Freight Class (NMFC Density) Calculator

How it works

Density (lb/ft³) = weight ÷ (L × W × H ÷ 1,728); class from the NMFC density scale: ≥50 → 50, 35–50 → 55, 30–35 → 60, 22.5–30 → 65, 15–22.5 → 70, 13.5–15 → 77.5, 12–13.5 → 85, 10.5–12 → 92.5, 9–10.5 → 100, 8–9 → 110, 7–8 → 125, 6–7 → 150, 5–6 → 175, 4–5 → 200, 3–4 → 250, 2–3 → 300, 1–2 → 400, <1 → 500

Less-than-truckload carriers in the US price by freight class, an 18-step scale from 50 (dense, durable, easy to handle) to 500 (light, bulky or fragile). Since the 2025 NMFC changes most commodities without special handling, liability or stowability concerns are classed purely by density, which is why this calculator asks only for dimensions and weight. Class 50 goods weigh over 50 lb per cubic foot; class 500 under 1 lb. Because the rate per hundredweight roughly doubles between class 70 and class 150, shrinking a pallet’s cube — lower stacks, tighter cartons, no overhang — often saves more than negotiating a discount. Measure the longest, widest and tallest points including the pallet and any overhang, since carriers re-weigh and re-measure and bill the higher class.

Worked example

Two pallets 48 × 40 × 48 in at 600 lb each: 53.3 ft³ and 11.25 lb/ft³ per pallet → class 92.5. Compressing each to 42 in tall would push density over 12 lb/ft³ and drop it to class 85.

Frequently asked questions