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.

Density-only NMFC estimate for quick triage Metric and imperial input in the same tool Boundary warning when small measurement changes may shift class Shareable URL for team review

Important assumptions

This tool gives a density-only estimate. It does not include handling, stowability, liability, or item-specific NMFC rules.
The density scale used here is based on the NMFC density scale effective July 19, 2025.
Measure freight as tendered to the carrier. Include the pallet, crate, and outer packaging if they ship with the freight.
The density calculation is globally useful, but the freight-class system itself is specific to North American NMFC workflows.

How to use

  1. Choose a unit preset, then enter the shipped length, width, height, and weight.
  2. Review the calculated density in both lb/ft³ and kg/m³.
  3. Check the estimated freight class and matched density band.
  4. If the result is close to a band boundary, re-check measurements or packaging before quoting or booking.

Examples

Metric example for class 85

Input

120 × 100 × 120 cm, 300 kg

Output

Density 13.01 lb/ft³ (208.33 kg/m³), estimated freight class 85

Imperial example for class 100

Input

40 × 48 × 48 in, 500 lb

Output

Density 9.38 lb/ft³ (150.17 kg/m³), estimated freight class 100

Exact-boundary example

Input

48 × 24 × 36 in, 288 lb

Output

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 × height
  • Density = weight ÷ volume
  • Density (lb/ft³) = density (kg/m³) ÷ 16.01846337396
  • Estimated 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.