Freight Class CalculatorLTL Freight Density Calculator — 2025 NMFC 13-Tier Scale
Freight density = weight (lb) ÷ volume (cubic feet), where cubic feet = length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728.
Get your shipment’s density in pounds per cubic foot and the matching LTL freight class on the updated 13-tier NMFC density scale that took effect July 19, 2025. Works in inches and pounds or centimetres and kilograms, for one pallet or several.
Shipment dimensions
Measure at the widest points including the pallet and any overhang, and round each dimension up to the next whole inch.
11.25 lb/ft³ from 600 lb in 53.33 cubic feet (dimensions rounded up to 48″ × 40″ × 48″).
Mid-density freightWhere you fall on the 13-tier density scale
Bars run from the lightest freight (Class 400) to the densest (Class 50). Your class is highlighted.
2025 NMFC density scale
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class | Your shipment |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 | |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 | |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 | |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 | |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 | |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 | |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 | ◀ 11.25 lb/ft³ |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 | |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 | |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 | |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 | |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 | |
| 50 or more | 50 |
How do you calculate freight class?
Freight density = weight (lb) ÷ volume (cubic feet), where cubic feet = length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728. Match the density to the NMFC scale to get the class. A 48 × 40 × 48 inch pallet weighing 600 lb is 53.33 cubic feet and 11.25 lb/ft³ — Class 92.5 on the 13-tier scale in effect since July 19, 2025.
Part of our Towing, Trucking & Freight calculators — for the core estimate, start with the Towing Capacity Calculator.
The 2025 NMFC density scale changes
On July 19, 2025, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association implemented NMFC Docket 2025-1, the largest freight classification overhaul in decades. It moved many commodities to density-based classification and expanded the standard density scale from 11 to 13 subprovisions, adding Classes 50 and 55 for very dense freight. Older calculators may still use the previous scale.
| Density (lb/ft³) | Class |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 |
| 1 to under 2 | 300 |
| 2 to under 4 | 250 |
| 4 to under 6 | 175 |
| 6 to under 8 | 125 |
| 8 to under 10 | 100 |
| 10 to under 12 | 92.5 |
| 12 to under 15 | 85 |
| 15 to under 22.5 | 70 |
| 22.5 to under 30 | 65 |
| 30 to under 35 | 60 |
| 35 to under 50 | 55 |
| 50 or more | 50 |
How to measure freight for class
Measure the whole shipment
Length, width and height at the widest points, including the pallet and any overhang.
Round up
Round each dimension up to the next whole inch, as carriers do.
Weigh it
Include the pallet, packaging and wrap.
Check the commodity
Some items still have commodity-specific NMFC classes; confirm in ClassIT+ or with your carrier.
Freight density formula
Cubic feet = cubic inches ÷ 1,728
Density (PCF) = total weight (lb) ÷ total cubic feet
Metric: cubic feet = cm³ ÷ 28,317 · pounds = kg × 2.20462
Running your own truck? The Trucking Cost Per Mile Calculator shows the minimum rate you need per loaded mile.
Example: one standard pallet
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 48 × 40 × 48 ÷ 1,728 | 53.33 ft³ |
| Density | 600 ÷ 53.33 | 11.25 lb/ft³ |
| Class | 10 to under 12 PCF | 92.5 |
| To reach Class 85 | 12 × 53.33 = 640 lb | add 40 lb, or cut height to about 45 in |
These match the calculator’s defaults.
How to lower your freight class
- Reduce empty space: right-size boxes and stack tightly to raise density.
- Avoid overhang — it counts in the dimensions.
- Consolidate pallets where possible.
- Classify accurately: carriers inspect and reweigh; misclassification can lead to reclass fees.
- Ask about density-based pricing or volume quotes for large shipments.
Estimating transit time for a delivery? The Travel Time Calculator adds driving breaks and an arrival time.
Related calculators
Freight Class Calculator FAQs
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 1,728 for cubic feet. Divide the weight in pounds by the cubic feet to get density, then match it to the NMFC density scale.
On the 2025 NMFC scale, 10 to under 12 lb/ft³ is Class 92.5.
From July 19, 2025, many commodities moved to density-based classification and the standard density scale grew from 11 to 13 tiers, adding Classes 50 and 55.
It depends on what you ship. Typical palletized mixed goods often fall between Class 70 and Class 125.
Yes. Include the pallet, packaging and wrap in the weight and the pallet in the dimensions.
Lower classes are denser freight, which is easier to load efficiently. Higher classes — light, bulky items — take more space per pound.
Yes. Carriers generally measure at the widest points and round fractions up to the next inch.
Not always. Some commodities have specific NMFC classes based on handling, stowability or liability. Check ClassIT+ or your carrier.
LTL rates depend on freight class, weight, distance, accessorials such as liftgate or residential delivery, and fuel surcharges. A lower class from higher density usually means a lower rate per hundredweight.
About the developer
Manzoor Ahmad
Web Designer & Calculator Developer · 13+ years of web development and SEO experienceI’m a professional pharmacist turned tech geek, and I designed and coded this freight class calculator myself. The density breaks follow the NMFTA’s published 13-subprovision scale, and the page says plainly when a commodity rule might override the density result.
Found a number that looks wrong, or want a feature added? Tell me through my author page — corrections are fixed and re-dated.
Sources
- NMFTA — Decoding density: the freight factor you can’t afford to overlook
- FedEx Freight — Freight class calculator and NMFC changes
- Cahoot — 2025 NMFC changes for LTL freight
Disclaimer: This estimates density-based freight class only. Some commodities have specific NMFC classifications. Carriers may inspect, reweigh and reclassify shipments. Confirm with ClassIT+ or your carrier before shipping.
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