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Freight Class Calculator for Owner Operators

Figure NMFC freight class from density (PCF) for LTL shipments, using the current 13-tier NMFC density scale.

Shipment Dimensions

lbs
in
in
in

Measure each unit at its longest, widest and tallest points, including the pallet and any overhang.

Enter dimensions and click Calculate Class

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How is freight class calculated?

Freight class for most LTL freight comes from density. Divide the shipment's weight in pounds by its volume in cubic feet. That gives pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Then look the result up on the NMFC density scale. Since July 19, 2025 the scale has 13 tiers, from Class 50 (50 PCF or more) to Class 400 (under 1 PCF). Some commodities keep a fixed class assigned to their NMFC item instead of using density.

  1. Measure the length, width and height of each handling unit in inches. Measure at the widest points and include the pallet.
  2. Multiply length x width x height and divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet per unit. Then multiply by the number of units.
  3. Divide the total weight in pounds by the total cubic feet to get PCF.
  4. Find the PCF in the table to read the class. A 500 lb, 48 x 40 x 48 inch pallet is 53.3 cubic feet, or 9.4 PCF. That is Class 100.
NMFC density scale, in effect since July 19, 2025
Density (PCF)Freight class
50 PCF or moreClass 50
35 to under 50 PCFClass 55
30 to under 35 PCFClass 60
22.5 to under 30 PCFClass 65
15 to under 22.5 PCFClass 70
12 to under 15 PCFClass 85
10 to under 12 PCFClass 92.5
8 to under 10 PCFClass 100
6 to under 8 PCFClass 125
4 to under 6 PCFClass 175
2 to under 4 PCFClass 250
1 to under 2 PCFClass 300
Under 1 PCFClass 400

Classes 77.5, 110, 150, 200 and 500 are not part of the density scale. They are assigned to specific commodity items. So are items with special handling, stowability or liability traits. Confirm your item's class with your carrier.

Last reviewed October 2026. Sources: NMFTA: NMFC classification FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Freight Class Calculator

What is freight class and why does it matter?
Freight class, running from 50 to 400 under the current NMFC density scale, sets how much it costs to ship LTL freight based mainly on density, along with handling, stowability and liability for some commodities. A lower class generally means cheaper shipping. Getting the class wrong can lead to a reclassification and an extra bill from the carrier.
How is freight class determined?
Most freight is classed by density, in pounds per cubic foot, using the NMFC density scale in effect since July 19, 2025. The scale runs from Class 50 at 50 or more pounds per cubic foot, through 13 tiers, up to Class 400 under 1 pound per cubic foot. Some commodities instead carry a fixed class assigned to their specific NMFC item rather than being classed by density, so confirm unusual freight with your carrier.
What happens if I use the wrong freight class?
The carrier can reweigh or re-inspect the shipment, reclassify it to the correct class, and bill you the rate difference plus a reclassification fee. Measuring and weighing accurately before you book is the best way to avoid this.
Can I negotiate my freight class?
No. Freight class itself is standardized under the NMFC, not something you negotiate directly. You can lower your shipping cost by improving packaging density, using a Freight All Kinds (FAK) agreement with your carrier, or negotiating the rate itself rather than the class.
How do I calculate freight density (PCF)?
Multiply length, width and height in inches, divide by 1,728 to get cubic feet, then divide the shipment's total weight in pounds by that cubic-foot figure to get pounds per cubic foot (PCF). A 48 x 40 x 48 inch pallet works out to about 53.3 cubic feet, so at 500 pounds it's under 10 PCF.
How do I calculate freight class for multiple pallets?
For pallets of the same commodity, calculate one density for the whole shipment: divide total weight by the total cubic feet across all units. If the pallets hold different commodities, they're typically classed as separate line items on the bill of lading, so calculate each one separately.

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Go Further With Freight Class Calculator

Guides, services and reference pages that go with this tool.

Terms explained in the Freight Class Calculator