Dense fastener cartons
Master cases of screws, anchors, and fittings
48 × 40 × 24 in
Packaged weight: 1300 lb
- Cubic feet
- 26.67
- Density
- 48.75 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Hardware LTL Shipping Guide
Freight Class for Hardware
To estimate your shipment, use the Hardware Freight Class Calculator.
The Hardware Freight Class Examples use the current 13-tier density scale, effective July 19, 2025, and range from Class 55 to 70.
These are density-based estimates.
Hardware density calculator
Calculate Your Hardware Freight Class
A mixed hardware pallet is preloaded as an example. Adjust the packaged dimensions or weight to calculate your hardware freight class.
Your result
Cubic feet
40.00
Density
35.00
lb/cu ft
Estimated freight class
55
This is an example density-based estimate. Update any field to calculate your shipment.
Hardware shipment examples
Hardware 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 hardware shipments.
Mixed hardware pallet
Cartons and pails of hinges and brackets
48 × 40 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 1400 lb
- Cubic feet
- 40.00
- Density
- 35.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
55
Bulky fixtures and brackets
Large irregular hardware in a crate
60 × 48 × 36 in
Packaged weight: 900 lb
- Cubic feet
- 60.00
- Density
- 15.00 lb/cu ft
Estimated class
Density-based
70
Hardware shipment comparison
Hardware Freight Class by Shipment Type
Hardware shipments can be extremely dense when composed of fasteners, fittings, hinges, or brackets. Package strength, small-part containment, mixed carton weights, sharp edges, and irregular fixtures determine whether the load remains compact and stackable.
| Hardware shipment | Typical packaging | Density tendency | Stackability | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fasteners and fittings | Small cartons in reinforced master cases | Very high | Usually stackable | Use inner bags and weight-rated cases for loose metal pieces. |
| Hinges and brackets | Cartons or bins on a pallet | High | Usually stackable | Protect finished surfaces and prevent carton blowout. |
| Mixed hardware assortment | Cases, pails, and cartons on one skid | High | Limited | Segregate heavy and light packages and cap uneven layers. |
| Large fixtures and mounts | Crated or blocked on a skid | Medium | Limited | Protect protrusions, threaded ends, and powder-coated finishes. |
hardware shipping options
Choosing a Shipping Method for Hardware
The right service depends on hardware size, packaging, stackability, and handling needs.
| Hardware shipment | Common shipping option |
|---|---|
| Uniform cartons of fasteners or fittings | Standard LTL |
| Mixed pallet of hinges, brackets, and hardware | Standard LTL with stackability review |
| Large fixtures or irregular mounts | Crated LTL |
| High-value architectural hardware | Secure or specialized service |
Large, irregular, non-stackable, unusually valuable, or specially handled hardware shipments may need carrier review before booking.
Hardware Packaging, Stackability, and Damage Risk
Hardware Packaging
- Use inner bags, pails, bins, or reinforced cartons rated for dense metal contents.
- Separate sharp, threaded, finished, or coated pieces to prevent abrasion and punctures.
- Interlock cartons, add corner boards and a top cap, and strap the full load to the pallet.
Hardware Stackability
- Uniform dense cartons may stack when case strength and pallet capacity are verified.
- Mixed pails, bins, and cartons need a rigid top cap before top loading.
- Treat irregular fixtures and protruding brackets as limited-stack unless fully crated.
Hardware Containment, Thread, Finish, and Weight Protection
- Prevent carton rupture, lost small parts, damaged threads, scratched finishes, and bent brackets.
- Keep heavy fastener cases below lighter architectural or decorative hardware.
- Document part counts, sealed containers, finish condition, and declared value for specialty hardware.
Before Requesting a Hardware Freight Quote
How to Measure a Packaged Hardware Shipment
- Measure after every carton, pail, bin, top cap, strap, and corner board is installed.
- Include irregular brackets, fixture overhang, crate framing, and pallet height.
- Use the total packaged weight of all hardware, containers, pallet, wrap, and securement.
Hardware Freight Quote Checklist
- Measure the finished pallet, bin group, pail load, or crate containing the hardware.
- Record the total packaged weight of the complete hardware shipment, including all containers.
- State whether the pallet has a flat reinforced top or requires limited-stack handling.
- Include photos of carton layers, pails, bins, protruding brackets, straps, and pallet condition.
- Confirm forklift, liftgate, secure-service, declared-value, and no-top-load requirements.
Freight Planning Calculators
Calculate and Plan Your Hardware 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.