Free US LTL calculator · 2025 NMFC density scale
Freight class calculator
Calculate freight class and density from weight and dimensions with this free LTL freight class calculator. Get PCF, the 2025 NMFC class, and the weight or cube needed to reach the next cheaper tier — for pallets, boxes, and drums.
- Effective July 19, 2025
- Pallets, boxes, and drums
- US and metric units
- No signup or uploads
Shipment details
One line per size or product. Results update as you type.
Units & conversion
Auto-converts when you switch.
Enter dimensions and gross weight to get started.
Quick answer
A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet at 425 lb is 53.33 ft³ and 7.97 lb/ft³ (PCF) — Class 125 on the 2025 scale. Add 1.7 lb at the same cube to reach Class 100.
The method
How to calculate freight class from weight and dimensions
Here is how to determine freight class for density-rated LTL freight: measure the handling unit, divide gross weight by cube, and match the result to the 2025 NMFC density scale. The calculator does the arithmetic and shows the boundaries.
The density formula
Cube is length × width × height in inches divided by 1,728. Density is gross pounds divided by cubic feet; the result is pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Never round the density before lookup — rounding is display-only.
Read the full guide: how to calculate freight class.
Planning trailer space? Use the linear feet calculator. Shipping parcels? Use the dimensional weight calculator.
Cube
L × W × H (in) ÷ 1,728 = ft³
Density (PCF)
gross lb ÷ total ft³ = lb/ft³ (PCF)
Class
density → 13-tier 2025 NMFC band
Cylinder
diameter × diameter × height ÷ 1,728
Bounding-box cube — the space the drum occupies, not its liquid capacity.
Density & PCF
Freight density calculator and PCF lookup
PCF means pounds per cubic foot, the same unit as lb/ft³. An LTL freight density calculator divides gross weight by cube; a PCF calculator is the same math under a different name. Use the lookup below for a quick answer, or enter your shipment above for the exact result.
What freight class is 15 PCF?
15 PCF is Class 70 on the 2025 NMFC scale. The Class 70 band runs from 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³, so 15 PCF sits at the bottom of the band; 20 PCF is also Class 70. On a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet (53.33 ft³), 15 PCF is 800 lb gross.
Boundaries are inclusive at the bottom: exactly 8.0 PCF is Class 100, while 7.99 PCF is Class 125.
Need the full table? Open the 2025 freight class chart with pallet weight equivalents and legacy classes.
Quick lookup
Common PCF values → 2025 class
| PCF (lb/ft³) | 2025 class |
|---|---|
| 8 PCF | Class 100 |
| 10 PCF | Class 92.5 |
| 12 PCF | Class 85 |
| 15 PCF | Class 70 |
| 20 PCF | Class 70 |
| 30 PCF | Class 60 |
| 50 PCF | Class 50 |
Use the calculator for values between rows.
Reference
The 2025 NMFC density scale (13 tiers)
This is the scale the calculator uses, effective July 19, 2025. The lower bound of each band is inclusive, so 8.0 PCF is Class 100 and 7.99 PCF is Class 125.
50 or greater lb/ft³
35 to under 50 lb/ft³
30 to under 35 lb/ft³
22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³
15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³
12 to under 15 lb/ft³
10 to under 12 lb/ft³
8 to under 10 lb/ft³
6 to under 8 lb/ft³
4 to under 6 lb/ft³
2 to under 4 lb/ft³
1 to under 2 lb/ft³
Less than 1 lb/ft³
The NMFC still lists 18 classes; 13 are density outputs. The 5 commodity-only classes (77.5, 110, 150, 200, 500) remain for commodity-specific items.
Pallets
Freight class calculator for pallets
A pallet is a handling unit: the freight plus its pallet, packaging, and wrap. Measure it as tendered, not as the cartons inside it. GMA (48 × 40 in) and Euro presets add the deck footprint, height, and weight.
Six mistakes that change the class
Net weight instead of gross
The pallet, cartons, banding, and wrap count. Leaving them out lowers density and can push the shipment into a higher class.
Carton dimensions instead of the pallet
A carton on a 48 × 40 pallet occupies the pallet footprint. Measure the handling unit as it will be loaded.
