Freight class calculator
For freight without special handling, stowability or liability concerns, NMFC freight class follows density: the weight in pounds divided by the volume in cubic feet, pallet included. Since July 19, 2025, the 13-band scale runs from class 400 below 1 lb per cubic foot down to class 50 at 50 lb or more.
Measure the whole unit, pallet included, at its longest, widest and tallest points.
Class100
Density-based class at 9.4 lb per cubic foot
48 × 40 × 48 in is 53.3 cubic feet. 500 lb ÷ 53.3 = 9.38 lb per cubic foot, in the 8 to under 10 band.
To reach class 92.5, add 33 lb at this size, or build the unit no taller than 45.0 in.
- 400 Under 1
- 300 1 to under 2
- 250 2 to under 4
- 175 4 to under 6
- 125 6 to under 8
- 100 8 to under 10
- 92.5 10 to under 12
- 85 12 to under 15
- 70 15 to under 22.5
- 65 22.5 to under 30
- 60 30 to under 35
- 55 35 to under 50
- 50 50 or more
How freight class is worked out
- Measure the handling unit at its longest, widest and tallest points, with the pallet.
- Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet.
- Divide the total weight in pounds, pallet included, by the cubic feet.
- Find that density on the 13-band scale. The band gives the class.
48 × 40 × 48 in ÷ 1,728 = 53.33 ft³500 lb ÷ 53.33 ft³ = 9.38 lb/ft³, class 100
Still building the load? The pallet calculator works out how many cartons fit on a pallet and how tall the stack gets, which are the height and weight you need here. Importing the goods? Add freight to the unit cost with the landed cost calculator.
The 13-band density scale
In effect since July 19, 2025, for items without unusual handling, stowability or liability characteristics. Each band includes its lower number and stops just below the next.
| Sub | Density, lb per cubic foot | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under 1 | 400 |
| 2 | 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 | 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 5 | 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 6 | 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 7 | 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 8 | 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 9 | 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 10 | 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 11 | 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 12 | 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 13 | 50 or more | 50 |
When density isn’t the whole answer
Density sets the class only for items without unusual handling, stowability or liability characteristics. Fragile, oddly shaped or high-value goods, and commodities with their own NMFC entries, can be classed differently. Look up your item before you book.
Carriers can inspect, measure and weigh a shipment and reclass it when the bill of lading is wrong, which can mean a back charge. Measure to the inch at the widest points, include the pallet in the height and weight, and weigh the finished unit.
Small enough to go as parcels instead? Compare the carriers’ billable weight with the dimensional weight calculator.
Common questions
How do I calculate freight density?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the weight in pounds by that number. Measure the whole handling unit, pallet included, at its longest, widest and tallest points. A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 500 lb is 53.3 cubic feet and 9.4 lb per cubic foot, which is class 100.
What changed in the NMFC on July 19, 2025?
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s Docket 2025-1 changes took effect that day. Many more commodities now take their class from density, using the 13-band scale on this page. NMFTA’s ClassIT+ tool is where to look up the rules for your item.
Does the pallet count toward density?
Yes. Include the pallet in both the weight and the height. Leaving it out is one of the most common measuring mistakes, and it makes the shipment look denser than the carrier will find it.
Can a carrier change my freight class?
Yes. Carriers can inspect, measure and weigh a shipment and reclass it if the class on the bill of lading is wrong, which can mean a back charge. Measure to the inch and weigh the finished unit before you book.
Is density the only thing that sets freight class?
No. Items with unusual handling, stowability or liability characteristics, and items with their own NMFC entries, can be classed differently. This calculator gives the density-based class; check your item’s NMFC entry before you book.
Sources
- NMFTA: Decoding density (the 13-subprovision density scale)
- NMFTA: NMFC changes in effect July 19, 2025
- NMFTA: NMFC classification FAQs
Checked 2026-10-28. Rules change; confirm with the carrier or agency before you rely on a number.
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