Compact crane component
Dense hoist or crane base secured to a pallet
60 × 48 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 3,500 lb
- Cubic feet
- 80.00
- Density
- 43.75lb/cu ft
Estimated class
55
55
Crane LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Crane
To estimate your shipment, use the Crane Freight Class Calculator.
The Crane Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 55 to 92.5.
These are density-based estimates.
Crane density calculator
Calculate Your Crane Freight Class
A crane beam and components is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your crane freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
160.00
Density
25.00
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
65
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Crane shipment examples
Crane Freight Class Examples
These examples use finished outside dimensions and total packaged weight. They show how three realistic crane shipment formats can produce different density-based class estimates.
Crane beam and components
Long beam, trolley, and hardware secured together
120 × 48 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 4,000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 160.00
- Density
- 25.00lb/cu ft
Estimated class
65
65
Large crane assembly
Extended structure and attachments using broad space
192 × 72 × 72 in
Packaged weight: 6,000 lb
- Cubic feet
- 576.00
- Density
- 10.42lb/cu ft
Estimated class
92.5
92.5
Crane shipment comparison
Crane Freight Class by Shipment Format
Crane freight class can change with the transport position, frame length, hydraulic or drive components, attachments, protective clearance, and loading method. Use the finished packaged dimensions and total weight rather than the equipment's unpackaged size.
| Crane shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact crane component | Reinforced pallet or skid with blocking, restraint, and weather protection | Higher | Limited | Dense hoist or crane base secured to a pallet; this example calculates to 43.75 lb/cu ft and Class 55. |
| Crane beam and components | Framed crate with internal restraint and protection for controls and moving parts | Medium to higher | Possible with engineered crate | Long beam, trolley, and hardware secured together; this example calculates to 25.00 lb/cu ft and Class 65. |
| Large crane assembly | Elongated or oversized crate with structural bracing and protective clearance | Medium to lower | Usually non-stackable | Extended structure and attachments using broad space; this example calculates to 10.42 lb/cu ft and Class 92.5. |
| Equipment with attachments and controls | Main equipment unit plus separately restrained attachments, controls, chains, cables, guards, or hydraulic parts | Varies | Usually limited | Transport dimensions may differ greatly from operating dimensions, so measure only after securement. |
Crane shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Crane
The appropriate service depends on finished dimensions, packaged weight, piece count, loading method, value, stackability, and whether specialized handling is required.
| Crane shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Compact crane component | LTL or volume service with weight and handling review |
| Crane beam and components | LTL or volume service with weight and handling review |
| Large crane assembly | Partial truckload, volume LTL, or specialized service |
| Equipment with attachments and controls | LTL, volume, partial truckload, or dedicated service after piece-count and handling review |
Heavy, long, high-value, non-stackable, multi-piece, or rigging-dependent crane shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Crane Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Crane Packaging
- Lower, fold, or stow booms, platforms, decks, hooks, forks, and other moving equipment into the approved transport position.
- Secure the frame to a skid or transport base and restrain wheels, trolleys, chains, cables, and attachments.
- Protect controls, hydraulic lines, batteries, sensors, motors, gearboxes, and projecting components.
Crane Stackability
- Lifts, cranes, levelers, and irregular handling equipment are generally non-stackable.
- Only small boxed or crated components should be considered stackable when the package is load-bearing.
- Mark lift points, tie-down locations, center of gravity, and any required upright orientation.
Crane Fragility and Liability
- Prevent movement of booms, platforms, decks, drums, chains, or trolleys during handling and transit.
- Secure batteries and approved fluids and protect hydraulic cylinders, hoses, controls, and safety devices.
- Confirm carrier equipment, loading method, declared value, and specialized handling before pickup.
Before Requesting a Crane Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Crane Shipment
- Measure after the crane is secured and all pallet, skid, crate, framing, guards, and protective materials are complete.
- Include runners, saddles, legs, controls, fittings, attachments, overhang, and every projecting packaged component.
- Measure to the longest, widest, and tallest finished point and use the total tendered shipment weight.
Crane Freight Quote Checklist
- Record the finished packaged length, width, height, and total weight.
- State whether the shipment is stackable and whether top loading is prohibited.
- Include photos showing packaging, securement, labels, lift points, and exposed risk areas when practical.
- List detached controls, guards, accessories, tooling, fittings, and other separate pieces.
- Confirm forklift, dock, crane, rigging, liftgate, or specialized loading requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Crane 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.