What Is Freight Class 175 in LTL Shipping?
Freight Class 175 is a lower-density LTL freight class. On the current 13-tier density scale, Class 175 covers shipments from 4 to under 6 lb/ft³. Class 125 is the next denser tier, while Class 250 is the next lower-density tier.
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Meaning
A density result from 4.00 up to, but not including, 6.00 lb/ft³ falls in the Class 175 band on the current 13-tier scale.
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Exact boundaries
4.00 lb/ft³ enters Class 175. At 6.00 lb/ft³, the density tier moves to Class 125. From 2.00 to under 4.00 lb/ft³, the density tier is Class 250.
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No fixed size or weight
There is no single pallet size or weight for Class 175. The class depends on the shipment's packaged weight and cubic volume.
Freight Class 175 Density Thresholds
Class 175 sits between two exact density breakpoints: 4.00 lb/ft³ and 6.00 lb/ft³.
Class 125
6 to <8
lb/ft³
Class 175
4 to <6
lb/ft³
Class 250
2 to <4
lb/ft³
3.99 lb/ft³ → Class 250
4.00 lb/ft³ → Class 175
5.99 lb/ft³ → Class 175
6.00 lb/ft³ → Class 125
How to Calculate Freight Class 175
Calculate the shipment's cubic feet, then divide the total packaged weight by that volume. If the result is 4 to under 6 lb/ft³, the density estimate is Class 175.
Worked Class 175 calculation
Dimensions
48 × 40 × 40 = 76,800 in³
Cubic Feet
76,800 ÷ 1,728 = 44.44 ft³
Density
220 ÷ 44.44 = 4.95 lb/ft³
Estimated Class
175
Freight Class 175 Examples
Shipment examplesThese examples show how packaged dimensions and weight can produce a Class 175 density estimate. Commodity names alone do not determine freight class.
Click for full sizePalletized Foam Products
A lightweight palletized load using the dimensions shown in the Class 175 infographic.
48 × 40 × 40 in · 220 lb
4.95 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 175
Palletized Packaging Materials
A taller pallet can remain in Class 175 when its packaged weight stays in the same density band.
48 × 40 × 48 in · 267 lb
5.01 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 175
Lightweight Furniture Components
At this size, about 177.78 lb produces 4.00 lb/ft³, the lower boundary of Class 175.
48 × 40 × 40 in · 177.78 lb
4.00 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 175
Freight Class 175 Calculator
The calculator is preloaded with the 48 × 40 × 40 in, 220 lb Class 175 example above. Change any dimension or the weight to see how density and estimated class change.
When does this example move out of Class 175?
Toward Class 250
At the same 44.44 ft³ volume, weights from about 88.89 lb to under 177.78 lb produce 2 to under 4 lb/ft³, which is the Class 250 band.
Toward Class 125
At the same 44.44 ft³ volume, reaching about 266.67 lb raises density to 6.00 lb/ft³ and moves the estimate into the Class 125 band.
Freight Class 175 vs 100/125/250
Class 175 sits between Class 125 and Class 250 on the current density scale. These comparisons also show why a Class 100 shipment is much denser than a Class 175 shipment.
Click for full sizeFreight Class 175 vs Class 250
- Class 175: 4 to under 6 lb/ft³.
- Class 250: 2 to under 4 lb/ft³.
- At the same dimensions, lower weight can move a shipment from Class 175 into Class 250.
Same 48 × 40 × 40 in package
- 220 lb = 4.95 lb/ft³ → Class 175.
- 150 lb = 3.38 lb/ft³ → Class 250.
Freight Class 125 vs Class 175
- Class 125: 6 to under 8 lb/ft³.
- Class 175: 4 to under 6 lb/ft³.
- More weight within the same occupied space can raise density into Class 125.
Same 48 × 40 × 40 in package
- 220 lb = 4.95 lb/ft³ → Class 175.
- 300 lb = 6.75 lb/ft³ → Class 125.
Freight Class 100 vs Class 175
- Class 100: 8 to under 10 lb/ft³.
- Class 175: 4 to under 6 lb/ft³.
- A Class 100 density estimate requires substantially more weight in the same occupied space.
Same 48 × 40 × 40 in package
- 220 lb = 4.95 lb/ft³ → Class 175.
- 400 lb = 9.00 lb/ft³ → Class 100.
