Freight class calculator for LTL shipments
This freight class calculator turns the size and weight of your pallets into the shipment’s density in pounds per cubic foot and the matching NMFC freight class. Since 19 July 2025 most less-than-truckload (LTL) freight in the United States is classed by density on a 13-step scale from class 50 (dense) to class 400 (very light), so density now decides the class for much of what ships.
Add one line or several (different pallet sizes, or many identical pallets), and you get the combined density and class, each line’s own class, and how much weight you would need to add, or volume to cut, to drop to the next lower (cheaper) class. It runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to use the Freight Class Calculator (US LTL)
- Choose inches and pounds or centimetres and kilograms. Keep the round-up box ticked unless your carrier measures exact sizes.
- Enter the number of identical units, the length, width and height of the loaded pallet (including overhang) and the weight of one unit.
- Add a line for each different size. The shipment result uses total weight over total volume.
- Read the class, density and the distance to the next class. Check it against the NMFC item and your carrier’s tariff.
Freight Class Calculator (US LTL) features
2025 density scale
All 13 density bands from the NMFTA density-based classification, including the new classes 50 and 55.
Multiple pallets
Mix sizes and quantities; combined density is total weight ÷ total cubic feet.
Next-class hint
Shows the weight to add or volume to remove to reach the next lower class.
Metric or imperial
Convert centimetres and kilograms to inches and pounds automatically.
The formula and the density table
Density = weight in pounds ÷ volume in cubic feet, where volume = length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet is 53.33 ft³; at 500 lb it is 9.375 lb/ft³, which falls in the 8 to under 10 band: class 100. The lower bound of each band belongs to that band, so exactly 10 lb/ft³ is class 92.5.
The table below is the density scale in NMFTA Docket 2025-1, effective 19 July 2025, as reproduced by carriers and checked on 19 October 2026. I could not open NMFTA’s own copy (the ClassIT+ service is subscription-based), so confirm it against NMFTA or your carrier’s tariff.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class | Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 or more | 50 | 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 | 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 | 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 | 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 | 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 | 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| under 1 | 400 |
Where density does not decide the class
The scale applies to freight with no handling, stowability or liability issues. Items that are fragile, hazardous, oversized or hard to stow may carry a fixed or special class, and classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 are assigned by item rather than density. The NMFC item number on your bill of lading and the carrier’s tariff govern, and a carrier can reweigh and remeasure, then re-class and rebill the shipment.
Measure the pallet as shipped, including overhang and the pallet itself. To check what fits on a pallet or a truck, use the pallet calculator and the truck load calculator; for parcel and air weight rules see volumetric weight.
Limits
- This is an estimate of the density-scale class, not a ruling. Only the NMFC item and the carrier’s tariff set the billed class and rate.
- It does not price the shipment; freight class affects the rate but the rate card is the carrier’s.
- If you ship different commodities on one pallet or bill, class each item separately as your carrier requires.
Freight Class Calculator (US LTL) FAQ
How do I calculate freight class?
Find density (weight in pounds ÷ cubic feet), then look it up in the NMFC density scale. 9.4 lb/ft³ is class 100, for example.
How do I calculate the class for multiple pallets?
Add all weights and all volumes, divide, and read the class. This tool does that, and also shows each line on its own.
What changed in 2025?
The density scale grew from 11 to 13 steps, with new classes 50 and 55 at the dense end, effective 19 July 2025.
Why is my carrier’s class different?
Carriers re-measure freight, round dimensions, and follow the NMFC item, which may be fixed rather than density-based. Their tariff governs.
Does lower class mean cheaper?
Generally yes: a lower class means lower rates on the same lane, which is why dense freight is classed lower.
Should I round dimensions up?
Many carriers round each side up to the next inch. The box is ticked by default; clear it to use exact sizes.