Step 1: Measure the packaged shipment
Measure the finished length, width, and height in inches, and use the total packaged weight in pounds.
Free LTL Freight Class Calculator
Current 13-Tier Scale
Effective July 19, 2025
Freight Class Calculator
Calculator Results
Understand Your Freight Class Result
Open the class-by-class guide for interpreting your density-based result.
Calculator Results
Understand Your Freight Class Result
Open the class-by-class guide for interpreting your density-based result.
Freight class is a rating category used for LTL shipments. Lower density-based classes generally reflect denser freight, while higher classes generally reflect lighter or lower-density freight. The class itself is not a freight price; carriers use class along with lane, weight, accessorials, discounts, and tariff rules to rate a shipment.
| Common Result | How to Read it |
|---|---|
| Class 50 | The highest-density result on this density scale. This range starts at 50.00 lb/cu ft or greater. |
| Class 55 | A very dense result. On this calculator's scale, Class 55 covers 35 to less than 50 lb/cu ft. |
| Class 70 | A relatively dense result. Class 70 covers 15 to less than 22.5 lb/cu ft on this density scale. |
| Class 85 or 92.5 | Middle density ranges. Class 85 covers 12 to less than 15 lb/cu ft, while Class 92.5 covers 10 to less than 12 lb/cu ft. Results near a threshold may move into a neighboring class with small dimension or weight changes. |
| Class 100 | A common mid-density result. On this density scale, Class 100 begins at 8.00 lb/cu ft. |
| Class 125 | A lighter result than Class 100. This calculator maps 6 to less than 8 lb/cu ft to Class 125. |
| Class 175 and higher | Lower-density results on this scale, generally using more cubic space per pound than lower-numbered classes. |
For a deeper look at freight density ranges and class brackets, see the Freight Class Chart page.Need only the density? Use the Freight Density Calculator.
Measurement Guide
How to Measure Freight for Freight Class
Open the full packaged-freight measurement checklist and visual guide.
Measurement Guide
How to Measure Freight for Freight Class
Open the full packaged-freight measurement checklist and visual guide.
Measure the shipment after it is fully packaged. Use the maximum outside length, width, and height, including the pallet or skid, packaging, wrap, and any overhang.
- Include the pallet or skid as part of the finished shipment dimensions.
- Include cartons, crates, wrap, padding, and anything else that increases the outside size.
- Measure maximum outside dimensions edge to edge, including any overhang or projections.
- Re-measure the shipment if the packaging changes before pickup.
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Once you have the finished dimensions and total packaged weight, enter them in the Freight Class Calculator.
Calculator logic
How Is Freight Class Determined?
To determine freight class, start with the finished packaged shipment. Measure its length, width, and height, and use the total packaged weight. First calculate the shipment’s cubic feet, then divide the packaged weight by the cubic feet to calculate freight density. Use the formulas below with your shipment’s measurements and weight. The supporting example shows how the calculation works using sample values.
Step 2: Calculate cubic feet
Cubic Feet
=
Length (in) × Width (in) × Height (in)
1,728
(48 × 40 × 42) ÷ 1,728 = 46.67 ft³
Step 3: Calculate freight density
Density
=
Total Packaged Weight (lb)
Cubic Feet (ft³)
900 ÷ 46.67 = 19.29 lb/ft³
Step 4: Estimate freight class
Compare the calculated density with the Freight Class Table to find the corresponding density-based freight class.
Density: 19.29 lb/ft³ → estimated freight class 70.
Density provides the density-based freight class estimate. Handling, stowability, liability, and applicable commodity or NMFC provisions can also affect the final freight class.
CALCULATION EXAMPLE
Freight Class Calculation Example
In this example let us consider a shipment that measures 48 × 40 × 36 inches and weighs 400 lb — that gives you 40.00 cubic feet of volume. Now we divide the weight by the volume: 400 ÷ 40.00 = 10.00 lb/cu ft, which places this shipment in Class 92.5.
PACKAGING CHANGES
See How Packaged Dimensions Can Change the Estimate
These examples keep shipment weight the same while reducing packaged height or pallet overhang. A smaller finished cube increases density and may move the shipment into a different density-based class.
What You Can Change Before Shipping
- Reduce unnecessary pallet overhang when the freight can be safely contained within the pallet footprint.