Click for full sizeFreight Class 175 Requirements
For a density-based Class 175 estimate, the packaged shipment must be 4 to under 6 lb/ft³. Also check whether the commodity has specific NMFC classification rules.
Stay inside the Class 175 density band
At 6.00 lb/ft³, the density tier moves to Class 125. From 2.00 to under 4.00 lb/ft³, it moves to Class 250.
Measure the full packaged dimensions
Use the shipment's final outside length, width and height, including the pallet, wrap, overhang and any projecting packaging.
Use the total packaged weight
Include everything shipping together. A small weight difference can matter when the shipment is close to the 4 or 6 lb/ft³ breakpoint.
Confirm the commodity classification
Check the NMFC classification for the commodity. Some freight has specific classification rules even when its density falls in the Class 175 range.
Freight Class 175 Packaging Requirements
Package the freight so it can be handled safely, then measure its final outside dimensions. Class 175 shipments are relatively light for the space they occupy, so extra height, width or overhang can change density quickly.
Avoid unnecessary cube
Oversized cartons, unused pallet footprint and bulky protection can lower density and move a shipment toward Class 250.
Keep the load stable
Use suitable wrap, banding, blocking or other protection so lightweight freight stays secure without adding more size than needed.
Measure overhang and projections
Anything extending beyond the pallet can increase the measured cubic volume used in the density calculation.
Recalculate after packaging changes
At 48 × 40 × 40 in, 220 lb is 4.95 lb/ft³ and Class 175. The same size at 150 lb is 3.38 lb/ft³ and Class 250, while 300 lb is 6.75 lb/ft³ and Class 125.
Freight Class 175 Weight Limit
Freight Class 175 does not have one universal maximum shipment weight. The weight needed to reach Class 175 depends on the shipment's cubic volume.
Weight window for the 44.44 ft³ example
At a fixed volume of 44.44 ft³, Class 175 begins at about 177.78 lb. At about 266.67 lb, density reaches 6.00 lb/ft³ and the estimate moves into Class 125.
Below Class 175
<177.78 lb
Below 4 lb/ft³
Class 175 window
≈177.78–<266.67 lb
4 to under 6 lb/ft³
At 6 lb/ft³
≈266.67 lb
Class 125 begins
How to Avoid Reclassification and Billing Adjustments
Class 175 sits between exact density breakpoints at 4.00 and 6.00 lb/ft³, so measurement or weight errors can move a shipment into a neighboring density tier.
Recheck the 4.0 and 6.0 breakpoints after packaging
Calculate density from the shipment as it will actually be handed to the carrier, not from product-only dimensions.
Measure the widest and tallest finished points
Overhang, wrap, corner protection and projecting parts can increase cubic volume and lower density.
Use an accurate gross weight
Include the pallet and packaging rather than relying on the product's net weight.
Match the shipment to the correct NMFC description
Density is important, but the commodity's NMFC provisions can still determine the final classification.
What Is the NMFC Code for Freight Class 175?
Freight Class 175 is not an NMFC item number. It is a freight class. The NMFC item number depends on the commodity being shipped and the classification rules that apply to it.
Always distinguish the freight class from the separate NMFC item number.
Is Freight Class 175 Hazmat?
No. Freight Class 175 by itself does not mean a shipment is hazardous material. Hazmat status depends on the actual material being shipped and the hazardous-material rules that apply to it.
If the shipment contains hazardous material, the normal hazmat packaging, labeling and documentation rules still apply.
How Does Freight Class 175 Affect Shipping Cost?
Freight Class 175 does not have a set shipping price. Your rate will vary by shipment weight, distance, carrier and any extra services required. Freight class is one of many factors carriers use when pricing an LTL shipment.
Does FedEx Freight Use Class 175?
Yes. FedEx Freight uses freight classes, including Class 175, when class-based pricing applies. Use the shipment's final packaged dimensions and weight to calculate density, and check the commodity's NMFC classification before shipping.
Continue Planning Your LTL Shipment
Use the full freight class, density, pallet, and linear-feet tools for the next stage of shipment planning.
Freight Class Calculator
Estimate class from finished packaged dimensions, weight, and density.
Freight Density Calculator
Calculate cubic feet and pounds per cubic foot.
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 applicable commodity-specific provisions. 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.