What Is Freight Class 70 in LTL Shipping?
Freight Class 70 applies to an LTL shipment as it is actually prepared for transport—not permanently to the product itself. On the current density scale, a Class 70 estimate corresponds to a finished shipment density of 15 to under 22.5 pounds per cubic foot .
That means very different products can produce the same Class 70 estimate. It also means the same product may calculate differently when its packaging, dimensions, weight, or shipping characteristics change.
Class 70 represents
A classification estimate based on the shipment in its final packaged form, including its dimensions, total weight, density, and any applicable handling, stowability, liability, or commodity-specific provisions.
Class 70 does not represent
A permanent class assigned to a product name or category. For example, the same engine may produce a different estimate when it is shipped on a taller pallet, inside a larger crate, or with additional protective clearance.
Those packaging changes increase the shipment’s cubic volume. When volume increases without a similar increase in weight, density falls—and the estimated freight class may increase to a higher class.
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Freight Class 70 Density Calculation
Density compares total packaged weight with the space the shipment occupies. Measure the greatest finished length, width, and height, including the pallet, crate, wrap, overhang, guards, attachments, and other projections.
Freight density formula
Convert finished dimensions into a density result
Cubic feet = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1,728
1. Dimensions
48 × 40 × 48
inches
2. Cubic volume
53.3
ft³
3. Density
18.8
lb/ft³
4. Estimated class
70
Density-based result
Calculation trail
48 × 40 × 48 = 92,160 in³ → 92,160 ÷ 1,728 = 53.3 ft³ → 1,000 ÷ 53.3 = 18.8 lb/ft³
Freight Class 70 Density Range
Match the calculated density to the current nearby tiers.
| Freight class | Density range | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³ | Denser than Class 70 |
| 70 | 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³ | Worked example lands here |
| 85 | 12 to under 15 lb/ft³ | Less dense than Class 70 |
Class 70 Density Thresholds: 15 and 22.5 lb/ft³
On the current 13-tier density scale, 15 lb/ft³ is the lower boundary for Class 70. A density just below 15 falls into the Class 85 band, while 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³ falls into Class 70. At 22.5 lb/ft³, the density-based estimate moves into Class 65.
Shipments close to either boundary are especially sensitive to changes in finished dimensions or packaged weight. A small change can move the density calculation into a neighboring class band.
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Common Freight Class 70 Commodities and Shipment Examples
These examples use finished packaged dimensions and total packaged weight. They show realistic shipment profiles, not fixed freight class assignments for every engine, battery, or machine.
Crated Engine Assembly
Compact engine secured inside a protective shipping crate
48 × 40 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 1,000 lb
Cubic feet
53.3
ft³
Density
18.8
lb/ft³
Density-based estimate
Freight Class 70
70
A compact crate can keep occupied volume low enough for a Class 70 density estimate.
Forklift Battery
Dense industrial battery secured to a reinforced pallet
48 × 40 × 42 in
Packaged weight: 850 lb
Cubic feet
46.7
ft³
Density
18.2
lb/ft³
Density-based estimate
Freight Class 70
70
Battery chemistry and hazmat status are separate from the density-based freight class estimate.
Compact Machinery Skid
Dense pump or motor assembly secured to a low-profile skid
48 × 40 × 54 in
Packaged weight: 1,080 lb
Cubic feet
60.0
ft³
Density
18.0
lb/ft³
Density-based estimate
Freight Class 70
70
Added guarding, overhang, or crate height can lower density and move the estimate to another class.
Freight Class 70 Calculator
The calculator is preloaded with a 48 × 40 × 48 in pallet weighing 1,000 lb. Change any dimension or the weight to see how density and estimated class change.
What changes the result?
- More packaged volume with the same weight lowers density and can move the estimate to a higher class.
- More weight within the same packaged volume raises density and can move the estimate to a lower class.
Freight Class 70 Comparisons
Compare Class 70 with lower-density and higher-density freight classes. The finished packaged density determines where the shipment falls on the density scale.
Freight Class 70 vs Class 85
- Class 70: 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³.
- Class 85: 12 to under 15 lb/ft³.
- A taller or more spacious package can lower density enough to move a shipment from Class 70 to Class 85.
Same 1,000 lb shipment
- 48 × 40 × 48 in = 18.8 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 70.
- 48 × 40 × 72 in = 12.5 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 85.
Freight Class 70 vs Class 100
- Class 70: 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³.
- Class 100: 8 to under 10 lb/ft³.
- A much taller or more spacious package can lower density enough to move a shipment from Class 70 to Class 100.
Same 1,000 lb shipment
- 48 × 40 × 48 in = 18.8 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 70.
- 48 × 40 × 96 in = 9.4 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 100.
Freight Class 70 vs Class 65
- Class 65: 22.5 to under 30 lb/ft³.
- Class 70: 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³.
- A more compact package or greater weight within the same dimensions can raise density into Class 65.