Rounding the height down
A 48.5-inch load is not 48 inches. At the same weight, half an inch can cross a density boundary.
Combining unlike pallets on one line
Different pallets can average into a class that no single handling unit deserves. Enter each size separately.
Using an old 18-class chart
The 2025 scale does not return these commodity-only classes for density: 77.5, 110, 150, 200, 500.
Assuming the combined class is the rate
A carrier may rate each handling unit separately or apply the highest class to a mixed shipment. Check the assumption.
Building the pallet? Use the pallet weight and cube calculator to get the finished height and gross weight first.
Classification
Freight class lookup, NMFC codes, and carrier reclass
A density result is only part of the rating. The NMFC item and the carrier’s reclass process decide what actually bills.
How to find the NMFC code for freight class
- 1. Describe the commodity, packaging, and piece count.
- 2. Search the NMFC or ClassIT+ for the item.
- 3. Confirm the current item number with your carrier.
The NMFC commodity lookup gives the classification basis and a density-based class span for common commodities, but it does not publish unverified item numbers.
Why did my carrier change my freight class?
- • A reweigh found a different gross weight.
- • A re-dimension found a taller or wider handling unit.
- • The NMFC item requires a different class.
Compare the carrier’s weight and dimensions with the BOL. If they differ, use photos, the scale ticket, and your original measurement to dispute the reclass.
FAQ
Freight class FAQ
Definitions, the density formula, and what each class number means. For sources and scope, see methodology.
Freight class basics
What is freight class?
Freight class is a pricing tier from 50 to 500 that LTL carriers use to rate a shipment. The NMFC assigns it from density, handling, stowability, and liability. Density drives most palletized freight.
How to determine freight class?
Measure the handling unit, divide gross pounds by cubic feet, and match the density to the 2025 NMFC scale. For most density-rated freight that is the class; the NMFC item can still override it.
What is my freight class?
Enter each handling unit’s dimensions and gross weight above. The calculator returns a class per line and a combined class from total weight and cube. A carrier may rate each unit separately or apply the highest line class.
What is the formula to calculate freight class?
Cube is length × width × height in inches ÷ 1,728. Density is gross pounds ÷ cube. Example: 48 × 40 × 48 in at 425 lb is 53.33 ft³, 7.97 PCF, Class 125.
Class numbers explained
What does freight class 300 mean?
Class 300 covers 1 to under 2 lb/ft³ — about 53 to 107 lb on a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet. Higher class numbers mean lower density and usually higher rates.
What is a 250 freight class?
Class 250 covers 2 to under 4 lb/ft³ — about 107 to 213 lb on a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet. It is denser than Class 300, so it usually rates lower.
What is class 500 freight?
Class 500 is the highest NMFC class and is commodity-specific, not a density result. The 2025 density scale never returns it; it applies only when a commodity’s NMFC item specifies it.
What is class 70 in freight?
Class 70 covers 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³ — about 800 to 1,200 lb on a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet. It is common for dense, stackable freight.
What is class 400 freight?
Class 400 covers less than 1 lb/ft³ — under 53.3 lb on a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet. It is the least dense class the calculator returns.
Using the calculator
Is this a free freight class calculator?
Yes. No account, email capture, or paywall. The calculator runs in your browser; a share link stores the shipment in the URL.
Which density scale does the calculator use?
The 13-tier NMFC density scale effective July 19, 2025. It never returns the 5 commodity-only classes from a density lookup.
Can I calculate a mixed shipment with different pallets?
Yes. Enter one line per distinct size and weight. The calculator shows a per-line class plus a combined class from total weight and cube. A carrier may rate each handling unit separately or apply the highest line class.
Can I use centimeters and kilograms?
Yes. Switch the dimension unit to cm and the weight unit to kg. The calculator converts to inches and pounds internally, so density and class do not change.
How accurate is the result?
It is a density-based estimate, not an official NMFC classification. The NMFC item, handling, stowability, liability, and carrier tariff can change the rating.
Sources
Scale: NMFTA 2025 NMFC changes. Reclass guidance: carrier tariffs and published freight-class references. By the FreightClassHub editorial team. Last updated November 11, 2026. FreightClassHub is independent and not affiliated with the NMFTA or any carrier.