- Avoid excess carton or crate height that adds empty cube without protecting the shipment.
- Use the smallest finished packaging that still protects the freight and allows safe handling.
- Measure again after wrapping, crating, or palletizing so the calculator uses the true outside dimensions.
- Recalculate the shipment whenever packaging dimensions or packaged weight change.
Reduced Pallet Height
The same 300 lb shipment occupies less vertical space.
Before
48 × 40 × 36 in · 7.50 lb/ft³ · Class 125
4 inches lower ↓
After
48 × 40 × 32 in · 8.44 lb/ft³ · Class 100
Removed Pallet Overhang
A smaller outside footprint raises density.
Before
52 × 44 × 40 in · 13.22 lb/ft³ · Class 85
Footprint reduced ↓
After
48 × 40 × 40 in · 15.75 lb/ft³ · Class 70
Compact Crate Profile
Reducing crate height moves the shipment into a denser tier.
Before
60 × 48 × 48 in · 20.00 lb/ft³ · Class 70
8 inches lower ↓
After
60 × 48 × 40 in · 24.00 lb/ft³ · Class 65
AVOID RECLASSIFICATION ISSUES
A few inches or pounds can matter more than you'd expect. Carrier inspectors measure the full packaged shipment — pallet, wrap, crate, overhang and all — so if your dimensions don't account for that, the estimate and the final bill may not match.
WHY DENSITY BOUNDARIES MATTER
Small changes in finished dimensions or packaged weight can move a shipment into a Density Bracket: Class 85 . The interactive Freight Class Chart shows how many lb/ft³ separate the selected density from the next denser and less-dense class boundaries. Density Bracket: Class 70 .
Example: A shipment at 14.73 lb/ft³ is in the Class 85 density range and is only 0.27 lb/ft³ below the 15 lb/ft³ threshold where the Class 70 density range begins.
Your Shipment: 14.73 lb/ft³
Threshold: 15.00 lb/ft³
A
14.0 lb/ft³
Gap: 0.27 lb/ft³
15.0 lb/ft³
Results this close to a boundary deserve extra measurement attention because pallet height, overhang, packaging changes, or a weight correction can change the density-based estimate.
NEAR-THRESHOLD WEIGHT CHECK
Weight Needed = Target Density × Current Volume
Example:
40.00 cu ft Pallet @ 7.00 lb/cu ft (Current)
→
320 lb Total Needed
→
8.00 lb/cu ft (Hit Threshold)
The same idea works in reverse if you already know and want to figure out the volume instead.
Current 13-tier scale
Freight Class Chart
Compare all 13 current density ranges with estimated freight classes and packaged shipment examples. View the full-size chart or download the PDF or PNG version.
Freight Class Chart
Effective July 19, 2025
Current density-based LTL scale.
Density measured in lb/ft³
Freight Class Table
Find the density range that matches your calculated result on the current 13-tier scale.
| Density, lb/cu ft | Estimated Class | Possible Packaged Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 | 400 | Pillows, comforters, packing materials |
| 1 to less than 2 | 300 | Lightweight tables, chairs, model boats |
| 2 to less than 4 | 250 | Lightweight furniture, televisions, bulky household goods |
| 4 to less than 6 | 175 | Clothing, stuffed furniture, metal cabinets |
| 6 to less than 8 | 125 | Small appliances, exhibit displays, vending equipment |
| 8 to less than 10 | 100 | Vacuum equipment, wine cases, packaged furnishings |
| 10 to less than 12 | 92.5 | Plastic storage products, tires, packaged electronics |
| 12 to less than 15 | 85 | Transmissions, doors, packaged engine parts |
| 15 to less than 22.5 | 70 | Forklift batteries, crated engines, compact machinery |
| 22.5 to less than 30 | 65 | Tile, cooking oil, electrical cable |
| 30 to less than 35 | 60 | Steel cable, bottled beverages, compact automotive parts |
| 35 to less than 50 | 55 | Hardwood flooring, cement products, dense printed materials |
| 50 or greater | 50 | Dense metal parts, steel fasteners, industrial hardware |
Density-based planning reference only. Final freight class may depend on commodity classification, packaging, handling, stowability, liability, carrier rules, and shipment details.
Standard 48 × 40 × 48 Pallet Weight by Density
Use this quick reference to see approximately how much a fully packaged 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet would weigh at common freight-density breakpoints.
