Estimated class examples
50–100
Based on the sample shipments below
Forklift LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Forklifts
Forklift freight class commonly ranges from Class 50 to Class 60 in the examples below.
Dense forklift component skid
Class 50
Compact pallet stacker
Class 100
Crated electric forklift
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 forklift shipment.
Main class factor
Packaged density
Final dimensions and total weight
Assembly effect
Flat-packed ships denser
Assembled forklifts occupy more space
Carrier review
Stackability and damage risk
Custom, fragile, or glass-front forklifts
Forklifts density calculator
Calculate Your Forklifts Freight Class
Example skidded forklift shipment loaded. Adjust the dimensions or weight to calculate your forklift freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
168.00
Density
19.05
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
50
Example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Forklifts shipment comparison
Forklifts Freight Class by Shipment Type
Forklifts and lift-truck components are usually dense, but masts, overhead guards, forks, batteries, chargers, and irregular dimensions increase occupied cube and handling complexity. Complete units often require specialized loading, securement, and condition review beyond density alone.
| Forklifts shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift components | Heavy parts bolted to a reinforced skid | Very high | Usually stackable if crated | Distribute concentrated weight and protect shafts, hubs, and mounting faces. |
| Pallet stackers | Lowered mast and forks on a skid | Very high | Non-stackable | Secure steering handles, forks, wheels, and lift chains. |
| Compact electric forklifts | Blocked and strapped complete unit | High | Non-stackable | Lower the mast and protect controls, battery, charger, and overhead guard. |
| Masts and fork assemblies | Long bundled components on a skid | High | Limited | Support full length and cap fork tips and hydraulic connections. |
forklift shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Forklifts
The right service depends on forklift size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Forklifts shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Crated forklift parts or attachments | Heavy standard LTL |
| Compact stacker or walkie unit | Skidded LTL |
| Complete small electric forklift | Specialized LTL |
| Large forklift, tall mast, or non-running unit | Dedicated or equipment transport |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled forklift shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Forklifts shipment examples
Forklifts 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 forklift shipments.
Dense forklift component skid
Forks, carriage, or drive components
48 × 40 × 30 in
Packaged weight: 1900 lb
- Cubic feet
- 33.33
- Density
- 57.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Compact pallet stacker
Walkie stacker with mast lowered
72 × 40 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 2800 lb
- Cubic feet
- 100.00
- Density
- 28.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
65
Crated electric forklift
Compact electric lift truck in a protective frame
84 × 48 × 72 in
Packaged weight: 3200 lb
- Cubic feet
- 168.00
- Density
- 19.05 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Forklifts Packaging
- Lower masts and forks, immobilize moving parts, and block wheels against movement.
- Protect controls, hydraulic fittings, lift chains, battery terminals, chargers, and fork tips.
- Use rated chains, straps, chocks, and skids designed for the forklift’s concentrated weight.
Forklifts Stackability
- Crated components may stack only when the frame and skid are engineered for top load.
- Walkie stackers, complete forklifts, and mast assemblies are normally non-stackable.
- Do not top-load exposed overhead guards, controls, masts, forks, or hydraulic components.
Forklift Mast, Hydraulic, Battery, and Stability Protection
- Prevent mast movement, hydraulic leaks, bent forks, damaged chains, and impact to controls.
- Secure batteries and isolate terminals; document charger and accessory packaging separately.
- Confirm operating condition, fluid preparation, key control, and loading method before pickup.
Measure the fully prepared forklift shipment
- Measure after lowering the mast, positioning forks, adding skids, blocking, guards, and crates.
- Include fork length, overhead guard, mast height, steering handle, charger, and any component overhang.
- Use the total packaged weight of the forklift, battery, charger, attachments, skid, and blocking.
Before Requesting a Forklifts Freight Quote
- Measure the finished skid, blocked unit, component bundle, or protective crate containing the forklift.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete forklift shipment, including battery and attachments.
- State that complete lift trucks and mast assemblies are non-stackable unless enclosed in a rated frame.
- Include photos of forks, mast, chains, hydraulic fittings, battery, controls, wheels, and securement points.
- Confirm running condition, forklift or ramp loading, dock height, battery preparation, and equipment-transport requirements.
Calculate your actual shipment
Calculate Forklifts Freight Class
The calculator returns cubic feet, pounds per cubic foot, and a density-based freight class estimate for your forklift 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.