Freight Class Calculator 2026
Calculate NMFC Freight Class Based on Density for LTL Shipping
Based on official NMFTA classification standards
Enter Shipment Dimensions & Weight
Freight Class Calculation Results
How to Calculate Freight Class
- Measure Dimensions: Measure length, width, and height of each piece in inches (at the longest/widest/tallest points).
- Calculate Cubic Feet: Multiply L × W × H, then divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet.
- Weigh the Shipment: Get the total weight of all pieces in pounds.
- Calculate Density: Divide total weight by total cubic feet (lbs per cubic foot = PCF).
- Determine Freight Class: Match density to NMFC freight class chart (higher density = lower class = lower rates).
- Consider Other Factors: Stowability, handling, and liability may affect final classification.
Freight Class Calculation Formulas
Cubic Feet Calculation
Density Calculation (PCF)
Dimensional Weight
Billable Weight
NMFC Freight Class Chart 2026
| Freight Class | Density (PCF) | Cost Factor | Example Commodities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 50 | 50+ lbs/cu ft | Lowest | Bricks, sand, nuts/bolts, steel sheets |
| Class 55 | 35-50 lbs/cu ft | Low | Hardwood flooring, cement, mortar |
| Class 60 | 30-35 lbs/cu ft | Low | Car parts, bottled beverages, books |
| Class 65 | 22.5-30 lbs/cu ft | Low-Medium | Auto accessories, boxed food, tiles |
| Class 70 | 15-22.5 lbs/cu ft | Medium | Machinery, food items, car engines |
| Class 77.5 | 13.5-15 lbs/cu ft | Medium | Tires, bathroom fixtures |
| Class 85 | 12-13.5 lbs/cu ft | Medium | Crated machinery, cast iron stoves |
| Class 92.5 | 10.5-12 lbs/cu ft | Medium-High | Computers, monitors, refrigerators |
| Class 100 | 9-10.5 lbs/cu ft | High | Boat covers, car covers, wine cases |
| Class 110 | 8-9 lbs/cu ft | High | Cabinets, framed artwork, table saws |
| Class 125 | 7-8 lbs/cu ft | High | Small household appliances |
| Class 150 | 6-7 lbs/cu ft | Higher | Auto sheet metal parts, bookcases |
| Class 175 | 5-6 lbs/cu ft | Higher | Clothing, couches, stuffed furniture |
| Class 200 | 4-5 lbs/cu ft | Very High | Auto sheet metal parts, aircraft parts |
| Class 250 | 3-4 lbs/cu ft | Very High | Bamboo furniture, mattresses, plasma TVs |
| Class 300 | 2-3 lbs/cu ft | Very High | Wood cabinets, tables, chairs setup |
| Class 400 | 1-2 lbs/cu ft | Highest | Deer antlers, ping pong balls |
| Class 500 | <1 lb/cu ft | Highest | Low-density freight, gold dust bags |
Factors Affecting Freight Class
📦 Density
The most important factor. Weight per cubic foot (PCF). Higher density = lower class = lower cost.
🏗️ Stowability
How easily freight fits with other cargo. Irregular shapes, hazmat, or oversized items may increase class.
🤲 Handling
Special care requirements. Fragile items or those needing special equipment affect classification.
💰 Liability
Value and damage susceptibility. High-value or easily damaged goods may have higher class.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Freight class is a standardized classification system (NMFC) used by LTL carriers to determine shipping rates. Classes range from 50 (lowest cost, highest density) to 500 (highest cost, lowest density). The class is determined by density, stowability, handling requirements, and liability.
Density = Weight (lbs) ÷ Volume (cubic feet). First calculate cubic feet: (Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 1,728. Then divide total weight by cubic feet to get pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Higher PCF = lower freight class = lower shipping cost.
Freight class directly affects shipping costs. A lower class (50-70) costs significantly less than higher classes (200-500). Accurate classification prevents billing disputes, reweighs, and reclassifications that can result in unexpected charges. Many carriers perform random audits.
Dimensional (DIM) weight is calculated using a formula: (L × W × H) ÷ DIM factor (typically 139 for domestic). Carriers bill the greater of actual weight or DIM weight. This prevents shippers from paying low rates for large, lightweight packages that take up truck space.
While NMFC classes are standardized, you can negotiate FAK (Freight All Kinds) agreements with carriers. FAK allows you to ship multiple commodity types under a single agreed-upon class. This is common for shippers with consistent, high-volume freight.
Carriers may perform inspections and reclassify your freight, resulting in billing adjustments, reclassification fees, and potential penalties. Always err on the side of accuracy. When in doubt, work with your carrier or use their classification tools before shipping.
The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) number is a specific code assigned to each type of commodity. It provides detailed classification criteria including packaging requirements and specific class assignments. The NMFC database is maintained by NMFTA and requires a subscription.
Increase density by: using smaller packaging, consolidating shipments, palletizing efficiently, removing excess void fill, and compressing products where possible. Denser shipments = lower class = lower cost. Also consider FAK agreements for regular shipments.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) combines multiple shipments from different shippers; pricing based on freight class, weight, and distance. FTL (Full Truckload) is for shipments that fill an entire trailer (10,000+ lbs typically); pricing is per mile/truck, not by class.
Most LTL carriers use NMFC freight classifications. However, some carriers use density-based pricing instead, which calculates rates purely on weight and dimensions without class assignments. Parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx) use dimensional weight for packages.
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Last Updated: January 2025 | NMFC Standards 2026