Dense mixed retail pallet
Uniform cartons of compact consumer goods
48 × 40 × 48 in
Packaged weight: 900 lb
- Cubic feet
- 53.33
- Density
- 16.88 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
General Merchandise LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for General Merchandise
To estimate your shipment, use the General Merchandise Freight Class Calculator.
The General Merchandise Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 70 to 250.
These are density-based estimates.
General Merchandise density calculator
Calculate Your General Merchandise Freight Class
A mixed general-merchandise pallet is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your general merchandise freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
66.67
Density
9.00
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
100
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
General Merchandise shipment examples
General Merchandise 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 general merchandise shipments.
Assorted carton pallet
Mixed retail cartons with moderate void space
48 × 40 × 60 in
Packaged weight: 600 lb
- Cubic feet
- 66.67
- Density
- 9.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
100
Bulky display goods
Large lightweight display and promotional cartons
60 × 48 × 72 in
Packaged weight: 350 lb
- Cubic feet
- 120.00
- Density
- 2.92 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
300
General Merchandise shipment comparison
General Merchandise Freight Class by Shipment Type
General merchandise can include products with very different weights, carton strengths, shapes, values, and damage risks on one pallet. The finished pallet profile, product mix, void space, overhang, carton compression strength, and ability to support top weight determine the most useful density-based estimate.
| General Merchandise shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dense mixed retail goods | Uniform cartons on a standard pallet | Medium to high | Usually stackable | Group heavier cartons low and keep the load square. |
| Assorted consumer cartons | Mixed case sizes with stretch wrap | Low to medium | Limited | Use corner boards and a top cap to stabilize uneven layers. |
| Store displays and fixtures | Cartons plus irregular display components | Low | Usually non-stackable | Protect protruding edges and separate fragile display parts. |
| High-value mixed merchandise | Sealed cartons or locked crate | Varies | Limited | Document carton counts, values, tamper seals, and condition. |
general merchandise shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for General Merchandise
The right service depends on general merchandise size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| General Merchandise shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Uniform mixed cartons on a pallet | Standard LTL |
| Assorted retail pallet with uneven cartons | LTL with stackability review |
| Retail displays or fixtures | Crated or no-top-load LTL |
| High-value or theft-sensitive merchandise | Secure or specialized service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled general merchandise shipments may need carrier review before booking.
General Merchandise Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
General Merchandise Packaging
- Build square, interlocked carton layers with heavier cases on the bottom.
- Use stretch wrap, corner boards, straps, slip sheets, and a rigid top cap for mixed loads.
- Separate sharp, leaking, fragile, or high-value products and label special handling clearly.
General Merchandise Stackability
- Uniform cartons may stack when case strength and pallet construction support top weight.
- Mixed carton heights often create uneven tops and require limited stacking.
- Treat displays, protruding fixtures, and loosely consolidated retail goods as non-stackable.
General Merchandise Mix, Crush, Leakage, and Theft Protection
- Prevent carton crushing, pallet overhang, pilferage, leakage, and product-to-product damage.
- Keep liquids, sharp items, and fragile goods isolated from soft or crush-sensitive merchandise.
- Document carton count, seals, declared value, and visible condition for mixed loads.
Before Requesting a General Merchandise Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged General Merchandise Shipment
- Measure after all cartons, corner boards, top caps, straps, and stretch wrap are installed.
- Include pallet height, carton overhang, irregular display parts, and protective framing.
- Use the total packaged weight of every carton, pallet, wrap, cap, and fixture component.
General Merchandise Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished pallet, carton group, display skid, or crate containing the general merchandise.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete mixed-merchandise shipment.
- State whether the finished load has a flat reinforced top or requires limited-stack handling.
- Include photos of carton layers, overhang, top caps, straps, displays, and any fragile or leaking products.
- Confirm carton count, declared value, liftgate, pallet-jack, secure-service, and no-top-load needs.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your General Merchandise 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.