Same 1,000 lb shipment
- 48 × 40 × 36 in = 25.0 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 65.
- 48 × 40 × 48 in = 18.8 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 70.
Freight Class 70 vs Class 60
- Class 60: 30 to under 35 lb/ft³.
- Class 70: 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³.
- Greater weight within the same occupied space can raise density from the Class 70 range into Class 60.
Same 48 × 40 × 48 in package
- 1,000 lb = 18.8 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 70.
- 1,700 lb = 31.9 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 60.
Freight Class 70 vs Class 55
- Class 55 covers much denser freight: 35 to under 50 lb/ft³.
- Class 70 covers 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³.
- A Class 55 estimate generally requires substantially more weight within the same occupied space.
Same 48 × 40 × 48 in package
- 1,000 lb = 18.8 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 70.
- 2,000 lb = 37.5 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 55.
Freight Class 70 vs Class 50
- Class 50 covers freight with a density of 50 lb/ft³ or greater.
- Class 70 covers 15 to under 22.5 lb/ft³.
- A Class 50 estimate requires substantially more weight within the same occupied space than a Class 70 estimate.
Same 48 × 40 × 48 in package
- 1,000 lb = 18.8 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 70.
- 2,700 lb = 50.6 lb/ft³ = estimated Class 50.
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How Handling, Stowability and Liability Affect Class 70
Density is important, but it does not take into account every transportation characteristic of a shipment. Some commodities have unusual handling requirements, stowability concerns, or liability risks. These factors must be considered along with the density result and any applicable commodity provisions.
Handling and stowability
Non-stackable packaging, protrusions, irregular shapes, limited loading orientation, or special equipment needs can affect how the shipment fits and moves through an LTL network.
Liability characteristics
Fragility, high value, hazardous characteristics, or the potential to damage adjacent freight may require additional classification review. A Class 70 density result does not guarantee ordinary handling or low risk.
How Packaging Can Change Freight Class 70
Freight class is based on the finished handling unit, not the product before packaging. Added volume with little or no added weight lowers density and can move a shipment out of Class 70.
Pallet overhang, taller crates, protective void space, oversized cartons, guards, and external attachments all increase the measured volume. Carrier remeasurement can also change the class when the quoted dimensions do not match the freight as tendered.
Compact package
48 × 40 × 48 in
1,000 lb · 53.3 ft³
18.8 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 70
Added package height
48 × 40 × 72 in
1,000 lb · 80.0 ft³
12.5 lb/ft³
Estimated Class 85
In the above example, the product and weight did not change. The additional height increased occupied volume, lowering density from 18.8 to 12.5 lb/ft³ and moving the estimate from Class 70 to Class 85
Back to top ↑How to Avoid Reclassification and Billing Adjustments
Accurate measurements and documentation reduce avoidable disputes. Record the shipment after final packaging, using the same handling unit the carrier will receive. For Class 70, pay particular attention when calculated density is close to the 15 or 22.5 lb/ft³ boundaries, because a small change in finished dimensions or packaged weight can move the density-based estimate into Class 85 or Class 65.
Measure the greatest finished length, width, and height, including all projections.
Verify total packaged weight, including the pallet, crate, and protective materials.
Use an accurate commodity description and identify the applicable NMFC item and subprovision.
Record overhang, stackability, special handling, and the number and type of handling units.
Keep measurements and photographs that show the freight as tendered.
Recalculate density whenever packaging, pallet configuration, or weight changes.
These steps improve the quality of the shipment record, but they do not prevent a carrier from inspecting, reweighing, remeasuring, or reviewing the classification.
Back to top ↑What Is the NMFC Code for Freight Class 70?
- There is no single universal NMFC item number for Freight Class 70.
- An NMFC item number identifies a specific commodity listing and its applicable provisions.
- Class 70 is a possible classification result shared by different commodities and shipment profiles.
- Proprietary NMFC item numbers are not reproduced on this page.
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Is Freight Class 70 Hazmat?
No. Freight Class 70 does not automatically mean a shipment is hazardous.
- Freight class is an LTL classification system.
- Hazmat status is a separate regulatory classification based on the material.
- A Class 70 shipment can be hazardous or non-hazardous.
- Verify the exact material, packaging, marks, labels, shipping description, and documentation before tendering regulated freight.
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Does FedEx® Freight Use Class 70?
- Class 70 can be used when an LTL shipment is rated under the applicable freight-class rules.
- The class entered on a quote should match the finished packaged shipment and applicable commodity provisions.
- Carrier inspection, remeasurement, reweighing, or classification review may change the billed result.
Before quoting
Record the finished dimensions, total weight, piece count, packaging type, stackability, and any special-handling requirements.
Freight Classes Near Class 70
- Class 65 is the next denser class above the Class 70 range.
- Class 85 is the next less-dense class below the Class 70 range.
- Older charts may show retired tiers or different density boundaries.
- This page uses the current 13-tier density-based scale.
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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.