Freight Class Calculator
Summary Result
Class 70
Density-based estimate
Class 400lower density
15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³
Class 70higher density
Aircraft Parts LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Aircraft Parts
Key Aircraft Parts Freight Facts
Aircraft parts do not have one fixed freight class. Dense metal components, crated assemblies, boxed avionics, and lightweight panels can produce very different density-based class estimates depending on the finished package dimensions and total packaged weight.
- Common shipment forms: crated mechanical parts, palletized metal components, boxed avionics, and protected lightweight assemblies.
- Density can vary widely: compact metal parts may calculate into lower numerical classes than bulky lightweight panels or oversized protective crates.
- Measure the finished package: use the outermost crate, pallet, skid, or carton dimensions and the total packaged weight.
- Final classification can involve more than density: irregular shape, stackability, fragility, value, handling needs, liability, and applicable commodity provisions may matter.
Freight Planning Tools
Use our freight class calculator and interactive freight class chart to plan packaged aircraft parts shipments.
Interactive Freight Class Chart
18 lb/ft³Selected density
Class 400lower density
Class 50higher density
Aircraft parts density calculator
Estimate Your Aircraft Parts Freight Class
A crated aircraft component is preloaded as an example. Replace the outside dimensions and packaged weight with your actual shipment.
Your result
Cubic feet
64.00
Density
17.19
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
70
Density-based estimate for the preloaded crated-component example.
Aircraft parts shipment examples
Aircraft Parts Freight Class Examples
Aircraft parts can shift significantly in estimated freight class depending on how the component is crated, palletized, or otherwise prepared for shipment. The examples below compare finished package size, weight, density, and estimated class across several common aircraft-part shipment types.
Dense landing-gear component
Compact metal part secured to a heavy-duty skid
48 × 40 × 30 in
Packaged weight: 1,000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 33.33
- Density
- 30.00
- lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
60
Crated engine component
Protected powerplant component in a square crate
48 × 48 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 1,100 lb
- Cubic feet
- 64.00
- Density
- 17.19
- lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Lightweight composite panel crate
Bulky protected panel or interior assembly
72 × 48 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 500 lb
- Cubic feet
- 72.00
- Density
- 6.94
- lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
125
Aircraft parts shipment comparison
Aircraft Parts Freight Class by Shipment Type
Aircraft parts vary from compact high-density metal components to lightweight assemblies that require large protective crates. The finished shipping unit can change density, stackability, handling, and the resulting density-based estimate.
| Aircraft parts shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landing gear, brake, or wheel components | Blocked and braced skid or compact crate | High | Often limited | Restrain concentrated weight and protect machined surfaces and fittings. |
| Crated engine or powerplant components | Custom crate with blocking and internal restraint | Medium to high | Usually limited | Use lift points and support locations that match the component and crate design. |
| Avionics and electronic assemblies | Cushioned cartons or protective cases on a pallet | Medium | Usually stackable when case-rated | Protect connectors, controls, screens, and shock-sensitive electronics. |
| Composite panels and interior assemblies | Oversized lightweight crate or framed container | Low to medium | Often non-stackable | Protect edges, skins, finishes, attachment points, and unsupported spans. |
Aircraft Parts Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Aircraft Parts Packaging
- Block and brace dense components so they cannot shift inside the crate, skid, or palletized package.
- Use cushioning, corrosion or moisture protection, and surface protection appropriate to the component.
- Keep lifting points, center-of-gravity marks, orientation labels, and handling instructions visible.
Aircraft Parts Stackability
- Do not assume a crate is stackable merely because its top surface is flat.
- Lightweight panels, irregular assemblies, and sensitive components may require no-top-load handling.
- Clearly mark engineered stack limits when the shipping container is designed to support top loading.
Aircraft Parts Damage and Handling
- Protect machined surfaces, connectors, sensors, controls, fittings, and exposed edges from impact.
- Account for high value, shock sensitivity, cosmetic finish, protrusions, and irregular lifting points.
- Identify batteries, fluids, pressurized items, or other contents that may require separate carrier review.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Aircraft Parts Shipment
Use the freight class, density, pallet, and linear-feet calculators to plan your packaged LTL shipment.
Freight Class Calculator
Estimate freight class from packaged dimensions, weight, and density.
Freight Density Calculator
Calculate cubic feet and pounds per cubic foot for packaged freight.
Pallet Freight Calculator
Plan pallet dimensions, shipment weight, density, and configuration.
Freight Linear Feet Calculator
Estimate trailer-space usage for pallets and non-stackable freight.
Freight classes shown on this page are density-based estimates for shipment planning. Actual classification may also depend on value, handling requirements, liability, stowability, dimensions, and other commodity-specific factors. Confirm the final freight class with your carrier, broker, or official NMFC resources before shipping. NMFC® is a registered trademark of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. FreightClassCalculator.tools is an independent calculator and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by NMFTA.