Density
Approx. pallet weight
6 lb/ft³
320 lb
8 lb/ft³
427 lb
10 lb/ft³
533 lb
12 lb/ft³
640 lb
15 lb/ft³
800 lb
22.5 lb/ft³
1,200 lb
A 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet occupies about 53.33 ft³. Multiply density by 53.33 to estimate the total pallet weight at that density.
Freight class references
Explore Individual Freight Classes
Detailed guides for individual freight classes, including density ranges, shipment examples, comparisons, and calculators.
50 lb/ft³ and above
Freight Class 50
See when very dense freight reaches the 50 lb/ft³ threshold, with worked examples, Class 55 comparisons, and the Class 50 calculator.
Freight Class 5035 to under 50 lb/ft³
Freight Class 55
Review the 35 to under 50 lb/ft³ Class 55 range, including key breakpoints, shipment examples, and the Class 55 calculator.
Freight Class 5522.5 to under 30 lb/ft³
Freight Class 65
See how weight, dimensions, and packaging affect shipments in the 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³ range, plus the Class 65 calculator.
Freight Class 6515 to under 22.5 lb/ft³
Freight Class 70
Learn how shipment volume and weight produce Class 70 density, with worked examples, Class 65 and 85 comparisons, and the Class 70 calculator.
Freight Class 7012 to under 15 lb/ft³
Freight Class 85
Review Class 85 examples in the 12 to under 15 lb/ft³ range and see how they compare with Classes 70 and 92.5.
Freight Class 8510 to under 12 lb/ft³
Freight Class 92.5
Examine the narrow 10 to under 12 lb/ft³ Class 92.5 range, including exact boundaries, comparison examples, and the Class 92.5 calculator.
Freight Class 92.58 to under 10 lb/ft³
Freight Class 100
Review the 8 to under 10 lb/ft³ Class 100 range, with worked examples and direct comparisons to Classes 92.5 and 125.
Freight Class 1006 to under 8 lb/ft³
Freight Class 125
See how lower-density shipments fall into Class 125, with 6 to under 8 lb/ft³ examples, nearby breakpoints, and the Class 125 calculator.
Freight Class 125Looking for a commodity instead? Lookup 200+ commodities with the Freight Class Lookup Tool
Which Freight Calculator Should I Use?
Choose the tool that matches what you need to calculate. Start here with freight class, or use a focused calculator for density, pallet planning, or trailer-space usage.
Freight Class Calculator
You are hereUse this when you need an estimated freight class.
Enter packaged dimensions and weight to calculate cubic feet, density, and the corresponding density-based class estimate.
Freight Density Calculator
Use this when you only need cubic feet and density.
Calculate shipment volume and pounds per cubic foot without the extra freight-class workflow.
Freight Density CalculatorPallet Freight Calculator
Use this when you are planning a palletized shipment.
Work with pallet dimensions, shipment weight, density, and pallet configuration in one focused tool.
Pallet Freight CalculatorFreight Linear Feet Calculator
Use this when trailer-space usage is the question.
Estimate how many linear feet your packaged freight occupies inside a trailer.
Freight Linear Feet CalculatorFreight Class Lookup
Freight Class Lookup by Commodity
Explore shipment examples, packaging considerations, and calculator guidance for common freight categories.
Machinery Freight Class
Skidded, crated, irregular, and oversized machinery shipments.
Machine Parts Freight Class
Packaging and density considerations for machine components.
Engines Freight Class
Crated, palletized, and protected engine shipments.
Cabinets Freight Class
Cabinet construction, packaging, and shipment-density examples.
Electronics Freight Class
Packaged electronics, equipment, and handling considerations.
Furniture Freight Class
Palletized, boxed, assembled, and flat-packed furniture.
Freight Class Lookup
Browse freight class pages for machinery, electronics, furniture, food, packaging, hose, and auto parts.
Calculator questions
Freight Class Calculator FAQ
Can I calculate freight class for multiple items?
Yes. Add a separate item group for each different size or weight. The calculator combines all item volumes and weights into one shipment-level density and freight class.
Should I include the pallet in the measurements?
Yes. Measure the complete packaged shipment, including the pallet, crate, carton, wrap, and any overhang.
Freight Class Visual Guides
Use these visual references to review the calculator, understand the result, and compare freight density with the current class scale.
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