What Is Freight Class 250 in LTL Shipping?
Freight Class 250 is a low-density LTL freight class. On the current 13-tier density scale, Class 250 covers shipments from 2 to under 4 lb/ft³. Class 175 is the next denser tier, while Class 300 is the next lower-density tier.
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Meaning
A density result from 2.00 up to, but not including, 4.00 lb/ft³ falls in the Class 250 band on the current 13-tier scale.
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Exact boundaries
2.00 lb/ft³ enters Class 250. At 4.00 lb/ft³, the density tier moves to Class 175. From 1.00 to under 2.00 lb/ft³, the density tier is Class 300.
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No fixed size or weight
There is no single pallet size or weight for Class 250. The density result depends on the shipment's packaged weight and cubic volume.
Freight Class 250 Density Thresholds
Class 250 sits between two exact density breakpoints: 2.00 lb/ft³ and 4.00 lb/ft³.
Class 175
4 to <6
lb/ft³
Class 250
2 to <4
lb/ft³
Class 300
1 to <2
lb/ft³
1.99 lb/ft³ → Class 300
2.00 lb/ft³ → Class 250
3.99 lb/ft³ → Class 250
4.00 lb/ft³ → Class 175
How to Calculate Freight Class 250
Calculate the shipment's cubic feet, then divide the total packaged weight by that volume. If the result is 2 to under 4 lb/ft³, the density estimate is Class 250.
Worked Class 250 calculation
Dimensions
48 × 40 × 40 = 76,800 in³
Cubic Feet
76,800 ÷ 1,728 = 44.44 ft³
Density
150 ÷ 44.44 = 3.38 lb/ft³
Estimated Class
250
Freight Class 250 Examples
Shipment examplesThese examples show how packaged dimensions and weight can produce a Class 250 density estimate. Commodity names alone do not determine freight class.
Click for full size
Palletized Foam Products
A lightweight palletized load using the dimensions shown in the Class 250 infographic.
48 × 40 × 40 in · 150 lb
3.38 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 250
Lightweight Furniture or Fixtures
A taller pallet can remain in Class 250 when its packaged weight stays in the same density band.
48 × 40 × 48 in · 160 lb
3.00 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 250
Lightweight Furniture Components
At this size, about 88.89 lb produces 2.00 lb/ft³, the lower boundary of Class 250.
48 × 40 × 40 in · 88.89 lb
2.00 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 250
Freight Class 250 Calculator
The calculator is preloaded with the 48 × 40 × 40 in, 150 lb Class 250 example above. Change any dimension or the weight to see how density and estimated class change.
When does this example move out of Class 250?
Class 250 weight window
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.
Into Class 175
At the same 44.44 ft³ volume, reaching about 177.78 lb raises density to 4.00 lb/ft³ and moves the estimate into the Class 175 band.
Freight Class 250 vs 125/175
Class 250 is less dense than both Class 175 and Class 125. Class 175 sits between Class 250 and Class 125 on the current 13-tier density scale.
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Freight Class 125 vs Class 250
- ✓ Class 125: 6 to under 8 lb/ft³.
- ✓ Class 250: 2 to under 4 lb/ft³.
- ✓ Class 175 sits between them at 4 to under 6 lb/ft³.
Same 48 × 40 × 40 in package
- 150 lb = 3.38 lb/ft³ → Class 250.
- 300 lb = 6.75 lb/ft³ → Class 125.
Freight 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, more weight can raise density from Class 250 into Class 175.
Same 48 × 40 × 40 in package
- 150 lb = 3.38 lb/ft³ → Class 250.
- 220 lb = 4.95 lb/ft³ → Class 175.
Click for full size
Freight Class 250 Requirements
For a density-based Class 250 estimate, the packaged shipment must be 2 to under 4 lb/ft³. Also check whether the commodity has specific NMFC classification rules.
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Stay inside the Class 250 density band
At 4.00 lb/ft³, the density tier moves to Class 175. From 1.00 to under 2.00 lb/ft³, the density tier is Class 300.
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Measure the full packaged dimensions
Use the shipment's final outside length, width and height, including the pallet, wrap, overhang and any projecting packaging.
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Use the total packaged weight
Include everything shipping together. A small weight difference can matter when the shipment is close to the 2 or 4 lb/ft³ breakpoint.
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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 250 range.
Freight Class 250 Packaging Requirements
Package the freight so it can be handled safely, then measure its final outside dimensions. Class 250 shipments are relatively light for the space they occupy, so extra height, width or overhang can change density quickly.
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Avoid unnecessary cube
Oversized cartons, unused pallet footprint and bulky protection can lower density and move a shipment toward Class 300.
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Keep the load stable
Use suitable wrap, banding, blocking or other protection so lightweight freight stays secure without adding more size than needed.
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Measure overhang and projections
Anything extending beyond the pallet can increase the measured cubic volume used in the density calculation.
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Recalculate after packaging changes
At 48 × 40 × 40 in, 150 lb is 3.38 lb/ft³ and Class 250. At the same size, about 177.78 lb reaches 4.00 lb/ft³ and moves into Class 175.
Freight Class 250 Weight Limit
Freight Class 250 does not have one universal maximum shipment weight. The weight needed to reach Class 250 depends on the shipment's cubic volume.
Weight window for the 44.44 ft³ example
At a fixed volume of 44.44 ft³, Class 250 begins at about 88.89 lb. At about 177.78 lb, density reaches 4.00 lb/ft³ and the estimate moves into Class 175.
Below Class 250
<88.89 lb
Below 2 lb/ft³
Class 250 window
≈88.89–<177.78 lb
2 to under 4 lb/ft³
At 4 lb/ft³
≈177.78 lb
Class 175 begins
How Class 250 Shipments Get Reclassified
Class 250 covers a relatively narrow density band from 2.00 to under 4.00 lb/ft³. That means a shipment near either boundary can move into another density tier when the carrier verifies its packaged dimensions or gross weight.
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A small increase in measured cube can push density below 2.00 lb/ft³
On bulky Class 250 freight, a few extra inches of height, pallet overhang, loose wrap or projecting parts can add enough cubic volume to lower the calculated density into the Class 300 band.
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Extra packaged weight can move the shipment into Class 175
If the shipment reaches 4.00 lb/ft³ after the pallet, packaging and other shipped weight are included, the density tier changes from Class 250 to Class 175.
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Product dimensions are not shipment dimensions
Class calculations should use the outside dimensions of the finished shipment. A 40-inch product can become a 44-inch-high shipment after the pallet, carton, cushioning and top protection are added.
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Density may not be the final classification rule
A shipment can calculate inside the Class 250 density band and still classify differently if the applicable NMFC item or commodity-specific provisions assign another class.
Class 250 example
A 48 × 40 × 40 in shipment has about 44.44 ft³ of volume. At roughly 88.89 lb it reaches 2.00 lb/ft³ and enters Class 250. At roughly 177.78 lb it reaches 4.00 lb/ft³ and moves into Class 175.
What Is the NMFC Code for Freight Class 250?
Freight Class 250 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 250 Hazmat?
No. Freight Class 250 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.
Does FedEx Freight Use Class 250?
Yes. FedEx Freight uses freight classes, including Class 250, 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.