Canned beer pallet
Dense stacked cases of cans
48 × 40 × 42 in
Packaged weight: 2500 lb
- Cubic feet
- 46.67
- Density
- 53.57 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
50
Beer LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Beer
To estimate your shipment, use the Beer Freight Class Calculator.
The Beer Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 50 to 70.
These are density-based estimates.
Beer density calculator
Calculate Your Beer Freight Class
A palletized beer shipment is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your beer freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
53.33
Density
41.25
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
55
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Beer shipment examples
Beer Freight Class Examples
These examples use packaged outside dimensions and the site’s density-to-class chart. They are examples only, not fixed classes for all beer shipments.
Bottled beer cases
Partitioned glass-bottle cartons
48 × 40 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 2200 lb
- Cubic feet
- 53.33
- Density
- 41.25 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Mixed kegs and cases
Kegs plus assorted brewery cartons
48 × 40 × 54 in
Packaged weight: 1300 lb
- Cubic feet
- 60.00
- Density
- 21.67 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Beer shipment comparison
Beer Freight Class by Shipment Type
Beer may ship in dense canned cases, partitioned glass-bottle cartons, kegs, or mixed brewery loads. Freight density is generally high, while alcohol rules, temperature exposure, breakage, leakage, keg stability, and pallet compression require separate attention.
| Beer shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canned beer cases | Tray-packed or cased cans on a pallet | Very high | Usually stackable | Use interlocking layers, slip sheets, and corner boards. |
| Glass-bottled beer | Partitioned cartons with a top cap | High | Limited | Protect against impact, bottle breakage, and case compression. |
| Kegs | Keg trays, rings, racks, or custom pallet | High | Limited | Prevent rolling and protect valves, couplers, and chimes. |
| Mixed brewery shipment | Cases, kegs, and promotional cartons | Medium to high | Limited | Separate package types and build a level, stable load. |
beer shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Beer
The right service depends on beer size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Beer shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Uniform pallet of canned beer | Standard LTL subject to alcohol rules |
| Partitioned bottled-beer cases | LTL with breakage review |
| Secured beer kegs | Palletized LTL with keg securement review |
| Mixed brewery or high-volume load | Protected, volume, or dedicated service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled beer shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Beer Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Beer Packaging
- Use beverage-grade pallets, slip sheets, dividers, corner boards, and moisture-resistant wrap.
- Secure kegs against rolling and protect bottle cases from compression and impact.
- Keep alcohol labels, orientation marks, lot codes, and required shipment documents visible.
Beer Stackability
- Uniform canned-beer cases are generally stackable within case limits.
- Glass-bottle pallets require controlled top loading and intact partitions.
- Kegs and mixed brewery loads should be treated as limited-stack unless racked or capped.
Beer Breakage, Leakage, and Alcohol Review
- Protect bottle glass, can seams, keg valves, closures, and carton bottoms.
- Prevent freezing, overheating, leakage, breakage, and wet-case collapse.
- Confirm alcohol licensing, carrier acceptance, and destination restrictions before shipping.
Before Requesting a Beer Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Beer Shipment
- Measure after cases, kegs, trays, dividers, corner boards, and wrap are in final position.
- Include keg racks, top caps, containment sheets, and pallet overhang.
- Use the combined weight of beer, cans, bottles, kegs, cases, and pallet materials.
Beer Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished pallet, keg rack, case load, or crate containing the beer.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete beer shipment.
- State whether the beer cases or keg system can support safe top loading.
- Include photos of bottle partitions, can trays, keg securement, and wet-case protection.
- Confirm alcohol, temperature, liftgate, and carrier-acceptance requirements for the beer load.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Beer 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.