Estimated class examples
50–85
Based on the sample shipments below
Beer LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Beer
Beer freight class commonly ranges from Class 50 to Class 85 in the examples below.
Canned beer pallet
Class 50
Bottled beer cases
Class 55
Mixed kegs and cases
Class 85
These are density-based examples. Your final estimate depends on the finished packaged dimensions, total weight, stackability, fragility, value, and handling requirements for the beer shipment.
Main class factor
Packaged density
Final dimensions and total weight
Assembly effect
Flat-packed ships denser
Assembled beer occupy more space
Carrier review
Stackability and damage risk
Custom, fragile, or glass-front beer
Beer density calculator
Calculate Your Beer Freight Class
Example palletized beer shipment loaded. Adjust the 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
Example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
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 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.
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
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 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.
Measure the fully 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.
Before Requesting a Beer Freight Quote
- 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.
Calculate your actual shipment
Calculate Beer Freight Class
The calculator returns cubic feet, pounds per cubic foot, and a density-based freight class estimate for your beer shipment.
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.