Freight Class Calculator

Enter the dimensions and approximate weight of the pallet or freight to estimate the freight class, volume, and density.

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Freight Class

Volume

ft³

m³

Density

lb/ft³

kg/m³

Learn how we calculated this below

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How to Calculate Freight Class

Cargo shipped in the United States is assigned a freight class, which is assigned by the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). The NMFC is a standardized system for classifying freight defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).^[1]

To calculate freight class, start by finding the volume of the pallet and the weight. Then find the density and locate the freight class for the given density in the table below.

To find the freight volume, multiply the width, length, and height together. If the measurements were in feet this is the cubic footage.

volume = length × width × height

If the measurements were in inches, then divide by 1,728 to convert the volume to cubic feet. You can also use a cubic inches to cubic feet conversion calculator to convert.

Next, divide the weight in pounds by the volume in cubic feet to find the density. Try using a density calculator to simplify this process.

density = weight ÷ volume

For example, let’s calculate the freight volume for a pallet that is 48″ x 40″ x 48″ weighing 350 pounds.

volume = (48″ × 40″ × 48″) ÷ 1,728
volume = 92,160 cu in ÷ 1,728
volume = 53.33 cu ft

density = 350 lbs ÷ 53.33 cu ft
density = 6.56 lbs/cu ft

Thus, the density of this pallet is 6.56 pounds per cubic foot. Referencing the table below, the freight class is 150.

Characteristics Affecting the Freight Class

Freight class is partially determined by density as found above, but there are several characteristics that determine the freight class for a load.^[2] Because all of these characteristics are used to determine the freight class, a calculator such as the one above is only an estimate.

Density: the compactness of the load as measured in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter.

Stowability: how easily can the load be loaded and might be impacted by non-standard or difficult to transport shapes, regulations about the contents of the load, or the ability to transport the load with other cargo.

Handling: the amount of special attention or handling the load requires beyond typical cargo.

Liability: the probability of theft or damage for high value or fragile cargo.

Freight Class Table

There are 18 freight classes defined in the (NMFC) system as outlined in the table below.^[3]

Density ranges for each of the 18 freight classes
Freight Class	Density Range
Class 50	more than 50 lb/cu ft
Class 55	35-50 lb/cu ft
Class 60	30-35 lb/cu ft
Class 65	22.5-30 lb/cu ft
Class 70	15-22.5 lb/cu ft
Class 77.5	13.5-15 lb/cu ft
Class 85	12-13.5 lb/cu ft
Class 92.5	10.5-12 lb/cu ft
Class 100	9-10.5 lb/cu ft
Class 110	8-9 lb/cu ft
Class 125	7-8 lb/cu ft
Class 150	6-7 lb/cu ft
Class 175	5-6 lb/cu ft
Class 200	4-5 lb/cu ft
Class 250	3-4 lb/cu ft
Class 300	2-3 lb/cu ft
Class 400	1-2 lb/cu ft
Class 500	less than 1 lb/cu ft

For smaller packages that aren’t shipped via freight, try our dimensional shipping weight calculator to estimate the weight needed to calculate rates.

Freight Class Calculator

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On this page:

How to Calculate Freight Class

Characteristics Affecting the Freight Class

Freight Class Table

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