LTL Freight Class & Density Calculator
Determine your exact National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) shipping class and pallet density in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) to secure accurate Less-Than-Truckload carrier rates.
Shipment Dimensions & Weight
NMFC Classification Summary
Instant Pallet Classification
Enter your total pallet weight and extreme outer dimensions to determine your NMFC class code and density calculation.
Understanding NMFC Freight Classes in 2026
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carriers in the United States classify freight into 18 distinct numbered categories ranging from Class 50 (densest and least expensive to ship) to Class 500 (lightest, most voluminous, and most expensive). Because space in a semi-trailer is limited by both weight (80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight) and volume (roughly 3,000 to 3,500 cubic feet), carriers price shipments largely by density.
The 18 Standard NMFC Freight Classes & Density Table
| Freight Class | Density Range (lbs/cu ft) | Typical Commodity Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 50 | Over 50 lbs/cu ft | Steel bolts, heavy nuts, lead, cast iron fittings |
| Class 55 | 35 – 50 lbs/cu ft | Bricks, cement bags, hardwood flooring, building stone |
| Class 60 | 30 – 35 lbs/cu ft | Car parts, engines on skids, glass sheets, chemicals |
| Class 65 | 22.5 – 30 lbs/cu ft | Bottled beverages, ceramic tile, books, printer paper |
| Class 70 | 15 – 22.5 lbs/cu ft | Car accessories, food items, electrical components |
| Class 77.5 | 13.5 – 15 lbs/cu ft | Tires, bathroom fixtures, packaged machinery |
| Class 85 | 12 – 13.5 lbs/cu ft | Heavy transmissions, cast iron cookware, cased goods |
| Class 92.5 | 10.5 – 12 lbs/cu ft | Computers, packaged monitors, refrigerators |
| Class 100 | 9 – 10.5 lbs/cu ft | Boat covers, wine cases, canvas goods, car hoods |
| Class 110 | 8 – 9 lbs/cu ft | Framed canvas art, cabinet components |
| Class 125 | 7 – 8 lbs/cu ft | Small appliances, exhaust pipes, vending equipment |
| Class 150 | 6 – 7 lbs/cu ft | Assembled wooden furniture, sheet metal ducts |
| Class 175 | 5 – 6 lbs/cu ft | Clothing in boxes, padded chairs, mattresses |
| Class 200 | 4 – 5 lbs/cu ft | Televisions, aircraft parts, aluminum ladders |
| Class 250 | 3 – 4 lbs/cu ft | Bamboo furniture, display cases, model kits |
| Class 300 | 2 – 3 lbs/cu ft | Wood cabinets, model airplanes, light fixtures |
| Class 400 | 1 – 2 lbs/cu ft | Deer antlers, light plastic items, kayak shells |
| Class 500 | Less than 1 lb/cu ft | Ping pong balls, gold leaf, low-density foam, feathers |
The Freight Density Formula Explained
Calculating freight density involves two simple mathematical steps:
Density (PCF) = Total Gross Weight(lbs) ÷ Cubic Feet
For example, a 48″ × 40″ pallet standing 48 inches tall with a total scale weight of 600 lbs has a volume of 53.33 cubic feet and a density of 11.25 lbs/cu ft, which falls cleanly into Class 92.5.