Freight Class Helper
Calculate density from freight dimensions and weight, then estimate freight class with the North American NMFC density scale.
Enter metric or imperial measurements, and review the result in both lb/ft³ and kg/m³.
Important assumptions
How to use
- Choose a unit preset, then enter the shipped length, width, height, and weight.
- Review the calculated density in both lb/ft³ and kg/m³.
- Check the estimated freight class and matched density band.
- If the result is close to a band boundary, re-check measurements or packaging before quoting or booking.
Examples
Metric example for class 85
120 × 100 × 120 cm, 300 kg
Density 13.01 lb/ft³ (208.33 kg/m³), estimated freight class 85
Imperial example for class 100
40 × 48 × 48 in, 500 lb
Density 9.38 lb/ft³ (150.17 kg/m³), estimated freight class 100
Exact-boundary example
48 × 24 × 36 in, 288 lb
Density 12.00 lb/ft³, estimated freight class 85
NMFC density scale
The estimate is based on the following density bands. Lookup is always done on the raw lb/ft³ value. kg/m³ is shown for convenience in global workflows.
| Freight Class | Density (lb/ft³) | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | >= 50.0 | >= 800.9 |
| 55 | 35.0 to < 50.0 | 560.6 to < 800.9 |
| 60 | 30.0 to < 35.0 | 480.6 to < 560.6 |
| 65 | 22.5 to < 30.0 | 360.4 to < 480.6 |
| 70 | 15.0 to < 22.5 | 240.3 to < 360.4 |
| 77.5 | 13.5 to < 15.0 | 216.2 to < 240.3 |
| 85 | 12.0 to < 13.5 | 192.2 to < 216.2 |
| 92.5 | 10.5 to < 12.0 | 168.2 to < 192.2 |
| 100 | 9.0 to < 10.5 | 144.2 to < 168.2 |
| 110 | 8.0 to < 9.0 | 128.1 to < 144.2 |
| 125 | 7.0 to < 8.0 | 112.1 to < 128.1 |
| 150 | 6.0 to < 7.0 | 96.1 to < 112.1 |
| 175 | 5.0 to < 6.0 | 80.1 to < 96.1 |
| 200 | 4.0 to < 5.0 | 64.1 to < 80.1 |
| 250 | 3.0 to < 4.0 | 48.1 to < 64.1 |
| 300 | 2.0 to < 3.0 | 32.0 to < 48.1 |
| 400 | 1.0 to < 2.0 | 16.0 to < 32.0 |
| 500 | < 1.0 | < 16.0 |
Glossary
Freight class
A North American NMFC classification used in LTL freight workflows.
Density
Weight divided by volume. This tool normalizes density to lb/ft³ for class lookup.
NMFC
National Motor Freight Classification, the freight-class standard used in North American LTL shipping.
Handling / stowability / liability
Factors that can affect actual class even when density is known.
Formulas
Volume = length × width × heightDensity = weight ÷ volumeDensity (lb/ft³) = density (kg/m³) ÷ 16.01846337396Estimated freight class = density band lookup on raw lb/ft³
FAQ
Does this tool return an official freight class?
No. It is a density-only estimate. Actual class can change when handling, stowability, liability, packaging, or item-specific NMFC rules apply.
Can I use it outside North America?
Yes for the density calculation itself. The freight-class system shown here is specifically for North American NMFC workflows.
What should I enter for palletized freight?
Enter the outer dimensions and weight exactly as the freight will be tendered to the carrier, including pallet, crate, and outer packaging if they ship together.
How should I read a result near a boundary?
Treat it as a warning sign. Small measurement changes, packaging changes, or reweighs may move the shipment into another band.
Which density scale is used here?
The density bands are based on the NMFC density scale effective July 19, 2025.
Notice
- This is a density-only estimate.
- Actual class may differ because of NMFC item rules, handling, stowability, liability, or packaging conditions.
- Measure the freight in the shipped condition, not the bare product dimensions.
- This tool does not estimate rates, accessorial charges, or final invoice totals.