heavy items that are easy to handle and unlikely to be damaged.

📐 Freight Class Formula & Calculation Method

Freight Density (PCF)

Density (PCF) = Weight (lbs) ÷ Cubic Feet

Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). This is the primary factor determining freight class. Higher PCF = lower freight class = lower shipping cost.

Cubic Feet from Inches

Cubic Feet = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1,728

1,728 is the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot (12 × 12 × 12). For metric: 1 cubic meter = 35.3147 cubic feet.

Complete Density Formula

PCF = Total Weight ÷ [(L × W × H) ÷ 1,728]

This combined formula calculates density directly from dimensions (inches) and weight (pounds). The result determines which NMFC class applies to your shipment.

📊 Freight Class Examples

Example 1: Machine Parts Pallet (Class 50)

Scenario: A manufacturer ships a pallet of steel machine parts.

Inputs: Dimensions: 48" × 40" × 24" | Weight: 1,200 lbs

Calculation:

  • Cubic Feet = (48 × 40 × 24) ÷ 1,728 = 26.67 cu ft
  • Density = 1,200 ÷ 26.67 = 45 PCF

Result: Freight Class 55 (35-50 PCF range) — Very low cost, ideal for heavy, compact shipments

Example 2: Electronics Shipment (Class 92.5)

Scenario: A tech company ships boxed computer monitors.

Inputs: Dimensions: 40" × 36" × 48" | Weight: 600 lbs

Calculation:

  • Cubic Feet = (40 × 36 × 48) ÷ 1,728 = 40 cu ft
  • Density = 600 ÷ 40 = 15 PCF

Result: Freight Class 70 (15-22.5 PCF range) — Moderate cost, typical for electronics

Example 3: Furniture Shipment (Class 175)

Scenario: A furniture retailer ships assembled sofas.

Inputs: Dimensions: 84" × 36" × 36" | Weight: 300 lbs

Calculation:

  • Cubic Feet = (84 × 36 × 36) ÷ 1,728 = 63 cu ft
  • Density = 300 ÷ 63 = 4.76 PCF

Result: Freight Class 200 (4-5 PCF range) — Higher cost due to low density. Consider disassembling to reduce class.

📊 NMFC Freight Class Chart 2026

ClassDensity (PCF)Cost FactorExamples
5050+ lbsLowestBricks, steel, cement
5535-50 lbs1.1xHardwood flooring
6030-35 lbs1.2xCar parts, beverages
6522.5-30 lbs1.3xCar accessories, bottled water
7015-22.5 lbs1.4xFood items, furniture
77.513.5-15 lbs1.5xTires, bathroom fixtures
8512-13.5 lbs1.65xCrated machinery
92.510.5-12 lbs1.8xComputers, monitors
1009-10.5 lbs2.0xBoat covers, car covers
1108-9 lbs2.2xCabinets, framed art
1257-8 lbs2.5xSmall appliances
1506-7 lbs3.0xAuto sheet metal
1755-6 lbs3.5xClothing, couches
2004-5 lbs4.0xAuto parts, electronics
2503-4 lbs5.0xMattresses
3002-3 lbs6.0xFurniture, wood cabinets
4001-2 lbs8.0xDeer antlers
500<1 lbHighestPing pong balls, gold dust

Source: National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) - Official NMFC Classification

💡 Important Tips for Freight Class

  • Measure Accurately: Always measure to the outermost points including pallets, stretch wrap, and any protrusions. Carriers re-measure and will charge corrections.
  • Increase Density: Use smaller boxes, vacuum bags for soft goods, or disassemble furniture to increase density and lower your freight class.
  • NMFC Codes: Some commodities have fixed classes regardless of density. Check the NMFC database for product-specific codes before shipping.
  • Request Density-Based Pricing: Many carriers offer density-based pricing that can be cheaper than class-based pricing for certain shipments.
  • Avoid Reclassification Fees: Under-reporting dimensions or weight leads to carrier inspections and correction fees. Be accurate upfront.
  • Consolidate Shipments: Combining multiple items into one shipment often yields better overall density and lower freight class.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is freight class?
Freight class is a standardized classification system (NMFC) used by LTL carriers to price shipments. It ranges from 50-500, based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. Lower class = lower cost.
How is freight class calculated?
Freight class is primarily based on density (weight ÷ cubic feet). Higher density items get lower classes (cheaper). A 50+ lb/cu ft shipment is Class 50; under 1 lb/cu ft is Class 500.
Why does freight class matter?
Freight class directly affects shipping cost. A Class 500 shipment can cost 10x more than Class 50 for the same weight. Accurate classification also prevents carrier re-classification fees.
What is PCF in freight shipping?
PCF stands for Pounds per Cubic Foot and measures freight density. Calculate PCF by dividing total weight (lbs) by total volume (cubic feet). Higher PCF means higher density and lower freight class.
What happens if I use the wrong freight class?
Carriers perform random inspections and re-measurements. If your shipment is reclassified, you'll be charged the correct rate plus correction fees. Repeated errors may result in carrier audits.
How do I lower my freight class?
Increase density by using smaller packaging, removing excess air, disassembling bulky items, or consolidating multiple items into one shipment. Higher density always means lower freight class.
What is an NMFC code?
NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) codes are product-specific identifiers maintained by the NMFTA. Some products have fixed classes regardless of density. You can look up codes in the NMFC database.
Is this calculator accurate for all shipments?
This calculator uses official NMFTA density-to-class mapping and is accurate for density-based freight. Some commodities have fixed NMFC codes—check the official database for product-specific classifications.

📚 Official Resources

Created by Omnicalculator.space — Your trusted source for shipping and logistics calculators.

Last Updated: January 2026 | NMFTA Classification Standards

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