Estimated class examples
50–100
Based on the sample shipments below
Beverage LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Beverages
Beverage freight class commonly ranges from Class 50 to Class 55 in the examples below.
Canned beverage pallet
Class 50
Bottled drink cases
Class 55
Mixed retail beverages
Class 100
These are density-based examples. Your final estimate depends on the finished packaged dimensions, total weight, stackability, fragility, value, and handling requirements for the beverage shipment.
Main class factor
Packaged density
Final dimensions and total weight
Assembly effect
Flat-packed ships denser
Assembled beverages occupy more space
Carrier review
Stackability and damage risk
Custom, fragile, or glass-front beverages
Beverages density calculator
Calculate Your Beverages Freight Class
Example palletized beverage shipment loaded. Adjust the dimensions or weight to calculate your beverage freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
53.33
Density
39.38
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
55
Example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Beverages shipment comparison
Beverages Freight Class by Shipment Type
Beverages are usually dense, but package type matters. Cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, kegs, and mixed retail cases place different demands on pallet strength, leak containment, top loading, temperature protection, and breakage control.
| Beverages shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canned beverages | Tray-packed or cased cans on a pallet | Very high | Usually stackable | Use interlocking layers, slip sheets, and a moisture-resistant pallet. |
| Glass-bottled beverages | Partitioned cases with corner boards | High | Limited | Control case compression and protect against impact and leakage. |
| Plastic-bottled beverages | Shrink trays or cartons on a pallet | High | Usually stackable | Avoid overtight wrap that distorts bottles or weakens the load. |
| Kegs or beverage containers | Keg trays, rings, racks, or custom pallet | High | Limited | Prevent rolling, valve damage, and unstable mixed-height loads. |
beverage shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Beverages
The right service depends on beverage size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Beverages shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Full pallet of canned beverages | Standard LTL |
| Partitioned glass-bottle cases | LTL with breakage and stackability review |
| Kegs or reusable beverage containers | Palletized LTL with securement review |
| Temperature-sensitive or large-volume beverage load | Protected, volume, or dedicated service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled beverage shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Beverages shipment examples
Beverages 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 beverage shipments.
Canned beverage pallet
Dense tray-packed canned drinks
48 × 40 × 42 in
Packaged weight: 2400 lb
- Cubic feet
- 46.67
- Density
- 51.43 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
50
Bottled drink cases
Partitioned beverage cases
48 × 40 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 2100 lb
- Cubic feet
- 53.33
- Density
- 39.38 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Mixed retail beverages
Assorted cases and display packs
48 × 40 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 800 lb
- Cubic feet
- 66.67
- Density
- 12.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
85
Beverages Packaging
- Use beverage-grade pallets, corner boards, slip sheets, and wrap suited to wet environments.
- Secure cans, bottles, cases, or kegs so individual packages cannot shift or roll.
- Add leak containment and weather protection without blocking required product labels.
Beverages Stackability
- Uniform canned cases often form a stable, stackable pallet.
- Glass-bottle cases may need limited-stack handling because of compression and breakage risk.
- Mixed cases, kegs, and display packs should be capped or treated as non-stackable.
Beverage Leakage and Breakage Risk
- Inspect caps, seams, closures, glass partitions, and keg valves before tender.
- Protect against freezing, overheating, leakage, and cross-contamination when applicable.
- Confirm alcohol, food-grade, or temperature-control requirements separately from density guidance.
Measure the fully packaged beverage shipment
- Measure after cases, trays, kegs, corner boards, and wrap are in final position.
- Include top caps, containment trays, pallet overhang, and display packaging.
- Use the total weight of beverages, containers, cases, trays, and pallet materials.
Before Requesting a Beverages Freight Quote
- Measure the finished pallet, keg rack, crate, or case load containing the beverages.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete beverage shipment.
- State whether the finished beverage pallet can withstand safe top loading.
- Include photos of case pattern, bottle partitions, keg securement, and leak containment.
- Confirm temperature, alcohol, liftgate, and loading-dock requirements for the beverage load.
Calculate your actual shipment
Calculate Beverages Freight Class
The calculator returns cubic feet, pounds per cubic foot, and a density-based freight class estimate for your beverage 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.